Noah Hawley’s TV adaptation of Fargo set itself up for success by using an anthology format instead of running a single serialized storyline into the ground. The Coen brothers’ Fargo has been hailed as one of the greatest movies ever made — it’s both a darkly comic crime caper and a philosophical look at morality — so adapting it was a tall order.
When FX first announced that it would be turning Fargo into a TV show, some fans were naturally skeptical. The Coens’ voice is very distinctive and idiosyncratic and inimitable. But Hawley managed to recapture that magic in his TV series, because he adapted the overall vibe of the film (the tone, the themes, the sense of humor) instead of any specific characters or plot elements.
Fargo’s Anthology Format Helped Make The Crime Series A Masterpiece
Billy Bob Thornton as Malvo, holding a brief case by the side of a snowy road in Fargo
The best decision that Hawley made in conceptualizing his TV version of Fargo was making it an anthology show. If he’d taken the basic story and characters of the movie and then dragged them out past feature-length, it would’ve gotten old fast. We would’ve gotten a lesser copy of the Coens’ classic, followed by unnecessary subplots and sequelizing.
Instead, Hawley focused on recapturing the feel of the Coens’ movie while telling his own homespun crime story. The basic elements are there — pitch-black humor, a Midwestern setting, ordinary people getting swept up in a life of crime — but the specifics are brand-new. He told that story in its entirety in season 1, then moved on to new characters and storylines in season 2 and beyond.
The anthology format has allowed Fargo to stay fresh. Hawley has been able to constantly pivot between different characters, storylines, and settings. We’ve had seasons set in 1950s Kansas City, 1970s North Dakota, and 2010s St. Cloud. The show has never settled into a formula or stuck around one storyline too long, which puts it head and shoulders above most other TV crime dramas.
Fargo’s Format Isn’t The Only Thing That Made It Stand Out
Chris Rock smiling in Fargo season 4
It’s not just the anthology format that made Fargo stand out. Hawley has proven to be one of the best TV writers out there. Much like the Coens themselves, Hawley has created captivating characters, crafted gripping narratives, and carried it all with a healthy dose of dark comedy. There’s no other show quite like it.
Another thing that makes Fargo stand out is its star-studded cast. Since actors only have to sign up for one season, Hawley has been able to get A-listers like Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Ewan McGregor, Chris Rock, and Jon Hamm, and they’ve all had a ton of fun with their roles.
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