Justified may have been on for three years already, but it isn't too late to catch up with one of the best shows on television right now. Here are a few reasons to start watching now:
The central lead of the show is not your typical figure of authority. He's not particularly gifted, not insanely large, or a picture of sound psyche. His father is an ex-con, his "best friend" has tried to kill him multiple times and he lives above a bar. Dirty Harry isn't around anymore, but don't let that stop you from thinking quippy law enforcers with itchy trigger fingers are gone from the scene.
No one is one-dimensional Boyd Crowter (Walton Goggins) has gone from Neo-Nazi to Revivalist Leader to Vigilante in a matter of three seasons. Ava has gone from abused housewife to right-hand woman in the most efficient criminal organization in Harlan. Even background characters like Dewey Crowe have their own histories.
If you're a fan of Deadwood, you may recognize a few faces
Along with its star, Timothy Olyphant, several regulars from Deadwood have made appearances in Harlan County. Ellsworth (Jim Beaver), Dan (W. Earl Brown), Johnny (Sean Bridgers), Harry (Brent Sexton), Reverend (Ray McKinnon), Hugo (Stephen Toblowsky), Stapleton (Peter Jason), and Mose (Taylor Pruitt Vance).
The villains are always worth watching
Margo Martindale won an Emmy for her turn as the murderous matriarch of Bennett County, Neal McDonough had, perhaps, the most memorable goodbye of any FX character ever and Boyd, depending on how you feel about his transformation from thug to kingpin, is always entertaining.
Justified's fourth season debuts Tuesday 1/8 on FX