As the Blomquists go their ridiculous ways, being clueless to what is going on around them, we have an assault on their home. There are incredible visuals. When they go into the basement and see the piles of magazines, we are further made aware of how crazy Peggy truly is. Her fantasy world knows no limits. The Gearharts are on their doorstep. Nick Offerman is fantastic in his role as the right wing, much inebriated lawyer. Lou continues to try to be true to his calling and we wonder how he has stayed alive as long as he has. His wife continues to battle her cancer and it appears that she may have only received a placebo, not the experimental drug. There is betrayal from the daughter, Simone, who cares not at all about the future of her warring family. She is, of course, too stupid to realize what a dangerous game she is playing. Meanwhile, the Blomquists are off somewhere doing who knows what with a surprise in the trunk. Ed has received the title of "the Butcher" (which, of course, he is). is).
17 Reviews
Nick Offerman shines in the most intense episode yet.
TouchTheGarlicProduction16 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The first half of the episode focuses on the interrogation of the Blomquists. They've been increasingly dis-likable in the past couple episodes, so it was good to get a chance to slow down and sympathize with them again. Then, of course, everything goes bananas.
The Gerhardts attack the Blomquist house and the police station at the same time, while the Gerhardts are attacked by Mike Milligan and co. We don't know much about the outcome of the Milligan raid on the Gerhardts, which I would have been disappointed by if there had been time in the episode for it, but there wasn't!
The raid on the police station was amazing. The pure tension was spectacular as always with Fargo. This episode finally revealed Nick Offerman's overall role in the season (Ed's lawyer), and gave him a great scene to shine in. Until now it seemed like they were wasting him on a minor comedic role, but here he shows clout in an incredible negotiation scene that will go down in television history. It is really amazing how even at his drunkest, he is able to manoeuvre like a real Atticus Finch.
The split-screen style has seemed slightly tacky in previous episodes, but here it was used brilliantly to heighten tension by showing converging story lines happening in parallel. Overall, a truly spectacular episode. The only downside is the cliffhangers.
The Gerhardts attack the Blomquist house and the police station at the same time, while the Gerhardts are attacked by Mike Milligan and co. We don't know much about the outcome of the Milligan raid on the Gerhardts, which I would have been disappointed by if there had been time in the episode for it, but there wasn't!
The raid on the police station was amazing. The pure tension was spectacular as always with Fargo. This episode finally revealed Nick Offerman's overall role in the season (Ed's lawyer), and gave him a great scene to shine in. Until now it seemed like they were wasting him on a minor comedic role, but here he shows clout in an incredible negotiation scene that will go down in television history. It is really amazing how even at his drunkest, he is able to manoeuvre like a real Atticus Finch.
The split-screen style has seemed slightly tacky in previous episodes, but here it was used brilliantly to heighten tension by showing converging story lines happening in parallel. Overall, a truly spectacular episode. The only downside is the cliffhangers.
Unprecedented Television
tlfirth17 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Sometimes the greatest performances come from the subtlest of moments. Recently Peter Capaldi had a riveting monologue that cemented perhaps his greatest moment in Doctor Who. Similarly, but perhaps more prominently, Nick Offerman cemented his so-far inconclusive role into something far outreaching that of television in general. By simply underlining the consequences of what Bear Gerhardt's infiltration of a police station could do to his son's situation, he succeeds in turning them away - and what a stunning performance he has, even inebriated. A defining moment in a series that has had so many already.
Fargo's success comes from its quietest exchanges - building character personae and making the audience judge the characters for themselves so that when it comes to a moment that puts that character in a compromising position, we have enough information to understand how that person's feeling in that situation.
Other stars of the show include Patrick Wilson, Jean Smart, Kirsten Dunst and Ted Danson. What's emphasised in both this episode and the previous one is that desperate people are more dangerous than anyone else - and that's the only reason Ed and Peggy have survived their encounters. And it's why naive Dodd was outwitted by Peggy because he believes he can defeat anyone, making him the most vulnerable person currently on this show.
