Take THE DETOUR

Article originally published as THE DETOUR Review on Seat42F.

Given the advertising for TBS’s upcoming comedy series, THE DETOUR, one might be forgiven for thinking that the family road trip resembles National Lampoon’s Vacation movies; I think the leading man even looks a bit like the most recent patriarch from that series. However, this little show is a little more original than that, and instead harkens closer to IFC’s The Incredibly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, a comedy of errors in which things just keep getting worse and worse.

THE DETOUR follows Nate (Jason Jones, The Daily Show), his wife, Robin (Natalie Zea, Justified), daughter Delilah (Ashley Gerasimovich, Louie), and son Jared (Liam Carroll, The Neighbors) as they drive cross-country. What upper middle class family does that nowadays, you may ask, given that airlines seem the more obvious way to go for those with means? Well, that’s part of the story, which is quite the convoluted mess, in the way you hope it will be.

It’s clear from the beginning of the series there is more going on that meets the eye. THE DETOUR is not a big mystery or conspiracy theory show, but it still keeps some cards close to its chest, which is fine since some of the reveals are played for a laugh or to enhance a certain moment.

This is a dense series, but not in a way that should worry you. The overriding mission is to elicit laughs, and it does that frequently. The story is cohesive and makes sense; I didn’t see any glaring plot holes in the eight episodes or so I viewed. But story is secondary to the funny bits that happen, so you can just go along and enjoy the ride without worrying about having to think any deeper than necessary.

Now, that almost sounds like an insult, but I swear it’s not. Comedy can be smart without being a chore, and this one is. There are the rare sitcoms, Arrested Development springs to mind, that do force one to pay attention to really get all the jokes, and that’s fine; I adore that show. But most comedies shouldn’t, and THE DETOUR fits into the realm of most comedies without seeming tired or repetitive.

The biggest compliment I can give THE DETOUR is that it is addictive. True, I didn’t have to keep watching for cliffhanger resolution, but I wanted to because I was amused and anxious to see what zaniness the family gets into next. One thing after another keeps befalling them, some their fault, some not, and it is a pleasure to watch it unfold. I wish I had the full season available, but made do with most of it.

The four main players all hold their weight appropriately. Jones and Zea have more importance in the scheme of things, but the kids are no slouches, either. The four roles they play are likeable, but flawed, and while some of the disasters do stem from bad decision making, not all of them do, so it’s not a constant cringe-inducer. Instead, the show deftly balances its elements to keep viewers invested and able to laugh at the characters without despising or being depressed for them.

In short, THE DETOUR did not give me exactly what I expected, and that ends up being for the best. It’s a well-crafted example of what cable should be doing when tackling sitcoms, making something both fresh and genuinely funny, and not being reined in by the boundaries of what “most” shows do in a given situation. It’s a great series to binge-watch on a Saturday and make you feel better about your own life, while still being impressed with Jones’ (who created the show alongside wife Samantha Bee, Full Frontal With Samantha Bee) chops.

THE DETOUR premieres Monday, April 11^th on TBS.

JUSTIFIED Keeps "The Promise"

Article originally published as TV Review: 'Justified' - Series Finale - 'The Promise' on Blogcritics.

    “In the deep, dark hills of Eastern Kentucky,
    That’s the place where I trace my bloodline.
    And it’s there I read on a hillside gravestone,
    You’ll never leave Harlan alive.”

Those lyrics, repeated at select times on FX’s Justified for effect, hang heavy over the series finale, “The Promise,” that aired earlier this week. On a show where characters do die, the body count has never been higher than in this final season, and each of the three core lead characters begin the last hour in somewhat precarious positions. By the time that song is evoked a little over halfway through, it seems like it might come true for at least one of them. Thankfully, Justified defies expectation and lets them all live.

Justified is an underrated series and always has been. Inspired by a short story by Elmore Leonard, it is a high-quality, fascinating drama that maintains the spirit of Kentucky, even while being filmed in California. I’ve enjoyed each and every season, and will desperately miss it.

The hero is Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), and throughout, he circles his former friend, Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), the man Raylan comes home to put away. The relationship between the two is a linchpin of Justified, and it is also the most important thing in “The Promise.” From Raylan leaving the state after his task is finally complete, to their showdown in the barn, to their final conversation – the last scene of the show – in which Boyd proclaims the reason for their deep, lasting connection is, “We dug coal together,” they are what fans most want to see, and the show satisfies.

“We dug coal together.” It’s a phrase worth repeating because it says so much about these two men and the setting they inhabit. It doesn’t matter how much they disagree, or that Raylan became a lawman while Boyd became a criminal. It matters that they risked their lives together, doing the dangerous work that their daddies did. It bonds them in a way that cannot be broken no matter what else happens, unique from practically everyone else they will ever know. It’s why they will always be a part of one another’s lives.

Which is not to say that they are friends, exactly. In fact, most of this final scene involves Raylan lying to Boyd. Raylan finds Ava (Joelle Carter), the woman they both care deeply about, and learns she has a son by Boyd. Asking Raylan not to tell this to Boyd, Raylan decides to show Boyd evidence that Ava is dead. This may be a kindness to both Ava and Boyd, keeping him from being obsessed over someone that will just get him into more trouble. But I’m sure Boyd would disagree with Raylan’s handling of it.

Ava is just a notch less central than the two men in Justified, but “The Promise” and all of season six show her importance. She lives in both worlds, breaking the law, but ending up getting her life together. Raylan intends to make her pay when he finally catches up to her, four years after she escapes the law, but that wouldn’t be fair to her child. Now a loving parent himself, Raylan understands this and leaves her alone.

Raylan’s code is what drives him. From the first scene of the series, in which he shoots a man whom Raylan feels in the right to shoot, to choosing to let Boyd live and Ava keep her freedom, he makes decisions based on a moral code. It may not always align with the law, but it’s a strong system that makes him one of the more memorable characters on television this past decade.

“The Promise” contains lots of other gems. From a final showdown with this season’s Big Bad, Avery Markham (Sam Elliott), to a last glimpse of Loretta (Kaitlyn Dever), to learning Winona (Natalie Zea) has not settled down with Raylan in the future, to Raylan’s goodbye to his co-workers, every moment is full of authenticity and emotion. It does what it needs to do with the leads, and after a victory lap throughout the year, Justified closes its story with finality. I can’t imagine a more fitting goodbye for one of my favorite shows.

"Forgive" THE FOLLOWING Its Flaws

Article first published as TV Review: 'The Following' - Season 2 Finale on Blogcritics.
 
FOX’s The Following concluded its second season this week with “Forgive.” With the woman they love in danger, archenemies Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) and Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) must join forces to rescue her. Will they succeed in saving their shared sweetheart from the scary psychos?

First off, The Following is cheesy. It’s more contrived than 24 ever was, and it asks the viewers to make some big leaps. For instance, the end of the penultimate installment paints the characters into a corner, with Ryan and Joe in a church surrounded by law enforcement, being watched on streaming video. Yet, somehow, they manage to get out, right past the cops, and are only noticed by the correct people? That’s quite a leap.

