Written By: Noah Hawley
Director: Adam Bernstein
Cast: Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, Bob Odenkirk, Keith Carradine, Kate Walsh, Shawn Doyle, Kevin O’Grady
Synopsis: A chance encounter with a mysterious figure leads Lester Nygaard on a path of destruction.
When I first heard they were making FARGO into a series I was pretty worried. How could anyone turn this classic film into a series? And most importantly, would we want to see it as one?
The casting however really intrigued me, Billy Bob Thornton is always great whatever role he plays but Martin Freeman seemed so out of place. Fresh from THE HOBBIT and Sherlock it just appeared an odd project for him. From the previews he seemed to be playing a version of Jerry Lundegaard, played by William H. Macy in the 1996 film. And how would he manage that famous accent? It turns out he is rather good and although it’s a little odd to see him play a character like this, he is very believable.
As I sat down to watch, a sigh of relief flushed over me when I realised that they weren’t remaking the film, instead they are re-imagining it. This was such a great episode and I really can’t wait to see how it all develops. Keep a lookout for the little homages to the original film including a sign for White Russians, a nice nod to the Coen brother’s classic THE BIG LEBOWSKI.
The film begins with a mysterious Lorne Malvo, played by Billy Bob Thornton, driving a car down a long snowy road. After hearing a few questionable bangs coming from car boot, the car suddenly crashes through a snow bank, hitting a dear along the way. Why is Malvo driving around with a man in his boot? I am sure we will find out as the series develops.
Martin Freeman plays Lester Nygaard, a downtrodden insurance salesman. He is a pathetic, sad character who everyone seems to humiliate any chance they get. His wife belittles him and compares him to his successful brother and he is still the subject of ridicule from the high school bully, Sam Hess.
After a particularly nasty encounter with Hess and his teenage sons, Nygaard accidently head butts a window in fear. During his trip to the hospital Nygaard encounters Malvo and the two strike up conversation. Billy Bob Thornton really shines in his role and you just know he is not to be messed with. After Nygaard admits what happened with Hess, Malvo tells him that he would’ve killed him. Without missing a beat Nygaard suggests that maybe Malvo should kill him.
And that is how the deal is done. The next scene sees Sam Hess get what he deserves in a pretty unforgettable and disgusting way. Let’s just say it happens during a visit to a strip club…
Investigating the accident at the start are Chief Thurman and Deputy Molly Solverson, played by newcomer Allison Tolman. They find the body of the man from the boot and realise he had frozen to death after the accident. Deputy Solverson, cleverly concludes that there was another man driving who had hit his head on the wheel.
Upon hearing about Sam Hess’ death, Lester Nygaard becomes even more stressed and finally snaps. After trying and failing to fix the washing machine his wife lays it on thick about how much of a loser he is. She goads him to attempt to hit her and man up. Well Nygaard does just that and literally hammers her to death.
Realising what he has done Lester immediately calls Lorne Malvo for help. During this Chief Thurman pays Nygaard a visit to question him about his chat with Malvo. Suspicious of Nygaard’s erratic behaviour he discovers the bloody body of his wife. Just as he calls it in Malvo shoots him and then mysteriously disappears.
Deputy Solverson arrives on the scene to find her Chief dead and an unconscious Nygaard , who in an act of genius throws himself against a wall yet again. The story is set and we are instantly left wanting more. Will Lester be able to keep it cool? Where did Malvo go and what does he want with Lester?
[usr=5] Fargo is currently airing on Channel 4. Follow our full series blog here!
