FARGO Miniseries Finale Review

Article first published as TV Review: 'Fargo' - Finale on Blogcritics.

FX’s Fargo has sadly come to an end. Ten episodes of brilliant, thrilling, suspenseful storytelling ends tonight with “Morton’s Fork.” The tale concludes with finality, tying up the loose ends from this excellent freshman run, leaving a possible (probable) season two to seek out new characters and new cases. It’s both satisfying and regrettable to see it go.

An important element of “Morton’s Fork” is that both Lester (Martin Freeman) and Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) get what they deserve. The airwaves are full of dark, gritty crime shows these days, and those do not always leave the viewers with a good taste in one’s mouth. Bad guys get away to kill another day, and heroes question their moral compass. Fargo is lighter fare, though, mixing lots of off-beat humor and quirky charm in, so those who deserve to go down have to for it to be an ending that fans feel good about.

Equally crucial is that Molly (Allison Tolman), Gus (Colin Hanks), Greta (Joey King), and Lou (Keith Carradine) survive. They are a sweet family unit, and because of, not despite, their coming together late in the season, they have to have a happy ending. We cannot bear to see these characters who are so good at heart suffer more misfortune and pain. They need to win the day and come out the other side intact, and they do.

Gus has an interesting arc. He leaves law enforcement for good reason, being bumbling and inept. He runs into Malvo early, but backs off because he can’t handle that type of villain himself. Yet, with his family on the line, Gus steps up as a man, protecting those he cares about, killing someone his family will never be safe having in the world.. I’m not sure he should go back to being a cop again, but he certainly gets a chance to redeem himself here, which I think he deserves.

One might wish that Molly is the one who takes down Malvo, since she is really the main heroine of the miniseries, but she doesn’t get the short shift in “Morton’s Fork,” either. She still gets pay off for the detective work she’s completed, and she finally earns the respect and admiration of her boss, Bill (Bob Odenkirk), as he steps aside and recommends her for promotion. There is major triumph in this, even if she isn’t the one to bring in Lester or Malvo, which she is still instrumental in getting to a place where they are taken down.

Fargo proves that good and evil battles can still be thoroughly engrossing and entertaining without the grey areas that pervade a lot of modern fare. I have nothing against its peers, loving many of them dearly and intrigued by shifty players, but its also nice to get a whiff of Fargo‘s scent, unique for the time in its lightness when dealing with such heavy subject matter, and almost miraculously staying as well-developed as those darker programs.

Part of the reason for this is because at many points during “Morton’s Fork,” the audience thinks Molly, Gus, and / or Lou may not make it out alive. Whether it’s Molly rushing off to Lester’s house alone, not realizing the FBI agents there are dead and no back up is on the way, or Gus sneaking into Malvo’s hideout, then confronting the scary man mano-a-mano, or even Lou sitting on the porch with his shotgun, there are moments where things could turn dire.

Fargo does a terrific job with presenting danger, but knowing who it can and cannot spare. Agents Pepper (Keegan-Michael Key) and Burdge (Jordan Peele), lonely men with no real lives? Sure, they can die. Gus, who has a teenage daughter and is expecting a baby? No way. The sense that Fargo just might let Gus perish anyway keeps the action intriguing, but when the writers don’t go through with it, it’s a relief, not a cop out.

There’s a feeling of authenticity that is in the proceedings. The not-actually-based-on-truth story, even as the opening proclaims otherwise, is tongue in cheek, but always keeps itself grounded. There isn’t anything in the show that couldn’t actually happen, and Molly won’t be solving more major crimes like this week after week or even year after year. In this, Fargo is mostly unique.

There’s also an extremely high level of consistency in the miniseries. All ten episodes are written by the same guy, Noah Hawley (Bones), and that provides solid through-lines. There aren’t weak points or people acting out of character because no other voices go into writing dialogue for the players. Mix in an unusually talented cast with no weak links, handling the material like pros, and Fargo is very successful in what it sets out to do.

