Justified - Kentucky Fried Entertainment

Justified is, in my opinion, one of the best TV-shows that are currently on the air. The fourth season wrapped up about a month and a half ago, and I'm still struggling coming to terms with the fact I have to wait until January 2014 for more Kentucky-style action. Having recently watched the opening scene of the very first episode again, it hit me again how the opening totally contrasts with the general 'feel' of the show. Set in Miami, a world TV-fans probably more links with another TV-show, namely 'Dexter' and it's Cuban-style music, beaches and bright colors, 'Justified' is quite the opposite. In 'Justified' you're served quirky characters with hillbilly-tendencies, bluegrass and country-music, dust, trucks, whiskey and bourbon.

Walton Goggins and Timothy Olyphant

The star of the show is Timothy Olyphant, who turns 45 years old today, on the 20th of May. One of the stars of 'Deadwood', the character of Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is a perfect fit for the actor. Olyphant has never really "made it" in the movies, but he's definitely done great in Television, his guest appearance in 'Damages' included. Just as Mr. Olyphant was one of many excellent bit players in 'Damages', the Kentucky-set show 'Justified' has a great number of amazing characters (and casting to match it).

If you haven't seen the show, it comes highly recommended. Not only is it obviously different from most TV-shows out there, but it is extremely well written, both when it comes to the dialogues, the story arches and the characters. Also, it has the obvious advantage of having the brilliant Walton Goggins in it's cast. Goggins' portrayal of Shane in 'The Shield' is probably one of the finest performances in TV. Ever. He also did a great job this year in both 'Lincoln' and especially in a couple of his scenes in 'Django Unchained'. 

Here are a few of my favorite characters of the show: 

Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson

played by Jacob Pitts

Jacob Pitts as Deputy U.S. Marshal Tim Gutterson

Jacob Pitts does a brilliant job as Tim Gutterson. The former army-sniper has a strange sense of humor, but a certain coolness about him that keeps you wondering "what IS he really up to?" There's a mystique to the character, and some of his scenes - especially in newer seasons - are definite highlights of the show. Underrated character, in my opinion. 

Winona Hawkins

Played by Natalie Zea

Natalie Zea in 'Justified'

She appeared in a couple of episodes of 'The Shield', and in 'Justified' she is one of the regulars. That is a good thing. Great actress, with great chemistry with her ex-husband Raylan Givens. I watched the start of 'The Following' partly to watch her in that show as well, but couldn't really take all the other cringeworthy-ness that dominates that show. Stick to 'Justified' Natalie. 

Boyd Crowder

Played by Walton Goggins

Walton Goggins

The most eloquent-speaking bad guy you will ever meet. He was, as previously mentioned, perfect in 'The Shield'. It is amazing to see him dive into such a complex character yet again after his riveting portrayal of Shane in the LA Cop-drama. But he does it. And he does it well. Listening and watching Boyd Crowder speak, it is sometimes very difficult to know if what he is saying is something he actually believes himself. A man of many words, but also many layers. He'll make you laugh, he'll make you angry, and he will make you look forward the next episode. And he will make you pray Walton Goggins will forever have a character on a good TV-show. 

Limehouse

Played by Mykelti Williamson

Mykelti Williamson in 'Justified'

Season 3 introduced us to Limehouse, another great character of 'Justified'. He runs the little community called Noble's Holler, and as the butcher of the town, he runs the diner where pretty much everyone eats. Obviously, he doesn't just run a diner... Interesting character, and Mykeltin is a perfect fit for the role. More Limehouse, please!

Wynn Duffy

Played by Jere Burns

Jere Burns as Wynn Duffy

Quirky and funny, sometimes a little scary, and sometimes mostly scared. Wynn Duffy is like a bug that  just never leaves the room. Although one gets the feeling that Raylan Givens hates the guy, in certain ways you kind of sense that Raylan Givens finds the man almost entertaining. Nevertheless, Jere Burns does a great job, and his creepiness was picked up by the casting agents of 'Bates Motel', where he is a reoccurring bit player in it's first season.

