A cool ending for a great season. Hope they'll make more and in the meantime I'm looking forward to Hawley's take on Alien. Juno Temple, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sam Spruell, and Dave Foley were all amazing but there were so many amazing Wayne moments in this finale. Let me know what you think.
I thought Dot's daughter was really good in the final scene. She had great facial expressions which pretty much a mirrored the whole hearted kindness within, similar to her mums.
Did you notice when she was sitting next to Dot, who then begins her crucial either/or offer in the living room, Scotty slowly leans back into the shadow, so that only Dot is in the light. Then, the camera changes f-stop or focus so that Scotty is blurred and Dot is in sharp focus. Now, we HAVE to pay full attention to Dot. I love every detail of this series (except some of Season 4).
I really enjoyed how the final scene contrasted Munch's 'Old Testament' code of an 'eye for an eye' with Dot's New Testament code of love and forgiveness, and Munch's re-birth sealed by the communion biscuit!
@@patrickknight2375 Yes it is a communion. His confession of sin.The orange soda the wine. The washing of the hands, washing sin. And finally taking the body, the biscuit....His sins and all taken on in his sin eating are forgiven.
I thought Roy was going to get his comeuppance when Dot killed him, and that would have been satisfying enough, but the exacting of justice he got from Lorraine was an even bigger payoff that I didn't know I needed.
Yeah it was fantastic. I knew Dot didn't need to kill him, and prison was a better outcome for someone that was once the law. I also knew his son needed to play a role either in killing him or locking him up..
This comment is me,... like how did they pull off Dot getting her get back with a gun like i wanted, and then pull of a punishment ending, that i didn't know I needed... fire.
The Cure: Bisquits made with love. The Biscuit is symbolic of the "Communion bread" at church. The Host . Perfect end for old Munch. He's released from evil and is forgiven.
His suffering started by eating cursed food. His suffering ended by eating blessed food 👌 food infused with all the sins of the powerful and then food infused will all the love and care of the humble. It was a weird but beautiful story arc. The hand washing is how you prepare yourself before receiving the blessing but it’s also symbolic of him cleansing himself but it’s important that the tiger saves him with her loving words. Where as she had previously conquered all her foes with violence and cunning.
Going in to this episode I was pretty sure Whit wasn't going to make it. But honestly, when it happened, it hit me kind of hard. I let out an audible "damn." I loved the last episode. Very much was not expecting they way they did it.
I love all the Fargo seasons, and the movie. I have felt a range of emotion watching and enjoying them. BUT... Season five is the only one I cried at the ending, And not a sad cry, a hopeful cry. I loved this SEason, and I really enjoy your takes on it. Thanks Pete, with the no show on Eps 9, I thought we might have lost you.
Possibly my favorite ending in Fargo Reminiscent of the Better Call Saul finale for me. It wasn’t the dramatic action packed show down some were expecting. Which on the surface felt slightly disappointing… But the longer I’ve sat with it, the harder it’s hit me just how beautiful, poignant, and fitting it was. Just a much more thoughtful and intentional ending for these amazing characters. Fargo has always been about glimmers of hope in a dark world. This finale was the perfect manifestation of that!
@@jojoc197 ending of season 5 felt like the writers strike effected the ending. Tunnel scene with cop stabbed was utterly ridiculous. No standoff with the FBI on ranch. Where is the tank they spoke of earlier. Why would a hit man all of a sudden care about their victim. It seemed like the writers had to end the series quickly. And they did just that
I thought this was the best season of the series. The ensemble was so well-chosen and Noah Hawley's writing made me mentally salivate for what he will do with the "Alien" franchise. This 69 year-old man cried at the end of the final episode. Outstanding!!
The Fargo series has always emulated the style and sensibilities of the Cohen brothers movies, but just this once, I would loved to have seen a special post credits scene of Munch working as a salesman at the family KIA dealership showroom, greeting customers with that big otherworldly smile. "Allo, welcome to Lyon KIA! I'm Big Munch, how can I assist you?"
I found this the most satisfying installment of Fargo since the movie. As you say, Dot used her power to change something. Not merely to prevail, but to liberate a man trapped in immortal sin by his own poverty. After all, he became immortal "all for a little bit of food and money", but this time Dot does understand it and knows what it takes to change it. A truly powerful series, not just dramatically, but emotionally and morally.
