This pilot for a series manages to capture pretty well the memorable tone of the 1996 film (leaving aside the extreme violence of the kidnapping plot). Edie Falco takes over the role of Chief Gunderson (played so memorably in the film by Frances McDormand), here investigating a local domestic crime. McDormand's Oscar-winning performance was so indelible, it's difficult to accept someone else playing the role, but Falco comes about as close as it is fair to expect. More detail about the town of Brainerd fleshes out the story, including Geoffrey Nauffts and Robert Joy as two brothers dealing with the death of their father. In a twist (which is understandable), this story has absolutely nothing to do with the city of Fargo. The original movie itself didn't have much to do with it, and was not filmed there; when they converted the story for a TV pilot, all ties to North Dakota's largest city were severed in favor of the wifty, oddball charm of Brainerd. It's easy to see how it might be a hard sell as a series, however, though it's nice to have a chance to see this pilot.
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