Talk TV Ewan double act makes for some twincredible TV
THE third season of Fargo has only aired a handful of episodes in the US and already the anticipation on this side of the Atlantic is reaching fever pitch.
Channel 4 has not given a release date yet but is expected to broadcast the series in the near future.
Critics have raved about Trainspotting star Ewan Mcgregor’s dual performances playing the Stussy twins – brothers from opposite ends of the spectrum with a keen sibling rivalry.
Full credit to the hair and make-up department because he’s equally convincing in the roles of good-looking real estate magnate Emmit and his balding parole officer brother Ray.
Harry Potter star David Thewlis is just as brilliant in the role of sinister villain Varga, who sneers “surmise” at anyone who asks a silly question and has his henchmen throw people off his forecourt for so much as googling him.
This year’s cast is the smallest of all three seasons and the Golden Globe successes of Martin Freeman, Billy Bob Thornton and Kirstin Dunst are a hard act to follow.
But early indications are that the latest instalment of this black comedy is every bit as good as the first two.
After the first episode USA Today wrote: “This is a series chock full of great characters, male and female, that exudes wit, intelligence and a palpable desire to entertain.
“It’s possible, of course, that this latest Fargo will sag in the middle or fall apart at the end. But neither of the other two seasons did, so here’s betting this one won’t either.”
This season of Fargo is set in 2010 and focuses on the rivalry between the two Stussy brothers – with the script rumoured to have been written with both siblings being played by the same actor in mind.
Ewan as Emmit Stussy The trailer for the show reveals a glimpse of the huge transformation undertaken by Mcgregor, who sports a receding hairline and a beer belly in the role of Ray. FX, which aired the first episode on April 19, described Ray as a “balding and pot-bellied parole officer with a huge chip on his Ewan as Ray Stussy shoulder about the hand he’s been dealt – and he blames his brother.”
Smooth-talking Emmit on the other hand is a more selfassured character and a successful businessman known as the “Parking Lot King of Minnesota”.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, best known for her scream queen roles in Final Destination 3 and Death Proof, appears alongside Mcgregor as his companion Nikki Swango, who is described as “a crafty and alluring recent parolee with a passion for competitive bridge”.
Carrie Coon (Gone Girl) plays the lead female role of Gloria Burgle, chief of Eden Valley Police.
Three episodes of the series have been shown on American TV channel FX, the Channel 4 debut is expected to air soon.
Is it likely to be a ratings winner? Ya, you betcha.