TV That Knocks My Socks Off!

Back in December, I praised the joys of WestWorld. Now, I tout the glorious insanity of Fargo and The Leftovers. Both shows are in their third season, and both manage to astonish with each installment. Fargo began as a reimagining of the classic Coen Brothers movie of the same name. The setting is Minnesota, but the era and the stellar cast change each season. This time around, Ewan McGregor plays two brothers who couldn't be more dissimilar in look and character. How is it that English actors can master American accents (McGregor nails the famous Minnesota tongue) while us Yanks almost never replicate the Queen's with any believable success? Mary Elizabeth Winstead and David Thewlis also shine as a savvy, sexy schemer and a twisted, verbose mobster who put the screws to McGregor's "Parking Lot King". The Coen Brothers are the show's producers and their fingerprints are all over this quirky, dark comedy. It's like getting a mini-Coen-movie every week. Eureka!

The first season of The Leftovers was startling and electric. The second season was an acid trip. This third and final season is just as challenging and surprising as the two that preceded it. Carrie Coon stars in both Fargo and The Leftovers and her star is ascending with this impressive double-tap! Justin Theroux is excellent as the glue that binds the whole tapestry together, and Scott Glenn delivers the best acting of his career. I don't want to jinx it, but series co-creator and writer/mastermind Damon Lindelof seems headed toward certain victory in the final lap. He caught a ton of shit for the final season of Lost. I predict his redemption draws nigh!