In 1996, the Coen brothers released one ofthe greatest dark comedy crime filmsof all time,Fargo. Set in a fictionalized universe of perversion and crime with a Minnesotan charm, the film would go on to be nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning two. The origins ofFargo,the television series, can be traced back to 1997 and a pilot starring Edie Falco and directed by Kathy Bates. When nothing materialized from this wannabe series, the idea would sit on the shelf for fifteen years before writer Noah Hawley would pen a script so good that the Coen Brothers themselves would sign on as executive producers.
Over ten years and five seasons later,Fargohas become one of the most acclaimed series on television and one ofthe best anthology shows of all time. In addition to brilliant writing by Hawley and cinematography by Dana Gonzales and Matthew Lloyd, the series features high-caliber performances throughout each and every season. With season 5 premiering in 2023, these are the best performances in the television seriesFargo… so far.
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10Ben Whishaw as Rabbi Milligan
Ben Whishawmay best be known for voicing the adorable Paddington Bear in thePaddingtonfranchise, or for playing the younger Q in Daniel Craig’s James Bond franchise. When you expand his resume, you will find countless examples of just how talented an actor Whishaw is. Naturally, when it was announced he would be a part ofFargoseason four, anticipation was at an all-time high.
Why He Belongs Here
Whishaw plays Rabbi Milligan in season four ofFargo, an Irish-American who is taken in by the Fadda crime family at a young age. His allegiances are tested throughout the season as he develops a bond with Satchel Cannon, a young boy from a rival crime family that the Fadda family has taken in. Whishaw shows tremendous heart and emotion in his performance throughout the season, but one episode in particular stands above the rest. “East/West” is the ninth episode of the season and also serves as the swan song for the character of Rabbi. Shot entirely in black and white until the final moments of the episode, the spotlight is shined on Whishaw in this episode, and it is the standout episode of the season.
9Kirsten Dunst as Peggy Blumquist
Kirsten Dunsthas been a part of show business since the age of three, with her breakout movie role coming in the 1994 dramaInterview With the Vampire,acting alongside Hollywood powerhouses Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. Dunst would reach superstardom playing Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi’sSpider-Mantrilogy. She would have a sporadic television career, only appearing in guest star roles before taking on the role of Peggy Blumquist in season two ofFargo.
Why Her Performance Makes the List
The character of Peggy Blumquist and her husband, Ed, find themselves embroiled in a murder cover-up when they accidentally hit and kill Rye Gerhardt, the son of the local Gerhardt crime family. The actor’s devilish turn from gentle beautician to bumbling criminal is played masterfully by Dunst. Her role in season two would earn her both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
8Martin Freeman as Lester Nygaard
Martin Freemanwas primarily known for his role as Tim in the British version ofThe Office, as well as bit parts throughout Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy, before blowing up as Bilbo Baggins inThe Hobbittrilogy. Along for this ride, Freeman joined the inaugural cast of the first season ofFargoas Lester Nygaard, a mild-mannered insurance sales agent from Bemidji. Nygaard finds himself unraveling after meeting a violent hitman played by Billy Bob Thornton.
Why Freeman Is One of the Best in Fargo
Watching the traditionally meek Martin Freeman turn into the monster that Nygaard becomes is acting at its finest. He holds his own alongside a powerhouse talent like Thornton and delivers one of the best performances of the season. Freeman would also earn Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his role as Lester Nygaard.
7Jesse Plemons as Ed Blumquist
Jesse Plemonsgot his start in the iconic football dramaVarsity Bluesand would gain even more fame in the sports genre by starring in the television adaptation ofFriday Night Lights. His television career would continue to grow as he played the dastardly Todd Alquist onBreaking Bad. Plemons would joinFargoin 2015 as Ed Blumquist, the husband of the previously discussed Peggy Blumquist.
Why He Makes the List
Ed Blumquist is a local butcher in his community who quickly finds himself wrapped up in a cover-up when his wife hits a member of a local crime family, and Ed stabs the said man to death when he unknowingly discovers him in a freezer. Peggy wears the pants in the relationship when it comes to their newfound life of crime, and Ed is along for the ride. Plemons plays the fool to perfection, as clearly, Peggy and Ed are not cut out for the cover-up they have embarked on.
