I love the 1997 film Fargo by the two iconic filmmakers, the Coen brothers. Their filmography spans across numerous styles and genres, cemented as a fine example of the various ways in which a story can be told.
The television show of Fargo is no different. It welcomes such styles and unique methods of filmmaking in a manner that sets the bar that little bit higher, and watches the plethora of studios and filmmakers as they jump up in attempt to reach a similar quality. Fargo, like Black Mirror, is a television show that does something different for the sake of creating something to be proud of; something that can be entertaining, and be perceived as art.
The first season of Fargo takes no time in testing the waters; it's a season that dives in, fully aware of what it is, what it wanted to be, and where it's going. It has been expertly crafted through writing, music, cinematography, and performances.
Sticking to the 1997 narrative structure, the season follows a few events that escalate further and further into far more serious events, as unwanted attention begins to scour the surface and discover the bigger picture; many mistakes have been made, and many attempts have been made to hide those mistakes. There are many scenarios, many possibilities and many possible connections between the characters, but which is right? Typically, those scratching at the surface have no idea of just how dirty everything is. I absolutely love it.
This season focuses on the fact that any person could be a killer. We all posses a force that must not be reckoned with. That force is a limit, a barrier of desperation; stress; and ultimately contains a breaking point. Our protagonist has reached his breaking point, and gone so far above his limits. He kills. He panics. He attempts to hide his actions; although he's not the only person that's holding secrets that he is associated with, even if not by choice. There is a web of connections, even if his actions have been covered up. It's only a matter of time until he is caught.
This protagonist is your average person; a husband; a skilled worker; a taxpayer. He hides in plain sight. It's such brilliant writing that has the viewer knowing everything before the characters, but in a manner that only heightens the suspense as a linear truth begins to unfold. The first season of Fargo is absolutely worthy of watching, and it was merely a teaser of what was to follow.