In a recent interview, Noah Hawley, the showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer of the crime drama series "Fargo," revealed the underlying themes and ideas behind each season of the show. According to Hawley, "Fargo" is truly about the line from the original Coen brothers' movie, "There's more to life than a little money, you know," which reflects the sins people commit for money.

Hawley explained that this central idea is explored throughout the seasons. In Season 2, the death of a crime family's patriarch leads to a war as corporate America looms in the background. Season 4, set in the 1950s, delves into the "original sins of American capital" and the exploitation of enslaved and immigrant people. In Season 5, the concept of debt takes center stage, not only in its monetary form but also in the realm of marriage vows and personal relationships.

The focus on debt in the latest season stems from Hawley's observation that debt is an invisible factor in almost every American's life. He emphasized that two-thirds of Americans carry significant amounts of personal and family debt, yet discussions around it often revolve around morality rather than examining the lenders' immoral practices. Hawley aimed to shed light on this issue through the characters and storylines in "Fargo" Season 5.

The narrative of Season 5 intertwines various characters' experiences with debt, both financial and personal. It introduces Jennifer Jason Leigh's character, Lorraine Lyon, a CEO of a collection agency, nicknamed "the Queen of Debt." Additionally, June Temple portrays Dot, a seemingly perfect housewife who unveils her hidden capabilities when cornered. Another character, officer Indira Olmstead, played by Richa Moorjani, faces challenges posed by her own financial burdens while upholding the law.

Hawley also expressed that the "Fargo" universe has always been defined by its strong female characters. From original protagonist Marge Gunderson to the latest additions of Lorraine and Dot Lyon, each season explores different facets of the American woman's experience. Season 5 especially stands out with the introduction of Lorraine, whom Hawley described as a "titan" and the strongest woman in America, pitted against Jon Hamm's character, Sheriff Roy Tillman.

The clash between Lorraine and Tillman contributes to a season full of suspense and intrigue. However, Hawley acknowledged that, given his exploration of the evils of capitalism in America throughout the show, he recognizes capitalism's inevitable triumph. Thus, he playfully hinted that his money would be on Lorraine.

The character of Dot Lyon, portrayed by June Temple, takes center stage in Season 5 with her impressive problem-solving skills and unconventional traps. Hawley emphasized the meticulous planning that went into creating Dot's elaborate traps, as the scripts contained detailed outlines of her stunts and escape routes. Hawley praised Temple's portrayal of Dot, highlighting her ability to see things that others overlook.

In terms of political undertones, Hawley mentioned that he sees all the characters in "Fargo" as Republicans, depicting different facets of the party. Dot and Wayne, played by David Rysdahl, embody true fiscal conservatives with strong family values, while Lorraine represents "old money" in the style of Mitt Romney. On the far right stands Jon Hamm's character, Sheriff Roy Tillman. Hawley drew parallels between the narcissistic victimhood often exhibited by the worst individuals in the show and the former President Trump's behavior.

Each season of "Fargo" has presented a unique storytelling style, ranging from expansive narratives with numerous characters to more intimate, edge-of-your-seat tales. Season 5 falls into the latter category, with a focus on telling one central story while still incorporating wildcard moments. Hawley believes this is the right approach for the current moment and anticipates viewers experiencing the show a year and a half or two years from now.

"Fargo" Season 5 airs on FX and is available for streaming on Hulu the following day. The show continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of sin, debt, and the multifaceted experiences of American women.