As with all ten episodes this season, this was written by the great series creator Noah Hawley. And everyone came to play for this one: Jon Hamm delivers two excellent monologues; Joe Keery realistically communicates abject terror; Jennifer Jason Leigh manages to show she does feel some real emotion for her daughter in law; Sam Spruell continues totally weirding us out; and finally, Lamorne Morris makes it clear that our heroine Dot will, indeed, be rescued ALIVE! With one more installment left to go, we should all buckle up, buttercup, for the Federal & State Law Enforcement siege of the Tillman ranch!!
16 Reviews
Another Week to Wait
Hitchcoc11 January 2024
The forces are aligned and ready. Dot has managed to evade the forces of evil. I almost feel sorry for the sheriff because he is mentally ill. Nevertheless, his actions speak loud and it's time for him to face the music. There are some pretty brutal scenes here. Munch kidnaps Gator and the boy gets to see what trusting in his father gets him. Munch continues to roam the area, out of sight. Roy knows he's there, but he is like the unseen wind. Gator has been left to rot in a field by his loving father. It always interests me that a guy like Roy can get a bunch of guys to give up their precious lives for someone like him. I have seen all five of the Fargo series and this one holds up very well.
Cold chills...
subrkmbjx10 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The "Hand of God" doesn't wear a cowboy hat, even though Roy Tillman thinks himself as such...it's a guy that wears a kilt, and might be 300+ years old...
The ironic use of "YMCA" by the Village People said a great deal about how Roy's followers see themselves, but also don't. Lol
Mama Lyon's calls to Trump and Gates et al. Were lovely one liners about wealth and privilege.
The various agencies discussing the value of women and children was chilling, and reflected by the useless hand returned to Roy.
I've read other reviewers criticizing this season of Fargo as "trite" and retreading the same stories with a predictable feminist victory in the end. I would argue that these stories need retelling until they no longer happen in this world, and the types of men who live their lives like Roy and his cronies are served their true justice.
This episode was just a highly enjoyable, finely balanced buildup to final showdown.
Like the Allman Brithers sang over the end credits...I'll be tied to the whipping post until I see the resolution next week.
The ironic use of "YMCA" by the Village People said a great deal about how Roy's followers see themselves, but also don't. Lol
Mama Lyon's calls to Trump and Gates et al. Were lovely one liners about wealth and privilege.
The various agencies discussing the value of women and children was chilling, and reflected by the useless hand returned to Roy.
I've read other reviewers criticizing this season of Fargo as "trite" and retreading the same stories with a predictable feminist victory in the end. I would argue that these stories need retelling until they no longer happen in this world, and the types of men who live their lives like Roy and his cronies are served their true justice.
This episode was just a highly enjoyable, finely balanced buildup to final showdown.
Like the Allman Brithers sang over the end credits...I'll be tied to the whipping post until I see the resolution next week.
Impeccable thriller!
lucasteoazevedo11 January 2024
With the house sauce, Fargo is brilliant at delving into the mystery and suspense of the narrative, valuing and balancing the exact amount in each episode to finally conclude them with mastery in this penultimate episode, in the most classic style of snow and blood, with exceptional performances throughout the cast.
In the most chaotic and controversial situations where miracles occur, the series brings with it the same elements as the other glorious seasons, showing how far human feelings can go and how they motivate people to be resilient. This is evident in the affectionate relationship with the Lyon family, which contrasts with the breaking of Sheriff Tillman's violent and barbaric extremism due to the escape of Juno Temple's character. The series also demonstrates this in relation to several characters, where all signs and chances of more conscious or reasonable realities being real were ignored, "channeling" the decisions and consequences for this epic season finale!
In the most chaotic and controversial situations where miracles occur, the series brings with it the same elements as the other glorious seasons, showing how far human feelings can go and how they motivate people to be resilient. This is evident in the affectionate relationship with the Lyon family, which contrasts with the breaking of Sheriff Tillman's violent and barbaric extremism due to the escape of Juno Temple's character. The series also demonstrates this in relation to several characters, where all signs and chances of more conscious or reasonable realities being real were ignored, "channeling" the decisions and consequences for this epic season finale!
Story arcs coming together for an inevitable showdown.
daveorner-8837910 January 2024
Once we saw the events of episode 8, what comes next is almost set in concrete. Not that there isn't a feeling of satisfaction watching idiots get what they deserve and our protagonists find their way through. The humor folded in to the dialog and the subplots coming to a head make for a satisfying episode which I will be rewatching at least two more times before the conclusion next week. All is forgiven for the Dot dream episode and several plot detours some may find unnecessary. Getting Dot home to Wayne and Scotty seem to be the obvious outcome and several other characters demise a possibility. Bring on the conclusion of season 5 and one of the best seasons of Fargo, in my opinion.