And yet, I still really enjoy the characters, especially Joe and Ryan. Joe is an evil man, but he can evoke sympathy from time to time, that is when he’s not actively murdering people. His earnestness in his affection for Ryan and Claire (Natalie Zea) is true, and Joe’s insistence that Ryan stay alive to continue their dynamic is almost touching. His true colors leak out occasionally, such as when he holds a knife at Claire’s throat and demands forgiveness this week, but there is still something magnetic about him.

Purefoy gets many chances to shine in “Forgive:” when he learns of Emma’s (Valorie Curry) death, as he manipulates twin abductors Luke and Mark (both Sam Underwood), and as he turns on his own follower to save Ryan. These are all moments of moving emotional developments for the cult leader, and it’s what makes him a rich character who is enjoyable to watch.

Ryan also has his moments to shine. Most of them involve how he interacts with Joe, forced to put his trust in a guy he doesn’t have any faith in at all to save Claire. But there’s also a moment, as Joe baits Luke and Mark, where we see the pain in Ryan’s eyes over (justifiably) killing his own father. It’s an important bit of back story for the role, and it’s well handled here.

In fact, once one gets past the silly escape from the church, “Forgive” is pretty good. All of the scenes in the boys’ house are intense and moving. The dialogue is well written and the actors are superb. I wanted to stay forever in the dinner scene, just watching the interaction of some masterful performers in a charged sequence.

Alas, it all must come to an end, though, so Max (Jessica Stroup) and Mike (Shawn Ashmore) burst in and start the guns blazing. One of the twins is killed, the other escapes with his brother’s body, Mike and Ryan both get moments to find out who they really are and pass the test, and Mike and Max finally kiss, something that has been building for some time. The kiss itself isn’t overly dramatic, but it has to happen to satisfy fans.

It’s an odd show where one is slightly disappointed when the action begins. The time before the showdown, though, is just so good, I want it to continue. What unfolds after is fine enough, and it ties up the season as it must. I just want more of what works best, and Ryan telling Joe they are done is very, very sad, even though it’s also untrue, as the series couldn’t continue without the two in one another’s orbits.

Ryan and Claire’s dissolution is less powerful. Sure, Ryan loves Claire and it’s painful for him to lose her, but before the climax, he is with someone else and he can just go back to her. Claire is kind of a boring character, more interesting for the things that surround her than the part itself (though I am a fan of Zea overall), and, to be honest, The Following will not suffer if she now disappears for good. Though, most likely she will be brought back at some point, given her importance to both Ryan and Joe.

The ending of “Forgive” is well-crafted to evoke tension. Ryan seemingly goes home to peace and quiet, but remembering the twists of last year, these calm bits actually ratchet up the suspense. The fake-out with the dream, where Ryan thinks the twins are in his room, is a terrific way to pay off that mood, as well as surprise the audience by not going there.

The Following leaves us with a mystery: who picks up Mark and Luke and drives them away? This is a good thread to start with for the already-ordered season three, and it’s nice that Underwood should return, as he is entertaining in the current run.

Amazon REBELS From Good Content

Article first published as Amazon REBELS From Good Content on TheTVKing.

One of Amazon's new comedy pilots is The Rebels. Julie Levine's (Natalie Zea, Justified, The Following) husband dies and she inherits a football team called The Rebels. Unfortunately, she knows little to nothing about the sport, complaining about the team's "costumes," but after a few sad words from her son, Chris (Aidan Potter, Playing for Keeps), decides to keep them, much to the dismay of other owners. Now if she can only figure out how to turn the losing team around...

Right out of the box it seems a little odd that Julie's husband is so beloved for having a team with such a poor record. He must have really been one special person in order for everyone to forgive him for his lack of wins. So the premise is a little off.

The team itself is ridiculously cartoonish. After Julie appoints her inherited bumbling assistant, Danny (Josh Peck, Drake & Josh), to General Manager, something that could or should never happen, we see him go through the roster of inept players, including Lamont (Affion Crockett, This Means War), who avoids getting let go through tears. It's a Bad News Bears-esque situation, a bunch of misfits who were somehow hired to play professional football, but surely don't act like the athletes we're familiar with.

Because of rights issues, The Rebels can't mention the NFL. Instead, they choose other letters, even though they seem to keep the same sportscasters, cameoing as themselves. I know this is an unavoidable logistics issue, the same reason a fake team is chosen, but it's distracting and will confused some viewers, who will likely assume the team is not in the national league.

This series is also set in L.A. Why L.A.? It's not like they're known for their football, so I guess perhaps that's why the writers think they can get away with putting a terrible team there, if there was any thinking behind the decision at all. But it's a setting I've recently complained in other reviews has been done to death, and it sucks they're using it again. The only benefit of being in L.A. is that it makes the drug parties and monkey with a gun seem just a tad more realistic, as that is about the only city in the country such shindigs would take place in without anyone blinking an eye.

The male romantic lead introduced in The Rebels is Rick Massella (Hayes MacArthur, Go On, Perfect Couples). He's a washed-up player whom Danny approaches to play quarterback after the ego of their draft pick, referred to as "Jesus" (Alan Ritchson, Blue Mountain State), proves a bad fit for the group chemistry. But of course Rick has already had a bad run-in with Julie, making his plot as rote as it is predictable, and setting the two up for an eventually messy relationship.

And that's really the whole problem with The Rebels. As much as I like Zea, Peck, and MacArthur as actors, and they lend as much authenticity as possible under the circumstances to the roles, the story is a familiar movie formula from last century, and there's little originality to be found. The Rebels may be enjoyable, certainly better than the similar freshman baseball sitcom Back in the Game, but far from anything groundbreaking.

Halfway through Amazon's current batch of pilots, I'm disturbed by the lack of freshness in this round. After a great initial launch last year, one might assume Amazon aimed to compete with the premium and cable channels willing to take chances in their offerings and do something different. The Rebels is not a good step in that direction.

The Rebels "Pilot" is available now for free streaming on Amazon.

Still Following THE FOLLOWING

Article first published as THE FOLLOWING Review on Seat42F.

FOX’S THE FOLLOWING returns at a special night and time tonight with “Resurrection.” It’s been a year since Joe Carroll’s (James Purefoy) death, as well as Claire Matthews’ (Natalie Zea) and Debra Parker’s (Annie Parisse). Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) has moved on, settling in to a teaching job, going through AA with the help of a sponsor (Keith Carradine, Dexter), and spending time with his niece, Max (Jessica Stroup, 90210), who is a cop. It seems the nightmare is over.

It’s nice to see Ryan happy and building a life for himself. He’s self-destructive by nature, and the Joe Carroll case did a number on him. He killed in cold blood and lost people he cared about. It will give fans hope for the future to see Ryan in a good place, not drinking, not dwelling on the past, finally finding an existence that he can be at peace with.

Of course, this lasts a scant ten minutes before the sinister happenings begin again. THE FOLLOWING is not a happy-ending show, and until the series finale’s credits role, no one has a chance at bliss. Followers of Carroll’s re-emerge on the anniversary of his death, beginning a new killing spree in New York City, where Ryan lives. They must be stopped.

