LN
Lester Nygaard
A timid insurance salesman who is constantly belittled by the people around him.
ClearStory COMPLETE SEASON GUIDE · SEASON 1 · EPISODE 1
FARGO
The Crocodile’s Dilemma
The setup
Bemidji, Minnesota, 2006. Quiet insurance salesman Lester Nygaard meets a dangerous stranger after an embarrassing encounter with an old bully. At the same time, local police investigate a mysterious car crash in the snow.
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
6 peopleThe only names you need
LM
Lorne Malvo
A calm and extremely dangerous stranger who meets Lester at the hospital.
MS
Molly Solverson
A thoughtful police deputy who notices details other people overlook.
VT
Vern Thurman
Bemidji’s kind and respected police chief, working with Molly.
PN
Pearl Nygaard
Lester’s wife, who regularly compares him unfavourably with his successful brother.
GG
Gus Grimly
A Duluth police officer and single father who makes a late-night traffic stop.
WHILE WATCHING
Recap as you go
Open a recap only after the whole named scene has finished. If unsure, wait until the episode ends.
AFTER WATCHING
Key story points
Hidden because this section reveals what happens in Episode 1.
Content note: Episode 1 contains strong bloody violence, murder, domestic abuse, bullying, sexual content, nudity and threatening behaviour.
An unofficial, independently written viewing companion for Fargo. Not affiliated with or endorsed by FX, MGM Television or the programme’s creators. No official images, logos or programme artwork are used.