Country of origin United States Original network FX | No. of episodes 13 | |
Original release January 8 (2013-01-08) – April 2, 2013 (2013-04-02) | ||
The fourth season of the American television drama series Justified premiered on January 8, 2013, on FX, and concluded on April 2, 2013, consisting of 13 episodes. The series was developed by Graham Yost based on Elmore Leonard's novels Pronto and Riding the Rap and his short story "Fire in the Hole". Its main character is Raylan Givens, a deputy U.S. Marshal. Timothy Olyphant portrays Givens, a tough federal lawman, enforcing his own brand of justice in his Kentucky hometown. The series is set in the city of Lexington, Kentucky, and the hill country of eastern Kentucky, specifically in and around Harlan.
Contents
Plot
Season four is about a mystery, left unsolved for 30 years. On January 21, 1983, a man wearing a defective parachute plummets onto a residential street in Corbin, Kentucky, dying instantly. His body is surrounded by bags full of cocaine and his name is Drew Thompson. Raylan discovers a mystery when a vintage diplomatic bag is found hidden at Arlo's house containing only a driver's license in the name of Waldo Truth. Further investigation reveals that the parachutist was actually Waldo Truth, and that Drew Thompson may still be alive, but Arlo refuses to divulge any information. As the investigation continues to unfold, information is revealed that could lead to the arrest of a major mafia figure. Raylan is now living above a bar and attempting to stash extra money away to provide for his unborn child and is in a questionable relationship with the bartender, Lindsey Salazar. Meanwhile, Boyd Crowder seeks to expand his empire with help from an old army buddy Colton "Colt" Rhodes (Ron Eldard). However, his efforts are complicated by the arrival of a snake-handling revival preacher named Billy St. Cyr (Joe Mazzello). Billy's success is cutting into Boyd's profits, as his users and dealers are getting hooked on faith instead of drugs. At the same time, his cousin Johnny (David Meunier) grows ever more resentful of Boyd's success and plans to betray him to Wynn Duffy. Meanwhile, Boyd's ambition has him force a deal with Duffy that involves Boyd in chasing down leads in the same parachutist mystery, eventually bringing Boyd to an unexpected crossroads that threatens his personal or professional destruction.
Main cast
Production
The fourth season of 13 episodes was announced on March 6, 2012.
Filming
Episodes were shot in California. The small town of Green Valley, California often doubles for Harlan, Kentucky.
Reception
The fourth season saw critical acclaim. Tom Gliatto of People Weekly praised this season, writing: "What gives the show its kick is the gleefully childish lack of repentance shown by most of these rascals—countered by Olyphant's coolly amused control." Verne Gay of Newsday praised this season also, writing: "Character—as the old saying goes—is a long-standing habit, and their habits remain very much intact. The same could be said of Justified.", and Chuck Bowen of Slant Magazine praised this season, writing: "Justified is the strongest, liveliest, and most tonally accurate adaptation of the writer's work to date, and the latest season bracingly suggests that isn't likely to change anytime soon."
Ratings
The fourth season averaged 2.434 million viewers and a 0.9 rating in the 18–49 demographic.
Home media release
The fourth season was released on Blu-ray and DVD in region 1 on December 17, 2013, in region 2 on August 12, 2013, and in region 4 on August 8, 2013. Special features on the season four set include ten audio commentaries by cast and crew, deleted scenes, five behind-the-scenes featurettes, and outtakes.