YMCA
Gretel100627 January 2024
I enjoyed this episode. My favorite part was hands down when we are shown all the car loads of people racing to come to aid Tillman and go to war.... The Village People!! I cracked up and had to rewatch that a few times. I can't think of another time I felt a song was so perfectly and cleverly paired up with a scene. At first the upbeat happiness from YMCA seemed out of place with this season, but then it dawned on me, "The Village People" singing AND coming from the po-dunk town. These little gems are why Fargo is an absolute masterpiece. There's probably a number of people who don't know The Village People and/or put it together with who was driving to help the ranch. So when you do snag on these cleverly intertwined tidbits, it feels like you're in the know. It makes me love Fargo all the more.
One of the best episodes of television
jsvgsgjyp11 January 2024
The Sopranos. The Wire. Breaking Bad. Mad Men. Lost. Twin Peaks. Succession. Better Call Saul. Games of Thrones (mostly). True Detective (season 1 haha). Any other prestige TV drama you can think of. They all have a moment where your eyes are so glued to the screen, the story feels far beyond just "a story", and you are reminded of just how powerful it can be to experience something on the waves. This episode reached that peak for me. The Fargo formula has not lended itself so perfectly for a buildup like this one since the first couple of seasons and I (clearly) cannot contain the joy I felt watching this one unfold. A season worth of buildup finally crashing into this perfect crescendo that meets every expectation and more. Perhaps I am be a bit over dramatic as I was surprised to not see the same reaction from audiences and critics on this one but wow. I'm stunned at how well this episode unfolded. What has always been the calling card here is the, shall we say, randomness? Fargo, the movie counterpart, is obviously the foundation and the show takes its notes from there but man oh man. Watching these silly little folks and the silly little mishaps that lead them in and out of trouble as well as each other lives, building toward that grand fireworks finale has never felt so good. The acting, the chemistry, the path the story has taken, every needle drop, every look, every joke. It's perfection. I'm stunned, truly. If you haven't seen this episode or this season please give yourself that treat. If you have, well, consider yourself blessed.
a tiger by the tail
dolphiea11 January 2024
I have to turn my heater up to watch this series...Power to the people that live their winters below zero!!!! That frigid, ever enveloping fog is it's own character, it should get a series credit maybe(?) So... Ole Munch finally understands and appreciates Dot's humanity. Like when the Grinch recognized the Who's selfless, generous and forgiving state of disposition. As far as Gator.... In the end, Who punished him more severely.... Ole Munch or his daddy? Me thinks the latter. Btw, Joe Kerry's performance, on point! Y'all let us feel a bit of empathy for repugnant Sheriff Roy's unfortunate prodigy.
"Now, the tiger is free"
greenmangreat23 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Dot became one of my favourite tv characters ever since episode 1. She is resourceful, determined, and unbowed. And her foil? A caricature of the self-righteous religious nutjob who spins scripture to suit their own twisted worldview. A character who to no surprise of anyone, upsets the same kind of insecure pathetic creatures out there who think strength comes from trampling on the disadvantaged, while confusing stupidity for "telling it like it is".
What is deeply ironic for the offended is that the show is evidently not written along political lines, because Lorraine clearly espouses similar traditional values as Roy, and yet does not suffer from the same self-righteous delusion; the primary difference of course being that she isn't downright insane.
In a time of progressive media with the usual crudely written "strong women" tropes, Fargo shows us that nuanced characters can still be written.
This episode would've been almost perfect, were it not have been bizarrely out of character for Dot to leave her rifle out in the open before barricading herself. For someone who has been up till now very cool and tactical, it felt like a major slip up by the writers. The oddest part is that it didn't even need to serve as a plot device, because Ron's goons would've found her anyway.
Either way, this episode does exactly what a penultimate episode is supposed to do: create anticipation for the final confrontation.
What is deeply ironic for the offended is that the show is evidently not written along political lines, because Lorraine clearly espouses similar traditional values as Roy, and yet does not suffer from the same self-righteous delusion; the primary difference of course being that she isn't downright insane.
In a time of progressive media with the usual crudely written "strong women" tropes, Fargo shows us that nuanced characters can still be written.
This episode would've been almost perfect, were it not have been bizarrely out of character for Dot to leave her rifle out in the open before barricading herself. For someone who has been up till now very cool and tactical, it felt like a major slip up by the writers. The oddest part is that it didn't even need to serve as a plot device, because Ron's goons would've found her anyway.
Either way, this episode does exactly what a penultimate episode is supposed to do: create anticipation for the final confrontation.
