Fargo (TV Series) The Crocodile's Dilemma (2014) User Reviews

Heck, this is fantastic!

[deltaop · 10/10 · 16 April 2014]

When I heard about a TV series based on the spectacular 1996 Coen- brothers flick, Fargo, I laughed it off. Thinking how a series would grab hold of such a movie and rehash it without setting off blunder bells everywhere. I was wrong.

This TV series has got me hooked. It has captured the essence of the original movie and has modified it so that it isn't stale viewing. The storyline is also quite different and yet very engrossing. The series also spotlessly translates the vernacular and life of Minnesota on the screen.

However, what really struck me about this series is the cast. Martin Freeman does a brilliant job playing a timid salesman, struggling to attain some respectability in his life. Thornton is excellent as a calculating serial killer who seems to have his own moral compass. I liked every scene that Thronton was a part of; the chilling aura he exudes is quite palpable. Tolman also had quite a lot to offer to the role of the affable Molly Solverson whose lack of confidence belies a brilliant mind at work.

Additionally, from what I heard in this episode, I can safely say that the music of this series will be impeccable.

Finally, good job Noah Hawley and FXX for bringing such excellence to TV. I was almost sorry when another great anthology, True Detective, ended (at least Season 1) a while back. Thankfully, now I can look forward to some more awesome min-series TV.

A very pleasant surprise

[liammofo-816-651953 · 10/10 · 19 April 2014]

There are two films this year being adapted to television. From Dusk Till Dawn and Fargo. Dusk Till Dawn has just adapted the exact plot of the film, stretching 2 hours out over a series, with the TV actors not matching their film counterparts. I gave up after three episodes. Fargo however has taken the decision to recreate the tone rather than plot. And it works. The other 'Ace' for Fargo is the casting. The acting in this pilot is excellent with Billy Bob Thornton offering one of the best performances of his career. (Without going into too much detail, there is a scene where Thornton is pulled over by the police and it had me on the edge of my seat. Something I have not experienced in TV since Breaking Bad's Ozymandias). I am a big fan of the slow burn, to get me emotionally invested, building up to a good dramatic conclusion, and in this the episode does not disappoint. Whether or not you have seen the film, this is definitely worth checking out.

If you "Fargo" me - I will "Fargo" you

[margosanci · 10/10 · 24 June 2014]

My first thought before watching the show was: could any other thing be better than the real thing? The same question I'm asking my self when I watch the film based on a book or the remake of something good and old. Most of the time I end up comparing it putting the book - first good thing at the fist place: the original before the mirror. Now when I've watched the pilot episode I left all my bias behind. It's darkness, humor, odd twists and naturally confused various characters made me to forget about "Fargo before" at the moment. All I could think about Fargos was that everything we do has its consequences and we can run from it, but can't run away forever. This show is so good that you'll run through it in one fell swoop and you'll end up asking for more.

One of the best shows, Best Seasons, I have ever seen

[FilmGangster · 10/10 · 19 September 2017]

When I first heard that they were going to make a Fargo TV Series, was both excited and perplexed. I am a big fan of the Coen Brothers movie, but I didn't understand if they were just going to copy the movie or what. What ended up doing for the Show was a stroke of genius. The movie Fargo, like all of the Coen Brothers movies, has a very particular feel/atmosphere to it. That atmosphere is achieved using several things that make up a movie or TV show, like theme, music and setting to name a few. What the show Fargo did so well was barrow these plot points from the 1996 movie Fargo and create a entirely new story that still fit with the idea of the movie's. they also dis things like placing the show in the same universe as the movie. Lastly the made the show an anthology, meaning each season has into own characters and story. I have not seen past season one yet... however i heard it is just a good in season two and three as it is in the first. I have seen season one 3+ times now and I gotta say, season one is going to be hard to beat. It is fantastic. I highly recommend this show.

This series will keep you tuned in and talking after the first episode!

