Buridan's Ass

The sixth episode of Fargo's first season, titled "Buridan's Ass," directed by Colin Bucksey and written by Noah Hawley, represents the darkest and most intense installment of the series to date. Set against a blinding white snowstorm that blankets the Minnesota landscape, the episode's atmosphere is suffused with confusion, isolation, and impending violence, perfectly mirroring the philosophical quandary from which it takes its title. The paradox of Buridan's Ass-an ass unable to choose between two identical piles of hay and thus perishing of hunger-aptly symbolizes the characters' moral and existential paralysis amid escalating chaos. This episode pushes the narrative into a harrowing crescendo, blending bleak humor, psychological tension, and brutal consequences with remarkable precision.

From the outset, the episode immerses viewers in a snowbound world where visibility is limited and danger lurks unseen. The blizzard is not merely a backdrop but an active narrative force, obscuring vision, disorienting characters, and heightening suspense. Director Colin Bucksey masterfully uses the storm's whiteout conditions to create a sense of unpredictability and menace, with characters appearing and disappearing in the swirling snow, underscoring the fragility of control in their lives. This visual motif reinforces the thematic core of confusion and indecision that permeates the episode.

Central to the episode is the long-anticipated confrontation between Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) and the hitmen Mr. Numbers (Adam Goldberg) and Mr. Wrench (Russell Harvard). The tension culminates in a chilling and violent snowbound shootout, where Malvo's cold cunning and ruthlessness are on full display. The scene's choreography is taut and suspenseful, with the blizzard's obscuring effect amplifying the fear and uncertainty. The swift and brutal elimination of Mr. Numbers was a surprising narrative choice, subverting expectations of a prolonged stalemate and underscoring Malvo's lethal decisiveness. The stark contrast between the deadly violence and the episode's otherwise subdued tone exemplifies the series' ability to blend dark comedy with existential dread.

Parallel to this, Lester Nygaard's (Martin Freeman) subplot provides a grimly comic counterpoint. His desperate and elaborate scheme to escape legal culpability by framing his brother Chaz for Pearl's murder unfolds with a mixture of tension and dark humor. The scene where Lester sneaks out of the hospital with the help of a cheerful nurse is imbued with an almost farcical lightness, offering brief respite from the episode's pervasive darkness. Yet, Lester's moral decay is evident, particularly in his decision to plant a gun in his autistic nephew's backpack, a move that reveals his growing capacity for manipulation and self-preservation at any cost. Freeman's performance captures this complex blend of desperation and cunning, making Lester simultaneously pitiable and repugnant.

Deputy Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman) and Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks) also feature prominently, their partnership reaching a critical point. Gus's long-standing moral inertia is challenged as he, inspired by Molly's determination, decides to take decisive action. However, their attempt to apprehend Malvo in Duluth goes disastrously wrong, culminating in a tense moment where Gus nearly shoots Molly, a testament to the chaos and confusion enveloping the characters. This near-tragic incident underscores the fragility of trust and the high stakes of their pursuit. Molly's unwavering commitment to justice and Gus's tentative steps toward courage provide a humanizing counterbalance to the episode's violence.

The episode also revisits Stavros Milos's (Oliver Platt) storyline, which takes a surreal and tragic turn. Stavros's attempt to atone for his perceived sins by re-burying a satchel of money from a parking garage echoes the Coen brothers' original film, creating a poignant intertextual moment. His subsequent discovery of his dead son lying in the road-an outcome partly of his own decisions-adds a layer of tragic inevitability. This narrative thread blends dark humor, religious symbolism, and raw grief, enriching the episode's thematic tapestry.

Visually, "Buridan's Ass" is striking, with its use of the blizzard as both setting and metaphor. The cinematography captures the oppressive whiteness and the characters' isolation, while the editing maintains a deliberate pace that allows tension to build organically. The juxtaposition of quiet, intimate moments with sudden bursts of violence exemplifies the series' tonal dexterity. The musical score complements the mood, oscillating between haunting melodies and suspenseful undertones that enhance the emotional impact.

Thematically, the episode grapples with indecision, consequence, and the illusion of control. Characters are caught between choices, often paralyzed or making fatal miscalculations, reflecting the philosophical dilemma at the heart of the title. The episode's exploration of morality is unflinching, portraying a world where good intentions are often overwhelmed by chaos and self-interest. The interplay between fate and agency is a recurring motif, inviting viewers to contemplate the precariousness of human existence.

Critically, "Buridan's Ass" was lauded for its atmospheric direction, strong performances, and narrative boldness. Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of Malvo continues to captivate, embodying a figure of inscrutable menace and dark charisma. Martin Freeman's nuanced depiction of Lester's descent into moral ambiguity adds depth to the character's arc. Allison Tolman and Colin Hanks provide compelling portrayals of law enforcement officers caught in an increasingly dangerous game. Some critiques noted the episode's dense philosophical references and complex plotting might challenge casual viewers, but these elements contribute to its richness.

"Buridan's Ass" stands as a high point in Fargo's first season, combining visual artistry, thematic depth, and narrative tension to deliver a haunting and unforgettable episode. Its masterful use of the blizzard as both setting and metaphor enhances the storytelling, while the characters' moral struggles resonate with universal questions about choice and consequence. This episode exemplifies Fargo's ability to blend dark humor, psychological complexity, and suspenseful drama into a cohesive and thought-provoking whole.

Up to this episode the show was great, but it all fell apart at this point. So many things just don't make sense, and just aren't logical. Do yourself a favor and just don't watch the show. It should have been a comedy, than I would buy into it somehow. Stay away from this

This is a new kind of tv show, black comedy well excuted story scenario, great slow pace for events and characters conflicts thanks for everything.

This is only going to be a brief statement and less of a review, but I feel nothing more needs to be said. This episode is the best TV episode I have ever seen in my life. I watch a lot of TV, I have seen pretty much the whole of Breaking Bad, The Wire, Dexter, Boardwalk Empire, Sherlock, Mad Men, some Sopranos and more... basically everything except for the West Wing. Buridan's Ass exceeds every single episode that any of those great shows have come out with, and there have been some stunners. I know it is a big statement, and perhaps there are some other TV dramas I have yet to catch up with but I honestly believe it to be so. Flawless, majestic, unsurpassable.

There's no doubt that 'Buridan's Ass' changes the game for the first season of Fargo, however the over-reliance on contrivances and coincidence makes this episode somewhat bittersweet. I'm not going to list the things that I thought fell in this category since other reviewers have done so already but I will say that there were clearly some very creative writers in the room for this season and it's a shame it sort of missed the mark. Definitely not a 9.4/10 in my eyes but still enjoyable nevertheless.