Unveiling the Untold Brilliance: Why Boyd Crowder Is Irreplaceable in City Primeval

Warning: Spoilers for Justified: City Primeval below!

Summary

City Primeval demonstrates that the series has evolved beyond Boyd Crowder, highlighting the fact that his presence is not essential for its progression. The absence of explicit connections to the original show in City Primeval enables newcomers to fully enjoy the miniseries without any prior understanding of Justified.

While a return for Boyd is possible, it would require a compelling narrative to avoid undermining the powerful final scene shared between him and Givens.

Justified: City Primeval demonstrates how the show has evolved beyond Boyd Crowder, the beloved villain portrayed by Walton Goggins. Adapted from Elmore Leonard's renowned novella Fire in the Hole, Justified follows U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens as he returns to his hometown and confronts his former coal mining associate Boyd Crowder. Although the pilot initially intended to kill off Boyd with Givens' shot, the possibility of his return remains open.

Justified: City Primeval Confirms Boyd's Story Is Done

Despite this, Goggins' outstanding performance was highly praised by test audiences, leading the showrunners to make the decision to keep Crowder alive. While Justified was originally designed to revolve around Raylan's narrative, Goggins' elevation to a main cast member in season 2 transformed the show into more of a duo dynamic. Even though Boyd was initially portrayed as a villain, Goggins' portrayal added layers of charm, humor, and likability to the character. The confirmation that Goggins' Boyd would not be returning for Justified: City Primeval sparked disappointment among fans, but the miniseries serves as a clear indicator that the show has progressed beyond his character.

City Primeval is a captivating adaptation of Leonard's novel, seamlessly replacing the original protagonist, Raymond Cruz, with the charismatic Raylan. Set in Detroit, the narrative unfolds as Raylan becomes entangled in a murder case, centering around the notorious criminal Clement Mansell (also known as "The Oklahoma Wildman"), portrayed by the talented Boyd Holbrook. As the investigation progresses, the stakes heighten, and the personal involvement intensifies. However, any concerns regarding the potential loss of the essence of the original series are swiftly dispelled, as City Primeval effortlessly transports Givens into a fresh backdrop with a captivating new ensemble, while impeccably retaining the distinct tone that made Justified a beloved show.

One of the greatest aspects of Justified: City Primeval is its complete detachment from the original show. Newcomers can easily enjoy the miniseries without any prior knowledge of Justified, as there are only a few subtle references. Being based on one of Leonard's finest novels, a book that even Tarantino contemplated adapting, it's no surprise that characters like Aunjanue Ellis' Carolyn Wilder are just as well-developed and captivating as those from the original series.

Although Boyd was undeniably integral to Justified's success, City Primeval doesn't suffer from his absence. The sixth season of Justified provided a satisfying conclusion to Boyd's character, showcasing that despite his charm, he was ultimately a delusional killer. Wrapping up Boyd's storyline was the ideal way to conclude the original series, as it marked the end of that chapter in Raylan's life as well. Bringing back Boyd for the revival, regardless of audience desires, would have felt disingenuous.

There Is No Room For Boyd In City Primeval

Boyd's presence in Justified: City Primeval was highly unlikely. Despite his involvement in the Detroit crime scene, his influence mainly resided in Harlan County, Kentucky. In the series finale of Justified, it was revealed that Boyd had embraced Christianity and was serving a life sentence. Considering the extensive destruction he caused in season 6, the chances of him being released in the subsequent years were close to none.

While it could have been possible for City Primeval to squeeze in a brief appearance by having Raylan visit Boyd in prison due to their Detroit connections, it would have appeared forced and contrived. Mansell, portrayed by Holbrook, serves as a captivating new antagonist for Raylan in the sequel show, and it is refreshing that the series is deviating from the original's formula.

Is A Walton Goggins Justified Return Even Possible?

City Primeval is evidence that the series can continue without Boyd, but it doesn't mean that a future return is impossible. Olyphant has confirmed the possibility of future revivals, and a revival that brings Raylan back to his hometown in Kentucky would be a significant event. While it may be challenging to explain Boyd's release from prison, the showrunners could certainly come up with a plausible excuse if they desired to reunite Raylan and Boyd.

City Primeval has received mostly positive reviews and has been successful in terms of ratings. Therefore, there is a good chance that Raylan could return for another miniseries. However, as demonstrated by City Primeval, it would be better to place the character in a new setting rather than recycling what has already been done. If Boyd were to make a comeback, it would risk undoing the impactful final scene between him and Givens, where their complex friendship was beautifully encapsulated by the line "We dug coal together."

A potential return for Boyd is not out of the question, as long as there is a compelling story fueling it. However, if such a storyline is lacking, it is advisable to leave the character where he currently stands. The TV series Justified: City Primeval serves as evidence that there are still numerous possibilities to explore with Marshal Raylan Givens, and that relocating him to new environments is the optimal approach for maintaining the show's vitality.