Fargo Season 5: A Remarkable Solution to a Polarizing Season 4 Shift

Summary

Fargo season 5 debuts in November 2023 and aims to rectify the divisive change in season 4 by returning to its North Dakota roots.

The change in setting to 1950s Kansas City in Season 4 received a negative response from viewers, leading to a decline in ratings and unfavorable reviews. However, the upcoming season will return to the show's previous successful formula by featuring unique crimes set in a modern environment.

Fargo season 5 is set to premiere in November 2023, and this anthology series is determined to address a divisive change from season 4 in its upcoming episodes. Since its highly acclaimed debut in 2014, Fargo has captivated audiences with its compelling crime stories that echo the popular 1996 film. The show introduced a thrilling narrative that intertwined the lives of a hitman played by Billy Bob Thornton, police officers portrayed by Allison Tolman and Colin Hanks, and an insurance salesman played by Martin Freeman.

Expanding beyond its initial season, Fargo has continued to deliver intriguing tales with fresh casts of characters. However, season 4 received criticism as it strayed too far from the essence of the previous seasons, making it the weakest installment to date. The attempts to differentiate itself from the beloved Fargo formula fell short with general audiences, resulting in lower ratings. Thankfully, it seems that Fargo season 5 will succeed in rectifying its predecessor's major misstep, as indicated by its promising setting.

Fargo Season 5 Is Going Back To North Dakota

The decision to move the story of Fargo season 4 from North Dakota and Minnesota to Kansas City proved to be a major issue. Despite the show's tradition of changing characters and plots each season, the change in setting was a significant departure. This decision ultimately had a negative impact on Fargo season 4, as it is currently the lowest-rated season on Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience score of only 55%. It is understandable, then, that Fargo season 5 will be returning to its roots in North Dakota.

New images from Fargo season 5 provide insight into the upcoming episodes led by Jon Hamm. Set in North Dakota and Minnesota in 2019, Hamm's character, Sheriff Roy Tillman, will be on the pursuit of Dorothy "Dot" Lyon, played by Juno Temple, accompanied by his son Gator, portrayed by Joe Keery. The storyline revolves around Dorothy trying to keep her criminal activities a secret from her own family. This setup reflects the tone and structure of Fargo seasons 1-3, signaling a return to form for season 5. After delving into gang conflicts in season 4, the focus of the show will now shift back to individualized crimes in a more contemporary setting.

Why Fargo Season 4's Location Hurt The Show

Fargo season 4 attempted to address important issues such as racism and wealth inequality, but its negative reception indicates that it fell short compared to past seasons. While the Kansas City setting was logical for the 1950s storyline, it deviated from the familiar Fargo feel. Previous seasons centered around individual crimes and remained within the same time period, never going back farther than 1979.

Given that many of the show's seasons were set after 2000, Fargo season 4's timeline was particularly jarring. However, there is excitement surrounding season 5 as it promises to bring back the elements that fans loved about the earlier seasons. While change can breathe new life into a stale story, the first few seasons of Fargo did not require fixing. Viewers are seeking a similar tone, setting, and setup, even with the evolution of the show's narratives. Hopefully, the upcoming episodes will fulfill these expectations.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes