I noticed that Ed and Peggy were conspicuously underused in last week’s great episode of Fargo. As great as the episode was, it was missing two of Season 2’s best characters. “Loplop,” in a slight departure from the previously linear story arc, clues us in to Ed and Peggy’s missing time, and gives us a sense of how the bloodbath in Sioux Falls will come to happen.
This week on Fargo: In a timeline concurrent with last week’s episode, Hanzee continues his hunt of Ed and Peggy. Ed and Peggy offer up their hostage, Dodd Gerhardt, first back to his own family and then to Mike Milligan. In his pursuit, Hanzee leaves a trail of bodies behind him.
It’s hard to give a synopsis of this episode because so much of it was straightforward. Ed and Peggy held Dodd hostage. Hanzee was looking for them. What made this story compelling was not the plot, but the characters inside it. Ed and Peggy are just in this ridiculous situation and want to get out. Hanzee…well…his motivation is less clear. (Spoilers!) He killed Dodd and escaped. Did he really come all that way for a haircut?
Hanzee is one of the more interesting characters on the show. I mean, objectively he’s a bad guy, but one of the best things about Fargo (encompassing both seasons) is that it can make you care about characters that aren’t really good guys. First of all, Charlie is definitely Hanzee’s son. No doubt in my mind. Second, can you really blame Hanzee for shooting those guys in the bar? I cheered. Zahn McClarnon is fantastic, and this episode was particularly strong evidence of that.
Overall, “Loplop” was a strong character showcase on all points. Peggy was still her insufferable self, but in a brand new situation. Ed’s sheer will power and patience shone through. I mean, Ed would have to be patient character to be married to Peggy. Dodd couldn’t even last 24 hours tied up in there. Dodd (may he rest in peace) was another character who was showcased particularly well in what turned out to be his swan song. There was so much realism combined with comedy in those Ed/Peggy/Dodd scenes, that pretty much the whole episode made for a really enjoyable hour.
The Hanzee-kills-people half of the episode combined with the Ed/Peggy/Dodd comedy hour really showcased the Coen-esque nature of Hawley’s writing and cinematic style. It reminded me (I know I’ve made this comparison before) in particular of the Coen Brothers’ movie Burn After Reading, in which there is a lot of violence and craziness based on a misunderstanding and a couple of bone-headed decisions. That’s exactly what this season of Fargo is doing.
“Loplop” was another strong, beautifully told story. It’s everything you want out of a Fargo episode, and it took a really large step toward an exciting finish. We’ve long heard about the events in Sioux Falls, and we’re barreling towards them. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy this episode? Let us know in the comments!
Fargo airs Mondays at 10/9c on FX.
[Photo credit: Chris Large/FX]
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