Fargo: Season 1 Episode 10 "Morton's Fork" Review

"I never wanted to be the type to think big thoughts about the nature of things.  All I ever wanted was a stack of pancakes and a V-8."
-Chief Bill Oswalt



The finale of season 1 of Fargo picks up with Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) dealing with the aftermath of his wife's murder.  He gives himself an alibi by going to Lou Solverson's (Keith Carradine) diner, and calling the police discreetly from there.  As Deputy Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) and Chief Bill Oswalt (Bob Odenkirk) investigate the murder, Lester arrives and they bring him to the station, where he is uncooperative in their questioning.

Molly takes charge of the situation when Bill tells her he plans to quit and wants her to be Chief.  Molly sets a perimeter around the city to hunt down Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton).  Meanwhile, FBI Agents Budge (Keegan-Michael Key) and Pepper (Jordan Peele) escort Lester home, where they stand guard outside.

Malvo launches his attack on Lester's house and kills Budge and Pepper.  He is wounded in a bear-trap set by Lester and is forced to retreat.  Lester seizes the opportunity and goes on the run, knowing the police will soon be after him.

Malvo returns to his cabin hideout, where Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks) lies in wait.  Gus spotted Malvo leaving the cabin earlier and hid inside.  Gus shoots and kills Malvo.  He finds evidence implicating Lester in Pearl Nygaard's death.

Two weeks later, Lester is being chased by the police through Glacier National Park in Montana.  After a snowmobile chase, Lester is forced to make a choice: be arrested or try his luck on some thin ice.  Lester goes for the ice, but falls through and freezes to death.  Molly is informed of his death and spends the evening relaxing with Gus and Greta (Joey King).


What Works:

 "Morton's Fork" is an excellent ending to an excellent season of TV.  It provides us with a great deal of closure.  Molly gets to be Chief and is vindicated in her suspicions of Lester.  Gus faces down Malvo and kills him.  Lester gets what's coming to him.  It's all great.

The episode builds suspense very effectively and it pays off well.  The deaths of Pepper and Budge.  The face-off between Lester and Malvo.  Lou and Greta waiting on the front porch, ready to face evil if it shows it's face.  It's all excellent and provides for an dramatic conclusion.

Finally, the pacing is incredible here.  The episode is an hour long and it flies by.  There isn't a dull moment as we reach the end and it's awesome to see this show stick the landing.


What Sucks:

 Not a thing.


Verdict:

 This whole season of Fargo has been great, but it stuck the landing and gave us an excellent final episode.  It's safe to say, this season has been one of the best seasons of television I've ever seen.  This episode and this show have absolutely got it going on.


 10/10: Fantastic 






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