When Does Fargo Get Good?
While it can be difficult to say when an anthology series like Fargo is at its best, most fans argue the first two seasons are the show’s strongest. Given that the story shifts focus every season, while one group of fans might like one season the most, there are quite a few varying opinions about what season is the best.
Overall, there is agreement that Fargo does start off strong in the first couple episodes of the first season, and can be a rewarding TV show across its four seasons so far.
What Fans Say
Fans of Fargo admire the show’s blend of quirky humor, suspense, and visually captivating scenes. They appreciate Hawley’s dedication to preserving the Coen brothers’ tone while creating distinct storylines that stand on their own. Fans also applaud the series for its diverse, eccentric characters and layered narratives, as well as its careful attention to detail in both plot and production. Each season’s unique cast, setting, and story contribute to its appeal, with many praising the show’s ability to deliver surprises, moral ambiguity, and rich storytelling.
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What Haters Say
Critics of Fargo argue that some seasons stray too far from the Coen brothers’ original tone and storytelling style. Some viewers find the slow pacing frustrating, especially in scenes where seemingly mundane conversations and subplots add little to the main narrative. Others feel that the show’s unique approach to dark comedy can sometimes feel forced, detracting from the overall tension and impact of the story. Additionally, the anthology format, with a new storyline each season, can make it difficult for viewers to build long-term attachments to characters.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality?
Fargo has maintained strong quality over its seasons, although opinions differ on which season is the strongest. Some fans feel that the first two seasons capture the show’s peak, while later seasons explore more unconventional narratives that deviate from the show’s original tone. Although the quality remains high, the tone and storytelling approach evolve, with some viewers finding the more recent seasons a departure from the original’s blend of subtlety and suspense.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critics often praise Fargo as a masterful adaptation that expands upon the Coen brothers’ world in fresh and inventive ways. The show’s distinct visual style, dark humor, and exceptional casting choices earn it accolades, with each season offering a different exploration of crime and morality within the “true crime” framing. Critics admire Hawley’s ability to juggle multiple plotlines, unusual characters, and complex themes while delivering compelling and beautifully shot episodes. However, some note that certain seasons can feel overly ambitious, occasionally sacrificing coherence for style.
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Rating | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 97% | 9.0 |
| Season 2 | 100% | 8.9 |
| Season 3 | 93% | 8.6 |
| Season 4 | 82% | 7.3 |
Overview of Fargo
Based on the 1996 film by the Coen brothers, Fargo is a darkly comedic anthology series created by Noah Hawley. Each season tells a standalone story filled with crime, dark humor, and the peculiarities of Midwestern life. Set in different eras but sharing thematic elements of deception, ambition, and morally complex characters, the show captures the “Minnesota nice” facade, which is often shattered by crime and violence. In each storyline, ordinary people find themselves entangled in extraordinary circumstances, often with catastrophic results. The series boasts a unique narrative style, emphasizing the absurdity of human nature and fate, with each season diving into questions of morality, loyalty, and consequence. Known for its cinematic quality, unpredictable storylines, and standout performances, Fargo retains the essence of the Coen brothers’ universe while expanding on it with fresh characters and new settings.
Season Highlights
Season 1: Set in 2006, this season introduces viewers to Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton), a mysterious hitman whose arrival in a small Minnesota town sparks chaos. Lester Nygaard, a meek insurance salesman, finds himself drawn into a spiral of violence after crossing paths with Malvo. The season explores themes of identity and fate, with Molly Solverson, a determined police officer, seeking justice.
Season 2: Set in 1979, this season follows state trooper Lou Solverson as he investigates a massacre that intertwines with the local Gerhardt crime family and a married couple, Peggy and Ed Blumquist, who become accidental criminals. This season delves into broader themes of family, ambition, and the clash between old and new forms of power.
Season 3: In 2010, the show centers on the conflict between twin brothers Emmit and Ray Stussy, whose sibling rivalry escalates into violence and chaos. Their lives are further complicated by the arrival of V.M. Varga, a cunning and manipulative businessman. This season explores themes of identity, power, and the moral compromises people make for success.
Season 4: This season, set in 1950 Kansas City, follows two crime syndicates—one Black, led by Loy Cannon, and one Italian, led by Josto Fadda—as they vie for control over the city’s criminal enterprises. The season tackles issues of race, loyalty, and the American Dream, with a complex storyline involving an orphaned child caught between the rival factions.
Similar Shows to Fargo
- True Detective – Known for its anthology format and intense, character-driven stories, True Detective explores the dark side of human nature through crime and suspense.
- Twin Peaks – This cult classic is known for its surreal storytelling and eccentric characters, blending mystery with a unique style and dark humor.
- The Sopranos – Like Fargo, The Sopranos uses dark comedy to tell stories of crime and complex family dynamics.
- Breaking Bad – This series explores themes of moral decay, violence, and the consequences of crime, set against the backdrop of a seemingly normal community.
- Ozark – A gritty crime drama about an ordinary family pulled into the criminal underworld, exploring themes of loyalty, family, and moral compromise.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like Fargo
- Better Call Saul – The prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul focuses on the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally flexible Saul Goodman, exploring crime and ethical compromises.
- Justified – Following U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, Justified mixes crime and dark humor with complex characters, set against a Southern backdrop.
- The Americans – This spy drama combines tension, dark humor, and moral ambiguity as it follows two KGB agents living undercover in the United States.
- Ray Donovan – This series explores the life of a professional fixer, blending crime and family drama with morally complex situations and dark humor.