Fargo S01E01 Just one word yes or no

He didn't say no

[@REECEM92]

This is what attracted me to watch Fargo, the fact they cast Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman together. Never imagine these two in anything together and yet the chemistry between these two is incredible. Fantastic actors.

[@ruger51995]

BBT is a huge draw for tv it's why I watched it wouldnt have tried it otherwise

[@neontime8507]

It’s a shame they don’t spend a lot of the show together

[@jw1731]

a dozen years or so before this, they were both in Love Actually but didn't share a scene. Still funny to think about. Thornton played the president of the US

[@rogda123]

Love actually a garbage film. Fargo legendary

[@magesalmanac6424]

False. ✋Love Actually is one of those hokey corny films that is surprisingly enjoyable.

[@Flynn94]

It’s a dangerously attractive thing, someone telling you that every dark impulse you ever had might be right.

[@funnybone6149]

That’s the Devil for you

[@ZackEdwards1234]

"What if you're right and they're wrong."

[@teoteo3522]

Well if someone did suffer that kind of abuse, I wouldn't think he was in the wrong for murdering the son of a bitch.

[@jerrodbutali3990]

Isnt that what good friends do?

[@1bye126]

And for Lester to turn out to be evil at the end of the season it shows his true character

[@windridr66]

The way Lorne's face changes, when Lester suggests he kill Sam, is powerful. Billy Bob's the man.

[@copypaste3526]

Also the sounddesigners are at it like HECK!

[@709mash]

That's Martin for ya. Excellent actor and knows comedic timing perfectly.

[@MM-fg7in]

Peet sake

[@pichi2238]

Well heck

[@MothraBlues]

True that. And Martin Freeman's the WOMAN.

[@doubleoscar773]

Best part about this is that later in the elevator scene, Malvo asks the same question and Lester gives a definitive "yes" answer

[@santiagoaguilera9718]

And that's definitely the scene that's sets the seventh hell on absolute fire. This season is one of my favourite cinematic experiences ever.

[@exfromtheleft]

Before saying yes in the elevaor he says he is not the same guy as the guy in the hospital but actually he is the same guy trying to prove he isn't

[@jebediahkrimsoncraftleding3012]

Phelton Phive Yup. Too many people don’t realize that Gus Grimly was the one who changed-while not disregarding his ideals-by interacting with Malvo. Lester had felt small, and was finally empowered by an external force; however, Gus had strong ideals-naive as they were-that upon encountering Malvo had to falter if he wanted to protect himself. Gus wanted a good/evil world, and was afraid to accept any element of wrongdoing-say shooting an unarmed man bleeding from the mouth on a couch. Lester was simply floating along with a blank mind until he found an impetus stronger than his wife or bullies that he wished to imitate. Lester’s “redemption” isn’t a redemption. It’s a tongue-in-cheek jab at salesmen and their immoral conning, saying whatever to get whatever they want. Lester’s lying about insurance policies, he’s cheating on his wife and actively sacrificing her. I’m done.

[@senthilvelan544]

Both mistakes

[@Cernunnnos]

@@jebediahkrimsoncraftleding3012 I looked at it this way. Malvo quite literally plays a devil, narratively speaking, and Lester makes a Faustian bargain with that devil in this scene. He attains everything that other people around him have told him he needs, people wanted him to be more like his brother. So that his how he understands what success means. He quite literally gets the job that his wife wanted him to have as a successful self made salesman, like his brother. He gets direct revenge on his bully by fucking his bully's wife in his own bed. That's him standing up for himself as his brother kept insisting he should. He takes something of a trophy wife as another emulation of his brother and he even frames his brother, which sort of symbolically allows him to replace him. I'm actually quite surprised he didn't fuck his brothers wife during that awkward dinner table scene. Lester's idea of agency is to emulate other people's success. The change that comes about from his run in with Malvo is that he realises he can take what he wants. And the only thing he knows what to want is what other people in his life have wanted. He has no actual agency. Gus goes through a sort of hero's journey from the moment he meets the devil. Gus is similar to Lester in that they both start as pathetic characters with no agency. Men who are looked down upon by their peers and do not respect themselves. Gus is treated as a bit of a joke by people in his department, so much so that he essentially accepts a role that is beneath his station with the whole animal control aspect. And when Gus comes into contact with Malvo, he is wholly unprepared to face down an evil like that because he (like Lester) has no agency. He can't make the decision because he's unsure of himself and his role in society. A police officer is sort of the embodiment of the person in the tribe who faces down the serpent come to pray on the weak, the archetypal hero. (Atleast in this story.) That's what Malvo's first conversation with Gus means. "Here be dragons." It's a reference to the hero's journey. How the hero must take the plunge into the unknown and face the dragon to protect the people. Gus doesn't get that. The riddle Malvo leaves him with after their second proper conversation, "shades of green". Molly, who understands her role as an a deputy, clarifies what it means for him. Malvo is telling Gus that he is a predator. Something that preys on people. But he doesn't fully internalise this until a year later when he's confronted with the reality that his pregnant wife is going to have to face this predator soon if he doesn't take that plunge into the unknown, claim his agency and slay the dragon. Gus' character arc is the archetypal hero's journey. Lesters character arc is that of the Faustian tragedy. They start out as mirrors of each other and over the course of the story become foils.