I really appreciate you pointing out how disturbing it is that one person can have so much power over another person simply because of her wealth. I haven't come across any other review or even a comment that mentions this.
Great and emotional finale for this season. They have all been good so why should we compare. I've never felt emotional, and cried from the emotion in any other season. Enjoyed it a lot. Great actors all, sorry to see it end. Appreciate your reviews Pete!
Always love your insight Pete, but ya can’t leave us loyal subscribers hanging for an ep9 review! You’re the best after all :) But I did enjoy the season. Juno Temple was amazing & I am glad she is back with her family as that was what was most important. It didn’t end as I predicted but I loved the jail scene monologue from Jennifer Jason Leigh and that crooked muffin smile at the end.
The lack of consistency covering the best show on TV was mildly frustrating. I found Pete through his season 4 coverage and was really looking forward to his breakdowns all season. He is the best in the breakdown biz
Imho, Jennifer Jason Leigh was the standout of the season, bar none. Juno Temple was great, but no other character rose to the glorious heights of JJL's 40's "hard nosed dame" bit delivered with perfection.
Hey Pete, I didn't even know Fargo came back till I saw your first video this season. I follow you from Foundation. This was a great season. I absolutely loved Munch getting forgiven. I loved it. Thank you for being the only person who told me Fargo came back. And all I do all day long is look for tv and movies to watch.
Good breakdown and excellent point about usury being a sin. I like to think that Moonk becomes a Kia salesman "A man drives. It feels like....a...cloud."
11:00 This scene didn’t hit me at first either, but the first rewatch was much more satisfying. In addition to everything you mentioned, Munch is also given the “pop” and perfunctorily toasted by it with Wayne’s clink of the bottles, suggesting a “you’re welcome” sentiment. Even more compelling was the fact that the meal, including the biscuits they all made together, was blessed by Scottie, a virgin girl, which imbued the food they were about to eat with a blessing powerful enough to break the sineater curse. (NGL, I got a real “Frankenstein and Phoebe from Monster Squad” vibe from Munch and Scottie together in that final scene which is what got me thinking about it).
They already stated before this season started airing that they plan on making more, and with the positive response this season has gotten, I'd say Year 6 is a sure thing; just gotta wait for Noah to finish up Alien and come up with a new story.
Having watched the entire series and after reviewing your recap, I’ve found your review of this season was better than all the rest! Simply loved your explanation and “take” ~ Thank You!
I was surprised that Jennifer & Juno are of the same height. Jennifer played her character so big, it seemed that she was taller. A great way to show that strength comes in all sizes.
Someone said that killing the cop had a bigger purpose in Fargo bc of the weight of debt. He could have lived or died but in Fargo the good cop always lives and gets the bad guy. Maybe in style of the creator it was his debt to murder the good guy in a story full of debt.
Sam Spruell's acting is so effective and scary that I had to find videos of some of his interviews. I was not familiar with any of his other roles. Great synopsis of the ending! Thanks!
Best season finale that’s ever existed. The story is ended and wrapped with a bow in the first 20 mins, the rest of it a deeply esoteric and philosophical parable that’s been strategically set up in the backround the whole time
Roy and Munch and Lorraine were old testament--an eye for an eye. Dot turns out to be new testament--forgive me my trespasses as I forgive others who trespass against me. She even gives Munch the equivalent of communion (bIsquick style) and redeems him.
Personally I was bewildered initially how the final episode was paced and its direction. Dot flipping the script so to speak on The Sin Eater Munch however was much more gratifying. Knowing people in my life that have lived by similar so called codes as Munch and dwell on that mindset when upon finally letting it all go, learning forgiveness, and accepting love and a new path in life is what I saw in his smile. It was almost rapturous! Bravo 👏 🙌🤙
Every interaction between Wayne and Munch made me laugh; definitely one of the highlights of the season. There's no way this was the best season of Fargo; 1 and 2 are miles ahead. The first half of the season was definitely awesome, but I believe it lost some punch towards the end. Still, it was an amazing 10 episodes.
I enjoyed the start of this season very much but the last two episodes to conclude the story just didn't hit for me. I can see what they were trying to do as you described but that didn't seem worthy of Fargo pay off. Almost like its disjointed. Great characters acted well and interesting story arc, sadly it fizzled for me.
