‘Aw jeez, here we go again’, another television series influenced by a popular and rather brilliant film. Normally this leads only to disappointment, anger and a review including of a list of all the things wrong with it. Thankfully, this is not the case with Channel 4’s Fargo though.

Executively produced by the Coen brothers, the original directors of the film, the television series is only loosely based on the movie and this is mainly in terms of style and atmosphere. Yet from the opening bleak shot of an icy road deserted but for one car driven by a mysterious looking Billy Bob Thornton, it was clear Fargo would be something different and promising. The influence of the film is clear in the bleak cinematography and the dark comedic tone, but Fargo still feels fresh and original.

Martin Freeman has stepped out of his comfort zone of the cardigan wearer, polite English gentleman to play a troubled insurance salesman, Lester Nygaard. His character is complete with a nagging wife and not much hope lying ahead for his future and later chooses to embrace his dark side after a chance meeting with Thornton’s wonderful Lorne Malvo. Freeman is transformed in a role no-one would have expected him to undertake and is quite frankly scary as he wields a hammer against his wife. Although we see his violent side we still connect with Nygaard thanks to Freeman’s engaging performance and our sympathies still lie with him. Thornton’s character is a neat contrast, a dark and intriguing drifter with brilliant manipulation powers through the power of speech, who also provides some dark comedy.

The story and tone has been set up well, with unexpected twists and character developments that will keep you in anticipation for the next episode. Although there are no deliberate cliff-hangers, you will still be eager to know more as you experience the thrills of Fargo.

Fargo is on Channel 4, Sundays at 9pm

Emily Murray