What brings this show to supremacy is its consistent capability to surprise the viewer by allowing its characters to make decisions off-screen, merely giving us hints as to what they're thinking. Most significant is Mike Milligan's ultimate decision to decimate the Gerhardt house entirely and ignoring Simone's request to be rid of her father.
Brimming with tension and unpredictable conflicts, the writers are eager to keep us guessing about what might happen next, and despite the fact that there were only three casualties this week, the pacing of this episode was what solidified its impression. And it was one of genius story-crafting and expert editing - most notably the split-screen effect that allows the show to balance its good and evil. Truly ground-breaking television.
Fargo's success comes from its quietest exchanges - building character personae and making the audience judge the characters for themselves so that when it comes to a moment that puts that character in a compromising position, we have enough information to understand how that person's feeling in that situation.
Other stars of the show include Patrick Wilson, Jean Smart, Kirsten Dunst and Ted Danson. What's emphasised in both this episode and the previous one is that desperate people are more dangerous than anyone else - and that's the only reason Ed and Peggy have survived their encounters. And it's why naive Dodd was outwitted by Peggy because he believes he can defeat anyone, making him the most vulnerable person currently on this show.
What brings this show to supremacy is its consistent capability to surprise the viewer by allowing its characters to make decisions off-screen, merely giving us hints as to what they're thinking. Most significant is Mike Milligan's ultimate decision to decimate the Gerhardt house entirely and ignoring Simone's request to be rid of her father.
Brimming with tension and unpredictable conflicts, the writers are eager to keep us guessing about what might happen next, and despite the fact that there were only three casualties this week, the pacing of this episode was what solidified its impression. And it was one of genius story-crafting and expert editing - most notably the split-screen effect that allows the show to balance its good and evil. Truly ground-breaking television.
Rio Fargo
Mr-Fusion25 March 2017
A season high-point, no question about it; and if this is as good as it gets, I'm just fine with that.
'Rhinoceros' pits the Gerhardt clan against the police, and I mean that literally; the whole thing culminates in a standoff outside the precinct. It's almost "Assault on Precinct 13", I love it; especially the tension building (in peculiar Fargo style, like seeing Mike Milligan recite Jabberwocky as he's gunning up for a fight). The use of split screen to this effect is ingenious; very nice camera work here.
And as performances go, Ted Danson, Patrick Wilson and Jean Smart all deserve praise. But for me, Nick Offerman is the MVP, a background character who suddenly takes center stage with hilarious results. The man just goes to town with the material, and I'm very happy that he's been given something more to do.
This is superb television, 10/10
'Rhinoceros' pits the Gerhardt clan against the police, and I mean that literally; the whole thing culminates in a standoff outside the precinct. It's almost "Assault on Precinct 13", I love it; especially the tension building (in peculiar Fargo style, like seeing Mike Milligan recite Jabberwocky as he's gunning up for a fight). The use of split screen to this effect is ingenious; very nice camera work here.
And as performances go, Ted Danson, Patrick Wilson and Jean Smart all deserve praise. But for me, Nick Offerman is the MVP, a background character who suddenly takes center stage with hilarious results. The man just goes to town with the material, and I'm very happy that he's been given something more to do.
This is superb television, 10/10
3 stand offs and Nick Offerman
WalterSoprano17 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This show just gets better and better. The tension is at an all time high and the writing gets better and better. This episode we had 3 standoffs, one at the Blomquist home, one at the state police station, and one at the Gerhardts household. 2 of these standoffs haven't quite been concluded but that's what next week is for. The standoff at the police station was brought to a close by one of my favorite characters this year, Karl Weathers. A drunk and hilarious Nick Offermnan stole the episode for me. Although there were 2 standoffs without a resolution quite yet this episode has kept the tone consistent and the show continues to grow.
This is most likely the best show on TV right now and for the year. Can't wait to tune in next week for another home run of an episode, I hope. Watch the show and enjoy.
