The 1996 movie Fargo by the Coen brothers, was lauded by critics and audiences alike. People flocked to the theatres to watch this dark comedy that revolved around a kidnapping-gone-wrong.
That’s why when HULU announced that they were producing a series based on the hit, people weren’t convinced that Noah Hawley would be up to the task.
Hawley has managed to prove doubters wrong during its three-season run, producing season after season of riveting crimes, drenched in humor that not only entertains and thrills, but also pays homage to the movie.
1. Quick Review
The series has been produced in an anthology format, with a new story set in a different year and setting each season. Each season consists of a crime in a small town and contains numerous references to the Coen brother’s film.
Like the movie, Fargo depicts the primitive struggle between good and evil in society. It uses the crime as a canvas allowing people from all sections of society to interact. The atmosphere of tension that prevails in the town, combined with the rib-tickling humor, makes Fargo one of the best shows on television.
2. Is It Worth Watching?
Fargo is one of the best shows that does justice to the dark-comedy genre. The show manages to combine murder investigations with hilarious humor. It has won three Golden Globes and has been nominated for countless other Globes and Emmys.
I. Plot
The first season was the closest to the movie, as it gave the viewers a plot filled with references to the film. Making a few adjustments and revisions, this was the perfect formula by Noah Hawley to ensure that fans of the original movie, as well as new fans, discovering his show, come along for an entertaining ride.
The story revolved around a mild-mannered local salesperson who falls under the influence of a violent hitman passing through Bemidji, Minnesota. He pays him to kill his wife, and then the plan quickly goes haywire, as chaos, confusion and comedy reign in the small-town.
Season two was a prequel to the events of the first, in which a couple tries to hide the hit-and-run murder of Rye Gerhardt. Rye is the son of the matriarch of the Gerhardt crime family. As the family attempts to hunt down their beloved’s murderer, local sheriffs investigate a triple homicide linked to Rye.
This season was set in Minnesota as well, and Sheriff Lou Solverson is the Sheriff’s father in the first season, linking the two with each other and the movie. This season also earned awards for its fantastic score and received positive reviews across the board.
The third season featured big names in the cast as the show tried to step away from the shadow of the movie. It followed the lives of a couple Ray and Nikki, as they try to rob Ray’s brother Emmitt. Emmitt is indebted to a shady organization with plans to collect, and a local cop’s grandfather gets caught in the crossfire.
II. Cast & Characters
The anthology format means that every season had a different collection of stars on-screen. The actors have managed to churn out great performances, with every season having had cast members nominated for Best Actor and Actress.
The first season had Martin Freeman playing Lester Nygaard, a character closely resembling William H. Macy’s Jerry Lundegraad from the movie. He had the same nervous demeanor and conspired to kill his wife for the insurance money.
Sheriff Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) was also based on Marge Gunderson from the movies. She was a similar disillusioned small-town cop who doesn’t know that she’s in over her heads and tries to bring justice to her town.
The standout star was Billy Bob Thornton as the violent, manipulative hitman who’s car crash starts the chain of fatal events.
In season two Kirsten Dunst, Patrick Wilson, Jesse Plemons, and Nick Offerman joined the cast and earned multiple nominations for Outstanding Acting.
The third season featured Ewan Mcgregor in a double role, playing brothers Emmit and Ray Stussy. Carrie Coon played Gloria, the dedicated officer trying to solve her stepfather’s murder.
3. Final Thoughts
Fargo has managed to excel in all three seasons producing award-winning performances and a power-packed story full of unexpected twists and wild humor. It is one of the best dramas out there with bits of comedy, murder, gore, and excitement mixed in a heady cocktail.
While some people didn’t like season three because of its slow start, the second half quelled all doubts, with an unexpected twist and a cliff-hanger finale. The series set in three different eras paints a picture of the on-going struggle between good and evil in small towns and innocent citizens’ minds.
A fourth season starring Chris Rock and set in Kansas City was scheduled to be released in April 2020 but has been delayed due to the pandemic. Fargo is one show that you should binge during quarantine as you prepare for the arrival of the latest season.
4. Grade
Story: A
Cinematography/Animation: A-
Acting: A+
Music: A-
Direction: A
No Comments on Fargo Review – Is the HULU Drama Worth Watching?