[ddk116 · 9/10 · 25 April 2014]

This series is proving to be better than many films. It keeps the flavor of FARGO, the movie and it's characters. I watched the first episode and went right on to the second. I grew up in North Dakota and the scenery is so familiar and the accents so real. I can't wait to see the rest of the episodes. I hope there are several more seasons.

I can't say enough about Billy Bob Thorton. What an actor! He is so believable. Actually all of the actors are very authentic.

I personally watch very little network television, but I love Fargo, Mad Men, and the Sopranos. QUALITY, BELIEVABILITY, AND ENTERTAINING. These are compelling stories very well told.

The best first episode I've ever seen

[nittzan · 10/10 · 31 December 2021]

I've watched it so many times and it never gets old. Great cast, great dialogues, great story. A true masterpiece you must watch, at least once.

Open the tv, do it now.

A fantastic opening episode

[i-am-so-original · 10/10 · 17 April 2014]

Now that is how you make a television pilot.

I admit, I had my doubts concerning the new series "Fargo," as the original film remains one of my favourites. I didn't know if they could pull off the humour, the tone, the atmosphere, or the darkly comedic violence of the original, but to my great astonishment, it seems that they have succeeded on all counts.

THE HUMOUR

OK, so it wasn't quite as funny as the film, but give it time. There were some funny moments, such as when Lester hit his head on the window, or Lorne's deliciously creepy visit to Sam's car shop.

THE TONE/ATMOSPHERE

I think Fargo hit the nail right on the head in regards to this aspect. It's tricky to hit the right tone of the movie, as it needs the niceties and the friendly nature of Minnesota to be darkly contrasted with the sadistic violence, but I think they did this nicely. The final twenty minutes of the episode really cemented this for me, as it contrasted the beauty of Minnesota with the brutal murder of Lester's wife. I loved how these final minutes were shot – the yellow tint of the house gave it a warm, comfortable feeling, like walking into it on a cold night and basking in its warmth and the smells of dinner. But then you go downstairs and see the corpse of a woman, her head caved in by numerous smashes of a hammer. This is why Fargo (movie and series) works so well – its juxtaposition with comfort and familiarity, and the brutal, realistic violence perpetuated by its sadistic characters.

DARK HUMOUR

Again, I think Fargo nailed this nicely. Lester continuously apologizes to his wife, even as he bludgeons her head in with a hammer, spraying the walls with her blood. A cop sees the corpse, turns around, and walks back upstairs to throw up. Lester paces around the basement, avoiding the corpse of his wife, and runs head-first into a cement wall. It is is moments like this that make me feel bad for laughing, but you can't help it. That is the beauty of Fargo – it makes you laugh even in the face of brutal and sadistic violence.

The show was very well done in general. Martin Freeman's performance as Lester Nygaard was both humorous and dark and brooding. I thought he brought a deep intensity to an otherwise very nice man, and when he hit his wife over the head with a hammer, I felt scared around his character. He's a complex character – he's nice and he doesn't fight, but when he's pushed that extra inch too far, he goes full-out and hits his wife over the head with a hammer and continuously smashes her face in with it. It reminds me of a school bully victim – he can only take so much before he starts fighting back, and viciously so.

The episode also brought many surprises. When Lester hit his wife over the head with the hammer, my jaw dropped to the floor. Same as when the Chief of police took two shotgun blasts to the chest. I would have never thought that we would get so much development in the first episode, both in terms of character deaths and character development. I thought we would gradually see Lester's descent into madness, but we get it in the very first episode. I can't wait to see what else they have in store if this was what we got in the first episode alone.

Yes, there were flaws. The two sons who repeated each other got on my nerves, and while I get that they were going for humour, it didn't work. Also, some of the situations seemed clunky, such as when Lester is being bullied by Sam. I realize this sets up the events for the series, but seeing two 40 year old men act like they're in high school seems awkward. Also, while I mentioned the Chief's death as surprising, it seemed a little melodramatic considering the development we got with his character. His scenes at home with his pregnant wife regarding the nursery colour were nice in idea, but it only served to make his death that much more artificially emotional.

