I'm not saying it's better than the original FX Series but it's definitely been taken up a notch with the language and sexual scenes. Something I thought was missing from the original. The first 15 minutes felt like justified had never ended with Raylan jokingly driving around the two fugitives and getting grilled in the courtroom. However, the co-stars are really lacking. None of them have the charm like Art, Rachel or Tim. We mostly saw Raylan do everything by himself but now there's a team of about 6 cops. Give him one partner, that's all you need. And the antagonist seems very one dimensional. I don't care what happens to him. He's not like Boyd, Dewey or Duffy.
14 Reviews
Episode One - Stay or Run?
Pequod888 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
First off, there is a lot to like about the mini-series version of Justified. The Detroit setting is a good change. I have visited this great but struggling city many times and love it. The Elmore Leonard source material is well suited to the format. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is very well cast, as are Marilyn Ireland (Sneaky Pete) and Adelaide Clemens (Rectify). Vivian Olyphant, in a small supporting role, avoids the mistake common to many young actors: doing too much. She is low-key, managing to slip some zingers to Raylan, which had me chuckling. By the end of the episode, however, there is no escaping the elephant in the room: Boyd Holbrook.
Without a strong antagonist the story can only have so much heft. Holbrook is badly miscast and in way over his head. The road rage slaughter is too dumb for words. It could only work in the hands of a formidable villain, which we do not have here. I don't buy Clement as a worthy opponent for Raylan for one second. What fine Sandy is doing with this mutt is a quandary.
Can Olyphant save the mess? He has a lot of heavy lifting to do, although there is a (mostly) strong cast to assist. He showed a lot of range in Full Circle. I have admired his work since the great Deadwood series, and was still a bit taken aback at how very good he is in Soderberg's high caliber limited series. Raylan deserves a better foe, but here's hoping there is enough quality to dampen the disaster of Holbrook.
Without a strong antagonist the story can only have so much heft. Holbrook is badly miscast and in way over his head. The road rage slaughter is too dumb for words. It could only work in the hands of a formidable villain, which we do not have here. I don't buy Clement as a worthy opponent for Raylan for one second. What fine Sandy is doing with this mutt is a quandary.
Can Olyphant save the mess? He has a lot of heavy lifting to do, although there is a (mostly) strong cast to assist. He showed a lot of range in Full Circle. I have admired his work since the great Deadwood series, and was still a bit taken aback at how very good he is in Soderberg's high caliber limited series. Raylan deserves a better foe, but here's hoping there is enough quality to dampen the disaster of Holbrook.
Thank God!! Boyd Crowder/Raylan Givens
kellyrned19 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Thank GOD they are bringing back the Raylan Givens/Boyd Crowder & hopefully, Art Mullen trip back!!! It would be so incredibly amazing to see the old group back again! While you're at it, bring Ava & her son back as well. Woohooo! Now, THIS is going to be a show for the books!
The original series was one of the best series I've ever seen. When I heard of this show, I was equally excited but got a little concerned with the lackluster it showed with the relationship between Raylan & Willa. There needed to be more spunk in the show and the sarcastic humor from the first show ad well as intertwined relationships that spoke loudly. Hopefully we will have this in season 2. Welcome back, Boyd!!! Woooo!
The original series was one of the best series I've ever seen. When I heard of this show, I was equally excited but got a little concerned with the lackluster it showed with the relationship between Raylan & Willa. There needed to be more spunk in the show and the sarcastic humor from the first show ad well as intertwined relationships that spoke loudly. Hopefully we will have this in season 2. Welcome back, Boyd!!! Woooo!
Still a spectacular show
grlym-4684922 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This show restarts strong.
You love Raylan. You hate the bad guys
Because the plot and acting is so on point.
The daughter is annoying.
Zero sadness for the corrupt judge especially after letting the crimes off scott free. And if the shows point is show that police misgivings and brutality are a get out of jail card...then why have so much unchecked "this is the Detroit way" mantra
The show really makes you so invested. The new mastermind criminal has you equally hooked. And for the most part you find it hard to et in his way as he kills mostly bad people
Can't wait for the next episode.
You love Raylan. You hate the bad guys
Because the plot and acting is so on point.
