Justified City Primeval Review: A Successful Resurrection of TV’s Favorite Lawman

by Tom July 18, 2023

In the vast landscape of TV revivals, “Justified: City Primeval” gallantly rides in, not merely retreading the footsteps of its predecessor but carving a distinct new trail in the modern-day Wild West. From the get-go, it’s clear this show isn’t a tired retread but a purpose-driven revival.

At its core, City Primeval is a masterful execution of narrative reinvention while preserving the essence of its original series. Timothy Olyphant dons the cowboy hat once again, slipping effortlessly back into the boots of Raylan Givens, the sardonic U.S. Marshal with an ironclad moral compass. Olyphant’s captivating performance gives a glimpse into Raylan’s evolution—now a harrowed Marshal and a doting father, lending fresh layers to a well-loved character.

The show cleverly preserves the formula that made the original Justified so engaging, where each season introduced a new posse of antagonists. Boyd Holbrook plays the lead antagonist, Clement Mansel, creating a perfect foil for Raylan. Holbrook channels a theatrically menacing persona, successfully stepping into the shoes of previous villains. However, Clement could have been served better with a richer backstory, providing depth to his motivations. Despite this slight shortfall, the engaging face-off between Raylan and Clement sustains the momentum.

The new cast members are equally compelling, adding a vibrant tapestry to the narrative without overshadowing the central plot. A particularly memorable character is Raylan’s new romantic interest, showing off Olyphant’s underappreciated romantic comedy chops and enriching Raylan’s character.

The series isn’t without its weak points. Some secondary antagonists, like the Albanian mob, don’t add much tension. But the show smartly navigates around these pitfalls by focusing firmly on its lead characters, their relationships, and their personal evolution.

Comparisons with the original series are inevitable. City Primeval maintains the spirit and universe of Justified while delving deeper into Raylan’s life, offering fans old and new a chance to see a more mature version of the character they love. For fans of the original, the sequel feels like a homecoming; for newcomers, it’s an inviting entryway into this compelling world.

“Justified: City Primeval” is a potent blend of nostalgia and novelty, intertwining them flawlessly to create an engaging and mature narrative. It navigates its way deftly between the larger-than-life crime drama and a more intimate exploration of its protagonist, resulting in a familiar and innovative series. This revival is not only justified, but it’s a compelling testament to the enduring appeal of its central character.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5.

Justified: City Primeval premieres on FX July 18th.