FX Network's new series "Fargo" is based on the cult classic film of the same name from the Coen brothers. The TV series became an instant hit to both television viewers and critics.

The TV series stars Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton as Lester Nygaard, a put-upon insurance salesman, and Lorne Malvo, a murderous drifter, who meet in the titular village in Minnesota. Fargo's Season 1 finale will be shown Tuesday, June 17.

Martin Freeman as Lester Nygaard is a homicidal real estate agent. The role has been the actor's first chance in a long time to demonstrate his ability to play a truly dangerous character. The actor told "TV Guide" that he had continuously begged his agents to find him gigs as a serial rapist or murderer for a long time. His character hit another low moment in the previous episode, when he sacrificed his new wife to save his own skin.

Billy Bob Thornton has been noncommittal on the subject of coming back for another season despite the show's success, casting some doubt on his character's chances of surviving the season finale. Thornton has also said recently that he does not see himself in another big film. He stated that, as a film director, he considers himself outdated and that he no longer has a chance of being a writer or as a movie director. Thornton said, "If I wrote anything, it would probably be for television and maybe like Costner's ['Hatfields and McCoys'] thing. Or maybe like this, maybe 'Fargo.' I can see myself doing something like that."

The Cast

  • Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Malvo
  • Martin Freeman as Lester Nygaard
  • Colin Hanks as Gus Grimly
  • Allison Tolman as Molly Solverson
  • Bob Odenkirk as Bill Oswalt
  • Joey King as Greta Grimly
  • Keith Carradine as Lou Solverson
  • Russell Harvard as Mr. Wrench
  • Gary Valentine as Deputy Knudsen
  • Glenn Howerton as Don Chumph
  • Tom Musgrave as Bo Munk
  • Rachel Blanchard as Kitty Nygaard
  • Susan Park as Linda Park
  • Oliver Platt as Stavros Milos
  • Julie Ann Emery as Ida Thurman