Justified: The Complete Fourth Season DVD Review

Creator: Elmore Leonard/Graham Yost

Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Natalie Zea, Joelle Carter, Walton Goggins, Nick Searcy, Raymond J. Barry, Jacob Pitts, Erica Tazel, Jere Burns, Mykelti Williamson, Jim Beaver, David Meunier, Ron Eldard, Lindsay Pulsipher, Mike O’Malley, Brent Sexton, Patton Oswalt, Joseph Mazzello.

Running Time: 536 Minutes

Certificate: 15

Special Features: Ultraviolet copies of each episode.

We’re back in Harlan County as Timothy Olyphant’s Deputy Marshall Raylan Givens returns to butt heads with the lawless lowlifes of his hometown as he investigates a 30-year case involving the corrupt police, suspicious FBI and the Dixie mafia that may hit a little close to home. One that sees him unraveling a riddle echoing back to his teenage childhood and mysteriously involving his criminal father Arlo, during his early wayward lifestyle and of course, if there is something in it for Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) Raylan’s nemesis, he’s sure to be willing to get his hands dirty for the right price or position. 

After three outstanding series, season 2 and 3 (my review here) arguably giving us some of the finest US television drama over the last few years, it was always going to be difficult for JUSTIFIED to maintain such sky scraping standards. Still, it may come up short in topping previous arcs but season 4 remains gripping and impressive. Again, much of the praise should be heaped of the awesome Olyphant as the cocksure Givens, who’d just as happily (and casually) put a bullet to one of these assholes as he would fire back with a wisecracking insult – there are many of both I can assure you. However, with his boss Art (Searcy) considering stepping down and the aforementioned legendary cold case giving Raylan something to get his teeth into, could we see the laid back and likeable Deputy Marshall promoted to department head honcho? Well, as much as Raylan becomes determined in unmasking the puppeteer “Drew Thompson” – the man behind the crime of stealing millions of drug money from the mob – he really doesn’t give a rats ass if he is or not. Part of Olyphant’s charm, and that of his character, is that he continues to lack any real concern for anything or anyone outside his relationship with his pregnant ex-wife Winona (Zea).

Finally getting a solid chance to shine from the ensemble is Pitts, who’s integral in keeping the department one step ahead and surviving the perusers intent on finding this man Thompson. Of course, joining the familiar faces and regular guests such as the brilliant Barry, Burns and Olyphant’s DEADWOOD co-star Beaver, we have a host of memorable newcomers. Ron Eldard is superb as a former war vet and Crowder’s slimy drug addicted old pal. Patton Oswalt is also on fine form as Officer Bob, always willing to give Raylan a helping hand even if it seems to cost him a beating from some thug. Also mixing things up a little is the enigmatic sibling duo played by Lindsay Pulsipher and Joseph Mazzello, head of the snake-handling church group and who could lay the foundations for Boyd and Eva Crowder’s (Carter) downfall. On the downside, Mike O’Malley is decent as the chief mob enforcer Nicky Augustine, but he lacks a formidable, imposing presence against past performers such as Neal McDonough, Margo Martindale and Jeremy Davies.

There is fun to be had as all become compelled to discover which of the folk could be and is Thompson. A man wanted by the mafia (via the help of Crowder and crew) for his part in the missing millions, while law-enforcement and especially the FBI believe what he knows could put a number of the big mob names behind bars. It’s just a matter of who finds him first and it is a genuine surprise when it is eventually revealed.

If you’re a fan of the show season 4 is a must for your collection!

 JUSTIFIED: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON is released on DVD from the 12th August.