Meaning of character Mike in movie "Fargo"?

Question

In the movie "Fargo", what role does Marge's stalker friend Mike play that is integral to the plot? To me, he seemed superfluous.

Answer 1

Yeah, I found this to be curious also. My guess is that it is character development for the Marge character.

The scene shows that she is a fairly average and compassionate woman in most ways, but still is a very capable and shrewd cop. Not too hard boiled.