Ryan is reluctant to get pulled back in, of course, and who can blame him? The damage done to his psyche won’t ever heal, and why would one want to put oneself back in those circumstances? Law enforcement pulls inactive agent Mike Weston (Shawn Ashmore) in to consult, so Ryan may not be technically needed, and while Mike certainly thinks Ryan could help, he won’t force the man.

But all is not as it seems. Much of what appears known about a couple of the main characters early in “Resurrection” simply isn’t true, and there are some cool twists in the premiere. Without giving anything away, it’s safe to say that Ryan will be back on the case quite soon, some people are just putting on a face, and at least one death may have been faked.

THE FOLLOWING continues to be scary and magnetic. A cult of serial killers who can hide among us and strike at any time is a frightening thought, and this show serves up a huge conspiracy of such. The danger lurks everywhere from many bodies, and there doesn’t seem to be any clear way to stop it. Every time one branch is dealt with, another takes its place.

This series is anything but boring. There’s action almost immediately, with an exciting chase, a number of victims killed, creepy masks, and someone gets hit by a car. The pacing is as break-neck as ever, with no one seeming safe, and a guarantee of much more blood as the season plays out. In short, year two promises to be just as good as year one, if this episode is consistent with the ones that follow.

“Resurrection” introduces us to some new murderers, the ranks of Carrollers (love that name!) having been depleted in season one. The most fascinating thus far are a pair of identical twins (Sam Underwood, Homeland), one of whom is very mentally unstable. The hideous things he’s responsible for in this first hour alone will make your skin crawl.

Of course, Emma (Valorie Curry) is still around, too. She isn’t involved in the events that play out in “Resurrection,” but if Carroll or his followers poke their heads up, she’s quickly drawn back to them like a moth to a flame. One never knows whether she will fall in line or slice the throat of the leader, taking over, but Emma is a compelling character, and an essential part of the show, so she’ll make her presence felt. At least until they decide to kill her off.

“Resurrection” is everything I was hoping for from the return of THE FOLLOWING, easily one of last year’s best network programs, and meets all expectations. It is back tonight after the NFC game, approximately 10:30 p.m. EST, and will take over its normal Mondays-at-9 p.m. timeslot starting next week.

The Following Reaches "The Final Chapter" (For Now)

Article first published as The Following Reaches "The Final Chapter" (For Now) on TheTVKing.

FOX's The Following ends its freshman run this week with "The Final Chapter." Ryan (Kevin Bacon) is lured to a lighthouse by Joe (James Purefoy) for a final showdown. Of course, Claire's (Natalie Zea) life hangs in the balance, and of course, Ryan doesn't take anyone with him to the confrontation, including Mike (Shawn Ashmore). There, the two men have it out with one another once and for all.

I am a bit disappointed with the end of The Following's showdown between Ryan and Joe. I really feel like Ryan should have learned his lesson and trusted a few people. "The Final Chapter"'s plot only makes sense if we believe that Joe knows Ryan so well that he can predict his every move. And maybe he does. But, as a viewer who has watched all fifteen installments thus far, I feel like Ryan should have learned to out-think Joe, at least on some level, and brought along back up.

The climax where Ryan kills Joe, sort of, in an exploding building also feels a bit contrived. The moment we don't positively see Joe catch on fire or blow up is the one where fans of the genre will absolutely know, deep down, that no matter how it looks, Joe has survived. How he would think far enough ahead to plant a body there, or could fake dental records after a body is discovered, is stretching believability. But Joe has got to live on.

With those complaints out of the way, though, I must say that the hour is mostly excellent. I really like how we get to see bits of Ryan's soul. We understand how he and Mike can torture Alex (Charlie Semine), as Parker's (Annie Parisse) life hangs in the balance, and even why the other FBI agents can look away. When Ryan coldly murders Alex, one worries about Ryan's stability, but Alex's death is deserved, and Ryan doesn't put him in the coffin, which would be poetic justice, but not at all hero-like.

Despite Ryan's flaws, he is the hero. Joe casts him as such, and the moral compass Ryan displays backs that up. He crosses some legal lines, to be sure, but his motives are always pure, and his goals are noble. He doesn't unnecessary cause anyone harm, even the bad guys, as he kills Alex quickly once he's used all Alex knows to try to save the day, rather than continue to mess with him.

I'm sad that Ryan and Mike are too late to save Parker. I really like her, and like many of The Following's character, she dies too soon. However, part of the draw of the series is its unpredictability, and the way people can perish without warning. It appropriately builds suspense when it should, and as regrettable as it is to lose Parisse from the cast, and as false as it may feel to have them find her just barely too late, it is a shock that she is dead, and an example of surprising and engaging storytelling.

I do hope Mike and Ryan can work out their friendship. Ryan shuts Mike out a bit because, as close as they've grown, Ryan is a loner. He trusts Mike more than he trusts most people, but Mike still doesn't get to come to the light house because Ryan feels he must take on the burden himself. I don't think Ryan would have shot Mike in the foot to get him not to follow, though Mike must think it's a possibility, so I hope that isn't what keeps them from working together again.

The final moments of "The Final Chapter," in which Molly (Jennifer Ferrin) attacks Ryan, are a great cliffhanger. This installment makes pretty clear, whether Joe is dead or not, there are still threats out there, such as Molly and Emma (Valorie Curry). Some may have been brought out by Joe, but some of the threats Ryan will eventually face, as the show has been renewed for season two (and stands a good chance of living longer), won't be Joe-centric. This is a series about a man fighting evil, and evil will always exist, no matter how often it is stopped.

Now, does The Following go a bit too far, having too many people being stabbed and surviving, then bouncing back to their jobs too quickly? Yes, that can certainly be argued. But some grade-A acting and tight plot work keeps the flow going and the series enticing. I really like The Following, and look forward to its return.

Justified Haunted by Ghosts

Article first published as TV Review: Justified - "Ghosts" on Blogcritics.

"Ghosts" is the fourth season finale of FX's Justified, which aired this week. Does the title refer to the ghost of Raylan's father, Arlo (Raymond J. Barry), recently deceased, whom Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) has always had a complicated relationship with? Or does it refer to the friendship between Raylan and Boyd (Walton Goggins), the men they once were, and the very different men they have become?

Justified works primarily because of the complex characters in the story. Raylan is a lawman, and only shoots the bad guys when he has a reason. His career is in stark contrast to his criminal father, and sometimes he struggles with the worry that he will turn into Arlo. This isn't helped when Boyd compares the two, something Boyd may be doing just to get under Raylan's skin, knowing him as well as he does.

But Raylan makes a huge decision in "Ghosts," and it threatens his good reputation. He sets up Nicky (Mike O'Malley) to be whacked by Sammy (Max Perlich), his rival in the Detroit mob. Raylan may not pull the trigger himself, but he is complicit in the act. It will weigh on his conscience, drawing him closer to the man Arlo was, and that's a huge sacrifice for Raylan to make.

Raylan does have a good reason for his actions. Nicky sends armed men into Winona's (Natalie Zea) home; Winona who is pregnant with Raylan's child, and whom Raylan still loves. Nicky vows to keep coming after them. Raylan does what he must to protect the mother of his child and his unborn daughter. However, in doing so, he gives away a piece of his soul.