This is most likely the best show on TV right now and for the year. Can't wait to tune in next week for another home run of an episode, I hope. Watch the show and enjoy.
call the Emmy's, we have nominations to make -- and don't dawdle
A_Different_Drummer14 August 2016
Will be honest -- after the incredible and mind-boggling season 1 (will any fan of the series ever forget Billy Bob Thornton's performance?) I was having some trouble "syncing" to Season 2.
Then along comes this episode and I am gob-smacked.
As a standalone episode, one of the most engrossing TV hours I have ever spent. It just builds and builds and builds. Until you get to the stage where (metaphorically) your wife says she is having a baby and you just give her cab fare because you don't want to miss the ending.
When I was a younger reviewer working for print media (dinosaurs roamed, and politicians occasionally told the truth) I used to handicap the awards shows. This one is a puzzler. There are so many superb performances I am not sure where to start? All in, Nick Offerman as the drunken lawyer whose oratory rises to the occasion will (like Billy Bob from S-1) always remain cemented in memory. The rest of the cast do not hit even one false note, but he is a stand-out.
And Jean Smart, even with limited screen time, continues to give her best performance since the Aileen Wuornos story. I think every family wishes they had someone like her in it.
Wow.
Then along comes this episode and I am gob-smacked.
As a standalone episode, one of the most engrossing TV hours I have ever spent. It just builds and builds and builds. Until you get to the stage where (metaphorically) your wife says she is having a baby and you just give her cab fare because you don't want to miss the ending.
When I was a younger reviewer working for print media (dinosaurs roamed, and politicians occasionally told the truth) I used to handicap the awards shows. This one is a puzzler. There are so many superb performances I am not sure where to start? All in, Nick Offerman as the drunken lawyer whose oratory rises to the occasion will (like Billy Bob from S-1) always remain cemented in memory. The rest of the cast do not hit even one false note, but he is a stand-out.
And Jean Smart, even with limited screen time, continues to give her best performance since the Aileen Wuornos story. I think every family wishes they had someone like her in it.
Wow.
Non-stop tension
TheDonaldofDoom1 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Even more action-packed than the previous episode, "Rhinoceros" is tense all the way through, yet manages to fit surprising amounts of humour into such serious situations. Dodd's embarrassingly bad attack on Peggy's house is funny because of how his stupid actions dispel the tension. It could even be seen as anticlimactic but that's point, there's a real sense of threat as Peggy faces seemingly deadly odds against three men who are all more powerful than her, only for her attackers to score two own goals.
Ed's escape is a lot more close, genuinely coming close to major character deaths (I thought it was 50/50 that Lou would die trying to save him). Karl's legal talk to the Gerhardts is a stroke of genius, as well as very, very brave on his part. A lawyer we thought until now was useless, just there for laughs, actually has some backbone. At the same time, he is very funny in all his scenes, in everything from his drunken speeches to his useless attempt to ram shit the entrance doors. It's sad that after all that, Ed still is clueless enough to run away from the police as soon as they make it out alive. He and Peggy just can't think properly. His stupidity is going to get him killed eventually.
The tension in this episode is ramped up by excellent music and visual flair (which is exactly what I would expect from a show as stylish as Fargo), continuing to make use of the split-screen it has this season. This is my pick for best Fargo episode at this point from both seasons.
Ed's escape is a lot more close, genuinely coming close to major character deaths (I thought it was 50/50 that Lou would die trying to save him). Karl's legal talk to the Gerhardts is a stroke of genius, as well as very, very brave on his part. A lawyer we thought until now was useless, just there for laughs, actually has some backbone. At the same time, he is very funny in all his scenes, in everything from his drunken speeches to his useless attempt to ram shit the entrance doors. It's sad that after all that, Ed still is clueless enough to run away from the police as soon as they make it out alive. He and Peggy just can't think properly. His stupidity is going to get him killed eventually.
The tension in this episode is ramped up by excellent music and visual flair (which is exactly what I would expect from a show as stylish as Fargo), continuing to make use of the split-screen it has this season. This is my pick for best Fargo episode at this point from both seasons.
Great episode
dierregi27 January 2018
After the absurd premises that started the whole series in motion, this episode is truly a great one. The Blomquist couple proves once again to be stupid and possibly not worth risking your life to save them - but it's a policeman job....
