Fargo

It is not often that you come over films or series where you can actually believe in the characters and forget about the acting personnel, and usually this only and occasionally happens when there are completely new faces on the screen. In Fargo, or at least in the first season, such a belief in the characters is very present. Until you have to check out where ever you saw Martin Freeman, he simply is Lester Nygaard, and even Billy Bob Thornton manages to escape the too much used label in this series. Naturally it has to be credited to good acting, but there is definitely some good writing, direction and makeup efforts to salute. Though not all roles are that well acted, and there are some editing flaws that should have been avoided, regardless, for those who love black and intelligent humor - Fargo is top entertainment!

After watching and exceedingly enjoying season 1 and 2, the following two seasons became comparatively disappointing. However, with season 5 the series not only is back to basic, but the formula is developed into an even higher level, where particularly some of the characters display a deeper psychological specter, and one as a viewer is challenged to comprehend a more complicated set of human emotions and instincts, where the basics of the plot gets gradually revealed, and the fundament of intentions is nearly perfectly balanced all the way. When this is combined with brilliant acting performances, it becomes a form of true art.

You don't have to have seen the original Coen film to enjoy this series, nor does it spoil anything for you if you have seen it: the new TV-show 'Fargo' is entirely its own beast. So far, the only thing the series and the film do have in common is the title and the (fake) premise that both are - allegedly - based on true events that happened somewhere in Minnesota.

The writers (and the actors!) do a great job in creating new characters that are as strange and somewhat over the top as most of the iconic Coen creations we've come to love over the years - and Billy Bob Thornton's 'Lorne Malvo' (from season 01) has the potential to reach cult status. Watching bad situations get worse as bad decisions lead to even worse ones and the lives of ordinary people spiral violently out of control is - I shamefully admit - a lot of fun to watch, and it's told here with such a wicked sense of humor that I've so far enjoyed every minute of it.

The cast so far has been outstanding (this is an anthology series, so each new season will have its own cast and a new storyline) and the production values - especially the cinematography - are fantastic. Now whether 'Fargo' will appeal to a larger audience despite its quirky characters and non-mainstream look the way a show like 'Breaking Bad' did remains to be seen, but I would strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys black comedies in general as well as pretty much anything the Coens ever did. Great, pitch black entertainment - 9 out of 10 from me.

Favorite Films: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054200841/

Favorite Low-Budget and B-movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/

Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/

Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/

Season 1: 10/10 Season 2: 10/10 Season 3: 8/10 Season 4: 7/10 Overall: 9/10

...Just finished Season 5 ...the one with Juno Temple,Jon Hamm and Jennifer Jason Leigh and I must say that most of the 10/10 score must go to this season, though all the others were, I think, solid 8's or 9's. I remember the original Film and to be honest, apart from the excellent acting by F Tomelty I was a little underwhelmed,(..ditto ,'3 Billboards...'...sacrilege,I know, but ,Hey Ho!..). In this, we meet Ms Temples scatty mum character who gets into a bit of trouble at an unruly School Meeting ,drawn into a plot where she slowly and tantalisingly reveals hidden depths where she will do anything to keep her little family safe. Although, I binged and enjoyed it immensely,looking back I realise it was quite a feminist wish list fantasy but nothing wrong with that in my book. All the seasons had fantastical elements, at one time or another and I enjoyed them all immensely, not to mention Top quality actors, new and old. More please,Mr or Mrs Showrunner!!!...

From the very first episode, Fargo makes it clear that it's not just trying to be a copy of the Coen brothers' film-it has its own identity. It maintains that signature dark humor and delivers a story full of unexpected twists that hook you right away. The chain of events feels like a domino effect that, while sometimes over the top, is impossible to walk away from.

Billy Bob Thornton is outstanding. His character, Lorne Malvo, is hypnotic and exudes a constant sense of danger without needing to overdo it. Martin Freeman also stands out, transforming his character in a way that is both surprising and captivating. The dynamic between the two and the way their paths intertwine is one of the show's biggest strengths.

The tone balances tension and absurd comedy in a way that, while occasionally pushing the limits, mostly works. There are moments when the series branches out too much or takes its time with certain subplots, but in the end, everything falls into place. The frozen landscapes of Minnesota and the way the story reflects the fragility of human morality add to that constant sense of impending doom.

It's not a perfect series, but its ambition, sharp writing, and outstanding performances make it hard to look away. It's one of those rare adaptations that not only respects the original material but expands on it and gives it a fresh new perspective-something that's not easy to achieve.