This sort of no-win situation, the kind the tests a hero's mettle, is what makes defines a man. Raylan may be a flawed hero, but he is a hero. He rarely acts out of any selfish impulse. Even the foolish choices he makes are to protect others. He's stubborn and won't quit, even when suspended, but that just proves his dedication to justice and serving others. It's a complicated situation when a good guy disobeys the rules for the right reasons.

Obviously, murder is the greatest extension of that, and it's a good thing that no one knows about Raylan's actions. It may still come out eventually; Justified is the type of series to bring back something years later, when it's least expected. If this comes to light, it will ruin Raylan's career. It doesn't matter that Nicky deserves to die, or that if Nikky doesn't die, Winona very well could. It's the fact that Raylan took matters into his own hands and allowed the killing to take place that is unacceptable to the government.

This will jeopardize his chances for promotion, which Raylan is up for as Art (Nick Searcy) considers retirement, even while under suspension. This proves just how good Raylan's track record is. If the breach stays hidden long enough, Raylan may even get Art's job, at least for awhile. Though I hate to lose Art, it would be interesting to see Raylan in charge, even if Tim (Jacob Pitts) or Rachel (Erica Tazel) may have the better disposition for it.

One wonders how the Detroit men will hold this wrongdoing over Raylan's head. Wynn Duffy (Jere Burns) is their man in Kentucky now, hiring Boyd to distribute heroin for them. Wynn may or may not know what Raylan does, but if he finds out, he will definitely use it to curry favor with Raylan. Will Raylan have to kill others to protect his secret, or will that be a line he can't cross, willing only to do bad to protect others, not himself?

Either way, as Raylan sips a beer and looks at his own grave stone, next to his father's recently buried body and marker, there is a lot going on, both for Raylan the character, and for the viewer. Olyphant plays such a sympathetic, layered man, you can see the various emotions roiling behind his eyes. And having witnessed everything Raylan has done, there's a lot for the fans to think about in that moment, too.

On Boyd's side of the story, things go as far south as they can in "Ghosts." He is at the brink of happiness with Ava (Joelle Carter), making money, keeping his enemies in check, and then world is ripped out from under him. He is betrayed by those he thinks he can control, and while Boyd escapes harm, Ava is put in jail for murder.

Even though Boyd is a scoundrel, the opposite of Raylan, fans still root for him. He is charming, and he has his own code, even if the moral compass is skewed compared to most. Boyd is more than just a troublemaker, trying to better his situation, and he really does love Ava. These things make him relatable on some level.

Sadly, Boyd's decisions mean that he will never have a happy ending. Sure, one can make all the right choices and still not get what they want. However, Raylan is the main character of Justified, and he is sworn to prevent some of the things that Boyd engages in. Either Boyd will eventually have to change his ways, or Raylan will have to stop him.

That day will be a sad one. In "Ghosts," Raylan forces Boyd to take him to Nicky. It's a unwilling partnership, but the interaction between the two is always magical. They have a long history, and even when they disapprove of one another, there is still a connection there that cannot be broken. I think Raylan arresting or killing Boyd would be the hardest thing Raylan would ever have to do. Hopefully, Boyd will choose to team up with Raylan instead.

Boyd certainly doesn't take the right path in this finale. Despite Ava being locked away, and getting her out will definitely be Boyd's main focus next year, he agrees to work with Wynn, a new criminal enterprise for Boyd. He clearly doesn't learn his lesson, since doing wrong is what gets Ava in trouble in the first place.

Then again, with the people Boyd previously blackmailed now having something to hang over his head, getting the better of Boyd. It could serve him well to be backed up by a partnership with the Detroit mob, giving him the clout he needs to be back in the local game, after losing his self-earned cred in this installment.

The fourth year has been a typically stellar one for Justified. It may not have given us a new batch of guest stars to be impressed by, as previous seasons have done, but it made excellent use of its talented recurring cast, and added a few new, wonderful players to that lineup, such as Bob (Patton Oswalt). The mystery arc is a departure from previous outings, keeping the show changing and interesting, and the character development is, as usual, awesome.

Justified will return next year for a fifth season on FX.

Follow The Following

Article first published as The Following Series Premiere Review on Seat42F.

Grade: 97%

FOX is known for high-octane action dramas that are also about good storytelling. In THE FOLLOWING, premiering this Monday at 9 p.m. ET, not only does it follow in this proud traditional, but it uses a well-known group of actors and a seasoned creator, Kevin Williamson (Scream, Dawson’s Creek, The Vampire Diaries), to deliver one of the best network series in the genre to date.

As the story opens, after a suitably intense first scene, we meet agent Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon, Mystic River, Apollo 13), an alcoholic, washed-up fed who once captured a notorious serial killer named Joe Carroll (James Purefoy, Rome, Resident Evil). Joe is on the loose, and with some new agents by his side (X-Men’s Shawn Ashmore, not to be confused with twin Aaron, and Law & Order’s Annie Parisse), Ryan has to track down Joe all over again.

While the hunt is on, THE FOLLOWING takes time to show us some of the previous events in a series of flashbacks. We are introduced to Sarah (Maggie Grace, Lost, Taken), the victim Ryan saved from Joe’s killing spree, and Claire Matthews (Natalie Zea, Justified, The Other Guys), Joe’s wife, whom Ryan previously had a sexual relationship with, during the first go-round with Joe. Ryan checks in on them both in the present day, concerned, and hoping that they can lead him to Joe.

Other than that, it’s hard to tell you much. FOX would like me not to spoil the various plot twists that make up the hour, and after thoroughly enjoying the story, I agree that everyone should watch the episode for themselves. It’s a thrilling ride, with plenty of the unexpected happening, and it would be pretty rude to give you a heads up about those things.

This also makes it hard to talk about the series going forward, or what it will be. The story is significantly different at the end from what it appears to be at the beginning. so I can’t write about the premise very much without spoiling. So I won’t.

What THE FOLLOWING does well is set up an intense situation. As publicly released materials on the show’s official website have already revealed, the show will deal a lot with what would happen if serial killers in many different areas formed a network, rallying around a central figure. It takes an element of society that it already dangerous, and heightens the threat, with a support network helping the bad guys complete their evil missions. This is exactly what is happening.

There is also the Battlestar Galactica element of the enemy hiding among us. On that sci-fi show, the villains are Cylons, robots that look like humans, live as humans, and may not even know they aren’t humans. In THE FOLLOWING, serial killers masquerade as normal people, and like in BG, they could be anybody. This makes for a high-stakes guessing game sure to engage viewers.

Of course, we have the flawed hero in Ryan, a familiar enough trope at this point. Bacon brings something fresh to the table, though, as the latest in a string of well-respected, highly talented film stars that are transitioning to the small screen for the great roles offered. Bacon takes Ryan, and immediately sets up someone fans will get behind and root for, even as we wish we could help him through the internal and external traumas he is dealing with, forgiving him his slipups because of what he has endured.

