In January 2006, Lorne Malvo passes through Bemidji, Minnesota and influences put-upon insurance salesman Lester Nygaard with his malice and violence. Meanwhile, Deputy Molly Solverson and Duluth police officer Gus Grimly team up to solve a series of murders they believe may be linked to Malvo and Nygaard.
A ruthless, manipulative man meets a small-town insurance salesman and sets him on a path of destruction.
Molly begins to suspect that Lester is involved in the murders, but her boss points her in a different direction. Meanwhile, Malvo investigates the plot against a man known as the Supermarket King.
Malvo flips the script on the blackmail operation. Molly sets a trap, and Gus debates whether he should come clean. Lester's return to work has complicated repercussions.
When Gus tries to right a wrong, Malvo embraces his alter ego. Lester finds himself in a surprising situation, and Molly uncovers a promising lead.
When Lester has a close call, Molly makes an unorthodox decision. Gus weighs some neighborly advice and Malvo gets what he wants.
Malvo executes his master plan, while Lester attempts to craft one of his own. Gus and Molly team up in Duluth.
Molly recuperates from her injury, while Malvo looks to dispatch a syndicate in Fargo. Lester continues his descent into darkness with the unfolding of his plan.
Molly faces pressure to close the case, while Lester starts to feel like a new man.
Lester has an unexpected encounter, Malvo changes course, and a new investigation leads Molly down a familiar path.
Molly takes the lead, while Gus pursues a hunch. Lester manipulates a situation, and Malvo finds a new target.
