Fear and Trembling

Presently, the Blumquists (Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons) are the weakest aspect of the show. They're just mostly vanilla and have served primarily as outliers. But 'Fear and Trembling' certainly does its part to change that as they're suspected in the death of Rye Gerhardt (Kieran Culkin). Serious foreboding there.

And speaking of he Gerhardts, the tide's really turned for their negotiations with Kansas City (in one fell swoop, no less). Bad implications all over.

I really like that Nick Offerman's still in the mix. He fits in very well here.

8/10

One of the more tense moments in television history. We knew early there is an inevitably harsh future ahead for more than a few characters. This is when these things begin to happen. A turning point in the 4th episode out of 10. A true cascade of terror.

The sense of dread begins here, in a potent, upsetting, heartless, sick, way. Like you just know something terrible is going to happen. And you're going to have to watch it in the soulless yet comical Fargo style way. Which can be a difficult style to watch.

This episode just falls off a cliff of unending suffering. I feel bad for all characters- brutal and scary, yet scared themselves, characters.

Critics were shown the first four episodes in advance of the release. Now I see why they loved it. While not advancing things terribly, it continues to push the walls in around the Blomquists.

The story lines here are like two reciprocal functions approaching a shared asymptote; they get infinitely closer but don't converge. I honestly don't get it; how is this going to last another 6 episodes? They'll have to do some time jumping like the last season. This means there will probably be a big mid-season episode.

The Gerhardts rivalry with the city reaches a head, and the Blomquists are pursued both by the police and the Gerhardts. Lou had a particularly potent scene with the Blomquists. The sheer number of times that someone could have done something to prevent the bloodbath that is coming is staggering. Much like Dexter in season 4, there were so many ways to avoid the tragic route, but that's the way it goes.

They are still refusing to show us Ronald Reagan. The teasing in this episode was almost unbearable. I just want to see it. We got more Nick Offerma. this episode, which is good.

Floyd responds to Kansas City's proposal, Hanzee takes a road trip, and Lou has a realization.

What I Liked:

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:

I am not a fan of several editing choices, particularly the usage of split screens and flashbacks, which appear superfluous at best.

Each scene with Ed & Peggy is noticeably uninteresting, especially compared to the other storylines. These characters are not likable enough to warrant the amount of screen time they receive.

Overall:

Fargo maintains its high quality in what remains a strong sophomore season. One can surmise that the events in this story are all building to an epic climax.

8/10

King Cadmium.

Great scenario, acting, narration, characters even directing the story becomes more sophisticated on this episode especially the flashback of Dodd.. To summarize, this show is good enough to ding the other series.