While I found the final scene tremendously moving, it was probably the most un-Coen Bros ending in the series so far - and that's saying something. I find it a bit ironic, if not paradoxical, that Hawley is using a Cormac McCarthy character interpolated into a separate Coen Bros. world to showcase the human capacity for forgiveness and love. It's like, I want to be hopeful but I don't know... Maybe I just need to eat that biscuit. Maybe we all do. Thanks for a wonderful season of analysis.
They’ve found another Mister Wrench with Munch. If Hawley comes back to Fargo and goes back in time in later seasons, Munch is someone who could show up! Really dug the finale and season as a whole
I loved this season, some elements were personal but I loved how Noah et al. broke a lot of paradigm expectations and your note about the violence of debt---I also read that Noah et al were responding to where we are in the U.S. now politically, we respond constantly with retribution, he said "Hatfields and McCoys" but that also keeps these cycles of debt, violence, trauma circulating. I think you can also see the different finale responses by Lorraine and Dot as the two approaches to pain: vengeance (Lorraine to Roy, not that he doesn't "deserve" to experience what he inflicted on so many, but we keep that response alive and we keep Roy's dangerous worldview alive) or love (Dot). Love and joy are actually very very hard and require major strength, they are painted as saccharine in our world but they are warrior choices, especially in the face of pain and violence---but necessary to end trauma.
I had two problems with the ending, along with a way they could have been solved. The first is that Ole Munch never received any real punishment for the violent crimes he had committed, including the murder of the old woman's son. This is in contrast to both Roy and Gator, who the show made clear will each spend considerable time in prison. The second was the way that even in the face of evidence to the contrary, Wayne never seemed to pick up on the fact that Munch was actually a dangerous person. His exaggerated niceness with Munch at the end seemed just a bit over the top and really stretched the credibility of the character. After all, he is a successful car dealer and businessman, so he can't possibly be that naive. My solution to these issues would be this. Right after Munch does that big smile at the end, wouldn't it be cool and feel right if after a slight pause the police arrive to put him in handcuffs and take him away. Dot looks at them quizzically as though to say "How did you know to come?" and they point to Wayne and he says in his usual upbeat way "I called them when I left the room to get him the orange pop." And then after a couple of beats, Wayne turns to the camera and says "We may be Minnesota nice, but we're not Minnesota stupid." Fade out. As you would say, I think that would be a great way to end the episode.
The redemption for a man who has not acknolwedged his own sins against inoocents (state trooper and store clerk) and the idiocy of a family man letting a dangerous individual into his household was a bridge too far for me.
You expecting a supernatural 500 year old sin eater to receive lawful punishment is more ridiculous than the concept of a supernatural 500 year old sin eater lmao
Sure, if you accept that he actually was a 500-year old sin eater. Fargo is always deliberately ambiguous when it comes to supernatural characters or events, and many viewers and reviewers assume Munch was actually an ordinary, if slightly batty human who is trying to emulate an ancestor (seen in the flashbacks) who was the actual sin eater.
I've rewatched those scenes and, in fairness, you can interpret them either way, as you can also interpret the supernatural-tinged scenes of earlier Fargo seasons either way. That's one of the cool things about the show, You're certainly entitled to your view.
What if Munche was just another character with a horrible childhood ? A childhood with which the only way he could escape was to read books about Viking history?
I liked what they did in the last 25 mins but I found it very anticlimatic. i'd rather see a classic higher octane "cat and mouse" chase that went through the whole episode.
I feel like the crescendo of this season which was supposed to be the shootout at the Tillman Ranch really got cut short. Every season has a moment where everything hits the fan for everyone involved (Malvo and Lester going head to head, the motel shootout, the prison bus crash, and the Cannon/Fadda war). I felt like the entire season was building toward something that never really came about, it just lacked that oomph. Edit: And what about Roy's tank that was mentioned at the debate? I thought Tillman was gonna go all Tiananmen Square on the feds
My thoughts exactly! I thought they really dropped the ball on the shootout scene at the Tillman Ranch. You're telling me 2 army's going head to head with heavy machinery and the only person who got killed was Witt via a stab womb! Total let down! I'm reading the comments and people are saying they enjoyed this season but this season is just as bad as the last one in my opinion. The first 3 season are way better and it's not even close. I feel like they tried too hard to deliver their message this season.