[@nealmccoy5727]

Martín Freeman was simply phenomenal in this role. The accent, the mannerisms, the insecurity. Guy is a genius actor!

[@adamteller6685]

“She has real soft hands you see.”

[@ArhamKhan-hy4oq]

And a very hammered face.

[@bubiletsplays]

Y S Lmaoo

[@jefffromjersey52]

I spit out my drink ... lmao

[@Joyful_Jo_]

XD lmao

[@shastealyomeal]

How soft

[@CowCao747]

Holy shit I never noticed the background noise of the washing machine at 2:02 before until now. The sound work in this series is masterfull.

[@TheDude90100]

You can actually hear it repeatedly later. Like when his brother gets arrested.

[@Facelessify1]

Maybe it's supposed to be Lesters mind. Broken.

[@Zorn27]

Holy Christ, nice catch

[@renatusbr]

It reminds me of "The Dogs of War" intro (the song by Pink Floyd)

[@michaelmortell1230]

Grandma what big ears you have... You've just made this scene even better for me xxx

[@Enthos2]

Martin Freeman's performance in this is so underrated. The way his resistance to Billy Bob Thornton's logic is real at first but then turns to a false resistance just to save face with himself is perfect. His character is completely imprisoned by the expectation that people are supposed to "be nice". It's the Minnesota-nice super-ego coming into contact with the Id in Billy Bob Thornton

[@oskarurbas4970]

To be honest, they both were the stars of Season 1. Of course Billy Bob Thornton was on a whole different level, but Martin was very close by.

[@syhzv1034]

What do you mean "underrated"?

[@orange-gd4io]

"Hek. Just hek"

[@Chubs.]

hecc

[@user-bb9nl3bo4u]

He'k'nt

[@dontgomonkey]

He made a deal with the devil.

[@haan9659]

Well he didn’t say yes

[@prepostgamer4481]

@@haan9659 he didn’t say no

[@kb4903]

He is the snake not the devil.

[@elvis._]

@@haan9659 actually, he screamed "yes" to both who were talking to him

[@mohamedredhaaidel9943]

Not devil its juste a Real man

[@magetaaaaaa]

I love how Malvo can make any situation seem like it's the end of the world. He does it here and he also did it at the motel with the kid in the parking lot.

[@trillgates2452]

Idk if you've watched the Coin Toss Scene from No Country For Old Men.

[@Alzeim777]

Woow , this scene just reminded me how powerful the first season was

[@lostuser1094]

Ammar 1999 I've no idea how they keep managing to top itself... smartest show on tv atm.

[@squamish4244]

Part of the reason is because everything about the show was new. What I'm impressed by is that even though they return to similar themes, characters, plot devices etc., they manage to keep it fresh. Season 3 got criticized for its lack of action, but I found myself thinking more about it than the other seasons because of its complexity. Varga is not a terrifying villain like Malvo, but he's very interesting. And the truth vs. fiction theme was remarkably apt for the post-truth Trump era, even though the season was completed before his election. It applies to a lot of things in society.

[@spbspb2413]

@@lostuser1094 It didn't top itself imo, but it didn't get worse either.

