Honestly I hated the movie, though it's been a really long time. The humor and accents didn't balance out the violence and lasting feeling of emptiness. Fast forward to 2014 and the show premiered with the Coen Brothers producing, not directing. Set in Minnesota again I gave it a shot and loved it immediately. There were still tough parts to watch, but now it worked for me. Seasons two and three followed in 2015 and 2017, 18+ months between each. I appreciate that they take their time.
Here's how it works. It's an anthology series, where each season is a new story with different characters in a different time, though in the same universe. All that connects s1 to the film is the appearance of a single item. If you haven't seen the film, you won't know. If you have, it's a lightbulb moment. Otherwise, there are repeated themes. Each season's 'main' characters have been a local police officer and someone in over their head. The cop tries to figure the crazy events in an otherwise quiet place. The others get into trouble doing stupid things and coming into contact with scary people with no limits and a penchant for violence. There's usually a link to organized crime. The connections between seasons have been minor, but can be fun.
Here's what makes it work, and makes it good. They've crafted a world and recreated the atmosphere of the movie. The writing is clever and funny and keeps you guessing, resulting in totally crazy moments. My eyes have widened, my jaw has dropped, my fist has pumped. The humor is dark and hilarious and often gross and violent, but not always (still definitely not for everyone). There are redeeming aspects too that the film lacks, including time to explore the family lives of the protagonists, something good and pure in an ocean of bad. Alison Tolman (s1) probably gave the best (cop) lead performance but Patrick Wilson (s2) and Carrie Coon (s3) were great too. Billy Bob Thornton (s1) does pure evil exceptionally well and Martin Freeman (s1) plays very effectively against type. Ewan McGregor (s3) is brilliant as twin brothers going through hell. You really feel sympathy for the people in these awful situations, even if created by their own stupidity and greed. You shouldn't, but you do. Side characters, often played by fantastic actors in bit parts, need appreciation too. 'Wrench and Numbers' have their own theme (now my ringtone).
Posting this for the music at the start, though also wish I could understand the signing here.
Plus on top of it all, the Minnesota stuff. Each season so far takes place in Minnesota, my longtime home. While totally exaggerated, the accents are right on, just like everything else. The show nails how Minnesotans talk to each other, their topics of conversation, and other interactions. Since it's come out since moving away, I thoroughly enjoy it.
Noah Hawley, the creator, has been killing it with both Fargo and Legion (totally weird but also great). Fargo has become one of my favorite shows, maybe the favorite still on air. It helps that I've liked the endings each season far more than the movie. They're not exactly happy, but they satisfy for the most part. I'd say if you like Breaking Bad and appreciate dark humor, give this a try. Stop if you're too disturbed to make it through the first episode.
This was precipitated by season 4 coming out next month, as always on FX. The outing stars Chris Rock and Timothy Olyphant, among others, and I couldn't be more excited. From the trailer, it appears to be less about cops and more about the mob, but regardless I'm in.
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