Fargo: Season 3 Episode 2 "The Principle of Restricted Choice" Review

"This is non-negotiable after the stunt you pulled.  Feminine hygiene deployed as a weapon!"

-Sy Feltz

In the second episode of Fargo's third season, Gloria Burgle (Carrie Coon) starts investigating the murder of her stepfather and discovers that he and the author of the books she found in his hidden compartment, Thaddeus Mobley, were one in the same.  With her department on the verge of being consumed by the county, Gloria tracks down the gas station where Maurice LeFay (Scoot McNairy) ripped a page out of a phone book, which contained her step-father's address, and she takes the book as evidence.

Meanwhile, Emmit Stussy (Ewan McGregor) and Sy Feltz (Michael Stuhlbag) visit their lawyer, Irv Blumkin (Hardee Lineham), and get him to start looking into the mysterious V. M. Varga (David Thewlis).  Irv's investigation is noticed by Varga, who sends his men, Yuri Gurka (Goran Bogdan) and Meemo (Andy Yu) to throw Irv to his death out of a parking garage.  Varga than starts having supplies moved into Emmit's building, telling him and Sy that there is nothing they can do to stop him.  He also reveals he had Irv murdered for investigating him.

Ray Stussy (Ewan McGregor) discovers that Maurice's death has been ruled an accident and Nikki Swango (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) wants to get back to focusing on their future in competitive bridge.  When she realizes that Ray is still distracted, she comes up with a plan to get the stamp away from Emmit so Ray can focus again.  While Ray distracts Emmit outside by trying to bury the hatchet, Nikki sneaks inside to steal the stamp, but it isn't there.  In it's place is a picture of a donkey.  She also discovers Emmit has put the stamp in a safety deposit box.  She leaves a message for Emmit by using a bloody tampon, writing on his painting and leaving the tampon in his desk.  

After Emmit and Sy discover the message, Emmit reveals the cleaning lady accidentally broke the picture and it was out being repaired.  Sy visits Ray at a diner and tells him never to speak to his brother again.  Sy than rams Ray's car with his hummer...twice and accidentally hits another car before fleeing the parking lot.

What Works:

V.M. Varga continues to be the best character of the season.  Again, he doesn't get a ton to do, only appearing in two scenes, but he just chews up the scenery in a very enjoyable fashion.  He's so casual about his threats to Emmit and Sy and I love it.  He knows he has them trapped and he can do what he wants.  David Thewlis gives an outstanding performance and is a fantastic villain.

The introduction of Yuri was also very memorable.  The first time I watched this season I didn't realize he was the man that was behind the murder being discussed in the opening scene of the premiere.  Now that I know it's him, he's much more interesting.  He has a solid scene with Irv before throwing him to his death and it's a great way to introduce the muscle of this season.

I also love the scene where Sy gives Ray an ultimatum before smashing his car.  It's great to watch Sy try to be a badass.  He's a really enjoyable character and I love watching him and Ray insult each other and give the other the finger.

What Sucks:

I don't love the Nikki and Ray storyline so far.  Nikki talking about chi and blockage makes me loose interest quickly.  It reminds me of Peggy Blumquist from season 2 and that's not a compliment.  The whole tampon thing seems silly and a bit over-the-top.

Verdict:

Episode 2 is definitely an improvement over the first episode.  I'm really enjoying V. M. Varga, Yuri, and Sy.  All of them are fun characters and every time they are on screen, I'm having a blast.  If we could get away from the annoying season 2-esque dialogue, I would be happier though.

 9/10: Great