The prison is the scene of a siege, handled in the most surprising way by the talkative, drunk lawyer. He was quite annoying with his non-stop chattering but luckily that turned into something else than a display of verbosity Tarantino-style.
The prison is the scene of a siege, handled in the most surprising way by the talkative, drunk lawyer. He was quite annoying with his non-stop chattering but luckily that turned into something else than a display of verbosity Tarantino-style.
Beware the Jabbawockeez
ThomasDrufke16 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Of the many things that Fargo does extremely well, tension is by far it's greatest asset. Even in an episode like this one where not a whole lot happens, the episode is full of a tension. It's one of those things that is very hard to teach, either you know how to build tension or you don't, and clearly the Fargo team does.
This episode won't be remembered for much because it was a lot of talk without a ton of action, but it was yet another well written, directed, and acted episode for Fargo. The Gerhardts moved in on trying to kill Ed successfully this time, unfortunately for them, the Solverson's got in the way. Lou was somewhat aided by the help of Karl Weathers, Nick Offerman's character. I'm always happy to see him get screen time, but I do think this appearance may have been dragged on a little bit too long. I like the subtle humor Fargo has always brought, but the tone shifted a bit with his expanded presence.
Complementing the tension was the quiet but effective score. Every week I rave about the music that Fargo has whether it be the score or the soundtrack, but this week brought the best of what the score has offered thus far. That slow drum score is very reminiscent of the heart pounding score from Jaws. Ultimately the episode left off with Dodd injured at the Blomquist's house and Ed escaping to presumably head there. I expect a very interesting confrontation next week.
+So much tension
+Score
+Impeccable writing
-Offerman's offbeat drunkenness
8.5/10
This episode won't be remembered for much because it was a lot of talk without a ton of action, but it was yet another well written, directed, and acted episode for Fargo. The Gerhardts moved in on trying to kill Ed successfully this time, unfortunately for them, the Solverson's got in the way. Lou was somewhat aided by the help of Karl Weathers, Nick Offerman's character. I'm always happy to see him get screen time, but I do think this appearance may have been dragged on a little bit too long. I like the subtle humor Fargo has always brought, but the tone shifted a bit with his expanded presence.
Complementing the tension was the quiet but effective score. Every week I rave about the music that Fargo has whether it be the score or the soundtrack, but this week brought the best of what the score has offered thus far. That slow drum score is very reminiscent of the heart pounding score from Jaws. Ultimately the episode left off with Dodd injured at the Blomquist's house and Ed escaping to presumably head there. I expect a very interesting confrontation next week.
+So much tension
+Score
+Impeccable writing
-Offerman's offbeat drunkenness
8.5/10
Fargo: S2E6 "Rhinoceros" Review - King Cadmium
kingcadmium12 March 2022
Lou and Hank try to prevent an altercation, Peggy and Ed defend their choices, and the Gerhardt clan attempts to get back one of their own.
What I Liked:
The pacing of this episode allows for thoroughly engaging and rarely dull viewing. It is a testament to how well-structured and tautly written this show has been so far.
The cinematography is solid, and each scene perfectly implements its well-crafted and memorable music score. On top of that, each actor gives a strong performance.
As the gang war intensifies, each scene involving the Gerhardts and the Kansas City Mafia becomes tenser and tenser, making for some highly enthralling television.
What I Disliked:
Each scene with Peggy is noticeably uninteresting, especially compared to the other storylines. She is not likable or intriguing enough to warrant the amount of screen time she receives.
Overall:
Fargo delivers its best episode of this sophomore season so far, a fantastic and highly enthralling viewing experience.
9/10
King Cadmium.
What I Liked:
The pacing of this episode allows for thoroughly engaging and rarely dull viewing. It is a testament to how well-structured and tautly written this show has been so far.
The cinematography is solid, and each scene perfectly implements its well-crafted and memorable music score. On top of that, each actor gives a strong performance.
