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Fargo, the new TV series, on FX

Fargo, the new TV series, on FX

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strummergirl
#1Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 4/16/14 at 7:50pm

Fargo, the new TV series, on FX

It premiered last night and it is going to just be a 10 episode anthology and supposedly none more than that. Joel and Ethan Coen have producing credits but the series is entirely in the hands of Noah Hawley, who clearly loves the and respects the original film. It is not based on the film.... exactly. It's apparently based on a true story with names changed or something or other.

There are striking similarities and you can immediately tell who in the TV show represents in the film but it also has something of a prequel feel. It is period. It is in Minnesota. You have this all-star lineup of film and TV actors in it playing up the Minnesota affect to varying degrees of success but what I find remarkable is the show does feel like its own thing. It also, more interestingly, feels like a rebuke of the TV anti-hero cable shows.

Fargo is an ensemble piece but Deputy Molly Solverson (newcomer Allison Tolman), the Marge Gunderson stand-in, and the other cops are clearly people we are rooting for. Lester Nygaard, much like William H. Macy in the film, is almost pathetic but you don't expect him to **go there** in the pilot. It is one of the perks of this being just 10 episodes of TV but also, the very act Lester commits is bone-chilling in how easy he feels in doing it. This is where the rebuke to fan-serviced anti-heroism is felt the most. Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne is intimidating and resourceful, but not yet menacing like a Peter Stormare. He is like a genius, not as pathetic Carl Showalter who gets off on causing minor petty chaos to throw things off. You wonder how far he can take those tricks.

Also want to credit Adam Bernstein for the direction of the pilot. I find the Coens, regardless of what people think of them, to be at a level where it is too hard to trace their style without coming off second-rate. Essentially, only they can really make the movies they make. Bernstein has done mostly TV- from Breaking Bad to Strangers with Candy- andhe has a good eye for details and framing that feel in no need to match the Coens or Roger Deakins but what Hawley has written on the page. That is a welcomed relief.

Anyway, I really like where this show went and had to say so far. The potential broadness and all-star casting (Bob Odenkirk and Keith Carradine don't have too much to do in the first episode, but that cannot be for long) should not fool people into this will be quainter than the film. I am a Coens purist first and foremost so if I get miffed that this will not be the TV phenomenon as True Detective became, please, forgive me. But also note that as a fan of the Coens, I very much approve of the TV series.



Updated On: 4/17/14 at 07:50 PM

Liza's Headband
#2Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 4/16/14 at 8:19pm

I have it saved on my dvr and cannot wait to watch it later this week. Looks very promising.

Between The Bridge, The Americans and several other shows, I think FX has really been on a roll with their original programming. They have greatly improved over the last couple of years.

Eris0303 Profile Photo
Eris0303
#2Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 4/16/14 at 8:54pm

A friend of mine is on the show. I didn't get to watch last night but I will definitely be checking it out soon.


"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".

FindingNamo
#3Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 4/16/14 at 10:35pm

'It's apparently based on a true story with names changed or something or other."

Mmmm-hmmm. Just like the movie was. (winky face!)


Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

dented146 Profile Photo
dented146
#4Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 4/17/14 at 1:38am

It is a lot of fun!

Jungle Red Profile Photo
Jungle Red
#5Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 4/17/14 at 12:16pm

I don't have cable, so will this be on Hulu anytime soon?

strummergirl Profile Photo
strummergirl
#6Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 4/17/14 at 3:28pm

Whether it was true story or not means nothing to me but it opened the show in title cards.

HorseTears Profile Photo
HorseTears
#7Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/8/15 at 4:26am

MINOR S1 SPOILERS AHEAD...

 

I only watched season 1 this summer.  I have to admit, I hadn't seen Fargo, the film, since I was 12 or 13 and had completely forgotten about the similar title card.  It wasn't until Billy Bob's mass shooting scene that I went - DOH - of course this isn't based upon a true story.  