Colton 'Colt' Rhodes

Played by Ron Eldard

Ron Eldard in 'Justfied'

I was surprised when I saw Ron Eldard cast in 'Justified'. I've enjoyed his performances on 'E.R' and even 'Men Behaving Badly', and also remembered him from his short scene in 'Scent of a Woman' and in the 90s sleeper-classic 'Sleepers' (which I hold in high regard). As the war-veteran struggling with... well, all types of shit, Ron Eldard does a great performance as 'Colt', an old friend of Boyd Crowder. His tough-guy appearance suits him, and so does the character. 

Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens

Played by Timothy Olyphant

It shouldn't really be necessary to highlight the main character of the show. However, here's a little bit of the Givens-magic from 'Justified'. 

If you think I've forgotten about Margo Martindale, I haven't. Arguably one of the best characters on the show, which is why I've written about her in a previous post. Read it here. 

John Goodman - Mr. Awesome

Photo by Paola Kudacki

With 133 credits to his name on imdb.com, the go-to-site for movie-enthusiasts, John Goodman might be considered one of the most busy actors in the industry. Naturally, with such an extensive list of movies, some are less memorable than others. The fact remains, however, that this is one of the most awesome guys in film. Ever. Although Jeff Bridges plays The Dude in 'The Big Lebowski', in many ways John Goodman seems to be The Dude in real life.

John Goodman is one of those actors that makes me go from "Probably not gonna see that movie" to "Oh, I'll definitely check it out". He has this special aura about him that makes you want him as your best friend, as he was to The Dude in 'The Big Lebowski', and for Denzel Washington's character in "Flight". In the former he provided us with some of the most hilarious moments of the movie, while in the latter he provided Denzel's character with some of the most illegal substances of the movie. Nevertheless, you can always count on John Goodman to provide you with something highly entertaining, and here are some of my favorite John Goodman-performances (in random order):

Fallen

Denzel Washington and John Goodman is a good combination, and this movie is an entertaining flick. Not a great movie, but definitely one worth watching if you appreciate fine acting. As well as perfect use of a Rolling Stones-classic. Not only does the movie have the aforementioned duo in the cast, but also starring in the movie are James Gandolfini, Elias Kostas and Donald Sutherland (the cool Sutherland). 

Trailer: 

The Big Lebowski

One of his most memorable roles, obviously. This is also the movie he has said to have his favorite project to have been working on. The eulogy-speech is one of the funniest moments in the movie (in any movie), but it is just one of his many amazing lines in this movie. Walter Sobchak - the man who would never bring a dog bowling, and who definitely wouldn't roll on Shabbos. 

John Goodman in 'The Big Lebowski'

Bringing out the Dead

The underrated Martin Scorsese movie had several great things about it. Nicolas Cage in one of his best roles, greatly helped obviously by the chemistry he had with John Goodman was one of it. Despite the dark content of the movie, there is still room for a couple of laughs, Goodman often being the provider of this. Also watch out for a cameo by singer Marc Anthony (and a funny one too). The movie has certain resemblances with Scorsese's earlier work, especially 'Taxi Driver'. Although obviously not as good as the 70s classic, the movie depicts loneliness, helplessness, a gritty New York City and the screenplay was written by the same person, Paul Schrader. 

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

There's a good chance John Goodman will at least play a bit part when it comes to a movie by the Coen Brothers, and this movie is no exception. One of my favorite movies by the Coen-brothers, and Goodman delivers... as usual. 

Flight

In a movie carried by Denzel Washington's strong performance, John Goodman's appearance is a genius touch. His hippie style, and give-a-f*** attitude is a much needed breath of fresh air in a movie mostly dominated by the tragic look at the life of a person struggling with alcoholism. Here's one of his scenes from the movie, accompanied by Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones was, as mentioned, also used in 'Fallen', another Denzel/John Goodman movie). 

West Wing

John Goodman made a guest-appearence in four episodes of this amazing show, with this probably being the most memorable one: 

Damages

As Howard T. Erickson, John Goodman was brilliant in the fourth season of 'Damages'. The show has consistently had great seasonal guest appearances, and John Goodman was no exception. Here's a clip of him talking about his role on the show: