When Fargo premiered on Tuesday, it had a fantastic obstacle to avoid; being the film from which its inspiration comes. When Fargo the movie was released nearly twenty years ago, it was received as an immensely original and entertaining black-comedy crime film. It would go on to receive numerous nominations and awards, including being selected to the National Film Registry as it is deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress. Surely, such a large shadow would cast some doubt over a television adaptation. Yet, with the Coen Brothers, the directors of the original film executive producing, it is anything but in the shadow. For an exceedingly black-comedy, it serves as a very bright ray of light through television’s generally bleak programming.
It opens, like the film, stating that it is based on a true story. As was the case with the film, this is simply a narrative piece and is in no way (or at least barely) factual in the slightest. Martin Freeman (The Hobbit,Sherlock) plays Lester, an Insurance Salesman who is on a rough streak. His marriage is on the rocks and a high school bully relentlessly pursues him. Needless to say, he has reached his breaking point. It is at this point that he meets Lorne, played by Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade, Bad Santa). Lorne is a mysterious man, who could easily be labeled as a hitman. We know nothing of his past or present, except that he is on an “assignment”. Lester unknowingly has the bully killed by Lorne. It is at this point that Martin Freeman’s talents really shine through. His British accent is entirely vacated throughout, but it is in the mannerisms and shouts that the Minnesota Sing Song accent takes over. It is a grand performance.
The rest of the cast is undeniably astounding. Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad) and Alison Tolman (in only her 4th film/TV appearance) play a very likable duo on the police force that are investigating the death of the bully. Colin Hanks (Orange County, Dexter) and Kate Walsh (Grey’s Anatomy) also give solid performances by actors that are generally slated for more leading roles. It’s entirely possible to believe that such a varied and staunch cast is totally accepting of the fact that they may not get the most screen time because the show itself will be better as a result.
FX is putting as much into this show as they possibly can. Seeing as how Justified has just ended its second to last season, they need another show to take over the 10pm Tuesday slot. Audi was the official sponsor of the episode and granted a full 30 minutes of uninterrupted programming. FX then allowed another 30 minutes extra so as to have a one and a half hour season premiere. That isn’t generally practiced on a show with no previous viewership. Yet, it appears that they know a gem when they have one. FX has always put it out excellent programming in year’s past (Louie, Always Sunny, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, The Americans) so it is not hard to believe that Fargo is soon to be in that category.
It is not essential for one to watch the film before the show; however it would help in understanding the writing, acting and ability to adapt to the accent that many people find utterly annoying. Whatever the case may be, Fargo is sure to deliver week in and week out with its hilarity and vulgarity presented prominently; and at the highest possible level.
Fargo airs Tuesdays at 10pm on FX