Fargo

Fargo is Noah Hawley's crime anthology, inspired by the Coen brothers' film. Each season introduces a new cast and story, with ordinary ambitions and grievances colliding with much more dangerous people.

The first begins with insurance salesman Lester Nygaard and the unsettling Lorne Malvo. Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton and Allison Tolman give it a superb combination of embarrassment, menace and patient police work. Later seasons move between eras and expand the criminal worlds without losing the dry humour.

I've watched all five seasons and find it hard to choose a favourite. The ability to make a conversation funny and threatening at the same time is a large part of the attraction. I would start with the first season and follow release order, even though each story can largely stand alone.

Read my full Fargo review for more on the characters, the anthology format and the poster I have on my wall. For another crime anthology, try True Detective; for patient criminal character work with a sharp sense of humour, Better Call Saul.