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| Bookem Woodbine |
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 10
"Palindrome"
“Peg, I don’t think we’re gonna make it.”
- Ed Blumquist (Jesse Plemons)
With the events of "The Castle" behind them, Ed Blumquist (Jesse Plemons) and Peggy Blumquist (Kirsten Dunst) escapes from Hanzee Dent (Zahn McClarnon). Things work out until they are cornered and Hanzee murders Ed. Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson) eventually finds them and arrests Peggy, who feels that she was only trying to do the right thing. Meanwhile, Betsy Solverson (Cristin Milioti) is revealed to still be alive, having collapsed more from issues regarding the medication. Mike Milligan (Bookem Woodbine) goes about finishing his business, murdering one last client in order to start life anew in an office job that is far less flattering and free thinking as his current one. Hanzee gets a new identity and escapes. Life goes on normally for the Solverson family, who are happy to be reunited.
Most Blatant Homage
What is so amazing about season two of Fargo is that it managed to be more of a widespread embrace of every Coen Brothers movie that could fit into this mold. The results have been so impressive that it has almost made its own form of TV. It's an homage as well as a perfect way of advancing the story. In this case, there's too many to choose from. However, the choice to have that final car ride between the police and the criminal is definitely a callback, even if it lacks the subject nature of the original between Marge Gunderson and her criminal. Still, the debate on good and what it takes to be a good person has more than enough similarities to count. It is also nice, as it's an actual reversal of genders from the original - producing an interesting and deeper motive for why Peggy was as set on her ways as she was.
Death Count
1. Ed Blumquist dies in a freezer after being fatally wounded.
2. Mike Milligan murders a man who has done some shady dealings.
3. Subtract one for Betsy Solverson, who did not die last week.
EPISODE COUNT: 2 (-1)
TOTAL: 58
MVP:
Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson)
The one cathartic thing about Fargo, is that it manages to have a moral compass that is noble and worth following. The good guy wins, even if it only seems that way at the last minute. Speaking as Lou has been a consistently great character here, it's nice that things actually work out for him and despite the massive murder count and the idea that maybe the case wasn't properly solved, he at least saved the day. It's a small town hero managing to make a world of difference. It also helps that he's just allowed to do his job and do it very well. Even if he wasn't as eccentric or unique as other characters, there was plenty of admiration to be found in his character, especially as it proves that the Solverson family (between both seasons) are full of noble people willing to do their job and do it right. You can't find something more admirable than that.
Best Scene
In an episode that finished the season strong, it's impossible to overstate the value of that final cornering. With their escape barely out of Hanzee's grasp, Ed and Peggy are stuck inside of a market where anything can happen. Will Hanzee get them? Will the police manage to get both of them? As seen, Ed dies - and it is pretty traumatic for Peggy. It's an emotional moment only undermined by the foolishness that the characters had in giving into this whole strange ordeal. When Peggy is eventually arrested, it is a harrowing scene that is full of grief and puts to rest the whole cat and mouse chase. It may not be the most cathartic moment in the series, but it definitely concludes the essential plot of the story - of which was impressively building all along and unpredictable based on the first few episodes.
Overall Thoughts
What a strong finish to a really good season of TV. I have to admit that in every department, Fargo was a lot better this season. From the dark humor to the homages to the characters - the universe of which these characters exist are so rich and unique in ways that would've made anything feel like a payoff. In this case, its ability to perfectly tie in a cameo from season one veterans was a nice touch, and added a nice conclusion for everyone else. Even if this isn't the most exciting of the episodes, it definitely has a lot to offer in the ways of an entertaining finale. I do wonder if the show will still have steam going forward, or if the story can even top the greatness that was this season. Of course, they'll have to find a way to make a character as intriguing as Mike Milligan. Good luck with that.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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