Allison Tolman (Fargo)
Like Hannibal in 2013, very few people expected the FX drama Fargo to live up to its revered source material. Boasting one of television’s great ensembles and the sardonic feel of the North Dakota-set film, the show became one of the biggest success stories of the year, and the gem in the midst of the darkness, Allison Tolman, became its most valuable asset from her first scenes.
A rising comedy star without a lot of screen credits, Tolman’s gumption and grit won audiences over. Her character, the not-so cleverly named Molly Solverson, is a spot of compassion, shrewdness and relatability for audiences who could have been turned off by the bleak humor and subject matter. Although Molly shares a lot of traits with Marge Gunderson, the role that earned Frances McDormand an Oscar, the character’s sweetness, commitment and lack of histrionics makes its mark regardless.
Hitting the tone of the series, which wavers from dark thriller to deadpan comedy in a matter of seconds, is no easy task, especially when sharing the screen with the larger-than-life personas of Billy Bob Thornton and Bob Odenkirk. Tolman did so with ease though, her aching face but determined outlook giving audiences someone to root for.