It's very important for a TV show to set the tone right away. Maybe it's a shocking moment set in the future that the story has to build to, or maybe it's a flashback to an incident that informs who a character is in the present. Whatever the timing, said hook has to be strong enough to keep the viewer both entertained and intrigued to keep watching. While Westerns tend to attract a specific type of audience, many of the themes commonly associated with the genre have been reinterpreted through a modern lens. So, even if you don't care for Westerns, there's one show that you might fall in love with, and it's all thanks to its opening scene.
In the opening scene of Justified, the entire tone of the series is set thanks to one quick-on-the-draw U.S. marshal. Created by Graham Yost and based on stories and characters by Elmore Leonard, Justified revolves around Raylan Givens, played by Timothy Olyphant, who has recently returned to the state -- and specifically the country -- where he previously grew up. While Justified is primarily set in Kentucky, its opening scene actually takes place in Miami, where Raylan's entire story kicks off with a bang.
'Justified's Opening Scene Is Extraordinary
FX shaped the new wave of Westerns on the small screen thanks to Justified's pilot, "Fire in the Hole," which first premiered on March 16, 2010. As bikini-clad women lounge around a pool, a sharp-dressed man stands out immediately thanks to his tan suit and Stetson. As he cases the deck, he makes his way to a man at a secluded table, where he sits down and immediately says, "The airport's a good 45 minutes from here, but I figure you'll be alright if you leave here in the next... two minutes." With a drawl that's certainly not from these parts and a calming approach to his threat, we've officially met Olyphant's greatest character, Raylan Givens.
The other party at the table is revealed to be mob hitman Tommy Bucks (Peter Greene), and he, too, has an accent that clues us into his origins. Their conversation, in which Tommy tries to get Raylan to eat the "best crab cakes in town," initially seems cordial, but it's clear Tommy plans on doing things the hard way. Raylan continues to count down the two minutes he gave Tommy, who doesn't believe the previous threat Raylan issued for Tommy to leave town in 24 hours; otherwise, he'll shoot the hitman on sight.
As we learn that this threat is linked to Tommy's previous action of killing someone, it's clear Raylan is not joking around. Though Tommy claims he's unarmed, time ultimately runs out. Tommy draws his weapon, but this is not a Star Wars "who shot first?" situation; it's who pulled first. The lawman makes good on his previous threat, but in the immediate aftermath, it's revealed that his epic quickdraw maneuver was an action Raylan wasn't supposed to take. Thus, our new favorite U.S. Marshal is about to be punished with a relocation, setting us up for the remainder of Justified's story.
'Justified' Perfectly Establishes Its Main Character in One Scene
Rather than writing a fast-talking repartee, Justified creator Graham Yost establishes Raylan's ability to level with his enemies in one brief scene. Some cowboys are intimidating with their presence and candor, but Olyphant's Raylan is a man with a smooth-talking cadence, trying to lower his enemies' defenses long enough to get the upper hand. The incident in Justified's opening scene does lead to Raylan's transfer to Kentucky and builds his reputation for the rest of the series, which lasted for six seasons and a sequel series in Justified: City Primeval. What this moment emphasizes, and what the series reiterates throughout its run, is that Raylan is a good lawman, but perhaps not the best Marshal.
Justified's opening scene is a masterclass in establishing character and story. Had the bright backdrop of Miami been present for a classic Western shootout, we may not have been as enamored. Brilliant writing and direction, as well as Olyphant's acting, hook you in, leading you to want to know more about Raylan and why he acted as he did. Immediately, he sets himself apart from other Western heroes, revealing that he's willing to bend the rules in order to ensure that justice is delivered.
'Justified's Raylan Givens Is the Best Modern Western Hero
Olyphant is a brilliant actor who's portrayed many lawmen over the years, but Raylan Givens may be his greatest. If there's an iconic hat to be worn, Olyphant will be found wearing it. His breakout performance as Sheriff Seth Bullock in Deadwood helped him lock down his role in Justified, but he also appeared in Fargo's fourth season as the Mormon U.S. Marshal Dick "Deafy" Wickware; he's even been a Marshal in space as Cobb Vanth in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Some may call it typecasting, but his ability to play someone who can lay down the law while making each role feel unique has made Olyphant one of the most sought-after performers of his kind. Even with bleached eyebrows for Alien: Earth, the extraordinary actor has his own keen, intriguing strengths to contribute to the series.
In a time when reboots and revivals are common, having Olyphant return in Justified: City Primeval gave audiences another chance at seeing Raylan in action in an urban setting, but it wouldn't have been possible without the incredible opening scene that immediately made him a fan-favorite onscreen. Justified may be a Neo-Western, but it's introduced in a way that makes you forget its inspiration -- and may lead you to fall in love with a genre that can be easy to dismiss.
Justified is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
17 9.5/10 Justified 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Crime Drama Release Date 2010 - 2015 Network FX Showrunner Timothy Olyphant Directors Adam Arkin, Jon Avnet, Peter Werner, Bill Johnson, John Dahl, Michael W. Watkins, Dean Parisot, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Tony Goldwyn, Don Kurt, Michael Katleman, Billy Gierhart, Frederick King Keller, John David Coles, Lesli Linka Glatter Writers Fred Golan, Taylor Elmore, Ingrid Escajeda, VJ Boyd Cast See All Timothy Olyphant Raylan Givens Walton Goggins Boyd Crowder Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming BUY
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