Fargo is just stunning, isn’t it? I mean, it truly blows me away. It’s visually stunning. The dialogue is impeccable. It has funny moments. It has sad moments. It’s an all-around compelling drama series. Even the music is a cut above anything else on television now (and don’t think I’m oblivious to those O Brother Where Art Thou? songs. I’m on to you, Hawley). Fargo’s second season has been nothing but an enjoyable ride.
This week on Fargo: The Gerhardts all ride to Minnesota to rescue Charlie and finish off Ed, once and for all. Amidst protests from Peggy, Hank and Lou take Ed into protective custody. Simone gives Mike all the details on where the Gerhardts are headed. Dodd and his men confront Hank at the Blomquist home, while Lou faces off against Bear at the station.
The only complaint that was starting to form in my mind about Fargo is that it has been starting to feel a little less Coen-esque in the past few episodes. It’s still an extremely compelling drama series that gives you every reason to watch, but the dark humor has seemed a bit lost in the past few weeks, replaced with more exposition and story. However, I’m happy to report that “Rhinoceros” was not only a compelling, dramatic, and exciting episode, but it also made me laugh out loud. Multiple times.
I’m so glad that Nick Offerman played such a huge role in this episode. I was so excited to learn he would be a part of the series, but disappointed when he hadn’t been given a lot to do yet yet. His heavy involvement in this week’s episode generated a lot of my laughter. Karl’s whole scene with Bear Gerhardt was brilliant, due to Offerman’s timing and the writing for the character. As much as I miss Ron Swanson (and that mustache!), Offerman is a huge asset to Fargo.
I think Kirsten Dunst has been one of the shining stars of this season, too. She had limited screen time in “Rhinoceros,” but she absolutely stole the show when she was in it. Her entire conversation with Hank was absolutely hysterical. She’s a hoarder and she’s trying to play it off like she’s trendy and cool. I mean, there’s a cop there that knows she ran over Rye Gerhardt, and she nitpicks about her fashion magazines. It’s amazing.
While the comedy was strong, it’s incredible to me how characters can be so funny in a show like this. The tension and the war about to break out is so thrilling and exciting to watch, and yet this show STILL makes me laugh. It’s beautiful visually, well-written, and has an all-star cast. I mean, what’s not to like about this show? Shows that build tension seamlessly command my respect.
Crazy fan theory time. You ready? I think Charlie Gerhardt is actually Hanzee’s son. Think about it. Don’t they look exactly alike to you? Hanzee was doing all the snooping around in two different locations in an effort to get Charlie back. His presumed father, Bear, went to great lengths, too. But just watch one close up of each of their faces. Hanzee. Bear. Charlie. Do you see what I’m seeing? They look exactly alike. I felt like Fargo might’ve been hinting at it, but like Jon Snow, I know nothing.
Overall, “Rhinoceros” was a tense, compelling hour of TV. Fargo found the humor in it, but still managed to push the tension even further. I was impressed, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know in the comments!
Fargo airs Mondays at 10/9c on FX.
[Photo credit: Chris Large/FX]
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