Fargo is a dark comedy-crime drama television series inspired by the 1996 film of the same name. In January 2006, Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) passes through Bemidji, Minnesota and influences put-upon insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) with his malice and violence. Meanwhile, Deputy Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) and Duluth police officer Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks) team up to solve a series of murders they believe may be linked to Malvo and Nygaard.
These are the same kinds of quirky people located in the tundra of Minnesota-N.Dakota whom we met in the movie version. It is snowing all the time seemingly but they have adapted. They all hunt, ice fish, know everyone in their environs and are as deadpan as can be. They all love guns. These people are not like anyone you or I know unless we also live in that section of the country.
The frozen breath, the crisp snow and the weird humour we expect. Not laugh out loud funny, but deep down, ah ha’s! The episode moves along at a good pace, several murders before our eyes, and the one most unexpected is the best. Smart writing, excellent acting, good music, everything to love.
This is loosely based on the fantastic movie of the same name which was done by the Coen Brothers. This tv series is also their production. If you love their work, and I do, you will love this series. These are the same kinds of quirky people located in the tundra of Minnesota-N.Dakota whom we met in the movie version. It is snowing all the time seemingly but they have adapted. They all hunt, ice fish, know everyone in their environs and are as deadpan as can be. They all love guns. These people are not like anyone you or I know unless we also live in that section of the country.
Fargo the movie had a put-upon everyman played by William M. Macey and Fargo the TV series has one as well, named Lester. Both characters take a turn towards the criminal when their families humiliate them one time too many. Lester becomes murderous yet at all times still remains a wimp insurance salesman. Everyone in town went to high school with him and knows him as a wimp.
Character to watch: Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Malvo.
Journal your answers to the following questions after you watch the series.
- How does this particular character’s journey compare with yours?
- Did the character develop certain characteristics during the movie that you have or that you would like to have? If so, what are those characteristics?
- What obstacles did this character face? What was his or her biggest challenge?
- What would you have done differently if you had been in the same position as the character?
- Is this character the type of person you would be friends with? Why or why not?