I could pick apart “Morton’s Fork” in a 10-page review and praise every scene for something special; it’s that good. But I won’t because I feel works of art on this level are meant to be appreciated and re-watched for new meaning frequently, not analyzed to death by any single perspective. For me, Fargo is right up there with The Walking Dead in that I couldn’t wait to watch it each week, growing excited at the prospect of each new installment, and rarely waiting until it actually aired to view it. (Thanks to FX for being more generous with early screeners than any series on any network in recent memory.) I rank it one of Top Five shows of the year, easily, and cannot wait to see what Hawley comes up with for Fargo next season, assuming its renewed, which it likely will be.

Whether to Watch FARGO is Not a "Dilemma"

Article first published as FARGO Review on Seat42F.

FX’s new FARGO is the story of a pregnant police chief (Frances McDormand) tracking a pair of hit man (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) near the town of Fargo. The guys have been hired by a local failure (William H. Macy) to kidnap his wife in order to extort money from the woman’s father. But during the abduction, she is accidentally killed, setting off a series of dangerous, somehow funny, events. And bodies get put into a wood chipper.

No, wait a second. That’s the excellent 1996 film of the same name. Remarkably, pretty much none of what I said in the preceding paragraph applies to the story of the series, which goes in its own direction. I’m not saying that FX’s FARGO abandons the premise entirely. Although none of the character names have been changed, there are some very familiar character types.

Wimpy Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman, Sherlock, The Hobbit) encounters by chance a hit man named Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton, Armageddon), who encourages Lester to find his inner man. The local police chief (Shawn Doyle, Big Love), who has a pregnant wife (Julie Ann Emery, Hitch), and his deputies, Molly (Allison Tolman, Sordid Lives: The Series) and Bill (Bob Odenkirk, Breaking Bad), are looking for Lorne, though they don’t yet know who he is.

By taking some characters that seem a lot like the ones in the movie and keeping the setting and the accents, FARGO ties itself to the earlier work enough to bring the fans of it in. Yet, in making some very different choices with the story from the first scene onward, it makes the action unpredictable, keeping viewers guessing what might happen and who could die next.

This FARGO expertly maintains the balance between blood and laughs that one might expect. Characters (yes, plural) that might be considered important die in the very first installment. At the same time, the dialogue and bumbling happenstances, especially when Lester is around, make the proceedings enjoyable and lighter than one may expect from a program with a high body count. There are numerous occasions when I could not help but laugh out loud, a distinction most sitcoms fails to reach on a weekly basis.

The pilot is titled “The Crocodile’s Dilemma.” For those unfamiliar with the logic paradox, this refers to a crocodile kidnapping a child. The croc promises the father that he can have the kid back if and only if the father is able to accurately predict whether the crocodile will give him back the boy. If the father states that the crocodile will not give back the son, then he has correctly predicted and the croc must hand over the boy, though then that means the father didn’t correctly predict because the crocodile didn’t keep him.

If that makes your brain hurt, I understand. FARGO isn’t quite as complex as all that. What it is, though, is a well-crafted series of events, some from cause and effect, others arising by chance, that intermix in such a way that there doesn’t seem to be an easy, logical way out for the main players. Since the show has ten episodes to tell their story, it isn’t obvious yet how unwinnable the scenario will be, but it does feel like this is the type of situation set up in “The Crocodile’s Dilemma.”

The cast is truly fantastic. Freeman and Thornton, of course, have a body of work that implies they can handle themselves, and they do, beautifully. But so do the rest of those named above, along with Kate Walsh (Private Practice), Colin Hanks (The Good Guys), Keith Carradine (Dexter), and numerous other guest and recurring roles, with a heck of a lot more famous folks signed to appear in later hours. Whoever put together this crew deserves major credit, as FARGO would not work without its cast.

Strangely, there are also a couple of parts that are left wanting, mostly because they are not played by big names, but seem like big names should have been obtained, meaning it feels like FARGO failed to get its first choice and settled for a replacement. The bully introduced in the first hour is definitely a “Tom Wilson type,” but is not portrayed by Tom Wilson. We also meet a “Stephen Merchant type” later on. I could be wrong about the second-choice standings, but these parts feel just too close to those performers to be played by anyone else.