As the gang war intensifies, each scene involving the Gerhardts and the Kansas City Mafia becomes tenser and tenser, making for some highly enthralling television.
What I Disliked:
Each scene with Peggy is noticeably uninteresting, especially compared to the other storylines. She is not likable or intriguing enough to warrant the amount of screen time she receives.
Overall:
Fargo delivers its best episode of this sophomore season so far, a fantastic and highly enthralling viewing experience.
9/10
King Cadmium.
You guys need to calm down
nicofreezer6 June 2022
9.2/10 ? Are you guys insane,
" Rhinocéros" is fine, this Season is fine and this show is fine. But not the Greatest you guys Fargo fans thinks it is, i mean yes it was an enjoyable episode of tv, but you must not have seen a lot of TV to rate this a 10, any breaking Bad episode is better than this, even " the fly" is better. Every better call Saul episode or every Lost episode. My point is, ok its good but not great. Season 2 characters are not as interesting as in Season 1, not even close, the cops are just boring, the indian and black man are nowhere near the bad Guy of Season 1, the family is flat, except maybe the older brother. Ed is okay, his wife might be the best character. But its just too absurde and weird, and not in a weird twin peaks way, no just weird, Pace is slow, but they want to be breaking Bad so badly, just doesn't work,
Still its an 8/10 show.
Women's ERA
mgidb4 September 2019
When gangs meet police whos head would survive.
I liked the twist of piggy character as a woman advocate especially when she kept the police standing letting the books on the chairs
Tension thrilling dramatic events I like it all
I don't get the praising for season 2
Ziro1030 April 2020
I think watching Season 2 right after watching season 1 wasn't a good idea. 3 minutes tension isn't enough to rate this episode above 9. Kirsten Dunst feels like a filler for me I'm playing with my smartphone everytime she starts talking. Everything feels so forced like they try to be stylish and original but in my eyes this season is average. There aren't any likeable characters I cheer for.
Season 1 >>>>> in every aspect.
Season 1 >>>>> in every aspect.
Terrific
umlaziking23 April 2020
This season is splendid so far
gedikreverdi23 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Karl the only lawyer in Lucerne deserves his own spin-off. The mob lynch at the sheriff's station was really tense. Peggy's museum of the past made up of books at the basement saved him from the oldest Gerhardt. Hanzee is the Lorne Malvo of this season I suppose. And the Gerhardt girl is the most annoying character.
Season 1 was Better
Warin_West-El5 May 2023
I'm watching season 2 because reviews said the first two seasons were good. Well, THAT'S not true. Season 2 is not nearly as interesting or entertaining as Season1.
Peggy Blumquist is irritating to watch. And her husband Ed is an insult to men. Your wife steals your money and you don't even yell at her? Get serious.
And how about the Blumquist's as a couple. Lou Solverson warned them both if they continued to lie that would place them in extreme danger. So what did they do? But here's where the screenwriters went to the well one too many times. After a direct attempt is made on Ed's life, Peggy and Ed STILL resorted to denial.
Now it's true that the first phase of change is Denial. However, it strains credulity to suggest that any REAL person would cling to denial in the face of an attempted assassination!
This episode is TOO stylized. In season 1, style was derived from the casting choices. Now in season 2, the filmmakers are attempting to impose a style and it feels forced . . . Not organic to the plot.
Season 1 was Better.
Peggy Blumquist is irritating to watch. And her husband Ed is an insult to men. Your wife steals your money and you don't even yell at her? Get serious.
And how about the Blumquist's as a couple. Lou Solverson warned them both if they continued to lie that would place them in extreme danger. So what did they do? But here's where the screenwriters went to the well one too many times. After a direct attempt is made on Ed's life, Peggy and Ed STILL resorted to denial.
Now it's true that the first phase of change is Denial. However, it strains credulity to suggest that any REAL person would cling to denial in the face of an attempted assassination!
This episode is TOO stylized. In season 1, style was derived from the casting choices. Now in season 2, the filmmakers are attempting to impose a style and it feels forced . . . Not organic to the plot.
Season 1 was Better.
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