EARLY WORD: Fargo, The TV Series

TIME: FX’s newest, longest trailer for its television sequel to the Coen brothers’ black comedy film classic, Fargo, teases all the right ingredients: an all-star cast, blunt force trauma to a bloody nose, deadpan shock, and muffed Minnesotans stalking corpses in the snow. Joel and Ethan Coen, both executive producers of the new series, were both hands-on in development of the show with FX. Fargo will pick up one morning after where the film’s absurd conspiracy left off, with several fatalities. Sherlock‘s Martin Freeman will replace William H. Macy, and Billy Bob Thornton will replace Steve Buscemi. Allison Tolman will also star, with Kate Walsh and Colin Hanks making brief appearances. One could only pray for the clueless return of Frances McDormand as Sheriff Marge Gunderson – alas, the president of the network has already nixed any such hope for cameos from the original cast. MORE