The last half-hour of the 90-minute pilot is the strongest section, because it develops a tone that could be described as Coen-esque, but does so organically, in a way that assures you that it will become its own thing. The next three episodes get incrementally weirder, stronger, and more original, to the point that you forget to measure this Fargo against its namesake, or against any of the Coens' masterworks, and simply enjoy the odd, sour, frightening, occasionally splendid thing in front of you. Another good sign: Even though this Fargo rips through plot like a wood chipper, you neednt worry that the show will have nowhere to go next season, because like True Detective and American Horror Story this is an anthology series, in which the unit of measure is the season rather than the episode. Certain characters and plotlines may continue. Others will drop. This is a smart move. Fargo is a smart show. Not pleasant, not kind, but smart. Ruthless.