“Fargo” just wrapped its second season, and with a slew of award nominations including Golden Globes and Critics Awards, it seems that this sophomore outing has been just as outstanding as the last. As one of the shows most passionate viewers since Season 1: Episode 1 more than 2 whole years ago, I can say that the show has delighted me to the fullest extent once again. But it still confuses me as each phenomenal episode ends: why isn’t “Fargo” more popular by now?
I was reluctant when I first heard of the idea of my favorite film being used as a spiritual reflection of “Fargo,” but those doubts disappeared when I tuned into to pilot episode on April 14, 2015. It was funny, it was dark, but most of all, it felt like a movie. The quality of the directors, music, actors, performances, and overall storytelling felt equivalent to Hollywood. And it only got better with each new episode. If you’ve seen the film “Fargo,” you’ll recognize both the bitter cold and snowy setting, as well as the humorously exaggerated Minnesota accents. Both the “real life crime” elements and dark tone are apparent too, and it all works just as well as in the Coen Brother’s masterpiece of a film “Fargo” in 1996.
With talents like Martin Freeman (“The Hobbit Trilogy”), Billy Bob Thornton (“Bad Santa”), Kirsten Dunst (Spiderman”), Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) and Patrick Wilson (“The Conjuring”) aboard the show, the acting is tremendous. Even more Hollywood actors fill the rest of the cast, and their experience shows as they deliver lines from the show’s creator and writer Noah Hawley’s (“Bones”) phenomenal script. The writing is witty, it's charming, it's intense, and most of all, captivating.
But don’t just take my word for it, all of its award nominations and wins have stacked up high in the past 3 years. “Fargo” was awarded with Best Miniseries” at the 2015 Golden Globes, even as it went against the one of the most heralded new shows of the year, “True Detective.” It was also given the best miniseries award in the 2014 Emmy’s, and got a slew of other awards and nominations. Lets just say, this show is pretty damn good.
As already mentioned, “Fargo’s” incredible storytelling is the main reason I tune in each week. Both the characters and tone make the amazing story even higher quality, and I can say I’ve never seen a show with such original and creative ideas. There’s no predictability or boring scenes, just quality television each week.
After such a successful first season, I was worried the show’s second outing would suffer the same fate as the mediocre 2nd season of “True Detective,” but again, my expectations were fulfilled and so much more. While I’m reluctant to choose which is my absolute favorite yet, both are worth the watch, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great show.
Sadly, we’ll have to wait until 2017 for the 3rd season, but I’ll be waiting anxiously for its premiere, and I hope you will too.