[@louisCS502]

lol the 3rd season is soooo much better

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

Season 2 was even better

[@Hossak]

Malvo was having a great time with Lester - the same as he did to that kid when he told him to piss in that gastank. He has that sort of sense of humour.

[@TheBasaltHorogium]

There is a theory that Malvo is actually the incarnate of satan himself, and each episode proves it. Search on the internet "Literally the Devil", read that article to know what I'm talking about.

[@mabusharn3761]

But he's also helping Lester as well

[@lakiog1938]

@@TheBasaltHorogium probably not satan in a literal sense but for sure plays like one

[@cbikle]

I think, in a weird way, Lorne actually DOES see Lester as a friend (maybe something about Lester reminds Lorne of himself in his youth?)

[@swimfan752]

@@mabusharn3761 helping how? Lesters life gets totally ruined and he ends up dead lol

[@AndorranStairway]

masterclass acting. The way he pauses after saying “if it were me in that position” while staring intently into martin’s eyes is incredible

[@bertrandmartel5164]

Now he tells you that he had relations with your wife , he bullies you again, in front of his children; this is a man that doesn't deserve to draw a breath

[@youngfelcher541]

But you didn't say no

[@Brazil_newZ]

Sure he didn't

[@kingoftwilight13]

I really did sympathize with Lester for most of this show, I truly did. But damn when he knowingly sent his second wife into his shop, who truly loved him to die, is when I pretty much lost all sympathy for him. That was so fucked. She legitimately loved and cared for him and he knowingly sent her to her death, just so he could live. I honestly would have liked to see Malvo be the one to end Lester, since he pretty much “created” the monster that Lester became. The ice was too good a death for him, honestly.

[@andraskovacs6403]

I am unsure the second wife loved him so much if it wasn't for the status and wealth Lester could provide to her. She even tells her story in the car to Lester which implies her hypergamous endeavours. Also his brother didn't treat him well, and constantly insulted his masculinity.

[@chill3282]

@@andraskovacs6403 Who cares. What he did was still fucked up.

[@asafy8959]

Did you lost your sympathy for him just there? I finally lost the sympathy when he incriminated his brother and killed his first wife. She was piece of shit but i don't suppose to feel sympathy to murderer.

[@isawilraen9816]

@Queso The Kid She was into him for how kind he was? She fell for him the moment he punked the two Hess boys in his office lol...

[@isawilraen9816]

@@andraskovacs6403 This. She would've done the same to him, as any woman.

[@PretentiousStuff]

this scene is legendary.

[@simonpage6362]

"She has soft hands see..." This is my the best scene in the whole Fargo series. The acting, lighting, sense of foreboding uneasiness. Just beautiful and lead my to study the Coen brothers and their masterful story telling.

[@tony_dogs]

Those sleigh bells give me chills whenever I hear them. They use them so well in this season.

[@56postoffice]

*" This is a man who doesn't deserve to draw breath."* Billy Bob Thornton was fantastic in this first series. Martin Freeman was great also, but Bill's the main draw.

[@anxioussamurai9017]

They're both predators. But in this scene, only one of them knows it.

[@Glorfendal]

Jesus this show is so good

[@JayPineurboy]

@/S_/H_/U_/K_/R_/A_/Y_/E / yeah.

[@barney4293]

/S_/H_/U_/K_/R_/A_/Y_/E / season 2 was amazing but not as good as season 1, and the UFO thing was really dumb

[@kb4903]

I love how Lester goes through about 5 different emotions when Lorne says about killing him and then looks back as Loren face is the same.

[@blckknight117]

2:58 - 3:05 is some master class acting from Billy Bob Thornton.

[@WorldsWorstBoy]

The show is underrated… This is a classic scene and it deserves at least 1 million views.

[@SirZapdos]

Billy Bob’s facial expression at 1:56 is just amazing.

[@odmmhukolo35]

SirZapdos i

[@patgogan7324]

I love how the scene transition sort of looks like Malvo is disappearing like a ghost

[@curiousambitions9331]

His expression totally changes at 3:02 also and he really sells his line. Thornton nailed this part.

[@jamesparker8066]

Lorne play's the part of Lester's "Shadow" perfectly. Inside of this bumbling, underconfident pushover is a Predator. Lorne merely serves as a catalyst to awaken that unconscious aspect of himself.

[@trillgates2452]

Inside of everyone is a predator.