The daughter is annoying.
Zero sadness for the corrupt judge especially after letting the crimes off scott free. And if the shows point is show that police misgivings and brutality are a get out of jail card...then why have so much unchecked "this is the Detroit way" mantra
The show really makes you so invested. The new mastermind criminal has you equally hooked. And for the most part you find it hard to et in his way as he kills mostly bad people
Can't wait for the next episode.
Episode 1
bobcobb30119 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It was entertaining and had death at the right time, but I wish we got some explanation about why things went down the way they did and maybe given us some connection between Raylan and his old life.
Timothy Olyphant working with his daughter has to be special, but Vivian's performance was a little off at times. I don't want to get too critical, but I hope she settles in a bit more in future episodes.
It is different, but at the same time very Justified-like. Looking forward to seeing if this can be the next great FX drama or just a blip on the radar and something we don't really remember in a year or two.
Timothy Olyphant working with his daughter has to be special, but Vivian's performance was a little off at times. I don't want to get too critical, but I hope she settles in a bit more in future episodes.
It is different, but at the same time very Justified-like. Looking forward to seeing if this can be the next great FX drama or just a blip on the radar and something we don't really remember in a year or two.
Oh man say it isn't so.
dlmcclellan-2476920 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I wanted to like everything about this show. I even cheered on the nepotism, because why the heck not?
I know there is the age difference between Willa and Vivienne, but she is acting like she is 8 years old. I was believing in my heart I would adore her. But then it's early. Maybe hope yet. I think she may need to consider taking direction better, because someone in charge certainly knew this.
Sorry for the following but I don't want to sit here just being negative to satisfy min character.
I wanted to like everything about this show. I even cheered on the nepotism, because why the heck not?
I know there is the age difference between Willa and Vivienne, but she is acting like she is 8 years old. I was believing in my heart I would adore her. But then it's early. Maybe hope yet. I think she may need to consider taking direction better, because someone in charge certainly knew this.
Also. Was this Raylan's first day as a parent? Okay, she misbehaving bad enough to require "camp" but he leaves her alone under these circumstances. Strange & dangerous city. Hotel. Alone. With no clear street sense, because what was all the wandering around in vacant buildings? New hobby? I think the writers all quiet quit before the strike.
I know there is the age difference between Willa and Vivienne, but she is acting like she is 8 years old. I was believing in my heart I would adore her. But then it's early. Maybe hope yet. I think she may need to consider taking direction better, because someone in charge certainly knew this.
Sorry for the following but I don't want to sit here just being negative to satisfy min character.
I wanted to like everything about this show. I even cheered on the nepotism, because why the heck not?
I know there is the age difference between Willa and Vivienne, but she is acting like she is 8 years old. I was believing in my heart I would adore her. But then it's early. Maybe hope yet. I think she may need to consider taking direction better, because someone in charge certainly knew this.
Also. Was this Raylan's first day as a parent? Okay, she misbehaving bad enough to require "camp" but he leaves her alone under these circumstances. Strange & dangerous city. Hotel. Alone. With no clear street sense, because what was all the wandering around in vacant buildings? New hobby? I think the writers all quiet quit before the strike.
Not interesting but it gets better
yvolpe-975593 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I was looking forward to this series but this first episode is a big disappointment the drug dealers characters are uninteresting. The main crook/psycho killer is boring and the script so far is worse than a B movie.this psycho dude kills all these people in a chevalier way just to score their money. Unfortunately I read the other reviewers. I would think Tim Olyphant would have an intriguing dialogue. However the corruption does start to boil up in the second episode. I don't getcwhy other reviewers don't like his daughter. She seems nice but a bland character. I'll hope for the best. Cheers.
A strangely passive Raylan Givens
montellamichaeld25 July 2023
I was a great fan of the original Justified series, particularly the Mags Bennett season.
It isn't fair to compare that show with the current product, but it is also unavoidable. Boyd Holbrook has solid chops in past work. Narcos comes to mind. But he is no Walton Goggins.
The writing also isn't up to par. I could start a drinking game just with "This is how we do it in Detroit."