Other than that, though, I have no complaints. FARGO is a compelling, highly entertaining masterpieces, crafted so intelligently, and executed in the best of methods. The tiny touches, such as a message spelled out on Lester’s refrigerator, kick the quality up yet another notch. I am already a firm fan of this miniseries. FARGO airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

Blu-ray Review: ‘Sherlock – Season Three’

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: ‘Sherlock – Season Three’ on Blogcritics.

The BBC’s Sherlock has been off the air for far too long. Recently, it finally returned for third season, broadcast on PBS in the United States as part of Masterpiece Mystery. Having just completed its airing, the three ninety-minute episodes that make up this run, each feeling a bit like its own movie, have now been released on Blu-ray and DVD.

Season two ended with Sherlock Holmes’ (Benedict Cumberbatch) death. Obviously, the series cannot continue without its hero, so it should come as no surprise to anyone that he isn’t actually deceased, having faked the demise. But those who love Sherlock have lived under this false impression for two years, making for quite a startling turn when Sherlock comes back to town.

John Watson (Martin Freeman), in particular, is thrown for a loop. Having mourned his best friend, he’s moved on, preparing to propose to girlfriend Mary (Amanda Abbington, Mr. Selfridge). This news is enough to knock Sherlock back, too, so the partners have some obstacles to overcome before they might resume the work they are familiar for.

Sherlock does have a mission right out of the gate, though. He has been summoned to London by his brother, Mycroft (Mark Gatiss), who did know Sherlock lived all this time, but doesn’t exactly count as a loved one, unlike. say, Lestrade (Rupert Graves), Molly (Louise Brealey), and Mrs Hudson (Una Stubbs). Thus, Sherlock can’t spare too much time considering Watson, having a job to get on with.

This premiere, “The Empty Hearse,” brilliantly balances many elements. There are the character moments, especially between Sherlock and Watson and Sherlock and Mycroft. There’s an exciting mystery to solve. There’s the beginning of an arc with a man who may be Sherlock’s greatest foe yet. And there’s still time for some good gags as multiple scenarios revolving around Sherlock’s survival play out on screen, with none of them possibly being the correct one.

The excitement continues in “The Sign of Three,” which takes place on the occasion of Watson and Mary’s wedding. Sherlock has the challenging (for him) task of being best man and delivering a speech. Said speech may be the longest in history, as viewers are treated to flashbacks of the bachelor party, among other things, and Sherlock deduces a would-be crime right in the middle of it. That’s not the last surprise in the installment, one jam-packed with compelling story, even as it stands as the lightest and funniest of the trio.

I’m really glad Sherlock takes the time to do this. It’s a situation that finds our protagonist supremely out of his comfort zone, but the fact that he’s willing to go through with it anyway proves the level of his affection for Watson, something reiterated strongly in all three episodes. Plus, the wedding is just so much fun, a splendid affair with a great Sherlock twist.

The year’s Big Bad fully comes out in the season finale, “His Last Vow.” The man’s name is Charles Augustus Magnussen (Lars Mikkelsen, The Killing original version), and he is a self-described businessman who controls far more than he should, especially in the arena of politics. His vast library of dirt allows him to manipulate anyone he comes across, and he has some very startling secrets about someone close to Sherlock he isn’t afraid to use when Sherlock makes a move against him.

Magnussen, though important, is only part of the story, though. Midway through the episode, Sherlock is shot in a shocking sequence that reveals something major about a recurring player. Much of the back half deals with the ramifications and fall-out from this event, which is so much more than it seems at first. I can’t spoil anything about it, just saying that it’s a beautiful, near-perfect piece of storytelling, that ends in one hell of a climax, bringing it all back around to a very memorable stand off with Magnussen.

If that wasn’t enough, “His Last Vow” ends with a wallop of a cliffhanger, after fans will think the action is done, leaving the promise of a stellar fourth season to come.

Sherlock season three is different from the first two in that Sherlock and Watson aren’t doing their traditional work together, life interfering in major ways, and the cases come to them very naturally, through personal means. There is also not a lot of plot for supporting players like Lestrade and Molly. But the character development for Sherlock, Watson, Mary, and Mycroft is fantastic, and you likely won’t think about the little bits that are missing, given what’s there on the screen.

