The Tiger

I am amazed that Ethan and Joel Cohen would want their names to be attached to this mishmash of absurd plot devices and crudely stereotyped characters, or should I say caricatures? With the exception of Ole Munch, there is not a single interesting or appealing character in this entire story. It's so hard to believe that this season and the last were written by the same person who wrote the first three seasons, which were excellent. I started watching this season with high hopes but after five episodes I'm done.

Oh, and by the way, nowhere does the Bible say that a wife is the property of her husband.

Do not get me wrong! This season is quite great, the acting, the pacing, the dialogue, you name it. I am a bit concerned on where the show is headed, but have faith in Hawley. Each episode since episode 1 of Year Five seems to keep building, but then with the very next episode, more questions are asked and previous answers are given... but not in the satisfying way i had hoped for. We are only halfway into the season and i am excited to see where the series goes from here. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Jon Hamm are fantastic in this episode as their conversation really drives home the stakes of the season, as well as getting to show off Leighs fantastic monologue. Overall a good episode, hoping this season sticks the landing!

I'm five episodes into this series so far, and it's grown more political with each episode. Now we have characters sitting across from one another espousing their political opinions at one another, and guess who's made to look like the hero.. and guess who's made to look like the fool..

Both Hollywood and big-tech TV are so busy drinking their own coolaid that they consistently alienate their primary audience - that being ordinary people, who don't need to be lectured to by an industry infected by immoral charlatans masquerading as society's moral arbiter.

Enough already.

Seasons 1-3 were superb, because the writers were interested in telling riveting stories, not ramming their politics down the audience's throat. I recommend stopping there.

"The Tiger," the fifth episode of Fargo's fifth season, directed by Dana Gonzales and written by Noah Hawley, stands as a compelling and pivotal chapter that deftly balances intense character drama with the season's signature blend of dark humor and suspenseful storytelling. This episode further deepens the complex web of relationships and conflicts, while spotlighting the fierce resilience of Dot Lyon (Juno Temple) and the calculating ambitions of Lorraine Lyon (Jennifer Jason Leigh).

The episode opens with a stark and unsettling revelation about Wayne Lyon's (David Rysdahl) neurological condition following his near-fatal electrocution in the previous episode. This development adds a layer of tragic vulnerability to the Lyon family dynamic, complicating Dot's already precarious position. Lorraine's ruthless determination to remove Dot from the picture, orchestrating her admission to the Walter Mondale Care Center under the guise of mental health concerns, highlights the brutal lengths she will go to maintain control. Jennifer Jason Leigh's portrayal of Lorraine's icy pragmatism and fierce protectiveness over her son is both chilling and captivating, embodying a matriarch whose power is as much psychological as it is financial.

Dot's subsequent hospitalization and daring escape form the episode's centerpiece. Tasked with escorting Dot, two orderlies underestimate her cunning and ferocity, resulting in a tense and darkly comedic sequence where Dot disables her captors and dons a nurse's uniform to facilitate her getaway. Juno Temple's performance here is exceptional, capturing Dot's blend of calculated calm and underlying ferocity. The scene exemplifies Fargo's ability to mix suspense with moments of quirky humor, reinforcing Dot's role as a "tiger" - a fierce protector who refuses to be caged.

Parallel to Dot's ordeal, Lorraine pursues her business ambitions, meeting with representatives of a small bank as she seeks to expand Redemption Services into the credit market. This subplot not only advances Lorraine's character arc but also offers a sharp commentary on systemic prejudice and corporate power. The bank representatives' dismissive attitudes contrast with Lorraine's steely resolve, underscoring themes of race, gender, and economic control that permeate the season.

The episode also explores the broader criminal landscape, with Gator Tillman (Joe Keery) receiving new orders from his father, Roy Tillman (Jon Hamm), further entangling the family's violent vendettas. The tension between the Tillman men and the Lyon family intensifies, setting the stage for future confrontations.

Visually, Dana Gonzales's cinematography captures the bleak Minnesota winter and the claustrophobic interiors with atmospheric precision. The muted color palette and meticulous production design immerse viewers in the season's tense and foreboding mood. The editing maintains a brisk pace, balancing action sequences with quieter, character-driven moments, while Jeff Russo's score subtly enhances the emotional and thematic resonance.

Thematically, "The Tiger" delves into survival, control, and the masks people wear to navigate dangerous worlds. Dot's fierce independence contrasts sharply with Lorraine's manipulative power plays, illustrating different responses to trauma and ambition. The episode's title metaphorically reflects Dot's predatory instincts and unyielding spirit, especially when cornered.

The episode was widely praised for its strong performances, particularly from Juno Temple and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and its effective blend of suspense, character development, and social commentary. The home invasion and hospital escape sequences were highlighted as standout moments, showcasing the show's skillful balance of tension and dark humor. Some critics noted minor pacing issues but agreed that the episode successfully deepened the season's narrative complexity.

I´m so happy to see FARGO Season 5 being least as brilliant as Season 1 and 2.

Juno Temple´s performance is just breathtaking, and in this episode, particularly Jennifer Jason Leigh impressed me - her embodiment of that hardboiled alpha-woman is really frightening. Moreover, this whole story about toxic masculinity, paleo-spirituality, libertarianism and the "american way of life" financed by credit and debt is as accurate and sharply drawn as it is sarcastic.

The whole cast of the show is perfect, great writing, and the score is so on-point, never too much, never cliche´. I can´t wait for the next episode.