This Adaptation was JUSTIFIED

After the premier of JUSTIFIED i found myself cautiously optimistic about the future of this Elmore Leonard adaptation. It had all the ingredients for success, but I was worried about the downfalls of episodic television. This viewing experience isn't nearly as fulfilling as a serialized drama with a continuous thread. Luckily, my worries appear to have been avoided.
The success of JUSTIFIED revolves around the combination of fun week-to-week adventures and an evolving plot line that allows characters to grow. The unison of these two elements differentiates the show from Law and Order and LOST, which represent the two extremes of this equation.
JUSTIFIED doesn't get bogged down in each episode's crime, which can be light and fluffy or heavy and dangerous. What makes this style palatable in this instance, though, is that it all swallows relatively easy and doesn't feel like you're being force fed implausibilities. Sure, the crimes are easy to solve and play out in convenient manners, but that's just a testament to how great the U.S. Marshalls are. I mean c'mon, we've all seen the FUGITIVE. (Ok, so i'm an apologist for Timothy Olyphant.)
Speaking of Tim, he has made the role of Raylan Givens into one of the best characters on television. In the aftermath of this show, he has the potential to be remembered more for this character than "Montana" on DEADWOOD.
Yet, while I love every moment with our hero, I'm particularly smitten with Joelle Carter's character, Ava Crowder. While 85% of my infatuation may revolve around her physical traits, her drawl and demeanor separate her from the pack.
The most compelling person to watch on JUSTIFIED right now is Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder. He was recently released from prison, and has taken over the role of preacher to the persons prone to crime. His over the top performance is so much fun to watch, and was aptly described by the character's cousin, who couldn't tell if the religious conversion was bullshit or real. (That's a good thing. I think)
Ultimately, it is the supporting characters who keep the show grounded and maintain my interest. The converse is true about a show like DEXTER, where the performance of Michael Hall is basically the only reason to turn in. DEXTER ends up feeling so hollow because the other actors can't keep up with Hall's lead, whereas the supporting players on JUSTIFIED are valuable assets. You get the conflicted ex-wife, the hilarious boss, evil patriarch and a new bad guy guest star each week.
JUSTIFIED represents the best of writing and acting, which work in conjunction to elevate each other's game.
I would recommend this show for anyone not involved and looking for something to replace LOST, 24 or Law and Order.
If you already watch the show, what do you think? Is my praise JUSTIFIED?

Justifiably Good TV

First of all, sorry for the stupid headline.
Second, if you're wondering why I'm writing about something other than LOST on Tuesday night it's because i'm still reeling from the show I watched subsequently after LOST.
Tonight I experienced the debut of FX's JUSTIFIED. The show is based on a story by Elmore Leonard and stars one of my favorite actors of all time, Timothy Olyphant.
I am by no means a fan of Leonard's writing, in terms of character development, dialogue, and plot progression. I do love the world's he creates, which makes it so much more insufferable to read how he squanders his setup. The beauty of JUSTIFIED the tv series, though, is that it was written by someone else and in their own style.
Often enough scribes try to emulate Leonard's style, and it's a failure, as was the case with the recent Killshot. There you have an interesting premise, but it's flushed down the toilet by Leonard's shortcomings and is followed by the movie adapter.
In JUSTIFIED someone apparently knew what to leave alone and what to radically change, because the result is excellent. We have enough of the slow methodical pacing of Leonard, but it's punctuated by worthwhile lines and not just reliant on disappointing climaxes.
Most of JUSTIFIED's success rests on the back of Olyphant, who plays the 19th century law man in the 21st century world with ease and the fierce intensity of now. He's a man who recognizes the world he's in and acts accordingly, but doesn't abandon his principals or bend his style for fashion's sake. (Not just talking about his cowboy hat.)
JUSTIFIED doesn't appear to be a sprawling epic. At first glance it seems like an episodic television show, with the rare occurrence of story evolution. While plots may be contained in one episode, characters will not end up in the same place by the end of the hour.
There is a underlining current that pits Olyphant (no idea what his character's name is) against his old mining buddy. This will be the undercurrent of the show, much like Jeffrey Donovan on Burn Notice. In that case he has a overarching quest that is interrupted by weekly adventures. Something similar will happen here, albeit on a much higher level.
The only other character we got to know besides the protagonist and antagonist was the girl trapped in the middle, AVA (Joelle Carter). I have no idea who Carter is, and I'm embarrassed to say i don't recognize her. I can confidently say this, though, the writers of the show would be wise to extend her arc as long as possible. She is captivating on screen. There is something about her look, accent and sensibilities that just ooze charm and charisma. Anyway, i looked her up and she was the girl Jason Biggs fails to have sex with in the opening scene of American Pie 2. (Just thought you should know.)
Maybe i haven't done a good job explaining this show, and that's because it's not a show that is easy to quantify. It relies on glances, one liners and a beautifully shot scene. The closest comparison would be something like NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, and that speaks to the amazing things being done on cable television.
Anyway, I'd strongly recommend this show to anyone who likes Cable television. I'd also recommend it for network nitwits who are ready to play with the adults.