What struck me though is just how passive Raylan Givens is in the first episode. I get that he is older and wiser, but most of the time he is a bystander, occasionally dismissed or pushed around by the other characters. It is a sad comparison of the Raylan who gave the gun thug his ultimatum in Miami long ago.
It isn't fair to compare that show with the current product, but it is also unavoidable. Boyd Holbrook has solid chops in past work. Narcos comes to mind. But he is no Walton Goggins.
The writing also isn't up to par. I could start a drinking game just with "This is how we do it in Detroit."
What struck me though is just how passive Raylan Givens is in the first episode. I get that he is older and wiser, but most of the time he is a bystander, occasionally dismissed or pushed around by the other characters. It is a sad comparison of the Raylan who gave the gun thug his ultimatum in Miami long ago.
I miss the quick wit of the original series.
ashalan7718 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This just feels off, everything about it doesn't compare to the original series. The court room scene and dismissing two men who tried to kidnap his underage daughter and intent to kill him like it's no big deal is absurd.
Then to float the idea that the defense attorney is somehow a potential love interest for Raylan just out of the blue just seems so out of character and forced.
While I really like Boyd Holbrook he just seems like he doesn't have enough to really do with the character he's given. He's punching above his weight class and doesn't seem like his character is anything other than a two bit hood who stumbles into the judges blackmail book.
I have just watched the first episode, maybe it gets better but it's disappointing based on the episode that's supposed to grab you.
Then to float the idea that the defense attorney is somehow a potential love interest for Raylan just out of the blue just seems so out of character and forced.
While I really like Boyd Holbrook he just seems like he doesn't have enough to really do with the character he's given. He's punching above his weight class and doesn't seem like his character is anything other than a two bit hood who stumbles into the judges blackmail book.
I have just watched the first episode, maybe it gets better but it's disappointing based on the episode that's supposed to grab you.
Boyd Holbrook is not Boyd Crowder
gossegossegossegosse20 July 2023
Let's start with the main and most obvious problem that catches the eye from the very beginning. The antagonist is very, very weak, I am more than sure that the depth of this character is unlikely to be added, and the actor is simply much weaker than Walton Goggins.
This leads to the second problem, the supporting cast, which in the original Justified was always more than at a high level, here everything looks extremely boring and lifeless.
And as for the first episode, there's a lot of really weird humor that doesn't really fit in. There were a lot of jokes in the original Justified too, but they were organic and harmonized perfectly with the characters who say them. Here, such jokes cause a feeling of cringe.
Let's see what happens next, but I doubt that anything can change.
This leads to the second problem, the supporting cast, which in the original Justified was always more than at a high level, here everything looks extremely boring and lifeless.
And as for the first episode, there's a lot of really weird humor that doesn't really fit in. There were a lot of jokes in the original Justified too, but they were organic and harmonized perfectly with the characters who say them. Here, such jokes cause a feeling of cringe.
Let's see what happens next, but I doubt that anything can change.
Oof, awkward start
thermann9-174-16032820 July 2023
I was really looking forward to revisiting Raylan and seeing what new adventures were ahead. After one episode, I don't know if I can even bring myself to watch the second episode.
Placing his character in Detroit is completely like a fish out of water. Characters are unrealistic and unrelatable. The dialog is nowhere near as well written as the first series.
Nothing against the actor playing the antagonist but there's really nothing that makes you want to watch or care about him.
It would have better to transfer Raylan to at least Texas, Arizona or Colorado where his persona would fit in better.
Placing his character in Detroit is completely like a fish out of water. Characters are unrealistic and unrelatable. The dialog is nowhere near as well written as the first series.
Nothing against the actor playing the antagonist but there's really nothing that makes you want to watch or care about him.
It would have better to transfer Raylan to at least Texas, Arizona or Colorado where his persona would fit in better.
I'm utterly astonished at how bad this is!
yadaboy20 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Justified is one of my all-time favorite series. I can't even begin to say how much I loved, and still love it. I was SO pumped at this sequel! It's utter crap! Acting is ok, production is less than ok, story is crap. I am astonished that so many sycophants have rated it highly. To those who did: WTF are you thinking?! Yeah, Tim Olyphant did his part well. His daughter, not so much. The writers, not even close. Abysmal, and a shame to Elmore's legacy.