Overall, it was a fantastic start to the series, full of twists and unexpected developments. If this is what we get in the first episode, I can't wait to see what's in store for the other nine.

Just Hope Billy Bob Doesn't Show Up at Your Door

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 6 September 2015]

This is the setup episode for a television show that uses the essence of the wonderful movie brought to us by the Coens. In this one, a timid, long suffering life insurance agent (the excellent Martin Freeman) meets a sociopath (Billy Bob Thornton) after being assaulted by a town bully who has persecuted him since high school. The guy seeks permission to kill his adversary. The insurance agent never agrees, but, then, must face the fact that he has hooked up with a nut. We are introduced to other characters, including a female cop who is trying to find her way. The episode, however, is dominated by Thornton who manages to manipulate every situation. He's also homicidal maniac. Good start. I look forward to seeing all the first year episodes.

Amazing

[blake-49102 · 10/10 · 5 November 2020]

The best pilot of all time and the best episode of the season (in my opinion.)

"Fargo" does not rehash the plot of the Coen Brothers' in more 'extensive' detail; it is a story very much its own

[SLionsCricketreviews · 9/10 · 22 November 2015]

It is astonishing to see how far television has come. Shows that dominated the late 90s to early 2000s often were low budgeted, and felt very much like a TV production. Today's TV shows, for the most part, are cinematic in both scope and production. "Fargo" is both an homage to the Coen Brothers' classic of the same title, as well as a show that feels very much unique.

Billy Bob Thornton, in this episode, plays a mysterious man who arrives in Minnesota and begins to influence the mind of Martin Freeman's Lester Nygaard. At the start of this episode, Freeman's character is clearly in a difficult situation as far as his family life and his financial life is concerned. His wife is increasingly frustrated, mostly comparing him to his more successful younger brother. Yet, she still demonstrates a love and a pity towards this character. From here, we see Lester's weaknesses as a character, which include allowing himself to be subdued in the face of a high school bully, Hess. Within the first ten or so minutes, we have gained a sufficient understanding of our main character.

This character establishment needs to be convincing because the scene that takes place at the hospital between Freeman and Thornton is suspenseful, humorous and fascinating. Thornton immediately begins to change Lester's perspective of himself, to the extent of asking him why he allows himself to be subjected to humiliation.

We later see that Lester is disturbed, he's convinced and he's desperate to change himself to an extent. At a dinner party at his brother's place, he shows signs of violent outbursts and by the end of this episode, has killed his wife.

The last 20 or so minutes are suspenseful, chilling and beautifully executed. The cinematography throughout the episode was cinematic in every sense of the word, with the scene at the end of the episode between Thornton and Colin Hanks's character beautifully lit.

We are yet to get deeper into Thornton's character, he is mostly mysterious so far, and somewhat of an idealist but there is no doubt that "Fargo" will dig deeper into each of its main characters.

"The Crocodile's Dilemma" is a wonderful pilot, at over an hour long, it is well worth the watch. It is entertaining, literally from beginning to end, and is a sign that television has now reached a new pinnacle.

Left me feeling different than another other film ever.

[benjamintaylor-61328 · 10/10 · 24 November 2020]

This is a masterpiece. Every part fits together so perfectly. The filming could not have been better. The art and could not have been better. The story could not have been better. You need to watch this!

Es fantástico

[patogiacamanbravo · 10/10 · 21 March 2021]

It is simply the best first episode of a series, it has it all.

Everything I hoped for!

[dlwallace_ca · 10/10 · 28 September 2020]

From the snowy highway driving at night to the empty fields beside the highway, that music (from the movie), and the Minnesota accents, this is the dark, mysterious, and doom-filled scenario that has me hooked. Casting has some delightful surprises, including Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton, and Allison Tolman, and superb performances.

