Who Shaves the Barber?

The scene of Lester finally taking revenge on his bully made me smile all along. As someone who also got bullied in school, it is wonderful to see such a revenge occuring, even if it is just fiction.

Malvo seeks answers, while Lester finagles a few of his own. Molly and Gus try to get past a setback in the investigation.

What I Liked:

The cinematography is solid, and each scene perfectly implements its beautiful and mesmerizing music score. On top of that, each actor gives a strong performance, with Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman being the clear standouts.

Malvo is one of the most intriguing individuals you will see on television, with Thornton's portrayal being nothing short of superb, along with Freeman's portrayal of Lester.

Lester's transformation sees him become arguably the most interesting character on this show, even more so than Malvo. It will be fascinating to see how morally bankrupt he will become by season's end.

What I Disliked:

Molly surviving after the last episode's cliffhanger felt a little cheap. While this character has improved during the season, it would have been interesting to see how her death would have played out, as opposed to a fakeout in which she sustained non-fatal injuries.

Malvo felt supernatural in this episode to the point of disbelief. While still one of the most intriguing individuals you will see on television, his ability to murder an entire crime syndicate was perhaps the most implausible event in the show so far.

Overall:

Fargo comes through with another high-quality episode, but perhaps the most flawed one so far. However, this episode has more than enough elements to make for a highly enthralling viewing experience.

8/10

King Cadmium.

The seventh episode of Fargo's first season, "Who Shaves the Barber?," directed by Scott Winant and written by Noah Hawley, serves as a compelling and pivotal installment that deftly balances narrative momentum with character development, while deepening the series' exploration of moral ambiguity, transformation, and the consequences of violence. Following the intense and chaotic events of the previous episode, this chapter allows the dust to settle just enough for the characters-and viewers-to process the fallout, while simultaneously ratcheting up the stakes in subtle yet significant ways. The episode's title, a nod to the classic barber paradox, suggests themes of self-reference and paradoxical identity, which resonate strongly throughout the narrative.

The episode opens with a striking and memorable sequence: Lorne Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) methodically and coldly eliminates the Fargo crime syndicate responsible for sending hitmen after him. The entire massacre is depicted through a creative and suspenseful long take that follows Malvo from the street level up through the building, all while the actual violence remains offscreen. This stylistic choice amplifies the tension and mystery, showcasing Malvo's chilling efficiency and unflappable menace. Thornton's portrayal continues to captivate, his character's inscrutable calm and dark charisma making him one of television's most compelling villains. This scene not only reasserts Malvo's dominance but also underscores the show's thematic preoccupation with unseen forces and the hidden consequences of violence.

Meanwhile, Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) continues his transformation from meek victim to cunning manipulator. In this episode, Lester's moral decay becomes more apparent as he successfully frames his brother Chaz for the murder of Lester's wife, Pearl. Freeman's performance captures Lester's growing confidence and ruthlessness with subtlety, making his character's descent both believable and unsettling. A particularly telling moment occurs when Lester lies to Sam Hess's widow, feigning sympathy while simultaneously exploiting her vulnerability-a stark contrast to the bullied man he once was. This evolution aligns Lester increasingly with Malvo's amorality, suggesting a dark mentorship by proximity.

Deputy Molly Solverson (Allison Tolman), having survived the shooting from the previous episode, returns with renewed determination. Her investigative instincts lead her to connect the dots between Malvo, the Fargo syndicate, and the murders, positioning her as the moral center of the series. Her dynamic with Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks) remains a source of warmth and humanizing contrast amid the surrounding darkness. Molly's persistence in the face of institutional skepticism, particularly from Chief Bill Oswalt (Bob Odenkirk), highlights the systemic obstacles to justice and truth, a recurring theme in the series.

The episode's pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build through character interactions and atmospheric detail rather than overt action. Director Scott Winant employs a restrained visual style, using the stark Minnesota winter landscape and muted color palette to reinforce the narrative's bleakness and isolation. The editing maintains a steady rhythm, balancing the episode's quieter moments with bursts of suspense and dark humor. The musical score complements the mood, weaving subtle, haunting motifs that underscore the characters' psychological states.

"Who Shaves the Barber?" deepens the series' exploration of identity and self-deception. Lester's increasing duplicity and Malvo's enigmatic presence create a duality that propels the story forward. The episode's title metaphorically reflects the characters' struggles with self-definition and moral contradiction-Lester shaving the barber, or in other words, undermining the very identity that once defined him. This theme resonates with the show's broader meditation on the fluidity of good and evil, and the often arbitrary nature of fate.

The episode was praised for its strong performances, particularly from Thornton and Freeman, whose portrayals anchor the narrative's psychological complexity. The inventive direction of the crime syndicate massacre was highlighted as a standout moment, blending suspense and stylistic flair. Some critics, however, questioned the plausibility of Malvo's near-supernatural ability to eliminate an entire criminal organization singlehandedly, suggesting it strained credulity even within the show's darkly comedic framework. Additionally, Molly's survival from the previous episode's cliffhanger was viewed by some as a narrative convenience, though her character's continued presence remains essential to the series' moral core.

"Who Shaves the Barber?" is a masterful episode that balances character development, thematic depth, and narrative propulsion. Through compelling performances, nuanced writing, and confident direction, it advances Fargo's exploration of morality, identity, and the unpredictable consequences of violence. The episode challenges viewers to consider how individuals transform under pressure and how the boundaries between victim and perpetrator blur. By weaving philosophical motifs into its storytelling, it elevates the series beyond conventional crime drama, inviting reflection on the paradoxes inherent in human nature and justice.