There is a simmering tension in the air, as THE FOLLOWING makes us wonder what a person is capable of. We get both sides of the spectrum, hero and villain, both intelligent and capable, and both ripe for exploring humanity through the prism of. Obviously, Joe’s actions are heinous, but the show seeks to get into his head a bit. At the same time, Ryan has clearly taken almost all he can possibly take, but, somehow, he has to find a way to overcome his failings and be the man the public need him to be to protect them.

Ryan is starting a step behind, Joe, of course, not knowing the game is already afoot. But the chemistry between these leads is great, and surely the upper hand will go back and forth between them repeatedly over the run of the program.

What makes THE FOLLOWING even better than the typical series are the literary and artistic references. Edgar Allen Poe plays a huge role in influence, with a thumping heart beat even accompanying one scene in a brilliant way. Joe thinks that there is a beauty in the murders he commits, and while THE FOLLOWING will not glamorize or agree with Joe, we see the elements in his act that he attributes to the more noble pursuits.

In short, THE FOLLOWING works on many levels, and is extremely well put together in every category. It takes what FOX did with Prison Break and 24, testosterone-fueled dramas, and pumps it up with some braininess that elevates the game. This is a fascinating story with plenty of mystery and suspense. It should become a much-watch for many very quickly.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Please forgive Calfornication

Grade: 99%

Showtime’s CALIFORNICATION comes back to “The Unforgiven.” Hank (David Duchovny) wakes up after spending several days slipping in and out of consciousness. He learns that he is in the hospital because of Carrie’s (Natalie Zea) suicide-murder attempt, which only succeeds on one count.

This is Hank as we have never seen him before. He is self-loathing, yes, but now he has the guilt of Carrie’s death on his head. Or, assumed death, as she is on life support, and will likely die once the plug is pulled. Carrie is a crazy psycho, to be sure, but if it wasn’t for Hank, would she have been driven to take such extreme measures?

One would like to think that yes, whoever Carrie had been dating would be the victim, and Hank deserves none of the blame. This is not what Carrie’s friends and family believe, which is unfortunate, as they should know her better than anyone, but it is definitely the thought that Hank’s loved ones cling onto.

The problem is, Hank has never been big about listening to others. And despite his sins, he has a very strong moral compass as to how he treats women. He tries to never degrade them, or make them feel down on themselves. His whole schtick, which is what gets him laid so much, is building up a woman, making them very special, a skill that he excels at. Sadly, he fails to do that for Carrie, at least, fails to do it enough, and so he takes her actions very much to heart.

Viewers of CALIFORNICATION are treated to a look inside of Hank’s mind in “The Unforgiven.” In the hospital, and after, as he drinks himself into a stupor every night, we see Hank dream about his time with Karen (Natascha McElhone). But every time Hank is heading towards a happy place, Carrie invades the scenario, screwing things up, pulling Hank back towards the pain. Hank wants to be happy, but refuses to let himself, thinking he is not deserving.

As is typical for Hank, when he hates himself, he cares little about what happens to him, physically. The flaw in his attitude of caring for others is that he doesn’t consider the fact that hurting himself might hurt them, too. The incessant alcohol intake is ruining his physical and emotional state, but it’s also making Karen, Becca (Madeleine Martin), Marcy (Pamela Adlon), and Charlie (Evan Handler) miserable.

That is why they stage an intervention. It’s a crappy effort, because everyone in the group has plenty of their own issues that prevent them from being completely there for Hank. However, it’s the dysfunction that has brought them together as a group, and is the basis for their love for one another. Thus, their attempt is enough, in my book, and it does succeed in its drive.

I think, of all of Hank’s friends, Charlie is the one who takes the situation the least seriously. This may be because Charlie is used to Hank’s ups and downs, and looks up to him. Charlie assumes that Hank doesn’t need to give up alcohol completely, and should put himself back in the line of temptation if it means a good job. In this case, Charlie wants Hank to help rock star Atticus Fletcher (Tim Minchin) turn A Crazy Little Thing Called Love into a rock opera.

I feel like Charlie’s actions will jeopardize any healing that Hank may embark upon. We’ve seen before how Hank gets when living the rock star lifestyle, and while Hank was able to break away once, he’s far less strong, emotionally, than he was before. Charlie may have good intentions, but his efforts could be the thing that keeps Hank floundering all season.

And we need Hank to get better. Karen needs him, after this way-too-long, on-again-off-again thing between them, she is still in love with Hank. Becca needs him, as she is thinking of pursuing the writing career, following in her father’s footsteps, which may not be the best idea, especially if she shares his judgment. She’s also finally joined the adult cast, and this is a critical time in her development, moving into a new stage of life. Marcy needs Hank, to talk her up so that she doesn’t go back to the cheating Stu Beggs (Stephen Tobolowsky).

Bottom line, Hank has to get better, and as of “The Unforgiven,” it looks like he may need to ditch Charlie to do so, something Hank surely won’t do in his present state, especially after Charlie took a bullet for him in last year’s finale. Which means that we’re in for another glorious, rocky season of CALIFORNICATION, airing Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on Showtime.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted on Seat42F

Justified finds a "Hole in the Wall"

Grade: 97%

After far too long a hiatus, FX’s JUSTIFIED returns for a fourth season this Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. Like in past years, the series holds off on showing all of its cards right off the bat, allowing viewers to adjust to where the characters are now, as well as dropping hints as to the major arc or arcs that the season will cover.

When the premiere, “Hole in the Wall,” begins, Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) is still in a relationship with Lindsey (Jenn Lyon), and skirting the law. He doesn’t now break the rules in the name of justice or love, his past weaknesses, but instead, out of selfishness. This Raylan is more of a broken man, Winona (Natalie Zea) having gone, and his father, Arlo (Raymond J. Barry), whom Raylan has never had an easy relationship with, behind bars.

Right off the bat, though, this status quo is tested. Raylan picks up a not-so-good guy as a favor, then tries to keep him locked in his trunk while dealing with a mystery that has come up at his father’s house. It’s a call back to the righteous game, which we see very quickly does not merge easily with Raylan’s current activities. Thus, by the end of “Hole in the Wall,” it is pretty clear that Raylan needs to pick one path or the other.

I love that the mystery, which will definitely be a continuing story for awhile, features a heavily involved Arlo. Arlo has only been in about half of JUSTIFIED’s episodes, but his ornery ways are highly entertaining, and the way he shakes up Raylan’s calm demeanor, pushing his son’s buttons, makes for great television. Any way to bring Arlo more central does risk his continued presence, as death comes to many a villain on JUSTIFIED, but it also means that this season will have to be as fantastic as the others have been.

Raylan gets to step up and again be the man that fans love in this very first episode of the season. He may begin the episode on shaky ground, but despite his many flaws, Raylan Givens is a hero, and one of the genuinely coolest ones on television today. The way he handles negotiations, and faces down the bad guys, is unparalleled, and viewers are treated to some examples of classic Raylan almost right away in this installment.

Raylan’s restoration is also helped along by the crooks that come into Raylan’s circle. Cast lists are not yet available for the episode, making it hard to pinpoint who all of the performers are, but there is a young couple, as well as Raylan’s hostage, each of which contributes something interesting to the episode. Add to that, Raylan’s new cop buddy, Bob, played by the great Patton Oswalt, and “Hole in the Wall” serves as a satisfying return.

