Fargo (TV Series) The Law of Vacant Places (2017) User Reviews

Subtle Tension is Unmatchable

[ThomasDrufke · 9/10 · 19 April 2017]

The first two seasons of Fargo were great as their own separate stories. But how long can an anthology show keep being one of the best shows on television? Well, if the premiere is any indication, season 3 could be just as good. 'The Law of Vacant Places' is filled with the one thing that made the first two seasons so special, subtle tension.

Tension isn't the only thing Noah Hawley recaptured, though. The gorgeous cinematography, haunting but timely music, and likable quirky characters are all back this season. This is about as good of a start to a season as you can get.

Much like previous installments of Fargo, the various characters interact in the most random and unlikely way possible. The important thing is that they are set up properly to ensure those random interactions are effective. As per usual, the entire cast exudes charisma and chemistry. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ewan McGregor is the most memorable as both Emit and Ray Stussy. However, Scoot McNairy and David Thewlis give McGregor a run for his money. Thewlis is deceptively entertaining as the mysterious investor in Emit's firm, and McNairy gives a short-lived but nonetheless important turn as Ray's parolee.

We all knew the episode had to end with a surprising death that would set up the investigation for the rest of the season. I wasn't surprised to see Gloria's (Carrie Coon) father bite the dust, but I was stunned to see Maurice bite it as well. Not only is McNairy a well-respected actor but he could have been beneficial to this season overall. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we're going to get much more of him, if at all.

Overall, this episode was a treat. It's been a long time since season 2 ended, but it was well worth the wait. If the rest of the season can continue the impeccable tension and stakes, then I think we're in for another winner.

+Music

+Unique performances

+Element of surprise

9.5/10

Great First Show!

[pwest-651-999452 · 9/10 · 20 April 2017]

I am most curious how the East German angle is grafted into the story and if the Chief's step-dad is part of that. I wish I could have read who wrote the two books found in the hidden locker?

This looks like another great season; last year's was good, but no where the level of season one. It left too many unanswered questions for me. This one seems back on track.

I'll have look on line for the author's of the novels and see if these secret finds are hidden treasures which will some way of connect the East Germany, Cold War, interrogation seen at the beginning. I love how this show connects what seem unrelated events into a chaotically, absurd reality which by seasons end fits together like a finished, mosaic puzzle.

This my favorite series on TV; it is show well photographed, directed and written. I also love how the show always presents women as forces of nature which men must reckon with.

We Get to Know the Gang

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 19 April 2017]

The first episode lays out some funny stuff. First of all, we are introduced to a couple brothers. One is very successful. He has gotten that way by some nastiness he pulled on his little brother. He has done well in real estate. The problem is that he took a loan from a foreign company, thinking after a successful year, they would pay the one million back. The representative isn't interested in the money. They now will be running the business. The owner is stunned to say the least. The brother, also played by Ewan McGregor, is a loser parole officer who spends most of his time taking urine samples from guys. He is bitter because he feels his brother stole from him (taking some valuable stamps). He hires one of his idiot parolees to steal a very precious stamp, but the guy goes to the wrong house and kills an old man. There's more, but things are set in motion. The loser son has a girlfriend whom he met when she was in a lineup. She is very enterprising and does a remarkable thing toward the end of the first episode. The daughter of the old guy who was killed is the chief of police. So we have that law presence again. I am in heaven again. This is my favorite show and it's starting out great again.

Very happy...thanks to all who are involved

[sitindc · 10/10 · 20 April 2017]

This is only my second review and I just had to comment on the wonderful performances of Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Ewan McGregor last night. I have been a little depressed over how boring and unoriginal many TV offerings have become. Fargo has restored my faith in good television. You folks rock! I hope you read this and understand that you guys really are part of something special. Thanks for not insulting your audience and for making such carefully woven, engaging story lines. You give my wife and I something to look forward to on Wednesday nights. I can't remember the last time I watched a program that I didn't want to see end. I wanted more after it was over...more Winstead, more McGregor..more everything! Thanks for bringing a little hour or more of flavor into our lives!

