Leah, I so appreciate your perspective. Your subtle comparison of Ammon and LaVoy. Getting at Cliven’s narcissism. No one else brings this depth. Thank you.
I'm also captivated by the Nordic, kilt-clad avenging arch-angel, who seems to be impervious to the threats of violence from the sheriff, and seems to be every bit as violent. Where would you fit him in your comparisons with the many dramas created by the white male supremacist movement.
I think Fargo is some of the most important "fiction" out there today. Every aspiring right-wing local politician out there should watch it as a cautionary tale.
Ole Munch is fascinating. For one, is he a real person? I’m delighted by the idea of him being some kind of supernatural being; my impression is that he’s a centuries-old sin eater, which certainly aligns with my interest in the horror genre. It’s interesting that he seems to be acting, by this episode, in the interest of women who have been oppressed by a male supremacist system. So, if a centuries old being can wake up, perhaps the implication is that anyone can?
Wow, that’s amazing! I haven’t read a Men’s Health article in years. That was exactly what I needed to rest my mind about this character’s place and Munch really does has a big part in this story.
Not sure as to the writers’ intent on the insertion of an avenging dark angel deep into this very intriguing story of very life like characters but angel redeemed himself in the later episodes (to my enjoyment).
Fascinating post, and I appreciate all the background you gave on constitutional sheriffs (wasn't aware of the anti-semitism roots, but that makes sense). Thank you. I ran into these guys while reporting on sovereign/Patirot movement activity in rural, southern Colorado around 2017. Still one of the most bizarre reporting experiences of my life. There was even a standoff and call to arms that sounds really similar to the scene you describe from the latest season of Fargo (which I'll have to check out). https://www.westword.com/news/sovereign-movement-is-off-the-grid-anti-government-and-gunning-for-justice-in-colorado-9085265
wait, what, there's a Fargo *series*?? But the original film was SO good! Why series?? My mum (R.I.P) and I went to see Fargo in the theatre (in my mid 20's, that's how old I am) and then we talked like we were Marge Gunderson for a very long time. I think I watched it again with her (and later with my husband) after renting it on DVD a couple of times as well. I feel nostalgic now.
I wonder what channel hosts the series in Canada? *off to Google*
(btw, I haven't read your entire post yet because I was so EXCITED at FARGO - I might go back and risk a spoiler 😉)
It's a really good show. Each season is self-contained, and totally separate from the movie. The Coen Brothers are producers, though, and there are lots of fun Easter eggs throughout the seasons hinting at their other films.
Yeah. I looked up my county because I know our sheriff had one of those trainings for his deputies. I’m still not sure exactly where he lands on all this. I should probably just get to know him to find out for sure.
I feel he's one of the ones on the outer-circle of the movement, not like a super-fan. But in that region, most of his voters probably are more far-right than he is, which is often how these training happen.
I thought of you when they name-checked Ammon and Cliven, so glad to get to read your thoughts on this incredible season. Your added context in this essay make it even more impactful. It's pretty hard to watch, but still so entertaining, a true-life horror indeed.
Haven’t finished the series yet, but my ears perked up with Lorraine Lyon’s comment about her donations to the “orange idiot” -- has to be DT right? But she seems to maybe have a conscience, good!
Leah, I so appreciate your perspective. Your subtle comparison of Ammon and LaVoy. Getting at Cliven’s narcissism. No one else brings this depth. Thank you.
I'm also captivated by the Nordic, kilt-clad avenging arch-angel, who seems to be impervious to the threats of violence from the sheriff, and seems to be every bit as violent. Where would you fit him in your comparisons with the many dramas created by the white male supremacist movement.
I think Fargo is some of the most important "fiction" out there today. Every aspiring right-wing local politician out there should watch it as a cautionary tale.