[@jamesparker8066]

@@trillgates2452 Yep! Waters run deep in the Collective Unconscious.

[@adamfreeman2348]

good analysis. like attracts like i guess. darkness will gravitate towards darkness. and polished efficient darkness will sniff out hidden dormant darkness. just like negativity will attract more negativity, and vice versa.

[@juliannehannes11]

​@@trillgates2452Not me, in Fargo land I would get killed so fast like that waitress in the diner s2

[@stephennetu]

This is my most favorite thing of Billy Bob Thornton's, ever, hands down. His character was incredible.

[@adamcole7]

Definitely great and I'm a HUGE fan of the show but...Slingblade?

[@redear9366]

Just realized something. Maybe others have noticed this before, but just wanted to post this here. Lorne is supposed to represent the devil. In some interpretations, the devil is portrayed as a man of honor, but also someone who tricks people to sell their soul. Here Lorne asks Lester, "Yes or No?" If Lester says "Yes", he will kill Sam. That is the man of honor part. After Lorne asks "Yes or No?", Lester does say "Yes". Except he says "Yes" to the nurse who has been pestering him, not Lorne. Lorne takes this "Yes" as directed at him and kills Sam Hess anyway. This is the trickery part. Genius writing.

[@CousinBowling]

Also, when he gets shot by gus and gets back up, i legitimately thought for a moment he was the devil and it was going to go a supernatural route. Idk why lol

[@DJNITON]

The fact that the theme is multi-interpretable makes it more genius. So much theories, all are true in a way.

[@zzzzzzzzzzz6]

But you can tell Lester could tell it might be interpreted that way, or that it had been interpreted that way, and he did nothing to clear up that interpretation. Like he was partially, a little bit, responsible for it. And that served as the catalyst to drag him all the way in.

[@insert-name101]

Lorne considers himself as the devil. He isnt. But he feels that way, so he could justify all of his crimes. He believes his sole purpose is to wreak havoc and continue to do it

[@quitchemmy]

Not gonna lie, you made it up in your mind, it doesn't make sense actually

[@Bothaboiz]

Two exceptional actors and a great scene from a quite remarkable show.

[@Estusstew]

I didn’t mind Lester until the end of the season. Probably when he made his 2nd wife go into the office and Malvo killed her. That was kind on an asshole move on Lester’s part. That and framing his brother

[@JayPineurboy]

Yeah. I sympathised with him the whole season until what he did to his second wife.

[@fernandorebolledo8382]

his brother was an asshole

[@ihatenwo]

@@JayPineurboy Brother was an asshole but linda rip

[@swimfan752]

That was the point I think. Linda was obviously a character who was supposed to be completely innocent, Lester sacrificing her showed how he’s changed through the season. He’s been corrupted

[@stephenreeds3632]

Kind of? She would....and probably did....do anything for him and he does that?

[@Kanig94]

This season was per-fect.

[@ciobanualin3360]

Lorne Malvo was such a complex character. A true serial killer by nature. Who could appear like a normal person, walking next to you on the street, could just be a real killer and that is what Lorne Malvo is. Cold, smart, calculated, calm and serious, it's not exactly the first public opinion about serial killers. Even if at the root he was a cold-blooded serial killer, I felt a little sad when he died.

[@adamfreeman2348]

he was a contract killer actually with serial killer tendencies. he did it for money but seemed to enjoy the work a little too much. killing machine with balls.

[@mustafam956]

He was the devil

[@terranman4702]

No he wasnt. Psychopathy is easy to understand when you get the basics

[@user-idfs34fd]

@@terranman4702 i think he wasn't just psychopath

[@squamish4244]

Billy Bob Thornton is so good at playing assholes that I worry he isn't acting. Which has not been helped by some of his public behaviour.

[@stephenreeds3632]

He's a psychopath but not an asshole.

[@pachucodreams]

Lorne is like a mythological figure, an incarnation of death and plague like Chigurh.

[@joeaverage3444]

Absolutely awesome scene. Terrific acting by both of them.

[@danuk4000]

Such an amazing scene. This was the moment Lester nygard gave in to something much worse

[@grogmadman522]

When lester truly became Heisenberg

[@kris242]

After watching this another time I just noticed that Lester does indeed answer Lorne’s request of “yes or no.” First thing he nervously yells is “YEAAAHHH” after asked this question. It might have definitely been a response to the nurse, but it was all the permission Lorne needed at that moment.

