10 years ago

Neither Remake Nor Sequel (Television Series) 

NPR guest host and TV critic David Bianculli explains FX’s new network premiere of  the drama series called Fargo, yes it has the same title as the 1996 Coen Brothers movie –  it’s very definitely a wonderful show in that same wacky spirit – but it’s just as important to note what this new Fargo is not. It’s not a remake — and it’s not a sequel – READ HEREAccording to show’s creator Noah Hawley, FX asked him to make his own original adaptation of the Academy Award®-winning feature film. The premise of series evolves around a drifter named Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton), who arrives in Bemidji, Minnesota and influences the population with his malice and violence, including put-upon insurance salesman Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman). Set in late 2000’s. The actual Coen brothers were not involved: They read the script, liked it enough to add their names as Ex. producers, but did nothing else. The original concept was born out of MGM’s (Former Polygram) desire to get more of its movie properties onto television, and the goal was to franchise Fargo without remaking it. Fargo | Tuesdays 10 – FX