Welcome to the new series that will dissect every episode of season two of FX's Fargo. From its faithfulness as an adaptation of the Coen Brothers classic to its growing plot, this will be a look at all things involving the show, its mythology, and occasional predictions of things to happen. There will be highlights of special moments in the series and deeper dissection of what may make this anthology series so endearing. What will happen in this freshman series about a homespun murder mystery? You'll have to read the recaps every Tuesday to find out more.
Season 2, Episode 1
"Waiting for Dutch"
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| Jimmy Carter |
“We can see this crisis in the
growing doubt about the meaning
of our own lives and the loss of a
unity of purpose.”
- Jimmy Carter
As Rye Gerhardt (Kieran Culkin) begins getting messed up with automatic typewriters, he decides to confide with someone at a diner. In a moment of panic, he shoots people and tries to escape, thus getting hit by Peggy Blomquist's (Kirsten Dunst) car. As the police explore the events, we learn about their private life. Peggy is married to Ed (Jesse Plemons), both of whom is expecting a kid. The Solverson family are police officers from a similar situation, with Lou (Patrick Wilson) being the main one here. Along with his coworkers, they investigate the murder and wonder what's going on. Meanwhile, Peggy reveals to Ed the murder, of which they try to hide in their freezer, claiming that they will live a normal life there in Fargo as Ed intended by running the deli and becoming respected among their peers. The murders spark investigations to begin in the town.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Most Blatant Homage Moment
More than season one, this episode feels almost too assured to just borrow elements from the movie Fargo. Yes, it takes place in the same universe, but there's nary a deliberate clue here that suggests that it is referencing the movie. At most, the humbleness of the police as they discover the mysterious deaths at The Waffle Hut is in keeping with the series and franchise's focus. It may seem like a cop out, but it reflects the growing strength of the series and its ability to stand on its own away from the movie. If anything, the police officers are a lot more convincing this time around. They definitely earn their "gosh darn" badges.
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| Kiernan Culkin |
Death Count
1. Three patrons and/or employees at The Waffle Hut are stabbed or shot.
2. Rye Gerhardt (Kiernan Culkin) is ran over by a car
EPISODE COUNT: 4
TOTAL: 4
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| Kirsten Dunst |
MVP:
Peggy Blomquist (Kirsten Dunst)
Speaking as the cast is very strong this time around, it's really hard to nail down who a personal favorite is. However, there's something far more endearing about Peggy as an accidental murderer than Lester was last season. She is aware of her crime and wants to end her guilt right away, but she is also looped into a chance to live an exciting and fresh life that will mean happiness. While this does seem like a female version of Lester in the making, it at least seems to be a lot sweeter. Kirsten Dunst brings a lot of charm to the character and alongside Jesse Plemons, it will be interesting to see how the duo evolve as the series continues.
Best Scene
The episode does fantastic work of setting up the retro atmosphere. From its opening scene to the Jimmy Carter speech, the episode feels like it is going to ape the 80's culture without relying on tired old gags. However, there's no better introduction to the feeling of Fargo: 80's style than that of getting all political. With Karl Weathers (Nick Offerman), we get a strong political rant about Ronald Reagan and the various corrupt things that he has done. While Offerman's humor may be one note for holdover fans from Parks and Recreation, he's just so good at playing the conspiracy theory nut who you can't help but believing slightly. It's a funny scene among funny scenes that works more because of how it sets up the atmosphere better than the various character introductions do.
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| Patrick Wilson |
Overall Thoughts
I honestly think that this episode gets the season off to a far better start than season one did. I think it's also just because the cast is stronger and the writing feels more assured. Maybe it's just that the expectations have properly settled, but I am excited to see where this show goes based on the bizarre murder story that's slowly developed. Most of all, it maintains the humbleness and humor that makes The Coen Brothers so likable without immediately falling into self-mockery. It's a great opening that reminds you of the power of TV in a season where not much of anything has really been inspired. I am looking forward to this season, which I already like a lot more than last year, which is the biggest compliment I can give. The only question now is if it can hold onto that momentum.
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