Lest one worry about the other important gang on the show, there is also plenty of Boyd (Walton Goggins) in “Hole in the Wall,” too, still being aided by Ava (Joelle Carter) and Johnny (David Meunier), as well as a new, unstable, very dangerous man. They will definitely be involved in whatever Raylan is getting himself into, but they also have their own stories, as Boyd continues his criminal enterprises.

These include running drugs, of course, and also the prostitution trailers that Boyd has taken over. The whores actually figure importantly into the first episode, when Ellen May (Abby Miller) makes a big mistake. Boyd uses this mistake to his advantage, of course, and will quickly expand his plot to encompass others, which should build up nicely over the next few weeks, eventually bringing them all back into conflict with Raylan and the law.

At some point, the balance that has kept Boyd in business while Raylan looks the other way will have to be broken. It may not be until the final season of the series, but something will draw enough attention to Boyd that he will have to be shut down. Until that day, he continues to be a fantastic character to have around, and the way that he manages to still do what he wants, and keep some kind of peace with Raylan, is a real draw of the series.

JUSTIFIED’s newest episode has everything one wants in the Western-influenced series. There are gun fights, show downs, boob flashing, drinking, conversations behind bars, at least one bad-ass killing, and some of the finest acting being done anywhere. Fans should not be disappointed, and if you’ve only been considering getting into the series, “Hole in the Wall” could serve as an enticing entry point.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted at Seat42F

Season finale is 'Justified'

FX's Justified brings its third season to a close with "Slaughterhouse." With a state trooper dead, Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) seeks justice. The trail leads him to have showdowns with all of this season's villains: Boyd (Walton Goggins), Limehouse (Mykelti Williams), and Quarles (Neal McDonough). But in the end, the only one Raylan is able to arrest is his own father, Arlo (Raymond J. Barry), who may have tried to kill him.

What a slap in the face! Off his medication or not, it is pretty clear that Arlo thinks that he shoots Raylan to protect Boyd. While Boyd and Arlo have been enjoying a closer relationship than Raylan is ever shown to have with his father, it's the ultimate betrayal for the lawman. He has never seen eye to eye with his criminal parent; Raylan even shoots Arlo in season one, but only in the leg. For Arlo to fire a kill shot at who he thinks is Raylan, and then to exhibit no guilt or remorse for it, is a twist, indeed.

Not only that, but back in his right mind, Arlo takes the fall in "Slaughterhouse" for killing Devil (Kevin Rankin), too. Arlo is already going to jail, and as old and senile as he is, tacking a second murder charge on won't hurt him much further. Besides being a favor to his adopted son, and an apology for threatening Ava (Joelle Carter), though, it's a second insult to Raylan, as Arlo knows full well that Raylan is convinced Boyd killed Devil, and will be upset that Boyd can't be charged for it. This confession is almost a taunt, in that respect.

All of the performers in this piece are fantastic. There has always been good chemistry between Boyd and Raylan, and Raylan and Arlo. But the work being done in "Slaughterhouse" is above and beyond the call. These three male actors really define why Justified is such an amazing show. And when the plot boils down to personal drama between them, it's where these stars shine the brightest.

How much will Arlo's betrayal screw up Raylan? He is already suffering from Winona (Natalie Zea) leaving him with their unborn child. Now he knows that the only other person who should love him, no matter what differences they have, doesn't care one lick. This sets Raylan up to be in a very dark place come season four.

Also going dark is Ava. One can see how she falls in with Boyd, and begins to support his criminal activities. After all, it's what she's been around, and what she knows. Plus, it's not like Raylan is trying to save her anymore, so why not put her loyalties in the man that stands by her? But watching Ava slap a prostitute, establishing her authority as the one in charge, is something new indeed. It's in stark contrast to the Ava introduced at the beginning of Justified, and giving the dynamic growth we've seen in her already, it will be exciting to see where the characters goes next.

The only bad guy that gets what they deserve in "Slaughterhouse" is Quarles, when Limehouse chops off his arm and Quarles bleeds out. The cool thing about Justified is that recurring characters come back over and over again. Quarles has a full arc this season, and doesn't have any other place to really go on the series, anyway. By contrast, Boyd has no shortage of avenues he can take next, and Limehouse, introduced this year, will also likely remain a big player in future stories. Plus, viewers now know that Johnny (David Meunier) is betraying Boyd to Limehouse, so there's another war building. Justified finds just the right balance between stopping the criminals, and leaving some out to cause further mischief.

Awesome finale! Justified airs on FX.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To catch up on episodes or buy DVDS of Justified, please go to amazon.com.

Californication goes to Hell and back

Showtime's Californication ends its fifth season with "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be." Hank (David Duchovny) envisions himself in Hell, which is a bar where his deceased pal, Lew Ashby (Callum Keith Rennie), is the bartender. Waking up, Hank spends his day fixing everyone's problems, as, for once, he is the one who has his life together. And by helping others, Hank begins to be right with them, these people he is preparing to leave in the previous episode. Unfortunately, before Hank can get to his happy ending with Karen (Natascha McElhone), Carrie (Natalie Zea) shows up and drugs him.

Why is Lew the bartender in Hank's vision of Hell? Does Hank really think he's destined to go to the place below, considering how good he's been lately? Or does Hank still see himself as that bad boy that hangs out with Lew, a time in his life where Hank is near rock bottom? It's an interesting and cryptic look inside of Hank's head.

Luckily, Hank's life is not so chaotic anymore. He is back together with Karen, the love of his life, now that she is splitting from her husband, Bates (Jason Beghe), who gives his blessing to the reunion. Hank's daughter, Becca (Madeleine Martin), no longer hates him. What's more, Hank might have even gotten through to Tyler (Scott Michael Foster), Becca's loser fiancé. And Charlie (Evan Handler), Hank's best friend, who is on the outs with Hank, takes a bullet for him. So it looks like life can't get any better for wayward protagonist.

The thing is, how will Carrie screw this up for him? For once, any trouble Hank is in is not his fault. Sure, one can argue that Hank shouldn't have hooked up with Carrie in the first place. But Hank has done more than enough to make up for that mistake. Any actions that Carrie takes now are her own fault, not to be blamed on Hank.

Will Karen forgive Hank for a drugged indiscretion with Carrie? It truly will not be Hank's decision to do anything. In fact, Hank sees Heaven in that moment, and his Heaven includes Karen. Surely Karen will understand this and view Hank as a victim. Right?

Things look good for Charlie in the end, too. His son is talking, and considering who the parents are, "blow job" is an acceptable first word. Marcy (Pamela Adlon) is leaving Stu (Stephen Tobolowsky), and is by Charlie's side at the end of "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be." So hopefully Hank and Karen won't be the only reunited couple.

Season five of Californication is depressing because things are so screwed up for all of the characters through most of the episodes, instead of just for Hank, the usual formula. In fact, Hank has his best year yet, in terms of staying on the right path. But with a sixth season ordered, and the finale ending in a bright place (save the Carrie drama), could next year finally bring a happy ending? Can't wait to find out!

Californication airs on Showtime.