Fargo: S1E1 "The Crocodile's Dilemma" Review - King Cadmium

[kingcadmium · 9/10 · 26 February 2022]

A meek, mild insurance salesman meets a rootless, manipulative stranger in the hospital, which initiates terrible and gruesome events that will change the salesman's life forever.

What I Liked:

This premiere does a fantastic job of introducing its characters and themes early on, with almost every character being memorable in some way.

The cinematography is solid, and each scene perfectly implements its beautiful and mesmerizing music score. On top of that, each actor gives a strong performance, with Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman being the clear standouts. Their interactions in this premiere are nothing short of brilliant.

Speaking of Billy Bob Thornton, his character (Malvo) is one of the most intriguing individuals you will see on television, with Thornton's portrayal being nothing short of superb. I can't wait to see what schemes he will pull during this season.

What I Disliked:

Lester should not have known what room number Malvo was staying in at the Motor Inn. While it was clear how he surmised Malvo was staying at that motel, I doubt he would have asked Malvo for that particular information, considering how their interaction went.

Overall:

Fargo begins with a terrific, near-perfect premiere. Just about every element combines to create a highly enriching viewing experience.

9/10

King Cadmium.

Gofar

[cagethecuestick · 10/10 · 8 October 2021]

This was a very well written First episode to a very well written season, In little less then an hour. We see a Man go pretty far.

Cracking entertainment.

[Hey_Sweden · 10/10 · 26 March 2023]

In this TV series inspired by the landmark, Oscar-winning Coen brothers film (the Coens were also executive producers here), an ineffectual insurance salesman, Lester Nygaard (English actor Martin Freeman of "Black Panther" and the "Hobbit" films) is led down the road to ruin by a menacing new acquaintance in his life. That man is scummy lowlife Lorne Malvo (Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton, "Sling Blade"), a master at manipulating people. Local cop Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman, "Krampus") picks up their bloody trail.

All in all, this is very compelling television that is worthy of the Coen brothers and their brand. It's a good mixture of dark humor, violence, and drama, all directed with style by Adam Bernstein and well-written by series creator Noah Hawley. It can also be incredibly tense at times when it looks like characters are going to be caught dead to rights - only for things to get grimmer and grimmer.

Thornton is of course brilliant, playing his antagonist in the most refreshingly under-stated (and sometimes humorous) manner possible. Superb guest stars include Bob "Saul Goodman" Odenkirk, Keith Carradine ('Deadwood'), and Kate Walsh ('Grey's Anatomy'). But it was Freeman that really drew this viewers' attention, as he masterfully portrayed this character who basically *is* a loser in life, as his nagging wife (Kelly Holden Bashar) is fond of telling him. She constantly compares Lester to his far more successful brother Chaz (Joshua Close, "The Exorcism of Emily Rose"), and you just feel bad for this guy. Unfortunately, when *he* tries to "man up" and stand up for himself, it only leads to disaster.

This was a fantastic 70 minutes of television that now has this viewer fully invested in watching how the rest of this story plays out.

10 out of 10.

Funny way to deliver tragic story.

[mgidb · 9/10 · 29 August 2019]

I kinda like the way you guys storytellers breaking the traditional way of series making.

I can't predict who will be dead next, that's the point of making any story interesting visually and audibly.

Bob Odenkirk is a great actor fits every funny dramatic character with a tragic back story.

I liked how they are all foolish and innocent especially Lester as a criminal wow amazing.

Looking forward to the rest of season one!

[RileyOnFilm · 9/10 · 22 November 2017]

The pilot sometimes determines how good the show will be long term. If that's the case here, I'm a lucky bastard. This show is now in its 3rd season and I'm a binge-watcher by passion. Fargo the film charmed audiences with small town, snowy themes juxtaposed with black deeds like murder and crime. The goofy police with their fluffy hats are out to get their man, and we love seeing if they can.

The characters and story are eerily reminiscent of those in the film. They are just different enough to keep me interested. Skeptics of the series would give it a try. The pilot has made me a believer.

