'Fargo' Season 2 Spoilers, Cast News: Production Commences, Keir O'Donnell Joins Cast

By Liezl Dunuan, Christian Post Contributor Sunday, February 15, 2015

After winning several awards in the Emmy's and the Golden Globes, Fargo, the dark comedy-crime television series aired on FX has started production for its second season last Jan. 19, in Calgary. According to a report on Variety, a new addition to the cast is Keir O'Donnell, most recently seen in "American Sniper." He joins other cast members such as Ted Danson, Patrick Wilson, Jean Smart, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons.

O'Donnell will play the role of Ben Schmidt, a recurring character in the second season. The report described his character as "ambitious and driven," and someone who "narced on other kids." Patrick Wilson will play one of the main characters, Lou Solverson, a Minnesota State Patrolman who recently served in the Navy in Vietnam. Ted Danson will play County Sheriff Hank Larsson, who is also Solverson's father-in-law. Jean Smart will play the matriarch of the Gerhardt crime family.

Season 2, as earlier reported, is set in a totally different period in time and place compared to the first season. It's set in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Luverne, Minnesota in 1979. Hank and Lou will be investigating a case involving "a local crime gang and a major mob syndicate."

According to another report on TV Guide, "the second season will be set in the late '70s with Ronald Reagan's campaign as the backdrop," as mentioned by FX Networks CEO John Landgraf. Thus, Ronald Reagan will also be appearing in some episodes, although it is not yet known who will be cast for the role.

The first season of the TV series won accolades as Outstanding Miniseries and for Outstanding Directing in the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards and Best Miniseries or Television Film at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards. Billy Bob Thornton, who played Season 1's lead character Lorne Malvo, won Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Film also at the Golden Globes. It is said to be inspired by a 1996 movie of the same name, written and directed by Ethan and Joel Coen.