I understand, but in some way appreciated the choice to not give Roy and his ilk their big climax. This was Dot's story and her victory. He didn't deserve a big ending.
I immediately turned to my partner and said, it's like Noah Hawley pulled a Ryan Murphy. American Horror Story has some of the happiest endings in TV. AHS Season 2's ending is my all time favorite in TV and I had similar vibes in the last 20 minutes of this season.
What I really enjoyed about this season is how they took so many scenes from the movie and flipped the script. From Nikki's "it's a beautiful day..." Speech to Dot sitting on the couch knitting only to wind up foiling the kidnapping, to the axe killing by Munch. The only missed opportunity was to have Wayne selling tru-coat but I'm sure this is because they wanted Wayne to be likable.
Roy had some new ink, a neck tattoo, but i could not make out what it was so i cant guess at the significance. To get that tattoo means he is settling in, one way or another he had the resources to get the tattoo. Lorraines visit upended his world. I thought at first she gave him a box of magnums for his daily visitors that she arranged. When i paused it i saw it was cigarettes. Condoms would have been funnier but relaxing afterwards with a smoke is a decent joke too.
@@imonymous I think it is was a dig from lorraine about relaxing with a cigarette after sex. I still think an extra large box of magnum condoms would have been funnier but was probably too on the nose or too crude for the writers.
There's the discrepancy with Ola Munk's age bc at the table he says he came to america on/in longboat, which is a Viking boat (he most likely did this btw 1000-1200 a.d). Then in the episode where he was cursed he was in wales in the year 1522. How did he get back to wales & then back to america (again)? As you all know "The Mayflower" wasn't a longship/longboat...
I found it inconsistent how when we first see Wayne looking at Moonch, he looks almost afraid. And then when Dot gets there, Wayne is more of a caricature of himself. I accept the absurd moments of the series and the season. And love the show. I just have a hard time with that inconsistency
Another GREAT scene: Lorraine visits Roy in prison, and lays out for him what's going to happen to him, and why. "You're going to feel every blow you ever gave to women, and every (sexual) assault!" Lorraine is paying the convicts to do him dirty, without killing him. She wants him to suffer for a long long time. 👍
Evil woody from Toy Story aka Roy got his comeuppance Him talking about how prison is the way world should be made me laugh so hard with the neck tattoo. Solid solid season. Thanks for your thoughts as always Pete!
That last 20 minutes wasn't just (probably) the best scene in all the Fargo series. It must be right up there as one of the best, most uplifting scenes in TV drama. Although I've just watched it, let's see if I feel the same way in 6 months.
I had a thought that the women's evil deeds were brushed aside and not given the weight they should have had. JJ Leigh: Evil business of debt- makes countless people's lives misrable - no ramifications Dot - Swithched the hospital placards to get an innocent man kidnapped/killed, rather than her husband Indira - Left the force for a more lucrative position of being a stooge for evil woman.
I really didn't like how they used the only Black character in this season as Roy's last victim. It could have at least been the federal agent that said he was just in a firefight yesterday.
So connetions to the other seasons? Just that Wayne and Dot have a car dealership and there is a wife kidnapping? Must be something deeper, less obvious? Thoughts?
I really wish that the Coen Brothers would make a movie or Fargo type episode production of the and many events in the tragic life and redemption of Herr Ole Munch. That Character and the character of Dorothy are so intriguing and what their future interactions may be beyond that final where any viewer would recognize that zone found SALVATION thru his interactions with Dorothy....please do something wonderful with this.
Yep, dunno what it is about the actor Joe Keery, but in Stranger Things they played him the villain initially, but he became the good guy (maybe audience feedback to make him the good guy) and now in Fargo, same thing, I was thinking "this is Steve Harrington all over again" feeling sorry for him lol. And about the cutting remarks about him not getting the name Roy, or when Roy told him he was good for nothing without his eyes.
I've enjoyed the season, and your reactions. I wonder if the name on the grave next to Witt's is significant? Is it a connection to one of the other seasons? The other seasons have AIUI all had a subtle connection to another season.