Fargo fever continues

[mannu041991 · 22 April 2017]

So as usual the Fargo fever continues...I cannot judge based on the first episode..but to be honest the story line seems promising, the plot is simple but how it gets better will be seen in the upcoming episodes having said that Evan's acting seems promising as well as he's playing a double role and both the characters seem interesting, stulbarg's role will define how good the season will be as the small character's role is what defines Fargo....in short first episode of season 3 was promising and I am looking forward for the next episode....

Sisyphus

[caster-67894 · 10/10 · 20 April 2017]

So far This season looks proud continuance of season 2 Showcasing two brothers one rich businessman in real estate, second one older bald parole officer.

interesting side of east Germany. Use of Symbolic at its finest. plot moves on around robbery of Sisyphus stamp. setting strong tone of absurdity + great soundtracks + good performance

The plot isn't simple, but the telling is superb.

[tom-456 · 8/10 · 18 May 2017]

Well, okay now. Here's the thing. You see, I never watched the TV version of Fargo until this season. I decided to watch it mainly because of Mary Elizabeth Winstead. She's from North Carolina, you see. It doesn't snow much in North Carolina. That's what I hear anyway, and of course we get plenty of snow up here in Fargo. Anyway, Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays one of the main characters, along with Ewan McGregor and Carrie Coon. Oh, and also David Thewlis. McGregor actually plays two of the main characters, the Stussy brothers, Emit and Ray. The Stussy brothers are twins. They have a long-standing feud over a stamp that ended up in Emit's possession. To hear Ray tell it, that stamp, which Ray traded to Emit for a corvette when their Dad died, is the reason for Emit's financial success. Emit became the parking lot king of Minnesota. Ray believes that Emit knew the value of the stamp and swindled Ray in the deal. Ray has been involved in some shadings dealings in the past, but he now works as a Corrections Officer, or, as some would say, parole officer. Well, he did anyway, but he ends up getting fired, when his superiors learn that he has shacked up with one of the parolees assigned to him. This of course is where the character played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead comes in. I just love the way that name sounds. Mary Elizabeth Winstead. She's a real cutie, you know. And a good actor too, I might add. Now where was I? Oh yeah. Ray has no qualms about using his position as a parole officer to coerce people under his supervision to do favors for him. Oh, but not Nickki Swango - the character played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead - she's way too smart for him, you see. Anyway, Ray coerces one of the men under his supervision to go to his brother's home and break in and steal the stamp. Ray had it all written down for him, but he lost the piece of paper, and he ended up in a rural community with a similar name to the community where Emit lives, and even manages to find a man, living in that community, with the same last name as the Stussy brothers. The poor man also named Stussy ends up dead. And it turns out that he is the stepdad of Gloria Burgle - played by Carrier Coon - the police chief of the small community. Although, because of some jurisdictional consolidation, her small community's police force got absorbed into a bigger force, and she lost that prestigious title, and now has to report to a man who appears not to be particularly competent, wouldn't you know.

Meanwhile, there is a whole 'nother plot developing with Emit. A stranger shows up, a man named V. M. Varga - played by David Thewlis. It's immediately apparent that Varga is not the sort of man you say "no" to, unless you are willing to deal with serious consequences. We learn that Emit had recently taken a business loan from the company that Varga represents, and that Emit never really knew much about the company he was borrowing from, and that the two parties had very different perceptions of the nature of the loan. Even though the company Varga represents had loaned the money under terms favorable to Emit, at a time when no one else was willing to loan Emit money, Emit seems to have genuinely believed that it was a regular business loan and that once he paid the money back, there wouldn't be any lingering consequences of that load. But Varga explains to Emit, in terms that leave no opportunity for any misunderstanding, that they are partners in perpetuity, and that Emit's business will be used to launder money for some considerably larger operation, and that Emit will become very, very wealthy. Emit resists with conviction, the first couple of times that Varga comes calling, but Varga proves to be a very persuasive fellow.

