An original Fargo actor wanted to join the FX series, but was stopped

Fargo, the FX crime anthology inspired by the Coen Brothers' 1996 film, is known for telling unique stories each season. Since its debut in 2014, the series has introduced new characters, settings, and timelines while connecting everything to Fargo in North Dakota.

One of the most memorable characters from the first season was Deputy Molly Solverson, played by Allison Tolman. Her portrayal of the clever officer helped build the story and earned her critical praise. After the first season’s success, Tolman was interested in returning, not necessarily as Molly, but perhaps in a new role. She had a pitch that would let former cast members come back for future seasons as well, in different characters.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Tolman said that not getting to go back to the show felt like,

"standing at the station and watching a train leave that you wanted to be on... That was hard. It was really sad,"

Tolman's proposal for the FX series Fargo

Tolman proposed a pitch that Fargo adopt a format similar to that of American Horror Story, where the same actors appear in future seasons in new parts. She felt this could give the show consistency and offer familiar faces in new roles, while still keeping the anthology format. But according to what Tolman told Vanity Fair,

"but no one said anything"

The show’s creators did not go forward with Tolman's pitch. Fargo remained an anthology in the style originally decided, changing the cast and story entirely with each new season. However, Tolman did get a very short cameo in Season 2. In a brief dream sequence, she appeared as an adult version of Molly, connecting the two timelines, though the younger version of Molly was played by a different actress, Raven Stewart.

Some actors have returned to Fargo, but not in the way Tolman had suggested. For example, Keith Carradine played Lou Solverson in Season 1, and the character was brought back in Season 2, played by Patrick Wilson to portray a younger version. Others have returned through voiceovers, brief appearances, or callbacks rather than actual recurring roles.

Tolman’s idea, while creative, might have worked against what makes Fargo the show that it is. The series depends on crafting new worlds each season. Using the same actors in different roles could distract the viewers, remind them of the actors’ earlier characters, making it harder to believe in each season’s reality. The charm of Fargo would be lost as it lies in its ability to whip up new realities.

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While fans would have loved to see more of Tolman, the show's strength has always been its originality and storytelling. Fargo on FX continues to be a successful show by staying true to its original vision.

Fargo season 6 has not been officially announced, but there is a high possibility that it will arrive. However, it will be quite some time before it does. You can stream all five seasons of Fargo on Prime Video.

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