Your review was dead on. But Ola's story was confusing to me. It seemed to have some chronological inadequatness. I'll have to watch it again. .....on a second watch, I realize I missed the words "before the boats". Which reordered the chronological for me.
I agree it was more of a two episode finale. Usually left hanging after the final season, like wtf is this? It was all summed up in 9&10. Made me realize that Wayne is not just a goof. Munch not a true crazed evil man. A feel good ending, The Lyon’s being just good people, a genuine good and loving family.
A cool ending for a great season. Hope they'll make more and in the meantime I'm looking forward to Hawley's take on Alien. Juno Temple, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sam Spruell, and Dave Foley were all amazing but there were so many amazing Wayne moments in this finale. Let me know what you think.
Wayne was priceless.
What do you mean Hawley take on Alien? Tell me more.
Yes...Wayne's nonchalant interactions as well as Scottie's were spot on...as if they were channeling Dorothy
@@travissweat9098 this has been in development for a long time nerdist.com/article/alien-tv-series-noah-hawley-artificial-intelligence-weyland-yutani/
@@PetePeppers1 thank you so much.
Wayne clinking his orange pop bottle was everything we've loved about him this season xxx
That was so Fargo and so Wayne and you are so right!
I agree one hundred percent. one thousand.
@@PetePeppers1 how to the immortality for Ole. That’s not been confirmed by the wiki.
😂EVERYTHING- also it was “Minnesota nice”
I thought Dot's daughter was really good in the final scene. She had great facial expressions which pretty much a mirrored the whole hearted kindness within, similar to her mums.
And there I was thinking she was more mimicking her Dad.
@@TonyHamlynCasting was great bcs she looked like the father ❤
She's gonna be a great actress
Absolutely...even Wayne's raised eyebrows were reinforcing every expression word and phrase that Dorothy presented.
Did you notice when she was sitting next to Dot, who then begins her crucial either/or offer in the living room, Scotty slowly leans back into the shadow, so that only Dot is in the light. Then, the camera changes f-stop or focus so that Scotty is blurred and Dot is in sharp focus. Now, we HAVE to pay full attention to Dot.
I love every detail of this series (except some of Season 4).
I thought Munch was just gonna tell all of them “I live here now” 😂.
😂
The man drives Kia now.
Yeah - that would have been great !! 😂😂
😂😂😂!!
@@PetePeppers1the man makes biscuits 😂
I really enjoyed how the final scene contrasted Munch's 'Old Testament' code of an 'eye for an eye' with Dot's New Testament code of love and forgiveness, and Munch's re-birth sealed by the communion biscuit!
And - The orange soda (the wine). The washing his hands (washing of sin). His story (his confession of his sins)....It was a masterful ending.
Great points!!!
Dorothy showed kindness to the sin eater & broke the curse with a biscuit!!
Kissing the frog worked! Well played Dorothy!😊
It is the communion bread in accepting the forgiveness offered him for his sin
@@johnkeith2450 I was literlally thinking the same thing, on this re-watch. Totally missed it the first time.
@@patrickknight2375 Yes it is a communion. His confession of sin.The orange soda the wine. The washing of the hands, washing sin. And finally taking the body, the biscuit....His sins and all taken on in his sin eating are forgiven.
@@johnkeith2450makes so much sense! Great catch with all that symbolism, I haven’t read anyone bring that up yet. Love it.
@@Darius-_the idea of a 500 year old man itself is pretty silly
I thought Roy was going to get his comeuppance when Dot killed him, and that would have been satisfying enough, but the exacting of justice he got from Lorraine was an even bigger payoff that I didn't know I needed.
Yeah it was fantastic. I knew Dot didn't need to kill him, and prison was a better outcome for someone that was once the law. I also knew his son needed to play a role either in killing him or locking him up..
This comment is me,... like how did they pull off Dot getting her get back with a gun like i wanted, and then pull of a punishment ending, that i didn't know I needed... fire.
The Cure: Bisquits made with love. The Biscuit is symbolic of the "Communion bread" at church. The Host . Perfect end for old Munch. He's released from evil and is forgiven.
And - The orange soda (the wine). The washing his hands (washing of sin). His story (his confession of his sins)....It was a masterful ending.
