Timothy Olyphant Stole the Show in Damages Before Justified

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Looking back at Timothy Olyphant‘s career, it’s clear his work in Westerns really put him on the map. Playing Raylan Givens absolutely made him a household name and, for a little while, it felt like FX could do no wrong. But if you dig a bit deeper, you’ll find a truly fascinating performance in the criminally overlooked series Damages – it didn’t reach the same iconic status, but it was arguably even more captivating.

Timothy Olyphant’s role in the second season of Damages was a departure from his usual charismatic characters. He played a deeply troubled man burdened by grief, without relying on his typical charm or any recognizable lawman persona. Though memorable, his time on Damages has largely been overshadowed by his later success in Justified.

Before Raylan Givens, Timothy Olyphant Played Against Type

I went into Deadwood knowing Seth Bullock was a character to watch. Timothy Olyphant absolutely nailed the role – he brought this incredible, simmering intensity to it. Bullock wasn’t a simple good guy; he was wonderfully complex, with a temper that felt like it could explode at any moment. He wasn’t always someone you’d like, exactly, but you definitely wanted him on your side – he just commanded respect and power in every scene.

Timothy Olyphant often played characters who dramatically changed a situation simply by entering it. Even with imperfections, these characters naturally commanded respect, and that’s what audiences and those casting him consistently anticipated and appreciated.

The show Damages took a unique approach. Unlike many of his other characters, Olyphant’s character, Wes Krulik, isn’t introduced as someone strong and determined. He appears lost and vulnerable, and he doesn’t have anyone to rely on.

Timothy Olyphant brilliantly challenged viewers’ expectations with his portrayal of Wes. Rather than being a commanding presence, Wes subtly throws conversations off balance. This role came right before Olyphant gave what many consider his most confident performance yet.

Why Olyphant’s Damages Character Is So Unsettling

Wes often appears as someone offering support to others who are grieving, which initially makes him seem open and sensitive. However, despite this, the audience doesn’t get to know much about his own personal story. Details about his life and feelings remain unclear, and while we see he’s struggling with sadness, the source of his grief isn’t fully revealed.

He carefully chose his words as he spoke, trying to find the way to share the least amount of personal information. He considered briefly opening up to someone, enough to pique their interest, but then quickly shutting down before revealing too much.

This is especially clear in how Wes interacts with Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne). They initially connect through their shared experiences and the close setting of therapy, with Wes seeming to see her as someone who truly gets him. However, even early on, there’s something slightly off about his feelings for her.

Throughout the second season, Wes and Ellen have an on-again, off-again relationship that becomes more and more difficult for both of them. They’re constantly walking on eggshells, and their connection never feels secure. Olyphant portrays Wes as someone who desperately wants a meaningful connection but is afraid of ruining things by reaching for it.

Season 3 finally explains what drives Wes, but his connection with Ellen remains a mystery. Because he was in fewer episodes, their relationship faded without a satisfying conclusion. Looking back, his role in Damages isn’t just a small part of his career – it feels like a key moment where he showed a willingness to play vulnerable characters, even if they’re uncomfortable to watch.

Justified and Damages Changed FX

The series Damages appeared at a crucial moment for the network, helping to define its future direction. It also started to develop a distinctly dark and moody style. The show’s world turned out to be a perfect fit for actor Timothy Olyphant. Though Damages was a relatively small role in his career, it established him as a leading man in the type of shows FX was aiming to produce.

Many people thought Glenn Close was a natural fit for the part in Justified, and her performance there is truly memorable. However, her work on Damages showed a different side of her talent. That role demonstrated her ability to completely transform into a character, embracing complexity and trusting that even smaller moments could be incredibly powerful.

The team at FX recognized this need and found an actor who could skillfully portray complex emotions and allow moments to unfold naturally. This actor was particularly good at showing characters who weren’t simply good or bad, bringing nuance to their performance.

An Overlooked Performance That Deserves Rediscovery

It’s common for an actor’s most famous roles to make earlier, smaller parts seem less significant. When you think of someone known for characters like Raylan Givens or from a show like Deadwood, a brief appearance on a show like Damages might not even register – and that’s perfectly understandable. It doesn’t diminish the performance, it just gets lost in the shadow of bigger successes.

It’s really a shame things turned out the way they did, because Wes Krulik is such a complex and interesting character. Watching Timothy Olyphant play him, you totally get why he did everything he did – it’s clear he always put a lot of thought into his choices. He wasn’t always the main focus, but you can tell how much he cared about everything going on.

Wes is a character defined by his lack of self-assurance, control, and presence. In contrast, Raylan naturally takes charge of any room he enters. This calm and commanding personality isn’t innate; it’s built up over time, masking the underlying vulnerability and unpredictable nature previously shown in his role on Damages.

The character is strikingly unsentimental, a refreshing change. He doesn’t fit the typical romantic mold; his sadness isn’t poetic or graceful. Instead, it’s raw, uncomfortable, and sometimes upsetting. He’s simply a deeply damaged and pained person.

This adds a layer of genuine realism to the performance. It’s particularly well-suited to the show Damages, which thrives on awkwardness and unresolved emotional conflicts. Everything feels more impactful because of it. Even though his character’s arc is brief, every scene feels meaningful.

Raylan Givens quickly became a popular character after appearing in Justified. This is quite a change from his earlier role in Damages.

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2026-01-12 02:09