Back to what happened the night that Chief Burgle's stepdad - well okay she's not Chief anymore - got murdered by the man that Ray sent to steal the stamp from Emit. The murderer shows up afterward at Ray's upstairs apartment, and Nikki is there. The man threatens Ray - blaming him for how it all went wrong, and threatening to go to the police unless Ray pays him money he is demanding. Ray and Nikki realize instantly that their lives are about to be changed in a big way, and a very bad way. When the murderer leaves the apartment, Nikki starts desperately trying to loosen the air conditioner in the window, using a big screwdriver. At first Ray has no idea what she's doing, then he catches on and joins her. As luck would have it, the man exits the front door of the apartment building and then stops to light a cigarette, directly under the window and the air conditioning unit, giving Nikki and Ray time to dislodge the air conditioning unit, which falls and hits the murderer squarely on the head, killing him. This would seem to take care of Ray's problem, because dead men don't talk, and it doesn't seem that there is any way for anyone to connect Ray to the murder of the unrelated man who shares his last name with the Stussy brothers. However, thanks to crime scene evidence, the name of the murderer has been identified. Gloria begins to notice the unlikely coincidences, especially after she gets some help from another policewoman, who was investigating another incident involving Emit's lawyer. The parole officer assigned to the man who murdered her stepdad has the same last name as her stepdad. And, wouldn't you know it, the name of the community where the parole officer's brother lives is awfully similar to the name of the community where her stepdad lived. Are these just coincidences?

amazing

[JonanthanNewOrleans · 10/10 · 20 April 2017]

loved the first episode of this new season.

like the two previous seasons (as well as first season of true detective) you slowly get immersed in the story, the environment, the characters.

it is slow, very slow, but in an incredible tensed way that you cannot get your eyes off the screen.

the humour is very very witty and delicate i found myself laughing many times at the subtle jokes, pauses and characters always being confused by the situation they are in, same style of humour as the movie and first two seasons.

awesome, hope the whole season will be like this premiere!

Best non HBO TV drama ever

[hewlett61 · 10/10 · 25 August 2020]

I loved first two seasons of Fargo, but never had a chance to see season 3 until now. Just as good. Only thing I wonder is if the Ewan McGregor character Emmit is intentionally reminiscent of Kramer from Seinfeld. Looks, voice, mannerisms, I can't get it out of my head.

Yet another excellent season but a slight inconsistency

[apoorvkul-12927 · 9/10 · 9 July 2017]

contains spoiler** season 3 last episode: When nikky and the officer killed each other when emitt was standing in between, he just got into his car and got away, but earlier he stopped in the middle of nowhere bcoz his car ran out of fuel.

Otherwise a great season which lived up to the expectations.thumbs up!!

Despite the repeated themes, characters and accents, the show is still interesting.

[texshelters · 6/10 · 22 April 2017]

Fargo review Episode 1, season 3

Season 3, episode 1 (The Law of Vacant Places), of Fargo is banking on the success from the first two seasons. They are borrowing from most of what has come before in the hopes that the show's overall quirkiness will let them get away with repeating themes, plot elements, characters and even accents. If I wasn't watching Ewan McGregor's face on the small screen as Emit Stussy, I would have guessed from the accent that it was William H Macy from the film.

It's a great formula that the Fargo crew and show-runner Noah Hawley has created. But in this episode, it fails. First, the criminal is not half as menacing as Billy Bob Thornton was in the first season or the Kansas City Crew (and Mike Milligan) in season two. That might change, and I hope it does, fast.

The return of Marge Gunderson is also notable. No, not literally, but the only thing missing from Chief Burgle (played by Carrie Coon) is a pregnancy. Otherwise, we would swear it was our beloved Marge. And she's no Allison Tolman (Chief Solverson) from season one, who brought her own charm to the character. I can see myself coming to like Burgle, but she has yet to steal my heart. (wink, wink)

McGregor's characters are a split of the William H. Macy character from the film, Jerry Lundegaard. And so far, the sum of the two characters, Emit and Ray Stussy, is less than one Lundergaard. Jerry is a sleazy business man and criminal. Emit is a sleazy business man and Ray is a criminal. My hat is off to Macy for playing such a complex character that it takes two McGregors to play.

The plot did not grab me. It is different than the first two seasons, but it relies on too many coincidences for my taste. Events in a film or television show work best if they are part of the natural course of character in a particular setting. This plot relies too much on happenstance, so the already fantastic plot becomes improbable.

The sub plot with the younger brother Ray, his job as a parole officer, and his card playing with his girlfriend is interesting, but it adds little to the suspense, so far.

Rating: Matinée It is still an interesting show, even if I have seen most of it before.

