Calling the main character of a series “A law enforcement officer who doesn’t play by the rules” can sum up the lead role of so many cop shows. A renegade who takes justice into his (or her, but statistically, his) hands, but it all works out because of a strong moral character. It’s a classic, but it’s a classic for a reason: rooting for the good guy even in the face of others not believing in him is one of the most enduring narrative devices of all time.
But in 2010, amid one of the best ages for TV ever, one series took this tired formula and breathed new life into it not through a new twist on the premise but simply by carefully crafting perfectly honed characters and a compelling story. And in doing so, Justified quietly changed the cop show game forever.