This release also contains a trio of special features, “The Fall,” “Shooting Sherlock,” and “Fans, Villains, & Speculation.” They are interesting enough, though don’t go as deep as one would like, leaving us wanting more. Which is about par for such a Blu-ray edition.

While not traditionally a big-budget show, I do recommend the Blu-ray version this time around. There is a lot of darkness in Sherlock, and HD will ensure the visual layering and stark colors needed to fully appreciate the scenes. There are also a couple of huge shots, such as those of the exterior of Magnussen’s home, that you’re going to want to see as much detail as possible from. The series contains a sweeping, crystal-clear score, well mixed with the dialogue.

Sherlock Season Three is available now.

SHERLOCK Lives

Article first published as SHERLOCK Review on Seat42F.

The BBC’s SHERLOCK begins its third outing on PBS tonight with“The Empty Hearse.” Picking up two years after Sherlock’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) death, everyone has accepted the detective’s fate and begun to move on with their lives. Which makes it especially messy when Mycroft (Mark Gatiss) summons his brother home to help out on a new assignment, disrupting the lives of the people who missed Sherlock.

It’s not a spoiler to reveal that Sherlock did not, in fact, die in the previous season finale because there would be no SHERLOCK with Sherlock. That’s just simple logic, easy enough for even the most amateur sleuth to deduct, and it has been pretty clear is press materials and such leading up to this run that Cumberbatch would return.

The questions are, though, how did Sherlock fake his death, why did he not tell his partner, Watson (Martin Freeman), the truth, and what has he been up to while away? Speaking of them in no particular order, as PBS has asked us not to give this stuff away, at least one of these is answered in the initial installments, one is sort of left up to the viewer to decide, and one is played with in spectacular fashion, proving Sherlock is as much as a legend as he is a person. The last I refer to may never satisfactorily be answered, but that only adds to the mystique of the character.

SHERLOCK is as much about the mystery as it is about the answers. Yes, the titular character thrives on putting together the clues, but he doesn’t have to disseminate the information to everyone. He plays his cards close to his chest, and if he didn’t, he wouldn’t be Sherlock.

Not that Watson doesn’t have a few surprises of his own. While missing his buddy, he has met and fallen in love with Mary (Amanda Abbington, Mr. Selfridge), whom he intends to marry. This throws Sherlock for a loop, with his partner’s loyalties now split. Can Watson balance a spouse and the demanding detective? Or will he have to choose? Will that decision even be hard?

Watson isn’t the only one who has a strong reaction to Sherlock’s return. Among the familiar characters featured in “The Empty Hearse” whose reactions to Sherlock’s resurrection are revealed are Lestrade (Rupert Graves), Molly (Louise Brealey), and Mrs Hudson (Una Stubbs). Sherlock does not live in a vacuum, and while he abhors a true community, he is not lonely as he accuses Mycroft of being. He has his friends, and they are happy to have him back, for the most part.

This episode is full of a number of hilarious, wonderful scenes. From Mrs. Hudson’s surprise at Watson’s heterosexuality, to a couple of outlandish theories played out, to an unexpected gay kiss that will make internet fan-fiction writers gasp, to multiple discussions of facial hair, to one-liners tossed into serious bits willy nilly, the writing is sharp and entertaining. Plus, the emotional stuff between Watson and Sherlock and Sherlock and Mycroft is very well done, deepening our understanding of these important bonds. There is a lot to appreciate and enjoy about the 90 minute installment.

There is also new danger afoot. Sherlock doesn’t re-emerge by chance, and what Mycroft wants him to do isn’t the only threat that London faces. Within the premiere, one of the main characters finds their life threatened in a very serious way. Then, Sherlock and Watson get right in the middle of a very large-scale plot that could result in hundreds of casualties, or more. As emotionally fulfilling as “The Empty Hearse” may be, it is also thrilling, too.

“The Empty Hearse” is a jolly good time, a return to form for the popular British programme. SHERLOCK premieres tonight at 9:58 p.m. ET on PBS as part of Masterpiece Mystery.

Investigate Sherlock Season Two on Blu-ray

Few series are as popular as the BBC's Sherlock, especially considering the impact that it has had internationally, including in the United States, where it just finished a run on PBS. From Doctor Who scribes Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, and based on the legendary tales by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock brilliantly blends a literary treasure with the modern world. Season one was highly successful, but the game is afoot even further in season two.

