Rhinoceros

Will be honest -- after the incredible and mind-boggling season 1 (will any fan of the series ever forget Billy Bob Thornton's performance?) I was having some trouble "syncing" to Season 2.

Then along comes this episode and I am gob-smacked.

As a standalone episode, one of the most engrossing TV hours I have ever spent. It just builds and builds and builds. Until you get to the stage where (metaphorically) your wife says she is having a baby and you just give her cab fare because you don't want to miss the ending.

When I was a younger reviewer working for print media (dinosaurs roamed, and politicians occasionally told the truth) I used to handicap the awards shows. This one is a puzzler. There are so many superb performances I am not sure where to start? All in, Nick Offerman as the drunken lawyer whose oratory rises to the occasion will (like Billy Bob from S-1) always remain cemented in memory. The rest of the cast do not hit even one false note, but he is a stand-out.

And Jean Smart, even with limited screen time, continues to give her best performance since the Aileen Wuornos story. I think every family wishes they had someone like her in it.

Wow.

When gangs meet police whos head would survive. I liked the twist of piggy character as a woman advocate especially when she kept the police standing letting the books on the chairs Tension thrilling dramatic events I like it all

"Rhinoceros," the sixth episode of Fargo's second season, directed by Jeffrey Reiner and written by Noah Hawley, stands out as a masterful blend of tension, character development, and thematic richness that elevates the season's narrative to new heights. This episode unfolds over the course of a single, harrowing night, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that intensifies the stakes for all involved. The title, referencing the stubborn and unstoppable nature of the rhinoceros, aptly symbolizes the relentless forces-both human and fate-driven-that propel the characters toward inevitable confrontation.

The episode opens with Ed Blumquist (Jesse Plemons) being taken into custody while his wife Peggy (Kirsten Dunst) maintains his innocence with a mix of desperation and determination. The tension between the couple is palpable, underscored by Peggy's increasingly erratic behavior and Ed's stoic silence. This dynamic reaches a breaking point as Ed is interrogated, and Peggy's fragile mental state becomes more apparent, highlighting the psychological toll of their entanglement in the Gerhardt family's violent world.

Meanwhile, the Gerhardt family's internal conflict escalates dramatically. Dodd Gerhardt (Jeffrey Donovan), fueled by rage and a bruised ego, demands retribution and sets out with his cronies to exact vengeance on those he holds responsible for the chaos threatening their empire. His volatile nature is on full display, particularly in scenes where he confronts Peggy, culminating in a chilling moment where Peggy wields an electric cattle prod with newfound confidence. This scene marks a significant turning point for Peggy's character, showcasing her transformation from a passive bystander to an active participant in the violent power struggle. Jean Smart's portrayal of Floyd Gerhardt adds a layer of strategic calm amid the storm, emphasizing the matriarch's role as the family's stabilizing force.

Law enforcement faces its own trials as Lou Solverson (Patrick Wilson) finds himself caught in the middle of a tense standoff between the Gerhardts and local police. The episode's homage to John Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13 is evident in the siege-like atmosphere, with Lou and Sheriff Hank Larsson (Ted Danson) attempting to navigate the escalating violence without further bloodshed. The interplay between the lawmen and the Gerhardt enforcers is fraught with tension and dark humor, balancing moments of genuine threat with the series' characteristic wit.

The episode also introduces Karl Weathers (Nick Offerman), a sharp and unexpectedly eloquent lawyer whose intervention proves pivotal in de-escalating the standoff. Offerman's performance injects a surprising levity and gravitas, as his character negotiates a fragile peace that allows the Gerhardts to retreat temporarily. This development adds complexity to the power dynamics at play and sets the stage for future confrontations.

Visually, "Rhinoceros" is a triumph. Dana Gonzales's cinematography captures the oppressive winter landscape with stark beauty, using shadows and muted tones to enhance the episode's mood of impending doom. The editing maintains a taut pace, skillfully weaving multiple perspectives and storylines while preserving narrative clarity. Jeff Russo's score complements the tension and emotional beats, shifting seamlessly between suspenseful motifs and quieter, introspective moments.

Thematically, the episode explores the inexorable momentum of violence and the fragile nature of control. The rhinoceros metaphor extends beyond Dodd's relentless aggression to encompass the unstoppable forces of fate and consequence that drive the characters. Peggy's evolution, the Gerhardts' internal strife, and the law enforcement's precarious position all underscore the season's meditation on survival, power, and the human cost of conflict.

"Rhinoceros" was met with widespread acclaim. Reviewers praised its intense atmosphere, strong performances-particularly from Dunst, Donovan, Smart, and Offerman-and its deft balance of suspense and dark humor. The episode's innovative narrative structure, unfolding in near real-time over a single night, was highlighted as a bold storytelling choice that heightened engagement and emotional impact. Some critiques noted the episode's dense plotting and multiple converging storylines required attentive viewing but agreed these elements contributed to its richness.

"Rhinoceros" exemplifies Fargo's capacity to blend intricate character work, thematic depth, and cinematic craftsmanship into a compelling and emotionally resonant episode. Through its confident direction, evocative visuals, and layered performances, the episode immerses viewers in a world where violence and loyalty collide with devastating consequences.

This episode was great, so tense and really well written, i really loved it

A season high-point, no question about it; and if this is as good as it gets, I'm just fine with that.

'Rhinoceros' pits the Gerhardt clan against the police, and I mean that literally; the whole thing culminates in a standoff outside the precinct. It's almost "Assault on Precinct 13", I love it; especially the tension building (in peculiar Fargo style, like seeing Mike Milligan recite Jabberwocky as he's gunning up for a fight). The use of split screen to this effect is ingenious; very nice camera work here.

And as performances go, Ted Danson, Patrick Wilson and Jean Smart all deserve praise. But for me, Nick Offerman is the MVP, a background character who suddenly takes center stage with hilarious results. The man just goes to town with the material, and I'm very happy that he's been given something more to do.

This is superb television, 10/10