With plenty of mystery and a cinematic feel, Noah Hawley’s gritty crime show Fargo is shaping up to be the television masterpiece of 2015.

The newly-released second season is set in America just before the Ronald Reagan years, following police officer Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson) and Sheriff Hank Larsson (Ted Danson) and their investigation into three murders.

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Rye Gerhadt (Kieran Culkin) is the son of a mafia crime family dominating the city who, after committing the murders in question, is inadvertently killed in a hit-and-run by beautician Peggy Blumquist (Kirsten Dunst) and her husband Ed Blunquist (Jesse Plemons).

Set in the mountainous regions of Sioux Falls in South Dakota, the series centres on the Gerhadt family and their struggle to maintain their power and influence over the city. After the father of the family suffers a stroke, divisions emerge over who should take over the embattled crime syndicate.

Elsewhere, another criminal organisation decides to launch a hostile takeover of the Gerhadt’s business and their first step is to locate Rye, who is presumed missing. At the same time, the Blumquists must grapple with what they’ve done as police officers begin to discover strange clues at the crime scene.

Patrick Wilson in ‘Fargo’ season two.

With its complex storyline and unique set of characters, the first three episodes of season two are already far more compelling than its predecessor.

Set in Bemidji in Minnesota, season one of the dark comedy-drama was nowhere near as complex as the latest instalment, focusing heavily on a manhunt for a violent drifter (played by Billy Bob Thornton) as he corrupted an entire community through deception.

The best part of the show is that you don’t necessarily have to watch the first season to appreciate the second. Similar to other popular shows like American Horror Story and Blackadder, each season of Fargo stands alone from its predecessor thanks to a different cast, different storylines and a different setting.

Each episode opens uniquely with a split-screen showing various characters and their whereabouts. This captivating opener is accompanied by grainy imagery and panoramic shots of the South Dakota woods, most likely a nod to the Spaghetti Westerns of the 60’s.

Fargo also begins each episode with a different 70’s track – a bonus for fans of retro tunes.

Angus Sampson and Jean Smart.

The hoarde of familiar faces is another reason why this series is a cut above the rest. Hollywood actress Kirsten Dunst is almost unrecognisable with a Minnesota accent and does an excellent job playing a beautician-turned-criminal.

Watchmen star Patrick Wilson gives a standout performance as a younger and less jaded version of a police officer portrayed in season one.

Sitcom legends Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Ted Danson (Cheers) are also welcome additions to the cast. Despite being relatively new to TV drama, Garrett manages to put aside his comedic flair to play a villainous character.

Danson on the other hand is no stranger to crime shows – playing the grey-haired Sheriff with finesse and charm.

There’s even an Aussie name in there in the form of Sydney-born Angus Sampson, who plays Bear Gerhadt, one of the murdered Rye’s brothers.

There’s plenty of mystery still to come in this dark and twisted series. If you haven’t already tuned in, you may have to start.

Fargo airs on SBS on Wednesday’s at 9.30pm. You can catch the first three episodes on SBS On Demand.