Unlike in season one, which mostly deals with lesser known Sherlock Holmes stories, season two tackles three of the most infamous plots. Does it help or hurt the series to thrust itself into the spotlight, allowing fans to compare it against various incarnations that have come before it? It would be simplistic and outright wrong to say choosing stories that the public is familiar with is the reason season two is better, as character development, fantastic production value, and top notch acting and writing deserve most of the credit. However, these stories are popular for a reason, and they make a heck of an exciting run for the show!

First up is "A Scandal in Belgravia." Before the mystery can really begin, however, some transition is needed. Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch, Warhorse, Atonement) and Watson (Martin Freeman, Love Actually, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) survive their showdown with Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott, John Adams, Saving Private Ryan) because of a mysterious phone call.  Then, through a montage, viewers learn that Sherlock has become as famous in his fictional world as he is in the real one. Case after case is solved, a photo is captured with the titular character wearing his iconic hat, even if the wardrobe choice is an accident, and Watson's blog takes off! Watson is concerned that this notoriety will attract the wrong kind of attention. Of course, he is right.

Sherlock is asked to stop a political scandal. Dominatrix Irene Adler, a.k.a. The Woman (Lara Pulver, MI-5, True Blood) has something on a member of the royal family, and Sherlock's brother, Mycroft (series co-creator Mark Gatiss), would like to correct that. It's not a case that Sherlock would like to take, and he isn't eager to get on with it. But what Sherlock does not expect is the draw this woman has over him. Over a period of months, Holmes and Adler strike up a relationship that is as raw and real as any love story, even if their affection is never shown to be consummated.

It's funny to see how Sherlock handles romantic attraction. He cares for Watson and Mrs. Hudson (Una Stubbs, Mist: Sheepdog Tales), but that only extends to keeping them around to help him, not acting nice towards them. Sherlock isn't exactly lovey-dovey with Irene, either, but there's some palpable chemistry in the air between the, which the actors capture expertly. It's a new side of this man, one that is not explored in any other episode of the show. For that alone, "A Scandal in Belgravia" will remain one of the best entries in the series.

Next up is "The Hounds of Baskerville." This tale presents a unique challenge, in that it features a monster. It's a chilling suspense story, and, on paper, one that would be hard to match with the modern sensibilities with Sherlock. Yet, it is a triumph, too! By turning the whole thing into a conspiracy, and with a few twists I will not reveal here, this episode serves the story it is based on, but also makes itself solidly authentic in reality. Helped by a terrific appearance by Russell Tovey, who is known for playing a werewolf himself on Being Human, and treating fans to a more Watson-focused sequence, this creepy investigation should keep you guessing til the end.

Finally, the third feature-length installment in season two is "The Reichenbach Fall." Moriarty returns with a vengeance, playing a long game that Sherlock has much difficulty figuring out. The two may be a match intellectually, but if one has a huge head start, setting all the rules of the game before the other even knows he's playing, there is a distinct advantage. With Moriarty brilliantly turning the public against Sherlock, it is clear that the beloved detective is in hot water. Throughout the ninety minutes, one thing after another keeps going down, with the connections tenuous at best, making them difficult to piece together on the fly.

The tragic climax is one seen coming from a mile away, in retrospect. What happens is built up because of the two episodes before it, and while still surprising, it feels like a natural conclusion. Again, no spoilers here, but it really asks Sherlock to examine just who he is as a person, who and what he cares about, and what he is willing to do to protect them. It's a masterpiece of cinema, and should not disappoint anyone who watches. No one has publicly figured out how the ending is pulled off, though the creators assure their fans that all the clues needed to solve this final mystery are present in the episode.

The special features are a bit sparse. A twenty minute "Sherlock Uncovered" is very interesting, giving facts, secrets, and tricks that are used in all three episodes. Two of the tales have audio commentary, but regrettably, not the final one. And that's it. With four and a half hour of solid excellence, one really wants to know more about the show. But apparently, we are left to deduct our own truth, which, admittedly, is in the tradition of the main character.