 

Anyway, heads up, everyone, season 2 starts Oct 12 on FX.  And if you haven't seen season 1, it's available on Hulu right now - but hurry - FX can be quite stingy with freemium streaming.  Season 2 trailer here.  I'm not watching it - wanna go in fresh - but looking forward to seeing Jean Smart and Nick Offerman.  

 

(Also, I miss StrummerGirl)

 

Updated On: 10/8/15 at 04:26 AM

Call_me_jorge Profile Photo
Call_me_jorge
#8Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/8/15 at 9:03am

Why did they not have the second season start the last television season? It feels like it's been so long since the first season.


In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound. Signed, Theater Workers for a Ceasefire https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement

EricMontreal22 Profile Photo
EricMontreal22
#9Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/8/15 at 12:26pm

Apparently just scheduling issues.  HBO just took nearly as long a break (17 months) between premiers of season 1 and 2 of The Leftovers

SmoothLover Profile Photo
SmoothLover
#10Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/9/15 at 1:12pm

I cannot wait. I love Patrick Wilson and the casting is great!!! I am sure it will leave American Horror Story Hotel in the dust.

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EricMontreal22
#11Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/9/15 at 5:11pm

They can't really be compared, but... yes, I'm sure it will.

Wilson's character is tied into season 1--and for those who missed it, FX is marathoning all of season one this Sunday.

DAME Profile Photo
DAME
#12Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/9/15 at 9:10pm

It is a extraordinary show.  Those who have not seen it should definitely record the marathon.  


HUSSY POWER! ------ HUSSY POWER!

FindingNamo
#13Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/9/15 at 11:01pm

Not if Patrick Wilson is in it.


Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

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EricMontreal22
#14Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/10/15 at 12:36am

FindingNamo said: "Not if Patrick Wilson is in it.

 

"

You did NOT just say that!

FindingNamo
#15Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/10/15 at 12:38am

I do not like him.  I can't look at him.  


Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

HorseTears Profile Photo
HorseTears
#16Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/10/15 at 1:03am

For Namo.  

FindingNamo
#17Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/10/15 at 1:04am

Caption:  The Worst of All Worlds


Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

Call_me_jorge Profile Photo
Call_me_jorge
#18Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/12/15 at 11:06pm

Did anyone watch the season 2 premiere? I was kind of pissed that it was only an hour long since I waited a year and half for this season to start. And I won't give it anything away, but it wasn't all that exciting. But I think I'm going to have to stick around.


In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound. Signed, Theater Workers for a Ceasefire https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement

FindingNamo
#19Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/12/15 at 11:54pm

Nothing with Patrick Wilson is exciting. No thing. 


Twitter @NamoInExile Instagram none

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haterobics
#20Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/13/15 at 12:27am

Call_me_jorge said: "I was kind of pissed that it was only an hour long"

 

Isn't that a reasonable expectation for an hour-long show?

SmoothLover Profile Photo
SmoothLover
#21Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/13/15 at 2:59am

The tempo of the series is purposeful reflecting the area of the country it takes place in. I was happy that I got home from bingo in time to watch it for it was well done and Patrick Wilson is dreamy. I know many are bitter about his success but I am very happy for him.

Steve C. Profile Photo
Steve C.
#22Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/14/15 at 12:01pm

I just watched this and I thought it was very very good. Of course there was no Billy Bob but but there sure are some interesting alternatives. Jean Smart in just a few scenes has me craving more of her. This Fargo has to pick up its' speed and it will, (it was the 1st show remember). The Coens are still EPs' and it's not going to be crap. Fargo is one place I would not want to live but visiting is riveting.


I Can Has Cheezburger With This?

Call_me_jorge Profile Photo
Call_me_jorge
#23Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/14/15 at 12:24pm

I watched it more quickly last night and realized Patrick Wilsons daughters name is Molly. And milky was the girl cop from the first season, just found that cool.


In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound. Signed, Theater Workers for a Ceasefire https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement

SmoothLover Profile Photo
SmoothLover
#24Fargo, the new TV series, on FX
Posted: 10/14/15 at 6:44pm

Exactly, Patrick is a young Keith Caradine and Molly is just a baby and the mother is ill. It is also the reason season 2 does not take place in present time.