As a comedic crime thriller set in snowy Minnesota and featuring a sheriff protagonist, it would be pretty tough for the new Bob Odenkirk-starring shoot-em-up Normal to avoid comparisons to Fargo, and since we will never pass up an opportunity to discuss the Coen Brothers’ 1996 classic, that’s precisely what we will be comparing it to next week. But first we’ll spend this week discussing why Fargo remains so discussable even after multiple viewings, what makes Marge Gunderson — or maybe Jerry Lundegaard — such an effective protagonist, and how the film’s unusual structure and tonal shifts can take even the most seasoned viewer by surprise. Then in Feedback, we keep The Drama going with an encore presentation of our disagreement about that film’s ending.

Please share your thoughts about Fargo, Normal, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email or voice memo to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730.

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