Sherlock looks fantastic on Blu-ray, the recommended way to purchase this season. From the special effects in the finale and premiere, to the dark, fog-lined hollow in the middle installment, there are elements of each episode that just will not be as impressive in standard definition. Sherlock delivers for those inclined to invest in the superior audio and visual capabilities, and there is tangible reward to view it that way. It truly looks fantastic in high definition.

A third series of Sherlock has been commissioned, but will not begin production until 2013. For now, buy Sherlock Season Two on Blu-ray, on sale now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article originally published as Investigate Sherlock Season Two on Blu-ray on TheTVKing.com.

The Office Special Edition DVD

     The Office has a new Special Edition DVD out now, in time for the holidays! No, it's not the American sitcom starring Steve Carell, but rather, the original UK version, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant — who still collaborate today — it's dry British humor, but every bit as funny as the American counterpart. Considering this is an article written in America, and will mostly be read by Americans, parallels between the two series will be drawn throughout.

     Ricky Gervais (The Ricky Gervais Show, Extras) plays David Brent, a completely horrible boss for a small branch of a large paper company. More concerned with being liked than getting the job done, and hopelessly inept at both, Brent bumbles along for twelve episodes and a two-part Christmas special, getting fired along the way — a highly realistic development. Gervais is excellent in the role, which put him on the map. David Brent, who has cameoed twice in the American remake, is way worse than Michael Scott ever considers being. He is eager, but not generally a good person. He gets what he deserves in the end.

     Of course, Gervais does not carry the series alone. His assistant to the regional manager is Gareth (Mackenzie Crook, Pirates of the Caribbean), much more well rounded than Dwight, Gareth makes a much better boss when the time comes. Tim (Martin Freeman, Sherlock, Love Actually) and Dawn (Lucy Davis, Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip) are the Jim and Pam, 'will-they, won't-they?' couple. Spoiler: they will... eventually.

     There are also other employees, most notably Keith (Ewen MacIntosh), who is a sort of Kevin. But aside from the main foursome, the others are not as fleshed out as the supporting players that Americans are used to. This is all right, however, because of the short run of the original The Office. With only two six-episode series and the Christmas special, there is no time to give anyone else any depth. Which doesn't detract from the enjoyment at all.

     Now, many already know the story of The Office, as these episodes have been released before. The great thing about this tenth anniversary special edition, available only on DVD, not Blu-ray, is the many, many extras included. The bonus features from earlier editions are present, plus much more. Deleted scenes, video diaries, outtakes, director's commentary, and a music video are just some of the repackaged content, already released.

     The best of the new items is a twenty minute rough pilot made three years before the series. It proves that Gervais put a lot of thought into David Brent, and perfected the part long before he played him on a weekly basis, though the other characters are played by different actors. This pilot was filmed in 1998, not to be mistaken with the 2000 version, of which only clips are included, not the entire thing. The 2001 version is the one packaged as part of the series.

     Two forty-minute extras are also a highlight. The first includes five web videos, providing interviews with many of the people involved, including Gervais and Merchant. The second is "Comedy Connections," a single special that delves into the making of the series, with a focus on the original batch of six episodes, and pack with clips.

     The one complaint buyers may justifiably have is the introductions to each of the first series episodes. They run around five minutes a piece, and there is no way to begin the episodes without them. They are informative, but also spoilery, for those who haven't seen The Office yet. They contain great guest cameos by Ben Stiller, Hugh Jackman, Matthew Perry, and others not involved in the series. For most, a simple hit of the 'skip chapter' button on the remote will fix this, but it is a shame that one must do so, rather than selecting a 'Play Without Intro' from the menu, as many similar series have done. Even worse, there are interviews within the ending credits, too, ruining the flow into the tag.

     In short, because of the preceding paragraph, The Office: Special Edition - 10th Anniversary Edition is for the fans. Those who haven't seen The Office yet should seek an earlier version to enjoy the episodes as they are meant to be seen. Also, collector's should not throw away their old sets, lest they try introducing new fans to the show. However, for people already in love with The Office, this is an excellent set, and a worthy edition to your Office collection.

     Buy The Office Special Edition on DVD today.

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Article first published as DVD Review: The Office - Special Edition, 10th Anniversary Edition on Blogcritics.