There is a cast of thousands in this film. Every corner turned shows familiar face. They grind down the criminals with the same innocent charm but so far, it's a slow burn. That;s not a bad thing though. I know they can expand a lot on the stories in the manner of a series. My understanding is each season has a new story line and a new set of characters/actors.

I can honestly say I recommend this show, especially to the folks who are fans of the film. I am looking forward to an awesome rest of season one!

This single episode is almost a feature film

[gedikreverdi · 1 November 2021]

The most badass hit man ever. He spooked the officer who was going to fine him for speeding. Every character is so real: The Lester's bully, his mentally challenged sons, Lester's wife, the officers and the hit man in particular.

Scary when you think that was based on an true story and true facts

[AvionPrince16 · 8/10 · 29 August 2022]

God! I dont know really for who fargo is. I mean its horrible events and really have the same spirit as the movie: normal people do some horrible things and commit murder in a horrible way. The episode, the way it was shot, the acting (performance) and the general events and problems make the episode really believable and they said at the beginning they didnt touch the dialogue and tell the facts how it was in real life and that make it more scary. I mean the actors played very well and we really get into the story really quick and things turn very bad. A man who is completely mocked by his wife and some friend and a misunderstood lead to a murder and the woman will not really be very gentle with his man and consider she gave handjob to the friend of the man who will killed her later with a hammer. And things like that happen every time sadly. And the guy who didnt want to commit any murder will kill his own wife. I like when a TV show give the events like it was and not to magnify or more dark that it was. And that tv show give it to us a nice portrait of some daily violences and harassment. Nice episode that make me very interested for the next episode and what horrors they will show us. But be really aware of the violence, the sexual side of the tv show and i relaly enjoyed it anyway. Nice start.

Even better than the film

[TheDonaldofDoom · 11 February 2018]

The decision to make a TV series inspired by the film Fargo may seemed an unnecessary one given that the story had been resolved. Was a TV series based on it really necessary? Fargo the series makes the wise decision not to base its story on the characters of the film but to take the tone, themes, setting and feel and apply them to a new story. Again, it involves a weak man who really isn't made for a life of crime getting involved in crime. Martin Freeman is great as Lester, a beta male who, frustrated by being walked over by other people and spurred on by a mysterious man, kills his wife because of how she treats him. Somehow it feels like his story won't end well, but it's hilarious to watch.

Fargo's signature black humour is here as well, producing many hilariously memorable scenes such as a man being stabbed in the neck during sex, and Lester bashes his wife's head with a hammer after she laughs incredulously at the idea. What's so funny is after the first hit, he can see he's turned her into a vegetable and so now he has to finish the job, so after a brief pause he continues. Fargo draws humour from the most mundane things as well, with hilarious flat dialogue and a faulty washing machine being the thing that drives its key moment.

Lorne is the most fascinating character introduced. Everything he does because he can. Someone insults you? Kill him. Someone insults someone else? Kill him. Want to have a laugh? Tell a boy to pee in his mother's car then tell his mother someone is peeing in her car. Lorne spells trouble for Lester.

This first episode shows great potential. Admittedly, it reuses some of the same ideas seen in the film, like innocents getting killed for nothing. Still, I was amazed by how satisfying this episode was. It wrapped up its story so well, leaving potential for more but also serving as a great story on its own.

brilliant

[newgirl34 · 9/10 · 13 January 2021]

I was looking forward to starting this series after I had purchased seasons 1-3 on dvd a long time ago and only now have got around to watching , and this episode was fantastic ,a brilliant start to what I hope to be a brilliant series , the casting is perfect ,Billy bob Thornton is great as a tough serial killer and Martin Freeman as the small awkward Lester , I didn't see the ending coming I shall admit was perfect , I also like to add about the humour from billy bobs character was laughin at certain points , the pacing is great because it really gives us a lot about the characters and this is only the first episode , great episode and worthy of a 9