I suspect this season will get better over time. Perhaps they should have made the opener a two hour episode to hook us. As for season four, if there is one, I recommend that show-runner Hawley step aside and bring in a totally different crew of writers. How about Tony Gilroy, Margaret Atwood or better yet, Stephen King? It needs something, or this ride will soon be over.

Peace, Tex

Awards?

[mt962 · 8/10 · 27 May 2017]

I'm going eight out of ten because it is still in progress. However, so enjoying this season. Great writing, great acting and great directing. All actors are doing an amazing job. But Mr. Thewlis is truly outstanding. His lines are fairly complicated and delivered perfectly! Wow, what a cool customer, a character with so much depth. A delight to watch. I predict an award for Mr. Thewlis, if not I should be very disappointed. Bravo. Can't wait for next week!

Hooked

[darbski · 6/10 · 26 April 2017]

Might be spoilers I'm hooked and I think I know why. I think we all like to look at others and think "Boy, and I glad I wasn't born that stupid". Because, even being kind, stupid is a complement to some of these characters. Given that, some of the things that happen are simply inexplicable unless maybe one believes that Bigfoot (or fill in the blank with whatever name they call it, him, her, etc.) is also an alien or the reincarnation of Elvis... yeah, THAT Elvis. One MUST watch this episode to find out what I mean; please do. I can't wait to find out whose brains have boiled dry in the next episode...

Season 1 and 2 set the bar so high

[joelferguson98 · 3/10 · 12 October 2020]

This episode is so slow and it's over an hour long. The actors are not anywhere close to engaging as those in the first 2. Malvo and Mike Millinger are on different levels.

Solid start

[TheDonaldofDoom · 7 March 2018]

As the fourth Fargo story, we're beginning to see patterns emerge. This episode has some of the negative we've come to expect from Fargo: contrived, coincidental plot devices (the radiator), some clue being left at the crime scene (piece of shirt Ray left) and some grave error being made that shapes the season's entire narrative (Maurice's mistake). The fact that Fargo is a comedy lessens how jarring these things are, but with these tropes appearing again in the first episode of this season, it's starting to look a little bit formulaic.

It's still a lot of fun, more comedic than Season 2's opener. That this mayhem is all over a stamp is so fargo. There are already some standout characters. Nikki is smart and sexy, both qualities without which she and Ray wouldn't have got out of the situation. Maurice is pretty funny in how constantly stoned stupid he is. How Ray trusted him to perform a serious task I don't know.

Slow confusing mess for the premiere of season 3

[rusoviet · 6/10 · 20 April 2017]

This pales in comparison to what the other 2 seasons pulled the viewer in as they considered watching more. I assume this is because of the expectations all had based on those past two season premiers.

The real staying power of a show is when one doesn't find oneself going to the computer to check on other 'news' or E-mails because the plot was boring.

Far too much unnecessary footage wasted on character development but in fairness once the 'out of town' Brit showed up as well as the comeuppance for the clueless perp it found its' legs.

I hope this doesn't meander into a swamp the way 'Taboo' did - great acting and a continuous 'deus ex machina' plot twists lacking any coherence.

Fargo: S3E1 "The Law of Vacant Places" Review - King Cadmium

[kingcadmium · 7/10 · 28 March 2022]

A twisted sibling rivalry leads to murder, mobsters and a cutthroat competitive bridge in a small Midwestern town.

What I Liked:

The cinematography is solid, and each scene perfectly implements its well-crafted and memorable music score. On top of that, each actor gives a strong performance.

V. M. Varga is an intriguing character, perhaps the most memorable despite only one scene, and I will be fascinated to see what unfolds with him this season.

What I Disliked:

This episode was noticeably slow for a premiere, causing several uninteresting portions, especially the scenes involving Gloria and her son.

Ennis' death was poorly done and confusing, with no clear explanation as to how he died, in what was an odd death for an unremarkable character.

Overall:

Though underwhelming, this is a pretty good premiere. One can only surmise this season will improve moving forward.

7/10

King Cadmium.

Good characters and acting, too slow

[elliotcmbambury · 3/10 · 3 May 2021]

This series is such a disappointment, good characters with the exception of the main villian played by David Thewlis who was annoying and uncharismatic making his scenes hard work to watch. The writers basically strung out what should have been 3 episodes into a whole series. Compared to the last two series this was very poor andcould not be saved by the cast.