[@jeandouyeth6682]

agreed. I should definitely watch that 1st season again

[@elementSe34]

It was a response to the nurse. Later in the season (IIRC, in the diner) Malvo tells him that there are no rules. Even if he didn't give an answer, that's what Malvo does-he messes with people.

[@wrendemartino-smith1739]

i think Lester intended to say yes, wanted it to happen, but was unsure about whether this stranger he had just met was bullshitting or not and he wanted to have plausible deniability so Lester would be able to lie to himself and preserve his conscious in case Lorne really did it. Like being able to rationalize “well i was just saying yes to the nurse, i didn’t INTEND for this to happen” even though he subconsciously wanted it to. he never gives Lorne a firm ‘no’ after he leaves with the nurse, just an ambiguous shake of the head and of course that’s all a skilled manipulator like Lorne needs, cause he can plainly see a part of Lester does really want this to happen so it will be easy to convince Lester that he was just following his wishes after he kills him so he can blackmail him for fun and profit

[@willldo4]

I wish we had this kind of weather were i live.

[@telecomgear]

Awesome series. I may watch it again.

[@redviper6805]

This scene was the catalyst for the season. Reminds me of the Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece Strangers on a Train.

[@nidkahg9648]

Yes, all through the scene I was thinking someone loves Hitchcock!

[@itsOnMARS2023]

Lorne Malvo might be the most terrifying villain ever

[@crev1018]

Can’t believe it took me so long to watch this show

[@0nurag]

What if you are right and they are wrong.

[@sikandarbaig5449]

Martin freeman is one of very best actors today

[@fong03]

Martin is a terrific actor. I love him in just about everything he does. His American accent in the Marvel movies is always a bit grating on my ears, but he sounds much better here. I have to watch this season!

[@bryton909]

Absolutely horrible in this role in my opinion, at least compared to the movie

[@fictionnerd78]

@@bryton909I actually can see where you’re coming from, but I think he does a great job. He captures the character’s nervous, jittery, meek nature very well imo. But I can absolutely see why you think that way.

[@jpwolf1701]

What is great about this is that in the beginning, Martin Freeman (Lester) was timid and seemed to avoid conflict but at the end, he got the best of Billy Bob Thornton (Malvo) a complete turnaround for the character albeit he became a far worse person than Malvo. Brilliant acting from both Martin and Billy.

[@TKinfinity01]

How hard is it to say the word ‘no’? Unless deep down; he wanted it to happen.

[@bendalymckenna6271]

He did want it to happen

[@KnowledgeKnockoutQuiz]

"You let a man beat you in front of his children to send him a message?"

[@ingmar7389]

"In my scholarly wanderings through the myths and legends of a great many cultures, I've come across descriptions of a certain individual which all display a striking similarity. I do not mean in terms of this individual's outer appearance or name, but of his modus operandi. This Evil works through trickery, tempting at first with the offer of something seemingly good. The price one must pay for this object of temptation, however, is enormous and nonrefundable, and the promised good often contains horrifying hooks and trecherous traps. Beware, then, of any who promise the impossible, for such can only be delivered through the mechinations of Evil." Malvo^^

[@ticklebones3238]

What quote is that from?

[@MagmaInc]

Dinnershark! I’m pretty sure it’s form the Witcher 3

[@ezzeescobar482]

2:59 that face said everything jajaja i love this part

[@stephenreeds3632]

Even the nurse wanted to bully him....it wasn't busy at all.

[@journeyforever1932]

Still by far the best Fargo season..

[@luisablonk2510]

I love Billy Bobs expressions.That always ready to not take any bullshit twinkle in his eyes.Brilliant actor.

[@ragnarlothbrook4652]

These scenes with Lorne and Lester are f@cking incredible

[@mrneutral8423]

Amazing acting.And such a fucking cool intro story.

[@SyrupBuccaneer]

God that MUSIC. 1:41 An enchantment as the Devil beguiles another hapless.

[@Kanig94]

Satan just unleashed one of his demons

[@mallorywestwood]

This scene was so good that I took Hulu subscription just to watch Season 1. And it did not disappoint.

