What I’m Watching: Justified (Season Premiere)

Justified: Season 2, Episode 1 “The Moonshine War” (B+)

Man, it’s good to have this show back. Raylan is such a terrific lead character, and it almost doesn’t matter what situation he’s in and who he’s surrounded by. Unfortunately, the emphasis on some fascinating new characters means that our familiar faces are relatively absent in this premiere, but I’m certain they’ll be back soon. It’s great to see a few top-notch actors, including Margo Martindale, Jeremy Davies, and Brad William Henke, taking on roles that are most certainly three-dimensional and seem to have the potential to become recurring players this season. I love how Raylan has had contact with all of these shady characters in Kentucky and how he maintains a friendship of sorts with the most despicable people in town. Martindale’s Mags seems like a whole new brand of villain given the kindness she doles out in public and the harsh punishment she dishes out in private. I’m glad that we do still get to see Boyd for a little bit, and that final shot of him calling out his now-classic “Fire in the hole!” is simply superb. It’s nice that we got to see Winona for a minute, but where is Ava? She is without a doubt my favorite character on the show, and it would be good to have her back front and center straightaway. What’s particularly nice about this season premiere is that Rachel gets a chance to shine in a humorous car ride with Raylan. I’m very excited for coming episodes, and so happy to be back in the saddle with this show.