Fargo, the 1996 film by the Coen Brothers, is a dark comedy I often reminisce about, quite fondly. But when the network decided to make a tv show in 2015 based on the film, I was skeptical, as the film set a pretty high bar and it wouldn't do if the show left a sour taste in my mouth. However, the show creators managed to put forth something worthwhile and similar to the film in many regards. Fargo's first season was a prime example of greatness on TV and made almost everyone happy. Anyway, I didn't get to see the second season at that time—postponed it and later forgot.

A few days ago, I was craving something specific. A show or a movie made in a small town, there's gotta be a mystery of sort, a detective and some dead bodies. Sort of a Twin Peaks vibe. And I remembered Fargo matches the requirement.

Like the first season, the second season also has its self-contained narrative. But it is a prequel, takes place around the same places— Fargo, North Dakota, Minnesota where a triple murder incident sets of a brutal mob war in a quiet town. I kinda find it funny that the show starts with "this is based on real events" at the beginning of every single episode. Of course, they are using it as a gimmick. It is a false claim. An homage to the original film, which also had the claim and also a falsified one. Coen brothers wanted to give the film a mystified aura.

The pilot episode of the second season covers the entire story well enough. What it is about, who are the players, and what conflicts they are likely to have — these are laid open.

The Gerhardts, a Fargo-based crime family, has a problem. The patriarch had a heart attack and taking advantage of this opportunity, the Kansas city Mafia wants to acquire them—buying them out or burying them to the ground, whatever works.
Meanwhile, the youngest of the Gerhardt family kills a few people at a dining place and accidentally gets run over by a town beautician—who with the help of her husband, the town butcher, disposes of the body.

Now, the town authority, the sheriff, and a state trooper is looking for the killer of the dining place killing, and the Gerhardt family is looking for the killer as he's missing, and the Kansas City mafia is looking for the killer, to exploit the Gerhardt family, and the town beautician-butcher couple who killed the killer is trying to cover up. And a dead-pan veil of dark comedy keeps things engulfed all the while.

Ah, so very Fargo-ish!

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There's an impressive array of characters, portrayed by some tested cast. Floyd Gerhardt (Jean Smart) stands out. She is the matriarch of the Gerhardt family, now that her husband is indisposed. Imagine a woman as a mafia boss and in the 70s! The character comes off
as a hard-boiled iron lady, one who will silently demand your submission while she decides the fate of the organization.

On the other side of the spectrum, Kristen Dunst plays Peggy, the town beautician. Who's infected with positivity and self-help crap. I say infected because "yes, you can" "become yourself" "actualize yourself" "be the better version of you" etc are truly the toxic social viruses that self-help gurus spread to earn their bread while robbing people blind. Now, when the entire town is thrown into mayhem and death, Peggy wants to self-actualize and be a better person! Such an annoying (and powerful villain) character, I haven't seen in a while. Kristen Dunst does a great job portraying Peggy, but that's expected, she's proven herself many times over.

The red Indian enforcer Hanzee in Gerhardt family rank, played by Zahn McClarnon, who exuberates confidence and death. You want something done, you send Hanzee. This character undergoes a transformation throughout the show.

The most transformative character is the second son of the family, Bear Gerhardt, played by Angus Sampson. His becoming a leader in the true sense was a delight to see.

Mike Milligan, played by Bokeem Woodbine, is the emissary of the Kansas City Mafia. Adept villain and aptly acted, although as far as I remember, I've only seen this actor playing similar roles. He failed to surprise me in this case.

There are some satisfying gun battles, along with a murder spree. One thing leads to another and that thing results in something else — this is how the narrative progresses and I adore it. Reminds me of Snatch and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels by Guy Ritchie, albeit a tad bit slow burn. The comedy is there though.

Actually, after seeing Fargo S2, I went to look for something similar. Interconnected events and a lot of body counts. I didn't find anything that I haven't watched already. Any suggestion is welcome anent such a show or a film.

Of course, there's Fargo S3 but I'm not impressed by the pilot episode.

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