I just finished watching Season 1 Fargo, speaking of the devil.
Fargo as a movie is mainly about personal justification and the consequences that follow. Every character that had a terrible fate justified their own amoral feelings and mindset, which leads to consequences, which then leads to more justifications for the shit people get themselves into. Being humble and modest in a world filled with terrible justifications means you're spared a grisly fate (unless you're put in the path of justification).
Fargo as a TV show, it has some of that, but that entire theme is put on Lester's shoulders and only Lester's shoulders. Malvo is a cool headed monster, and that's it for his character. Lester justifies his actions due to being treated like shit from everyone, and deciding that its his turn to reap what he wants.
Besides Lester's justifications, its a show about nothing. Bob Odenkirk's character is seemingly mentally distinguished mentally-challenged. Molly is good natured and a great detective, which pays off in the end. Malvo does terrible shit for money, and he's good at it. Good meaning he gets incredibly lucky and the Fargo TV universe is filled with dumbasses.
Overall, Fargo season 1 is show filled to the brim with contrivances when it comes to actual story events. While the execution of said events is fantastic. Tons of dumb things happen, and its really entertaining how things unfold. Season 1 is solid when it comes to cinematography, tension building, and characterization for Lester and Molly.
Its a solid show that's entertaining, but its greatly overrated. I think the movie is great, and I watched the first season not wanting the movie to be replicated. For how many Fargo influences were in the show though, the ball was dropped when it came to executing on the main theme from the movie.