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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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Signed,
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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
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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.
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 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
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.