Fargo The Series: A Winning Adaptation?

By Brian Frosti on June 26, 2014

Image via hiddenremote.com

Joel and Ethan Coen are one of the most successful filmmaking teams of all time. The pair has won 4 Oscars in addition to 9 other nominations. They’ve produced such critical hits as “No Country for Old Men,” “True Grit,” “The Big Lebowski” and most recently “Inside Llewyn Davis.” It seems everything these brothers touch turns to gold, and apparently that includes everything they inspire.

Back in 1996 the duo won their first Oscar for “Fargo.” Their tale of big trouble in small town North Dakota remains one of the best written and most unique movies ever produced. The film has been preserved in the Library of Congress and now receives new life with an FX series of the same name. This series stars Martin Freeman (“Sherlock”), Billy Bob Thorton (“Armageddon”), Colin Hanks (“King Kong”) and relative newcomer Allison Tolman in a crime drama as inventive and enjoyable as the film it’s based upon.

The series, which takes place in the same universe as “Fargo” the movie, follows the denizens of Bemidji, Minnesota as they have their town thrown into chaos by the appearance of drifter/hitman Lorne Malvo (Thorton). Malvo is the epitome of evil and it doesn’t take any more than a chance encounter with cowardly insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Freeman) for him to sow death and chaos into the quiet town. Events soon spiral out of control with three murders (in the pilot alone) and several games of cat and mouse as everyone searches for the truth.

“Fargo” from writer/creator Noah Hawley (“Bones”) achieves perfection in capturing the spirit of the Coen Brother’s film. The series is dark and twisted, suspenseful and intriguing, while sometimes being downright hilarious. Anyone watching can’t help but feel re-immersed in Joel and Ethan Coen’s story.

This time around the action is bigger, the cast even stronger (which is saying something since the movie’s cast had two Oscar noms, including winner Frances McDormand), and the twists even more surprising. The “Fargo” television series is the rare “sequel” that improves upon the original in every way.

Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thorton in “Fargo”
Image via hypable.com

The series is often unpredictable while still managing to follow what you would expect from the movie, or any Coen Brothers film for that matter, as Hawley has stated he took inspiration from “No Country for Old Men” as well. The story is driven by its excellent characters who manage to expertly walk the line between realism and the ridiculousness of the world of “Fargo.”

However, as great as the writing is, it’s the performances that really bring the story to life. Martin Freeman gives an award-worthy performance as Lester Nygaard. His character’s growth and reactions to the events of the story are the core of the series. But he doesn’t carry the story alone.

His performance is equaled, perhaps even surpassed, by that of Billy Bob Thorton. From the get-go I was captivated by Malvo–his raw intimidation and chilling monologues make him one of the most enjoyable villains on any series or movie I’ve ever seen.

The principle cast is rounded out by Colin Hanks as Gus Grimly, who serves as a great foil for Lester, and Allison Tolman as Molly Solverson. The pair forms the emotional heart of the series as well as provides the audience with solid protagonists to root for.

In addition to the series’ four stars, “Fargo” features many talented actors in supporting roles. Bob Odenkirk (“Breaking Bad”) owns his performance as a police chief unwilling/unable to deal with the sudden murder spree in his quiet town and Keith Carradine (“Cowboys & Aliens”) is impressively stoic as Molly’s father.

Though, the most fun supporting characters are two separate pairs of partners. Adam Goldberg (“Saving Private Ryan”) and Russell Harvard (“There Will Be Blood”) are equal parts hilarious and terrifying as the hitmen Mr. Numbers and the deaf Mr. Wrench, and Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele (of Comedy Central’s “Key & Peele”) are scene stealers as FBI Agents Pepper and Bulge. I could go on, but there are just too many talented actors and actresses to name. In short, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better cast on television.

The series has only been around for 10 episodes, with the finale airing this past week, but already has left a lasting impression. No show has killed off more characters in more spectacular fashion, besides HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” but just making that comparison should tell you all you need to know about the “Fargo” script.

Adam Goldberg, Martin Freeman, and Russell Harvard in “Fargo”
Image via mprnews.org

You may not have heard of it before now, but this won’t be the last time this show is in the news. Look for best writing and lead and supporting actor nominations (for Freeman and Thorton) when the next Emmys and Golden Globes roll around.

That being said, the series’ future is up in the air. Hawley has made no commitments about writing a second season, though he hasn’t been shy about how much he’s loved working on the series. Should the show return it’s unclear which characters will come back and in what capacity. The series’ cast could return as their current characters or new ones, as the show has been envisioned as an “American Horror Story” style anthology.

Whatever the future holds there’s no denying that “Fargo” is an undeniable hit and shouldn’t be missed by fans of the movie, or by anyone for that matter. The fabulous cast, incredible plot twists and perfect tone make the “Fargo” television series one of the best around.

Below is the trailer for season one of “Fargo” and for anyone finished with the series, here is a very revealing interview with Noah Hawley.

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