6Bokeem Woodbine as Mike Milligan
Every once in a while, an actor makes a splash, and we are left wondering where they had been hiding.Bokeem Woodbineis one of those actors. Appearing in small roles throughout most of his career, Woodbine got his opportunity to really shine as Mike Milligan in season two ofFargo.
Why He’s Great
The character of Mike Milligan is bursting with charisma and confidence. Woodbine perfectly encapsulates both of these qualities as an actor, and it shines through his performance on screen. He provides a calmness that can bring about terrible discomfort. His backstory plays out unknowingly to the audience in season four as we discover just where Mike Milligan came from.
5Allison Tolman as Molly Solverson
Allison Tolmandoes not have many acting credits on her resume, but those she does have shown an actor who, much like Bokeem Woodbine above, is full of talent just waiting to be fully utilized. Season one ofFargofeatures Tolman as Deputy Molly Solverson, who is investigating the murders committed by Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman’s characters, and she is hot on their trail.
While not quite as Midwest authentic as Marge Gunderson in Coen’s film, Molly truly does feel like she stepped right out of the 1996 movie. This is what makes Tolman’s performance so great and memorable. She feels like she belongs in this universe, and she is an easy character to root for. Tolman would win a Critics Choice Award for best supporting actor for her role of Molly Solverson.
4Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Malvo
Billy Bob Thorntonis anAcademy Award-nominated actorand Academy Award-winning screenwriter who has enjoyed a career in Hollywood since the mid-1980s. Thornton was just the kind of big-name star thatFargoseason one needed to give the series a firm foundation on which to stand. The actor would take on the role of hit man Lorne Malvo who crashed his car in Bemidji, Minnesota, an accident that sets in motion a series of unfortunate and violent events.
Why His Performance Is Great
Thornton brings a cold and calculated demeanor to the character of Malvo and presents a convincingly dangerous antagonist to the audience and other characters with whom he interacts. His top-tier performance brought him home both a Critics' Choice and Golden Globe Awards. Malvo would set the table for all manner of villainous people in the Fargo universe.
3Ewan McGregor as Emit & Ray Stussy
Ewan McGregorpulls double duty in season three ofFargo,playing both Emit and Ray Stussy, identical twins with two very different statuses in life. McGregor, best known for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in theStar Warsprequels, joined Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Carrier Coon, and David Thewlis (more on him later).Fargowould mark McGregor’s first starring role on a television show, and would remain so untilObi-Wan Kenobiin 2022.
Why the Dual Performance Is Great
Playing one great character is quite an accomplishment on its own, but playing two diametrically opposite ones in the same season of a television series is the mark of an all-time talent. The range of McGregor is on full display throughout the season. Similar to most others on this list, his performance would earn him an award win in the form of a Golden Globe.
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2Chris Rock as Loy Cannon
Chris Rockhas cemented his status as an all-time great stand-up comedian and comedic actor. When it was announced that Rock would be leading season four ofFargo,it took many by surprise given the dramatic tone that can oftentimes be associated with the series, in addition to its dark comedy as well. Rock would take on the role of Kansas City crime boss Loy Cannon and would blow people away with his performance.
Why it’s One of the Best
Similar to other comedic actors who have made dramatic turns in the past, Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler and Bill Murray. Chris Rock knocks it out of the park in his first truly dramatic role, somethingthe actor could certainly excel atmoving forward. Loy Cannon is a man trying to balance his love for his family and his commitment to his organization and community, and Rock’s performance conveys all the necessary power and emotion needed.
1David Thewlis as V.M. Varga
Known the world round for playing Remus Lupin in theHarry Potterfranchise, David Thewlis may not be a household name to many, but his starring role in season three ofFargocertainly helped to put him more prominently on the map. Taking on the role of British business person V.M. Varga, Thewlis joins an all-star cast in season three, one of the more peculiar of the Fargo seasons. The actor does so in stunningly brilliant fashion.
Why it’s the Best in the TV Series
To see Thewlis is his other roles and to then see his take on V.M. Varga is to truly appreciate the transformation that the actor underwent. Varga is a vile and deceitful man and Thewlis plays him to perfection. From expressions, to speech, to mannerisms, Thewlis encapsulates the character in every way. En route to earning several nominations for his role, Thewlis also delivered the best performance inFargothus far.