One BIG issue
stefkop-8687414 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This season has been exciting to begin with and dull at its centre. The previous episodes have been better but it's almost like 10 episodes was asking too much of the writers. The characters have been varied and I can't help but think it's been weird for the sake of weird. The acting has never been poor but some of its been one dimensional to say the least.
This episode was better paced and more engaging. The overall atmosphere was interesting and the cinematography like previous episodes beautiful.
My big issue is... Dot/Nadine has shown her resourcefulness from the very start but her choice to leave her gun when entering the grave/pit was unbelievably stupid. From what her character has achieved previously this just seems like bad writing or laziness. As if... it was merely there for a bit of tension. I feel this is indicative of this entire season. Brilliance one moment and laziness another. I feel that season 1 and 2 were phenomenal, 3 was adequate and it's just been downhill from there. Typical, American shows never know when to end and always opt for more episodes, to their detriment.
This episode was better paced and more engaging. The overall atmosphere was interesting and the cinematography like previous episodes beautiful.
My big issue is... Dot/Nadine has shown her resourcefulness from the very start but her choice to leave her gun when entering the grave/pit was unbelievably stupid. From what her character has achieved previously this just seems like bad writing or laziness. As if... it was merely there for a bit of tension. I feel this is indicative of this entire season. Brilliance one moment and laziness another. I feel that season 1 and 2 were phenomenal, 3 was adequate and it's just been downhill from there. Typical, American shows never know when to end and always opt for more episodes, to their detriment.
Consequences are here!
RottinApple197510 March 2024
The penultimate episode of Fargo's fifth season has left viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the explosive finale that awaits. Following the intense events of the previous episode, which revealed Roy's true colors and the escalating tensions at the ranch, this latest installment sets the stage for an epic showdown between Roy, his followers, and law enforcement. With the season's climax looming, the stakes have never been higher, and the possibilities for where the story could go are endless.
Overall, this episode delivers the goods, dispelling any concerns of a slow pace within moments of its start. It expertly lays the groundwork for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion, leaving viewers guessing until the very end. The performances are top-notch, mainly Juno Temple's portrayal of Dorothy, whose journey from fear to strength is captivating and heartfelt. John Ham's chilling depiction of Roy Tillman adds extra tension to the proceedings, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout.
Visually, the episode is a feast for the eyes, with stunning foggy scenes adding to the ominous atmosphere. The attention to detail, from the shifting mists to the subtle changes in lighting, enhances the overall tone and mood of the episode. As the season heads towards its finale, it's clear that Fargo's fifth installment has been a standout, delivering engaging storytelling and emotionally investing moments. With just one episode left, the anticipation is palpable, and fans can't wait to see how it all unfolds. Bring on the finale!
Overall, this episode delivers the goods, dispelling any concerns of a slow pace within moments of its start. It expertly lays the groundwork for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion, leaving viewers guessing until the very end. The performances are top-notch, mainly Juno Temple's portrayal of Dorothy, whose journey from fear to strength is captivating and heartfelt. John Ham's chilling depiction of Roy Tillman adds extra tension to the proceedings, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout.
Visually, the episode is a feast for the eyes, with stunning foggy scenes adding to the ominous atmosphere. The attention to detail, from the shifting mists to the subtle changes in lighting, enhances the overall tone and mood of the episode. As the season heads towards its finale, it's clear that Fargo's fifth installment has been a standout, delivering engaging storytelling and emotionally investing moments. With just one episode left, the anticipation is palpable, and fans can't wait to see how it all unfolds. Bring on the finale!
More you think, worse it gets
koakes-4496412 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Seriously ...
Why would Roy search the house after turning off the gas? Was Dot going to stick around so she could blow up?
How could bad-ass Dot possible forget her rifle?
When you build scenes around the thickest fog imaginable, shouldn't you tear your pages up and start over?
This was not an episode for thoughtful viewers. It was built around two scenes the writers wanted: Munch liberating Dot and Munch delivering a blinded Gator to Roy. Hence Dot's dumb decision, and hence the fog into which Munch can disappear before being shot by Roy. It would have been better to rethink both of these core events so they could happen realistically. It's a shame, too, because a lot of the performances have been absolutely great.
Why would Roy search the house after turning off the gas? Was Dot going to stick around so she could blow up?
How could bad-ass Dot possible forget her rifle?
When you build scenes around the thickest fog imaginable, shouldn't you tear your pages up and start over?
This was not an episode for thoughtful viewers. It was built around two scenes the writers wanted: Munch liberating Dot and Munch delivering a blinded Gator to Roy. Hence Dot's dumb decision, and hence the fog into which Munch can disappear before being shot by Roy. It would have been better to rethink both of these core events so they could happen realistically. It's a shame, too, because a lot of the performances have been absolutely great.