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A 'Guy Walks Into a Bar' on Justified

FX's Justified starts building towards a climatic finale this week with "A Guy Walks Into a Bar." Boyd (Walton Goggins) outsmarts Quarles (Neal McDonough), using a legal loophole to get his pick for sheriff into office. Quarles does not take it well, getting high and threatening Raylan (Timothy Olyphant). Raylan is ready for a showdown with Quarles, but the bartender, Lindsey (Jenn Lyon), diffuses the situation, earning her a place in Raylan's bed. Coming out of the confrontation, Quarles gets reckless with his life, and Raylan gets reckless in court, telling Judge Reardon (Stephen Root) to go ahead and free Dickie Bennett (Jeremy Davies). The judge reluctantly complies.

Last year, Margo Martindale won an Emmy for her fantastic recurring role as the villain in season two of Justified. Up 'til now, McDonough has been interesting, but has not risen to her level. "A Guy Walks Into a Bar" changes all that, allowing McDonough to relish the dark depths and borderline insanity of his character. Whether telling the tale of how he killed his drug-addicted father, who sold a child Quarles into sexual slavery, or facing down two men wielding guns with no seeming care for his own life, this is a new, desperate Quarles. McDonough expertly lets the inner feelings bubble to the surface in a tour de force performance, certainly putting him on the short list come awards season.

Raylan is also heading towards self-destruction. After Winona (Natalie Zea) leaves him, he appears to be itching for a fight, an urge that is growing within him every week. He won't be able to ignore it much longer. It may be a natural reaction for Raylan to deal with his sadness, but it's not a healthy one. Moving in above a bar and setting himself up in Quarles's path are not good signs of mental stability. Raylan can usually handle himself in any situation, and he shows the 'cool' factor that makes his character so great in his stand off with Quarles this week. But he also lets Dickie out, seemingly just so he can stage some kind of altercation again, and possibly kill Dickie this time.

Catching Dickie just might be something Raylan is not prepared for. Dickie has also crossed the ruthless, creepy Limestone (Mykelti Williamson). The best case scenario for the marshal may be that Limestone murders Dickie quickly and quietly. Should Raylan insert himself in the middle of their situation, and find Limestone backed by his gang, it's hard to imagine how the lone lawman could come out ahead. Raylan does better with one-on-one, or even two-on-one, battles.

The wild card here is Boyd. Boyd is the one that bested Quarles, even though Quarles's rage now seems pointed mainly at Raylan. Boyd also has dealings with Limestone, and would like to see Dickie dead. Not to mention Boyd's past with Raylan. Fully back in the criminal world, Boyd is the one with connections to everyone, but it's uncertain whether he is more valuable alive or dead to any given party. Or how his self-preservation instinct will balance with his business sense.

Also, if it's apparent that Quarles is about to go down, look for Wynn Duffy (Jere Burns) to switch sides or flee, which could lead to another unexpected game-changer.

Justified was just recently picked up for a fourth year. It continues its excellent third season run Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To catch up on episodes or buy DVDS of Justified, please go to amazon.com

Californication takes "JFK to LAX"

     Roughly three years have passed in the world of Showtime's Californication as the series returns for a fifth season with "JFK to LAX." Hank (David Duchovny) breaks up with his girlfriend of a year, Carrie (Natalie Zea, Justified) when she wants to get serious. Then he flees on a plane to LA, meeting a charming young lady named Kali (Meagan Good) along the way. What Hank doesn't realize until later is that Kali is already spoken for by the rapper Samurai Apocalypse (RZA, Blade: Trinity) who'd like to hire Hank to write a movie.

     Isn't this always the way of Californication? Hank doesn't intend to get into trouble, but it just happens. And he doesn't set out to hook up with non-single girls, but they are attracted to him like teen girls to cell phones. Or to Hank, for that matter. Thirty minutes into the new season, with everyone else starting fresh, Hank is right back as he started, in the same types of situations, which will surely end badly, as they always do.

     It's a good thing others have moved on in "JFK to LAX." Charlie Runkle (Evan Handler) seems at peace with ex-wife Marcy (Pamela Adlon), who is experiencing a sexual renaissance with Stu Baggs (Stephen Tobolowsky). It might help that she gave Charlie a son, Stuart (Quin and Reed Baron), though at two and a half, the son isn't talking yet. It also might help that Charlie finally brings is 100th girl! Both Charlie and Marcy have no shame in flaunting their sexual activities in front of Hank, a sign that they are in a good place.

     Karen (Natascha McElhone), too, has moved on, remarried and living happily with Richard (Jason Beghe). Hank seems happy enough for them, considering he likes how Richard treats Hank's daughter, Becca (Madeleine Martin), though Karen being married hasn't stopped Hank in the past from going after her. The difference here, though, from season one is that Karen doesn't appear to want Hank to continue to pursue her. So she has moved on without Hank, and that is, indeed, a big shake up in the ways of Californication.

     Speaking of Becca, she is on a path one might never think to see her on in "JFK to LAX:" she is dating an older boy named Tyler (Scott Michael Foster, Greek) who is just like her father. Shouldn't Becca have learned her lesson after watching all of the bad things that happen to Hank? True, girls to often idolize their dads, and look for someone like them. But in this case, it's a shame that Becca falls into that trap. Hank is essentially a good man, but he is wrong for any girl. And because viewers aren't familiar with and charmed by Tyler, this outsider view does not look good for poor Becca.

     In short, the hook of season five will be how does Hank cope with everyone he loves having moved on and found their happiness? Where does he go when he is no longer surrounded by tortured souls? Considering he spends the past three years in New York, away from these people, perhaps it's his fault that they were in bad places originally, and without him, they are better off. Except for Becca. Hank really must find a way to give his daughter a wake up call.

     Watch Californication Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on Showtime.

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Person of Interest has some interesting persons

     CBS's newest drama is Person of Interest, which comes from J.J. Abrams's production company. John Reese (James Caviezel, The Passion of the Christ, The Prisoner), a former special forces soldier, lost the woman he loved, so now he rides the subway and drinks a lot, looking like a bum. After being picked up by Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson, Boston Legal, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Reese is recruited by Mr. Finch (Michael Emerson, Lost).

     Finch developed a complex tracking system to determine when crime is going to happen. The government uses it to find terrorists, but Finch builds himself a back door, and gets social security numbers of people about to be involved in something bad, non-terrorist related. These people may be criminals or victims, and Finch would like Reese to help him track them down and stop the bad thing from happening. Reese reluctantly agrees, and convinces a dirty cop with redeeming qualities named Fusco (Kevin Chapman) to be his man on the inside.

     Yes, Person of Interest is a crime procedural, but it's a damn good one, far better than the tons currently polluting the airwaves. One reason is the concept of the super computer that can warn of future events, but many crime shows have unique hooks. Another is the editing that often makes bits appear to come from various cameras, but again, that isn't the whole story. What raises Person of Interest to a whole other level, one that will make it a fantastic series, is the writing and the acting. With a movie-quality cast, and intense sequences that one would expect from film, there is a cinematic quality and weight to the proceedings. Maintained week after week, this could signal a whole new type of procedural.

