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 5
"The Gift of the Magi"
"I believe together, that we can keep
that rendezvous with destiny."
- Ronald Reagan (Bruce Campbell)
After Mike Milligan (Bookem Woodbine) puts a hit out on the Gerhardts, the family responds kindly. They also discover that Ed Blomquist (Jesse Plemons) may have murdered Rye. As they send someone to murder Ed, things begin to heat up elsewhere. Betsy Solverson (Cristin Milioti) begins to have side effects from the pill. Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson) escorts Ronald Reagan (Bruce Campbell) to his various speeches. Peggy Blomquist (Kirsten Dunst) becomes convinced by Ed not to move and decides to sell the car. As Ed is in the face of danger, he burns down the deli shop by accident, killing his assassins in the process. He is stuck in the city, unable to escape to the freedom now that his car is sold and he has no way of getting a clean getaway.
Death Count
1. 9 people shot in the woods (including Joe Bulo (Brad Garrett))
2. 2 people murdered by Ed in the deli shop
EPISODE COUNT: 11
TOTAL: 27
MVP:
Peggy Blomquist (Kirsten Dunst)
While she has managed to avoid any problems from the Rye Gerhardt murder, she has been smooth about trying to get away from it. True, she convinced Ed to stay in town, but she seems like a woman who can compromise to the best of her situation. Who knows if she'll be all right in the long run, or if Ed will rat her out. However, she seems like the smart one of the bunch, managing to avoid danger at every turn. It may just seem ironic then that she is responsible for the Blomquist's lack of current safety. She may have not done the smartest thing long term in this episode, but you have to admire someone who bends to what the situation needs, especially as her guilt has likely continued to overwhelm her.
Best Scene
In an episode packed with electric moments, it is tough to really determine where things were going. However, the writers really have a strong head on their shoulders, as they managed to turn the selling of a car into a pivotal change in two characters' safety. It's haunting how things evolve from Ed being in danger to Ed and Peggy now being cornered. It's a powerful way to end the episode, and an especially funny way to handle tragedy. Sure, Ed and Peggy aren't the best characters in the show, but there was always a sense that they would get by. The fact that they got caught on someone else's error is itself a wonderful mistake. The ending culminated beautifully then in them having to face the awful truth - whatever that ends up being.
Overall Thoughts
It's crazy how this show can be totally ridiculous and grounded at the same time. I really enjoy what the split screen has become, especially to juxtapose Ronald Reagan's speech with one of the bloodiest openings in Fargo history. It's both beautiful and black comedy side-by-side in a measure that introduces one of the most anticipated characters while exploring the politics he hopes to change. It's chaotic and possibly a little too much. However, Fargo really knows how to ratchet up tension, especially now that a lot of assumed survivors have been killed off. I especially enjoy the ending, and how it ironically lead two characters who tried to play it safe and threw them into the most harmful position yet. Even if this isn't my favorite episode, it's more evidence that this show does black comedy and drama better than almost everyone else out there right now. Bravo. Keep on killing it.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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