Justified: City Primeval review: Timothy Olyphant returns in a riveting sequel

Timothy Olyphant is the kind of world-class actor who effortlessly slips into his character’s skin. From a Scream 2 killer to a zombie’s sweet, supportive husband in Santa Clarita Diet, he’s carved out a career notable for its range. Yet nothing suits him better than cowboy hat-wearing U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, the casually funny, remarkably dynamic role he essayed for six seasons on Justified, the FX drama that worked best when Raylan hunted criminals and sparred with frenemy Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins). No other original cast members return for the gritty sequel, but Olyphant is enough to make Justified: City Primeval shine.

Justified didn’t necessarily need to return after its 2015 ending, especially amid the current political climate and issues with policing. But City Primeval makes a strong case for its existence by subtly addressing those issues without making it the focus. The show’s original formula that saw Raylan battling a different set of villains each season still lends itself well to a new round of episodes several years later. The approach this time is similar; the hero has evolved, but remains addicted to his job. Raylan is now a concerned father to a teenager, and a more harrowed Marshal because of it. He’s also still a protective but charming lover with a new romantic partner. Olyphant, once again, delivers a terrific turn navigating Raylan’s subdued yet firm worldview. He’s joined by an exciting and capable ensemble, a slow-building suspenseful narrative, and excellent writing.

It takes less than two minutes into the premiere of City Primeval for Raylan and his daughter, Willa (played by Olyphant’s real-life child, Vivian), to find trouble. The duo lives in Miami but gets caught up in Detroit when a case beckons. Raylan finds himself in the heat of a new mystery: catching notorious criminal Clement Mansel as both characters become embroiled in each other’s lives. Clement is played to pitch perfection by Boyd Holbrook. The actor broke out as a moral DEA agent in Narcos, and has since effectively played antagonists in Logan and The Sandman. Here, he’s a maniacal nuisance with a penchant for theatrics. It’s tough to replace Justified’s villains, mainly Boyd Crowder, but damn if Holbrook doesn’t rank as one of the show’s strongest. (Nothing compares to Margo Martindale, though, don’t worry).

The entire reboot would’ve failed if Raylan didn’t meet his match. And thankfully, Holbrook is up to the challenge. Like any reliable Western crime drama, Raylan and Clement’s classic, gradually paced, good vs. bad guy face-off keeps up City Primeval’s momentum even amid a few meandering subplots. Holbrook’s intimidating attitude pays off tremendously, not only opposite a calmer Raylan but also alongside girlfriend Sandy (Adelaide Clemens), lawyer Carolyn (Aunjanue Ellis, an MVP), and friend Sweety (Vondie Curtis Hall)—three equally magnetic performers.