After watching Fargo Season 3 when it first aired (2017), I remarked that Fargo was “the most Christian show on TV.” If the Christian themes in Seasons 1 and 2 weren’t obvious enough, they are undeniable in Season 3. This doesn’t mean it’s a family-friendly show, mind you (viewer discretion is advised). Nor does it mean it is perfectly orthodox. But as we’ll see, this season displays an overtly biblical worldview.
Warning: Spoilers ahead
Set in Minnesota, during Christmas of 2010, Fargo Season 3 follows the feud between identical-twin-brothers Emmit and Ray Stussy. The brothers are contrasted in almost every respect; ironic for identical twins. Emmit is the older twin, a rich businessman. Ray is the younger twin, a poor parole officer. Emmit owns a luxurious home, Ray rents a dingy apartment. Emmit is clean-shaven and well-dressed, Ray is scruffy and unkempt. Emmit is happily married with children, Ray is romantic with one of his parolees.
The feud centers around the inheritance left to them by their deceased father. Ray claims that Emmit tricked Ray out of an expensive stamp collection. Emmit disputes this, maintaining that Ray preferred to have their father’s Corvette. Readers of the Bible will immediately notice a Jacob and Esau theme in this premise. Jacob and Esau were twin brothers who became enemies over the inheritance given by their father Isaac. Similarities and references to Jacob and Esau will continue throughout the season.
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