Did you see a man in dress and a three stooges haircut come through here? 😂
😂
Ole Munch washing his hands means that he has been baptized and cleansed of his sins and debt.
Eating the Bisquik was communion, and before he was doing confession.
@@SkaterStimmdon’t make me fukkin cry
Ohhh sht wow didn’t think about that good catch!
His suffering started by eating cursed food. His suffering ended by eating blessed food 👌 food infused with all the sins of the powerful and then food infused will all the love and care of the humble. It was a weird but beautiful story arc. The hand washing is how you prepare yourself before receiving the blessing but it’s also symbolic of him cleansing himself but it’s important that the tiger saves him with her loving words. Where as she had previously conquered all her foes with violence and cunning.
Not until he acknowledges his sins against the innocent state trooper and young store clerk.
Going in to this episode I was pretty sure Whit wasn't going to make it. But honestly, when it happened, it hit me kind of hard. I let out an audible "damn." I loved the last episode. Very much was not expecting they way they did it.
I actually cried. And I think it was the first time in 5 seasons I cried. 😢
It was an unnecessary shame, especially since the cops were already waiting for Roy at the end of the tunnel.
I love all the Fargo seasons, and the movie. I have felt a range of emotion watching and enjoying them. BUT... Season five is the only one I cried at the ending, And not a sad cry, a hopeful cry. I loved this SEason, and I really enjoy your takes on it. Thanks Pete, with the no show on Eps 9, I thought we might have lost you.
Possibly my favorite ending in Fargo
Reminiscent of the Better Call Saul finale for me. It wasn’t the dramatic action packed show down some were expecting. Which on the surface felt slightly disappointing…
But the longer I’ve sat with it, the harder it’s hit me just how beautiful, poignant, and fitting it was.
Just a much more thoughtful and intentional ending for these amazing characters.
Fargo has always been about glimmers of hope in a dark world. This finale was the perfect manifestation of that!
Fargo is a show that always plays with your expectations brilliantly. My predictions on how the story plays out never comes true.
Dumbest episode ever.
@@dalezegarelli5553
Well. That’s just like, your opinion man.
@@jojoc197 ending of season 5 felt like the writers strike effected the ending. Tunnel scene with cop stabbed was utterly ridiculous. No standoff with the FBI on ranch. Where is the tank they spoke of earlier. Why would a hit man all of a sudden care about their victim.
It seemed like the writers had to end the series quickly. And they did just that
@@jojoc197 my opinion is the only opinion. Last episode of fargo5.......WAS A COMPLETE LET DOWN!!!
I thought this was the best season of the series. The ensemble was so well-chosen and Noah Hawley's writing made me mentally salivate for what he will do with the "Alien" franchise. This 69 year-old man cried at the end of the final episode. Outstanding!!
I'm looking forward to Alien too
1st season is still the best for me! I probably like the 2nd better too, but it's close!
You’re crazy.
Great Comment. And ditto from a 73 year old man. It was outstanding and I don't how they could have anyone else for the final with Dot and Munch.
The Fargo series has always emulated the style and sensibilities of the Cohen brothers movies, but just this once, I would loved to have seen a special post credits scene of Munch working as a salesman at the family KIA dealership showroom, greeting customers with that big otherworldly smile. "Allo, welcome to Lyon KIA! I'm Big Munch, how can I assist you?"
Oh, thanks for that! Made me laugh, laugh, laugh... 😊
@KillRhythm😂😂😂
"A man hasssss... dddriven a Kia? It isssss like... ddddriving A cloooud"
@KillRhythm hahahah, a Munch Ming Mole
@KillRhythmyou betcha!
I found this the most satisfying installment of Fargo since the movie. As you say, Dot used her power to change something. Not merely to prevail, but to liberate a man trapped in immortal sin by his own poverty. After all, he became immortal "all for a little bit of food and money", but this time Dot does understand it and knows what it takes to change it.
A truly powerful series, not just dramatically, but emotionally and morally.
Season 1 and 2 are still better in my opinion
The same reason Munch was trapped was the same reason for his liberation. Beautifully done!
Satisfying -- I agree.
and to liberate herself too
I really appreciate you pointing out how disturbing it is that one person can have so much power over another person simply because of her wealth. I haven't come across any other review or even a comment that mentions this.