     The two main characters are both interesting men, with tragic back stories. While Finch remains mostly a mystery, there is a reason he is haunted by the crimes he could prevent, but doesn't. Reese needs a purpose. Though they both understand they will likely die during one of their cases, they don't care. They both need a reason to live, and this gives them one.

     Another positive is that J.J. Abrams is involved. Not all of Abrams's shows run for years, but he's not made a bad one. Remember a unique little procedural called Fringe? It sure didn't stay static for long, and hopefully Person of Interest will not either. Of course, it is on CBS, a network renowned for crappy, same-thing-every-week, crime series. But even if Person of Interest stays in a case of the week format, the talent involved will raise it befor the standard fare.

     In the first episode alone, the show proves its mettle. Reese and Finch follow an assistant district attorney (Natalie Zea, Justified). They assume that she will soon be attacked by a corrupt group based on a case she is working on. Given Zea's usual roles, and the manner in which she plays this part, that seems safe. So when Reese discovers she is the ring leader behind the bad guy gang, it's a shocker. It shouldn't be, given the reminder that the person of interest could be victim or perp, but it is.

     Person of Interest is definitely worth your time. Watch it Thursdays at 9 p.m.ET on CBS.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Justifed ends in "Bloody Harlan"

     FX's Justified ends season two with "Bloody Harlan," which has a lot of death, and no shortage of action. All of the various plot threads come to a head, and tie up nicely, without much cliffhanger. The feud between the Bennetts and Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) explodes in a big way, with each group doing damage to the other. Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) risks his life and his relationship with Winona (Natalie Zea) to try to save Loretta (the unexpectedly very talented Kaitlyn Dever), who rushes straight into the hornet's nest on her quest for revenge. Art (Nick Searcy) must decide whether to stick his neck out for Raylan, or truly write him off.

     This season's baddies, the Bennett clan, will be sorely missed when the series returns for a third run. They are complicated and interesting. They're willing to engage in some wicked things to protect their family. They have morals that are tightly followed, but loosely defined. Plus, they are all portrayed be stellar actors.

     Coover (Brad William Henke) is first out, killed by Raylan weeks ago. The dumbest and least rational of the group, that makes sense. Doyle (Joseph Lyle Taylor), the cop, is a more tragic story, as he is ready to go straight. His family is switching to all-legal income, and will be moving away from crime and gang violence. Yet, Doyle is still enmeshed in illicit activity when Raylan finds him, and protecting his crooked kin earns him a bullet in the head. Dickie (Jeremy Davies), who is the baddest of the bunch, ends up in jail. Too bad he and Doyle could not have switched fates, as that would be a cheerier ending.

     The matriarch, Mags (the amazing Margo Martindale - give her an Emmy already!), is always the best, though. She is willing to kill, and also willing to sell out her neighbors, if it benefits her family. Her dream is to help Doyle's kids have a nice, clean life, but she takes what she thinks is the easy way navigating through it, by engaging in dark affairs to give them the seed money needed to start. This is her fatal mistake.

     Mags's final showdown with Loretta may be the single best non Raylan-centric scene in Justified yet. Loretta knows that Mags killed her father, and forces a confession out of her with a gun. She even shoots Mags in the leg. But as Mags is staring back at the teenager, there is a real moment of raw emotion between them. Mags cares very deeply for Loretta, at least as much as Loretta hates Mags. While Mags may fear for her life, there is just as much concern for Loretta's soul as Mags advises her not to finish the job. Mags wants Loretta to have a better life, much like she hopes for Doyle's family. Killing someone would be an act that would forever steal Loretta's innocence and goodness. I wouldn't go so far as to say Raylan is intruding in the confrontation, but his absence in the scene would have taken away nothing. 

     Justified loves playing with shades of grey, and both Loretta and Mags embody that wonderfully. While Loretta may have been justified (he he) in killing Mags, she made the right decision to not do it. But Mags also knows her time is up anyway, and so with a real sense of poetic justice, she offs herself the same way she killed Loretta's father - a poisioned glass of moonshine.

     Boyd has toed the line between rebel and do-gooder for two seasons. He seems to be leaning towards the former, as he does a splendid job in murdering almost all of the men the Bennetts send after him. Boyd is smart, at least as smart as Mags. Sure, she only agrees to meet with him to distract him, but he knows that, and is ready for her. With the Bennetts out of the picture, Boyd should have little trouble running Harland County next year.

     It's too bad that Boyd is going the way of a villain. He could make quite a nice partner for Raylan, even in an unofficial capacity. The two seem to have an understanding now, and do their best, especially on Boyd's end, to stay out of each other's way. Boyd will not provoke Raylan, but given the path he is on, sooner or later Raylan will have to take him out for good. Raylan may have taken pleasure in that before, but by the time it happens, I doubt either will enjoy the conclusion.

     Even more of a reason for Boyd to go over to the dark side is that Dickie manages to shoot Ava (Joelle Carter) during the fire fight. Ava has been portrayed as a good girl for the most part, but she keeps some seedy company, and always has. She knows what she is getting into by being with Boyd. Considering who her former husband was, she is right in thinking she has found a better version of him. Boyd has his faults, but he also doesn't usually shed unnecessary blood, and he has stood by Raylan when Raylan really needs him.

     The only real unanswered question in this episode is, did Ava survive the gunshot? Carter's twitter feed suggests that she did not, though she quickly backtracked. At this early stage in the game, the writers and producers may not even know if they will include her or not. She certainly doesn't have a whole lot to do this season, but neither do other main characters, like Tim (Jacob Pitts) and Rachel (Erica Tazel). Each of the Bennetts have more plot than the three combined. It begs the question, is Ava necessary?

     Raylan is at a crossroads as this episode comes to an end. He has gotten serious again with Winona, and they have a baby on the way. Yet, she said she may not be there for him when he gets home, since he follows Loretta against her wishes. Winona can be a truly selfish person, and not letting Raylan go save a young, teenage girl that needs him is not her best side.

     Should Raylan have chosen Winona? In a way he did, asking Art for a transfer so that he can have a stable job, not one where he routinely risks his life. But Loretta is facing an immediate threat, and Raylan has an established a responsibility for her. Winona needs to understand that. Perhaps she is thinking of her baby growing up without a father, but had Raylan died, his death would have been noble. It is a debatable point, but she should have let him have this one last mission before taming the beast.

     Art, on the other hand, has already written Raylan off before Winona comes to him for help (her parting gift?). She is able to convince Art to go to Harlan, and he and the other marshals, as well as various other law enforcement officers, swoop in and save Raylan's hide. Does this mean that Art has forgiven Raylan? Or did he just see the nobility in saving Loretta's life?

     The series would suffer mightily if Raylan left the Marshal's office, so it looks likely that Art and Raylan will find a way to move past this. What their relationship will be like going forward is anyone's guess, as it is strained and tested repeatedly this year. Winona is a major source of that strife, so if she leaves, that may help patch up Raylan and his boss. But as long as there is a working relationship, things will go on as they have been.


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     Justified has already been renewed for season three, and will return next year on FX.

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Article first published as TV Review: Justified - "Bloody Harlan" on Blogcritics.