Fargo (FX) – Season 1

Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) trying to get out of a tight spot

There is something quietly magical about watching FX’s Fargo. Despite sharing so many qualities with the 1996 film – the frivolous, ubiquitous small talk; the washed-out sets and arctic blue exteriors; the ironically cinematic score (which works even better on television); the facetious, heavily accented overuses of “oh yeah,” “well heck,” and “aw jeez” – this FX original is not Fargo. The characters have been tweaked, reimagined, and shifted to match a more dynamic, open-ended storyline. The infuriatingly clueless and eternally weak Lundegaard is replaced with a more willful and self-aware Nygaard. Comfortable, stable Marge Gunderson becomes aspiring, youthful Molly Solverson. But most significantly, the dysfunctional kidnapper duo is trashed in favor of a drifting assassin, the instigating and innately cynical Lorne Malvo. The inclusion of these different characters provides for a unique dynamic not found in the original.

Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) teaching Lester life lessons

And yet, this new series manages to emulate the witty and unmistakably signature charm that made the original such a cult hit. 1996 Fargo’s appeal was rooted in its unprecedented mix of dark comedy, tragedy, and heroism. Although the FX series doesn’t line up perfectly with its muse (nor does it try to), it still succeeds in capturing its situational hilarity, absurd gravity, and profound melancholy through its impressive writing, mindful directing, and laudable acting. Alison Tolman plays her part stunningly, but the best performances come equally from Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman, who could not have been cast any more perfectly. So although FX’s Fargo is not entirely Fargo, it’s heart and skin is Fargo through and through, and that’s what matters the most. FX has struck gold with one of the most marvelously original and endlessly watchable shows of the year so far.

Police officer Molly Solverson (Alison Tolman) working on a case at a diner

FINAL SCORE: 5 out of 5 stars  (raw score: 95, between “almost perfect” and “perfect”)

Fargo premiered April 15, 2014. It airs every Tuesday at 10:00 EST

UPDATE: Because of the consistently impressive writing, acting and directing the show displayed up until its finale, I feel compelled to make the rare move of editing my original raw score on the show from 92.5 to 95, thus making Fargo a 5 out of 5 star show.

Portlandia (IFC) – Season 4

Fred Armisen convincing Carrie Brownstein to keep a hot tub he purchased under a shared account

Portlandia, IFC’s crowning achievement, goes into its fourth season with more wit, character, and self-confidence than ever before. Not looking to appease everyone, Armisen, Brownstein, and Krisel channel their creative potential into the show’s niche writing with more acuity, creating stronger characters and wittier humor. In five-minute segments, they develop real scenarios with real characters having real (hilarious) conversations. The show is now less about criticizing and making fun of Portlandians, and more about understanding and exploiting the humorous aspects of their lifestyles.

Brownstein and Armisen observing art in a rush

Armisen and Brownstein let down no expectations with their acting. Maintaining poise and composition despite their ridiculous situations, they allow their audience to escape into the comedy of the moment without feeling like they’re explicitly being told a joke. Their characters, although less quirky and spontaneous and more down to earth, are still as equally rich with vivacity as they were in previous seasons. Throw in near-flawless production quality and editing, and you have the most stunning quirky sketch comedy since…well, Portlandia, Season 3.

FINAL SCORE: 4½ out of 5 stars (raw score: 87.5, between “great” and “almost perfect”)

This season of Portlandia premiered February 27, 2014. It airs every Thursday at 10:00 EST

The Spoils of Babylon (IFC) – Season 1

Devon Morehouse (Tobey Maguire) and wife Lady Anne (voiced by Carey Mulligan)

Leave it to IFC to air such a ridiculous, parodical, star-studded miniseries that works so surprisingly well. The Spoils of Babylon throws together farcical sets and costumes, bombastic and shallow dialogue, hilariously awkward acting, and tons of continuity errors to create what may most likely remain the parody series of the year. There are times where you will feel like you’re watching a 12:45 SNL sketch. And there are other times where you will be rolling on your couch, gripping your gut and choking out what doesn’t even sound like laughter anymore. But most of the time, the show will feel like both.

Cynthia Morehouse (Kristen Wiig) and brother Devon Morehouse

What makes the show work the most are the minute details in production and writing. Green screens will malfunction for a millisecond, but that’s just enough. The continuity errors are often small and range from geographical to chronological, but someone on the couch will be bound to notice it and share with enthusiasm. If for no other reason, watch for a gut-busting brunch conflict between Kristen Wiig and a gaudily dressed mannequin voiced by Carey Mulligan over the heart of Wiig’s adopted brother, played by Tobey Maguire.

FINAL SCORE: 4 out of 5 stars  (raw score: 85, between “great” and “almost perfect”)

The Spoils of Babylon premiered January 9, 2014. It airs every Thursday at 10:00 EST