I'm really SO unhappy that imdb requires so many words in a review. Yeah, sometimes they're needed. But this POS series doesn't really need that many.
I'm really SO unhappy that imdb requires so many words in a review. Yeah, sometimes they're needed. But this POS series doesn't really need that many.
Ohhhh, that makes sense.
ness_bolton28 July 2023
Ohhhhhhh I didn't realise the daughter in the show is actually his daughter in real life. That makes so much more sense now.
Did someone just hang their head against the keyboard writing her character?
The shows has the potential to be as great as it once was, but the daughter gotta go.
I get it Tim, she's your daughter etc etc etc. But acting ain't for her. Surely you guys did some test groups on this and knew that? Right?
Why didn't anyone just let Tim know that she ain't the right one for the part. Like everyone said, I just want to FF past her parts.
Vivian if you're reading this, it's not personal, just not for you.
Did someone just hang their head against the keyboard writing her character?
The shows has the potential to be as great as it once was, but the daughter gotta go.
I get it Tim, she's your daughter etc etc etc. But acting ain't for her. Surely you guys did some test groups on this and knew that? Right?
Why didn't anyone just let Tim know that she ain't the right one for the part. Like everyone said, I just want to FF past her parts.
Vivian if you're reading this, it's not personal, just not for you.
So many problems with this reboot...
lind-6724 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
My wife and I are both huge Justified and Timothy Olyphant fans, so we were remarkably disappointed in the sloppiness, weak writing, and cliche characters of this first episode.
The sharp wit, clever dialogue, and immediately interesting characters that made the original series one of the best ever are completely lacking here. The central plot depends on a ridiculous coincidence, which is always a bad sign. And the main villain is so stupid and compulsive that he wouldn't have made the Top 20 villains of the week on the old show.
How stupid? He steals an insanely obvious car in broad daylight in front of the owner, immediately drives it to a casino because apparently he likes bringing stolen vehicles to places where he's about to commit a crime and that have video cameras and security guards every five feet, and then instantly abandons his "big score" plan midstream because of a minor incident in a parking garage. (Which is where the ridiculous coincidence comes in, too.) Dewey Crowe wouldn't have been this much of an idiot, and Boyd Crowder, Mags Bennet, or Wynn Duffy would have dumped this guy's body in a slurry pond years ago if he'd worked for them.
It's not *all* bad, and we're going to give it another couple of episodes. Olyphant remains as charismatic as ever and makes the most of the sub-par dialogue he's been given. There are hints that a couple of the side characters might actually have more than one dimension. And we're hopeful that Raylan's daughter will fade further into the background as the story progresses. (She's a weakly acted, eye-rolling teen cliche in a show that once gave us the amazing Kaitlyn Dever as Loretta McCready.)
The fact that the early episodes are getting scores as high as some of the better episodes of the original demonstrate the power of nostalgia, I guess.
The sharp wit, clever dialogue, and immediately interesting characters that made the original series one of the best ever are completely lacking here. The central plot depends on a ridiculous coincidence, which is always a bad sign. And the main villain is so stupid and compulsive that he wouldn't have made the Top 20 villains of the week on the old show.
How stupid? He steals an insanely obvious car in broad daylight in front of the owner, immediately drives it to a casino because apparently he likes bringing stolen vehicles to places where he's about to commit a crime and that have video cameras and security guards every five feet, and then instantly abandons his "big score" plan midstream because of a minor incident in a parking garage. (Which is where the ridiculous coincidence comes in, too.) Dewey Crowe wouldn't have been this much of an idiot, and Boyd Crowder, Mags Bennet, or Wynn Duffy would have dumped this guy's body in a slurry pond years ago if he'd worked for them.
It's not *all* bad, and we're going to give it another couple of episodes. Olyphant remains as charismatic as ever and makes the most of the sub-par dialogue he's been given. There are hints that a couple of the side characters might actually have more than one dimension. And we're hopeful that Raylan's daughter will fade further into the background as the story progresses. (She's a weakly acted, eye-rolling teen cliche in a show that once gave us the amazing Kaitlyn Dever as Loretta McCready.)
The fact that the early episodes are getting scores as high as some of the better episodes of the original demonstrate the power of nostalgia, I guess.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