Predictable & Cringey. Whats Happend to Fargo!
rochfordsimon11 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
From a script and story point of view, what's happened to this great series?
There is no big showdown in episode 10. The agenda in this season made it quiet obvious in the first 3 episodes what was gonna be pushed until episode 10.
Dot will kill Tillman. His current wife will align with dot in some manner. The fBI will fumble the assault, but the local sheriff (who was just allowed to lead an expert fbi swat team on request) will be the saviour because he sees the evil in Tillman and his Patriots.
Dot will comfort Gator, after she kills numerous bad men. Showing her care giving side. Etc etc.
All the strong female characters will shine and combine at the end too.
What a shocking season this has been. For all the wrong reasons. R. I. P.
There is no big showdown in episode 10. The agenda in this season made it quiet obvious in the first 3 episodes what was gonna be pushed until episode 10.
Dot will kill Tillman. His current wife will align with dot in some manner. The fBI will fumble the assault, but the local sheriff (who was just allowed to lead an expert fbi swat team on request) will be the saviour because he sees the evil in Tillman and his Patriots.
Dot will comfort Gator, after she kills numerous bad men. Showing her care giving side. Etc etc.
All the strong female characters will shine and combine at the end too.
What a shocking season this has been. For all the wrong reasons. R. I. P.
Love/Hate
UncleEyepatch13 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Fargo used to be something special.... The character development was so rich. The characters were multifaceted and you loved and hated most of them. Just like most people there are things you admire and things you dislike. They main reason for tv is as an escape from the day to day frustrations. Then along comes season 5 where the villain is a caricature at best. A white, wife beating, Bible thumping, proud American "Christian" man. In the "useless hand" episode they even make sure to use an extremely thinly veiled reference to him being a nazi with his militia. This is sloppy character development at best. There's still plenty to love about the show. The heroine fits the bill of someone you admire and yet somewhat fear. The cop that she saves in the beginning is likable and someone to identify with. The female police officer is great but again her scumbag white husband leaves me irritated wondering what she could've ever seen in him. The FBI agents seem like a rip off of men in black. Again, poor character development rules the day. Do better Fargo writers or call it quits. Leave your political and racial beliefs at the door and get back to creating something worthy of this show. If you can't, I'm done.
This show used to be great
whiskeyTango-0611 January 2024
Seasons 1 and 2 of Fargo were unlike anything we'd ever seen before... it was new and refreshing, odd and pleasing. And, although weaker, season 3 did some amazing things as well... some very amazing things.
Since then, it's been lazy/typical Hollywood hogwash - mainly because the show's creators couldn't stop themselves from injecting that which kills all things in entertainment: their soggy social and political beliefs... all while piling-on the unneccesary: increasingly deranged and unmotivated violence.
They won their audience over with high-end craftsmanship, then they rested on their laurels thinking they can do no wrong.
Instead of fighting to keep their audience interested, they lecture and misrepresent the members of the audience that they loathe.
They are no longer entertainers, but self-appointed lecturers... the court jesters think they are the wise counselors... they think they can ridicule the very people who who gave them success, and then they wonder why the audience always abandons them.
This is exactly what happens when a show creator or entertainer thinks he is more important than his audience.
Since then, it's been lazy/typical Hollywood hogwash - mainly because the show's creators couldn't stop themselves from injecting that which kills all things in entertainment: their soggy social and political beliefs... all while piling-on the unneccesary: increasingly deranged and unmotivated violence.
They won their audience over with high-end craftsmanship, then they rested on their laurels thinking they can do no wrong.
Instead of fighting to keep their audience interested, they lecture and misrepresent the members of the audience that they loathe.
They are no longer entertainers, but self-appointed lecturers... the court jesters think they are the wise counselors... they think they can ridicule the very people who who gave them success, and then they wonder why the audience always abandons them.
This is exactly what happens when a show creator or entertainer thinks he is more important than his audience.
Episode 9
bobcobb30115 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
They really made you feel for Gator in this situation. We know all the bad he did, but it was so difficult to watch him blinded and then abandoned by his father, figuratively and literally. That was powerful TV.
But the overtly political stuff hit you over the face and I don't know if that was necessary. This season has gotten good, but the main problem is still Dorothy who is impossible to root for, even when she is being viciously hunted down.
I hope the finale delivers, but I also kind of wish there was some big moral conclusion and not just a couple key deaths like I expect in next week's episode.
But the overtly political stuff hit you over the face and I don't know if that was necessary. This season has gotten good, but the main problem is still Dorothy who is impossible to root for, even when she is being viciously hunted down.
I hope the finale delivers, but I also kind of wish there was some big moral conclusion and not just a couple key deaths like I expect in next week's episode.
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