Great and emotional finale for this season. They have all been good so why should we compare. I've never felt emotional, and cried from the emotion in any other season. Enjoyed it a lot. Great actors all, sorry to see it end. Appreciate your reviews Pete!
We really need a spin off series called Cooking with Ole Munch. So much potential for humor there.
Always love your insight Pete, but ya can’t leave us loyal subscribers hanging for an ep9 review! You’re the best after all :) But I did enjoy the season. Juno Temple was amazing & I am glad she is back with her family as that was what was most important. It didn’t end as I predicted but I loved the jail scene monologue from Jennifer Jason Leigh and that crooked muffin smile at the end.
The lack of consistency covering the best show on TV was mildly frustrating. I found Pete through his season 4 coverage and was really looking forward to his breakdowns all season. He is the best in the breakdown biz
Well, Pete has the right to get sick! Thankfully, he didn't die! Relax and give him a break. Sheesss.
@@TheDollyce you're the only one making things life and death here - maybe you should relax...
Imho, Jennifer Jason Leigh was the standout of the season, bar none. Juno Temple was great, but no other character rose to the glorious heights of JJL's 40's "hard nosed dame" bit delivered with perfection.
Agreed. The best performance of her career.
Amy Archer
She was fantastic as heartless, corporate greed mol
The daughter showing Munch the 1 cup mark on the measuring cup, and Munch immediately confirming he already knows, was priceless.
Loved the Hateful Eight reference when Roy told Lorraine that he wants to see her in a noose.
That's a stretch lmao
So glad to see this installment. I thought Pete had left us. I'll miss Ole's wardrobe. And Witt, who was so brave.
Pete was 😷🤢
Very touching scene even Dot is hugged by Lorraine and called Dot "daughter". The best scene of the whole doggone series!
I loved that...."you shot him?...that's my daughter"....
Hey Pete, I didn't even know Fargo came back till I saw your first video this season. I follow you from Foundation. This was a great season. I absolutely loved Munch getting forgiven. I loved it. Thank you for being the only person who told me Fargo came back. And all I do all day long is look for tv and movies to watch.
Good breakdown and excellent point about usury being a sin.
I like to think that Moonk becomes a Kia salesman
"A man drives. It feels like....a...cloud."
😂
A car for a car
Great discussion! Loved the videos for this episode and the overall season.
11:00 This scene didn’t hit me at first either, but the first rewatch was much more satisfying. In addition to everything you mentioned, Munch is also given the “pop” and perfunctorily toasted by it with Wayne’s clink of the bottles, suggesting a “you’re welcome” sentiment. Even more compelling was the fact that the meal, including the biscuits they all made together, was blessed by Scottie, a virgin girl, which imbued the food they were about to eat with a blessing powerful enough to break the sineater curse. (NGL, I got a real “Frankenstein and Phoebe from Monster Squad” vibe from Munch and Scottie together in that final scene which is what got me thinking about it).
Awesome scene. The love and kindness win him over.
Great assessment
You rock with these.
What an absolutely amazing Season! Juno, Jon and the whole cast. I really hope FX renews for Season 6!
They already stated before this season started airing that they plan on making more, and with the positive response this season has gotten, I'd say Year 6 is a sure thing; just gotta wait for Noah to finish up Alien and come up with a new story.
Usury is not debt. Usury is interest. It was never out of fashion to repay debts.
Having watched the entire series and after reviewing your recap, I’ve found your review of this season was better than all the rest! Simply loved your explanation and “take” ~ Thank You!
The ending was completely self explanatory. The whole season was as intellectually deep as a kiddie pool.
I was surprised that Jennifer & Juno are of the same height. Jennifer played her character so big, it seemed that she was taller. A great way to show that strength comes in all sizes.
1:41 oh remember the music that was playing at that moment, it was the emergence of medieval retribution from Munch.
Great job Peter. Always enjoy your recaps and insights as much as the series itself in some ways. thank you!
The scene at the gravestone had me choked up 😢
Someone said that killing the cop had a bigger purpose in Fargo bc of the weight of debt. He could have lived or died but in Fargo the good cop always lives and gets the bad guy. Maybe in style of the creator it was his debt to murder the good guy in a story full of debt.
Great insight. I appreciate your thoughtful takes. Thanks, Pete.