A decent start....

[Dreviews16 · 8 August 2017]

I honestly did believe that the second season was the best TV show of 2015, it had pretty much everything I would want from a crime, drama, thriller as its title reads on IMDb. But to add to that there was the quirkiness, the beautiful locales, the eccentricities of characters and let's be fair, an honest tale to tell at the end of the day. It was a show which made you feel good and content by the end of it. I have just started on the third season, and it does have some of the fair elements of the previous seasons, such as the quirkiness of characters (Ray Stussy and his side-kick Sy, just the way they talk remind me of Blumquists last season), elements of mystery (starting in East Germany, the sci-fi collection of old man and that present he made for his grand-son) and as usual good acting. But then there were times I felt that action could have (just a bit) quicker, some sequences seemed to drag a bit (The event at Stussy home, that gun for hire did seem to eat up time, was pretty happy with the way the episode ended,his character's role was done) and I hope I am wrong on this one, but I got the feeling that in old school Bollywood style, the Stussys of Eden Valley and Eden Prairie might be related. Hope even if I am right, there is the usual Fargo style explanation and relations are not exact as they are made out to be. But all in all, am more than satisfied with what looked like a really promising start.

Weird (like psychedelic drugs weird) & Disgusting is not always entertainment

[TKBlackburn · 3/10 · 18 May 2017]

Hooked me with the first episodes. After the air conditioner incident (which was awesome) everything went downhill.

After the weird L.A. episode to the weirder Peter & the Wolf episode, the hook has ripped free.

Unwatchable after this week's "drink from the mug" episode.

Yes - we got more plot, but this writer is full of himself & his own perception of what is poetic & artistic. I've taken it off my DVR after this week's over-the-top episode. OVER THE DAMN TOP.

Gripping then STUPID!

[puppyrevenge · 5/10 · 15 May 2017]

I can't believe no one has said what i am about to say. Whose stupid idea was it to have Nikki kill Maurice by taking ages to loosen a heater and then drop it on him because he was "outside standing still in the exact place he needed to be". I was hooked right up until then. One of the most contrived things iv'e ever seen. Why would she even think to do that. She obviously wanted to kill him so why not just follow him and stab him with the knife she picks up. Really bad writing which makes no sense. And how didn't Ray tell Maurice what the stamp actually looked like and use him in the first place if he's a waste of space. Stupid stupid stupid.......and i wish they wouldn't say BASED ON A TRUE EVENTS at the beginning because it obviously isn't.

Dug a big hole but can't make it up

[crispwolf · 5/10 · 23 June 2017]

Had a high hope on it and tolerated all those made up 'cool' of the gang and dumb .ruined last 2 seasons' reputation It really needs a better story line not just show off those same fake 'true story' thing again and again...

maybe you can make it another 24....

hopefully, there's no season 4,what a waste.

Fargo season 3

[ralph-29758 · 1/10 · 29 April 2017]

I was waiting with great anticipation for season 3 of Fargo because 1 and 2 were so well done. Season 3 is a big disappointment. The droopy Brit character is annoying; what professional does not know how to google and find enter (my 93 year old dad can) and how can Gloria get on without at least exchanging emails (on a computer)with HQ? The story may be true but the interpretation is fast and real loose. Why didn't Emit and his partner go to the police, even if he had done something shady? Characters (with exception of Emit and his partner) are weak and the acting is phony. I may be spoiled after watching Sopranos but the Coen Bros should be ashamed to put their stamp on this one.

Ewan is unbelievable as a Minnesotan

[fsbelote · 4/10 · 20 April 2017]

Ewan Macgregor's feeble attempt at a Minnesotan accent makes this borderline unwatchable. Every scene in which his Scottish brogue intrudes is ruined. A horrible case of miscasting. The show itself seems to measure up to the quirky brilliance of the prior two seasons. The accent is cringe worthy.

Worst season yet...

[inframan · 2/10 · 17 September 2019]

Too much padding. Too much filler. And far far too much schtick. C'mon, even the LA characters speak in that phony Minnesota monotone. What is this, a revival of Fibber McGee & Mollie? Geez...