Fargo (TV Series) The Paradox of Intermediate Transactions (2023) User Reviews

Is Noah Hawley another Coen Brother?

[dfloro · 9/10 · 29 November 2023]

I love the little Corn Brothers touches that Noah Hawley incorporates into his "Fargo" TV series. For example, every episode proclaims it a "true story," with only the names changed, but all the events having literally happened in 2019, just as "Fargo" the original movie once did back in the 1990s. Of course, just like then, that's all utter nonsense. In this third episode of the fifth season, a card is displayed saying "500 years ago," and we soon learn that "Ole Mench," the intimidating hitman played by Sam Spruell, has more than an unattractive haircut in common with a character in another Coen masterpiece, "No Country for Old Men." Serious evil. Namely, in 16th century Wales, he was a "sin-eater" (yep, that was a real thing back then). His terrifying Halloween costume is his normal outfit, no mask, and his typical facial expression. Crazy. Best installment so far; I rate it a strong 9 of 10.

All Set Up

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 30 November 2023]

I feel empty. I know how important all the setting the table is in these kinds of shows, but I hated having to wait a whole week to see what happens next. Classic serial stuff, as old as the hills. Dot's family is protected. They didn't get the guns, so must rely on conventional methods. Gator is out there, trying to be a sheriff. He's all blow and no go. He is a loser. When he confronts the wounded cop, he knows the guy is disabled and can't confront him. My baser instincts want to see him dismembered. Meanwhile, Munsch is out there like an animal. He is more interested in getting the Sheriff and his lackeys than Dot at this point. So everything is pointing inward. I'm so hooked.

Intrigue builds

[yahaira-729-694701 · 7/10 · 30 November 2023]

This episode is at a slower pace than the previous 2 episodes. A look at Roy' s idiosyncrasies which are slowly unveiled. The ol munch assassin prepares a ritual to power up his revenge on Roy. As Roy contemplates exacting his punishment on Nadine. Nadine takes her husband to the gun shop to arm up, as she expects another attack. Roy calls her to taunt her and scare her. Halloween night a perfect scene for Gator to go and kidnap her again. Gator tries to prove himself. The cop she saved at the gas station starts to investigate the crime and to track down Nadine. A cliff hanger with lots of anticipation..

I trust in Hawley

[jvongerichten · 10/10 · 2 December 2023]

Did this episode ask more questions than it answered? Yes it did. Am I okay with that? 100%.

The storytelling of Noah Hawley is so strong that I am able to give myself over to it and just let it happen, and if some questions are left unanswered by the end, I'll be okay with that, too, because I know it will be intentional.

Also, Juno Temple is a delight in any accent. Her face is just so watchable.

Jon Hamm does brooding smoker like no one else.

Lamorne Morris plays a great straight-up cop. There's something about a guy who generally does comedy taking a serious turn that's very intriguing.

And Jennifer Jason Leigh as an overbearing matriarch? Yes please.

Halloween Chills and Sinful Thrills.

[RottinApple1975 · 9/10 · 13 December 2023]

"The Paradox of Intermediate Transactions" keeps the audience hooked with a chilling exploration of Cardinal Sins that spans time and space. Ole Munch, initially seen as a typical hitman, reveals a complex past, adding depth to his character. Sheriff Roy Tillman's corrupt nature is exposed, hinting at consequences for future episodes.

The episode subtly hints at Tillman's family life, providing context for Nadine's (Dot) escape from a certain lifestyle. This mystery adds intrigue to her character, leaving viewers eager for more revelations in upcoming episodes.

While the pace is slower compared to previous episodes and has a shorter runtime, it avoids feeling like filler content. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, maintaining anticipation for what's to come.

In a nutshell, Fargo's Season 5, Episode 3, expertly balances storytelling and character development, delivering a captivating continuation of the series.

Episode 3

[bobcobb301 · 30 November 2023]

There was a little bit of a return to form in the show's signature snark and Midwestern dialogue and humor here, but other than that, I just don't know where they are going this season.

Having the bad guy for hire turned "good guy" embracing his ancestor's ridiculous nature and eating livelihood to reach his full potential is just weird. The scenes were weird, past and present day, and I certainly do not want to see anyone out there trying to defend them.

I hope this season turns around, but I have some very serious reservations based on how things are going. Maybe I will be proven wrong though?

fargo 2016

[dolphiea · 9/10 · 30 November 2023]

I went through Fargo in 2016, it was dark and cold and then (in reality) this horrible event happened that winter, the first time in 126 years,..After that, the next few days that were spent in in Minneapolis were very gloomy... certainly did not get any MTM show vibes. I was there supporting my kids college interview. I do get why the Coen brothers picked this bleak landscape to showcase the nuttiness of Americans. I am not sure where all of the 16th century witch, crossroads demon (?) and weird nipple situation thing is going and why...seems a bit sybaritic. The sun that bleak November day rose cheerless over .... of ....

Episode 3 is 1st red flag of this season.

[andres-reyna1 · 6/10 · 4 December 2023]

A little too preachy this episode & alittle too on the nose for the political shots. I also hated that they wasted half the episode explaining this Highlander type story line that really took away from the story & the momentum that was building. Typically I love Fargo because of the brilliant ensemble characters. But so far this season that is not what's happening, all we've got is John Hamm mumbling, incoherent, religious quotes. We still don't understand what his actual beef is. His son Gator is a terrible character. And yes I get he's a parody of the far right but again, a little too on the nose for me. I'll still be watching with high hopes but if this takes another bad turn I'll point at this episode as the start of it. Here's keeping fingers crossed.