This summer marks the highly anticipated return of a beloved character, but it’s not Indiana Jones. Fans of the hit show Justified will be thrilled to know that Timothy Olyphant is reprising his role as Raylan Givens in a brand-new limited series called Justified: City Primeval, airing on FX. While this new series isn’t a direct continuation of the original, it stays true to the spirit of the show by bringing back the iconic character in a new setting and with a fresh cast of characters.
Justified: City Primeval is based on the writings of renowned crime novelist Elmore Leonard, although the specific book it’s adapted from doesn’t feature Raylan as a character. The showrunners, Michael Dinner and Dave Andron, who both worked on the original series, have taken an unrelated Leonard novel and seamlessly integrated Raylan into the story. At first, some may question whether this approach can capture the essence of Justified beyond Olyphant’s commanding presence. However, I can confidently say that it succeeds with flying colors.
In City Primeval, Raylan is relocated to Detroit, where he becomes entangled in a new case and encounters a whole new cast of intriguing and vibrant characters. Alongside Olyphant’s flawless portrayal of Raylan, the series introduces a host of new cops and crooks who carry on the Justified legacy with passion and substance. The passage of time becomes evident not only through Raylan’s physical appearance but also through references to contemporary TV shows like Yellowstone and a heightened level of profanity in the dialogue. Yet, seeing Raylan back in action feels like reconnecting with an old friend who hasn’t missed a beat.
The storyline of City Primeval picks up where the original series left off, with Raylan still working as a U.S. Marshal in Florida, juggling his job and co-parenting his teenage daughter, Willa, portrayed by Olyphant’s real-life daughter Vivian. A chance encounter with a fugitive from Detroit takes Raylan and Willa on a journey to the city, where Raylan intends to testify in a court case before returning home. However, when a prominent judge is targeted and their lives are put at risk, Raylan finds himself compelled to assist the local police in their investigation. What follows is a complex web of twists and turns that immerses viewers in a thrilling crime saga.
A standout addition to City Primeval is the compelling new villain, Clement Mansell, also known as “The Oklahoma Wildman,” played by Boyd Holbrook. Mansell is a deranged grifter and killer who wreaks havoc in Detroit for his own twisted pleasure. Holbrook’s performance is mesmerizing and memorable, capturing the energy and intensity reminiscent of the iconic Boyd Crowder portrayed by Walton Goggins in the original series.
The supporting cast in City Primeval shines with talent, including Vondie Curtis-Hall as an aging bar owner and former criminal, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as an ambitious Detroit attorney who becomes intertwined with Raylan’s professional and personal life. The series also features a delightful array of guest stars who seamlessly blend into the Justified universe.
Occasionally, City Primeval falters with minor nitpicks, such as the underutilization of Raylan’s daughter, Willa, in the story. While her inclusion may initially seem unnecessary, it ultimately doesn’t detract significantly from the overall narrative. Additionally, the new cast, while strong, can’t quite measure up to the iconic characters of Harlan County established in the original series. Nonetheless, the series culminates in a satisfying finale that serves as both a standalone conclusion and a tantalizing hint at potential future adventures.
As Raylan tells his daughter in the series premiere, “There’s no such thing as on time; you’re either early or you’re late.” In the case of Justified: City Primeval, Raylan Givens, one of the coolest TV heroes of the 21st century, returns to us at precisely the perfect time. So grab your Stetson and get ready for a thrilling ride through Detroit’s gritty underworld in this remarkable revival of a beloved series.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