[@curiousambitions9331]

Thornton nailed his character 100%

[@sca8217]

Martin Freeman completely channels Jerry Lundegard here.

[@novelchaser3556]

That facial expresion at the 3 minute mark.

[@infaluv4102]

Ya it's like: Lorne 'lol I'm just having fun messing round with this guy' Lester: 'lol you keep on telling me to kill someone why don't ya do it for me' Lorne: 'oh shit this is a first, j might actually do it for lols' And he did it the absolute madman

[@ManiakGear]

Everyone needs a friend like Malvo

[@nidkahg9648]

Hahahahahahahaha!

[@cogitatione1]

This is the same premise as Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train. A regular guy complains to a stranger who turns out to be a psychopath.

[@raymondreddington5847]

"Yes or no" Me: "Yes and take care of the nurse on your way out"

[@constantreader8760]

I kept trying to remember the title of a Hitchcock film while I watched this. Bingo! "Strangers on a Train."

[@trl2342]

The fact they got Billy Bob Thornton AND Billy Bo Baggins together is amazing.

[@willswalkingwest7267]

And so it begins..... Oh heck!

[@xax888servo7]

Truly an inspired scene, I always rewind to watch more than once.

[@senoritaaurora5123]

The chemistry in this scene is amazing.

[@cadaverdog1424]

One of the great scenes__ sheer perfection __ unbelievable ____

[@blacksenko]

I loved Lester, I didn’t care what he did. He was a good character.

[@Clona3211]

The best scene, for the best season!!!!

[@nintendogamer4703]

Lorne Malvo is an interesting depiction of the devil. Something seasons 2, 4, and 5 lack - an interesting version of the devil in human form. It's what separates seasons 1 and 3 from the rest, Varga and Malvo, and how they depict the devil wreaking havoc for the characters.

[@DiaDeLaDead]

Just finished season 1. Holy crap it was great! Masterpiece.

[@grapeape888]

See how he reacts at 3:38? Thats the real Lester. The coward he's presented as is a mask he's been wearing his entire life. He and Malvo are 2 sides of the same vicious personality separated only by, I would imagine, lifes circumstances up to this point. Make no mistake though, they'll both blow a hole in your head and forget you ever existed if the situation called for it.

[@manicobservations9605]

I've always enjoyed fiction where a meek character goes from pencil dick to a badass. Walter White from Breaking Bad immediately comes to mind. I friggen loved Lester and Lorne

[@BatmanHQYT]

Lester trying to explain Sam's dalliance with his wife is fucking sublimely hilarious acting from Martin Freeman.

[@gbolt111]

First season was best for me.

[@freeagent6282]

This exact clip made me go watch the 3 seasons of Fargo. Okay bye

[@lampham5525]

3:38 so he said "Yes"

[@bigbadbruins1]

Great actor. I think he's one of the all time greats.

[@Braindoner101]

When I saw this show (without seeing the movie), I saw this as a show as the idea of a type of hit man in a way gaining an apprentice… then I saw the rest of the season. It wasn’t what I was expecting.

[@abea.9051]

The eyes are the windows to the soul

[@roberthudson6284]

Everyone loves Rabbi Malvo. So witty and such a snappy dresser.

[@bloodturok3139]

One of the best scenes ever

[@jeffreythomas7833]

He’s like the Devil. Arouses your demons and then makes you feel ok about it. Gives you permission to let them out their cages.

[@Burgmannn]

Alright, I'm gonna watch this show now.

[@Burgmannn]

I'm very glad I did because it's in my top 5 of shows now,

[@GalderIncarnate]

One of the best shows ever aired.

[@speedrunsandmemes]

Damn! Now I have to watch this season again!

[@timmi59]

I like this scene. It trips me out. It’s a story all on it’s own.

[@patgogan7324]

lol Malvo was a perfect nut ,reminded me a bit of chigurh from no country

[@wellthisisinteresting4912]

I might have to go watch this show again omg

[@noahiellina213]

“Mister, we’re not friends maybe we will be someday…” if only they knew

[@MHN6]

Beautiful scene. Loved the suspension of this show.

[@russianbear6384]

Two brilliant actors

[@zoneoperator1419]

It's a totally foreign concept to Lorne to be that weak and indecisive.

[@dougstyles5091]

Now THIS is great television.