Saturday, March 3, 2012

Saturday Sidebar ~ Justifying My Love of 'Justified'

Posted by Mackenzie Crowne at 8:55 AM

As I do with a good book, when I'm entertained in other mediums, I just have to share. I don’t watch a lot of TV per se, unless it’s one of those true life crime shows like The First 48, Cold Case Files, or City Confidential (OMG don’t you just love the narrator’s voice on City Confidential? His name was Paul Winfield, and he died in 2004, but I could curl up on the couch and listen to him for hours in those old episodes.) Sorry, I digress.

As a romance writer, I’d rather curl up with a good book than watch bad TV and as I said, I don’t watch a lot of fictional shows. However, I did enjoy The Sopranos, in an odd, cringing sort of way, and several years ago, hubby and I happened upon another HBO series, Deadwood. If you’ve never seen it, you missed one hell of a ride. The language shocked the crap out of me in that first viewing but the characters were fascinating, and the acting so brutally believable, it wasn’t long before we were both hooked. Unfortunately, like The Sopranos, Deadwood was cancelled without warning.

Months later, I happened upon an advertisement for a new show on F/X. Timothy Olyphant, who played the quick-tempered—and ruggedly gorgeous—sheriff in Deadwood, had a new roll as US Marshal, Raylan Givens in 'Justified'.  I was thrilled, and what woman would blame me? I mean, come on.  A modern day cowboy with subtle, southern manners and a killer smile, swaggering through Harlan, Kentucky, doling out his brand of 19th century justice? What's not to like? 

But there is more to Justified than hottie Marshal Givens, though he is the picture of a romance novel hero in this writer's opinion. Like all good thrillers, in Justified, the big picture is not all black and white. The story lines are intriguing, pushing the envelope occasionally—A villain swallowing poisoned moonshine when she knows she's caught, our hero, pummeled by a baseball bat while dangling by his boot from a tree (don't worry, Raylan escapes) and blackmail through organ harvesting. The action is fast paced and often brutal, and the cast of characters complex. And the ladies aren't left out. The women of Harlan hold their own. Last year's villain—she of the poisoned moonshine—Mags was one of the meatiest rolls for a woman I've seen in years. 

So, how do I justify my love of Justified? I don't, of course. Like a southern-mafia soap opera on steroids, Justified stands on its own.


Now that you know my taste in TV, is there a show out there you would suggest I check out? 


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10 comments:

MJFredrick said...

I love Justified. I think it could be the Raylan/Boyd show and I'd be in heaven.

We love the comedies Modern Family and Raising Hope, rather opposites, and I'm currently addicted to Downton Abbey.

Mackenzie Crowne said...

Hi MJ,
(great name, btw. same as a sibling I love) Aren't those two boys awesome? Boyd has developed into an anti-hero you can't keep from cheering on. It's amazing how the writers spin the story so I find myself rooting for a criminal as I never would in real life. Thanks for stopping by.

Jennifer Jakes said...

Fun post, Mac!
I think BURN NOTICE has some of the best writing on TV. They manage to have exciting sub-plots while never forgetting - or letting the viewer forget -- the over-arc plot.
I watch HAWAII 5-0 for the eye candy of Alex O'Loughlin. And last fall I started watching AMC-TVs HELL ON WHEELS, a western I bet you would love!

Mackenzie Crowne said...

Thanks Jen.
Hell on Wheels looks right up my alley. DVR'd! LOL

Denise Moncrief said...

Hi Mac. I think I'll have to check out Justified. Olyphant looks like he could be the hero in my next novel! I love a quirky show. That's why I loved Twin Peaks.

I don't watch a lot of TV. Like you I'd rather read. I love that guy's voice on City Confidential. I used to watch crime documentaries like American Justice and Cold Case Files. But I don't have a lot of time for that anymore. I have to confess to a guilty pleasure and not because the show is deep or anything. I'm hooked on Castle, and I think it's because of Nathan Fillion!

Mackenzie Crowne said...

Hi Denise. I loved Twin Peaks and also Northern Exposure. I know a lot of people like Castle but I haven't ever seen it. Too busy. I will have to check it out, I guess. Thanks for stopping in.

Jan Romes said...

Happy Saturday, Mac! :-))

I've never watched Justified! May have to now! *grins*

I tune into TV on Tuesday -- NCIS, NCIS Los Angeles, and Unforgettable. Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Sean Murphy, LL Cool J, Chris O'Donnell...need I say more? ha ha (although I love...in a different sort of way...Poppy Montgomery, in Unforgettable. She has the memory I wish I had :D )

Have a great weekend!

Mackenzie Crowne said...

Mark Harmon ... Sigh lol thanks for stopping by.

Shelley Munro said...

I loved Deadwood. Hubby and I have all the seasons on DVD. 4, I think from memory. It didn't stop in the middle - are you sure you watched them all? The language shocked us rigid during the first show, but once you got used to it, the show was intriguing and brutal and mesmerizing. I also like Justified.
I've been watching the new show Revenge this year. It's just started down here in New Zealand. It's very good.

Mackenzie Crowne said...

Hiya Shelly,
We watched Deadwood to the end, and were disappointed they didn't continue. Several of our friends were caught up in the show and would have animated conversations over the plots when we got together. Friends who didn't watch would shake their heads at the discussions. LOL I've never heard of Revenge. We'll have to look for it. So nice of you to stop by.