Ole Munch is fascinating. For one, is he a real person? I’m delighted by the idea of him being some kind of supernatural being; my impression is that he’s a centuries-old sin eater, which certainly aligns with my interest in the horror genre. It’s interesting that he seems to be acting, by this episode, in the interest of women who have been oppressed by a male supremacist system. So, if a centuries old being can wake up, perhaps the implication is that anyone can?
https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a45999434/fargo-season-5-500-years-ago-sin-eater-ole-munch/
Wow, that’s amazing! I haven’t read a Men’s Health article in years. That was exactly what I needed to rest my mind about this character’s place and Munch really does has a big part in this story.
Not sure as to the writers’ intent on the insertion of an avenging dark angel deep into this very intriguing story of very life like characters but angel redeemed himself in the later episodes (to my enjoyment).
Fascinating post, and I appreciate all the background you gave on constitutional sheriffs (wasn't aware of the anti-semitism roots, but that makes sense). Thank you. I ran into these guys while reporting on sovereign/Patirot movement activity in rural, southern Colorado around 2017. Still one of the most bizarre reporting experiences of my life. There was even a standoff and call to arms that sounds really similar to the scene you describe from the latest season of Fargo (which I'll have to check out). https://www.westword.com/news/sovereign-movement-is-off-the-grid-anti-government-and-gunning-for-justice-in-colorado-9085265
Such an interesting story! And I remember Doucette showing up at Malheur, too.
Interesting story . . . Wow! What an experience you must have had reporting this. The sovereign citizen movement is terrifying!
When Hamm’s character made a reference to Ammon and Cliven, I thought “I need Sottile to chime in here.” 😊
Constitutional sheriff's sure don't have an issue collecting a paycheck from the government
I gasped when "Roy" said that! But it was right on the nose for America's Sheriff!
wait, what, there's a Fargo *series*?? But the original film was SO good! Why series?? My mum (R.I.P) and I went to see Fargo in the theatre (in my mid 20's, that's how old I am) and then we talked like we were Marge Gunderson for a very long time. I think I watched it again with her (and later with my husband) after renting it on DVD a couple of times as well. I feel nostalgic now.
I wonder what channel hosts the series in Canada? *off to Google*
(btw, I haven't read your entire post yet because I was so EXCITED at FARGO - I might go back and risk a spoiler 😉)
It's a really good show. Each season is self-contained, and totally separate from the movie. The Coen Brothers are producers, though, and there are lots of fun Easter eggs throughout the seasons hinting at their other films.
thanks, Leah, I'll have to check it out! Apple TV offers it here so we have an option.
That Political Research Associates link is really helpful, thank you.
That map is not entirely up-to-date, and the movement has influenced more sheriffs than are properly indicated. (But it's a good start.)
Yeah. I looked up my county because I know our sheriff had one of those trainings for his deputies. I’m still not sure exactly where he lands on all this. I should probably just get to know him to find out for sure.
Which county are you in?
Flathead County, Montana
I feel he's one of the ones on the outer-circle of the movement, not like a super-fan. But in that region, most of his voters probably are more far-right than he is, which is often how these training happen.
Also he spoke at the Red Lion hotel which lololololol
I thought of you when they name-checked Ammon and Cliven, so glad to get to read your thoughts on this incredible season. Your added context in this essay make it even more impactful. It's pretty hard to watch, but still so entertaining, a true-life horror indeed.
To add, I have a whole post about the sexism of far-right sheriffs here.
https://sheriffs.substack.com/p/women-fought-the-law-and-the-law
Also, Mack's movement and all the far-right sheriffs were directly influenced by the White Horse Prophecy in the form of Cleon Skousen.
Readers of this might be interested to know I have a forthcoming book on this subject
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707263/the-highest-law-in-the-land-by-jessica-pishko/
I've added a subscription link to your newsletter to this post!
XOXO
Haven’t finished the series yet, but my ears perked up with Lorraine Lyon’s comment about her donations to the “orange idiot” -- has to be DT right? But she seems to maybe have a conscience, good!