Sam Spruell's acting is so effective and scary that I had to find videos of some of his interviews. I was not familiar with any of his other roles. Great synopsis of the ending! Thanks!
Best season finale that’s ever existed. The story is ended and wrapped with a bow in the first 20 mins, the rest of it a deeply esoteric and philosophical parable that’s been strategically set up in the backround the whole time
Roy and Munch and Lorraine were old testament--an eye for an eye. Dot turns out to be new testament--forgive me my trespasses as I forgive others who trespass against me. She even gives Munch the equivalent of communion (bIsquick style) and redeems him.
The ending makes me enjoy this season even more. It’s a fake out, but one that is good.
Thank you, Pete. I appreciate your videos. I loved this season, and Ole Munch was my absolute favorite. This season was fantastic!
Personally I was bewildered initially how the final episode was paced and its direction. Dot flipping the script so to speak on The Sin Eater Munch however was much more gratifying. Knowing people in my life that have lived by similar so called codes as Munch and dwell on that mindset when upon finally letting it all go, learning forgiveness, and accepting love and a new path in life is what I saw in his smile. It was almost rapturous! Bravo 👏 🙌🤙
I've been waiting for your upload. You missed episode 9
He was SICK! 🤢 😷
Every interaction between Wayne and Munch made me laugh; definitely one of the highlights of the season. There's no way this was the best season of Fargo; 1 and 2 are miles ahead. The first half of the season was definitely awesome, but I believe it lost some punch towards the end. Still, it was an amazing 10 episodes.
I loved the final scene. Cried like a baby. It was a perfect ending.
Oh I'm relieved. I wasn't sure you would still make this video.
I enjoyed the start of this season very much but the last two episodes to conclude the story just didn't hit for me. I can see what they were trying to do as you described but that didn't seem worthy of Fargo pay off. Almost like its disjointed. Great characters acted well and interesting story arc, sadly it fizzled for me.
I fully expected Munch to turn to dust after eating that biscuit.
While I found the final scene tremendously moving, it was probably the most un-Coen Bros ending in the series so far - and that's saying something. I find it a bit ironic, if not paradoxical, that Hawley is using a Cormac McCarthy character interpolated into a separate Coen Bros. world to showcase the human capacity for forgiveness and love. It's like, I want to be hopeful but I don't know... Maybe I just need to eat that biscuit. Maybe we all do. Thanks for a wonderful season of analysis.
They’ve found another Mister Wrench with Munch. If Hawley comes back to Fargo and goes back in time in later seasons, Munch is someone who could show up! Really dug the finale and season as a whole
I cried and laughed at that final smile… if life hasn’t beat you down and demoralized you, then you wouldn’t get it
“Mr. Munch, have you ever driven a Kia? It’s like driving a cloud”
I loved this season, some elements were personal but I loved how Noah et al. broke a lot of paradigm expectations and your note about the violence of debt---I also read that Noah et al were responding to where we are in the U.S. now politically, we respond constantly with retribution, he said "Hatfields and McCoys" but that also keeps these cycles of debt, violence, trauma circulating. I think you can also see the different finale responses by Lorraine and Dot as the two approaches to pain: vengeance (Lorraine to Roy, not that he doesn't "deserve" to experience what he inflicted on so many, but we keep that response alive and we keep Roy's dangerous worldview alive) or love (Dot). Love and joy are actually very very hard and require major strength, they are painted as saccharine in our world but they are warrior choices, especially in the face of pain and violence---but necessary to end trauma.
I had two problems with the ending, along with a way they could have been solved. The first is that Ole Munch never received any real punishment for the violent crimes he had committed, including the murder of the old woman's son. This is in contrast to both Roy and Gator, who the show made clear will each spend considerable time in prison. The second was the way that even in the face of evidence to the contrary, Wayne never seemed to pick up on the fact that Munch was actually a dangerous person. His exaggerated niceness with Munch at the end seemed just a bit over the top and really stretched the credibility of the character. After all, he is a successful car dealer and businessman, so he can't possibly be that naive.
My solution to these issues would be this. Right after Munch does that big smile at the end, wouldn't it be cool and feel right if after a slight pause the police arrive to put him in handcuffs and take him away. Dot looks at them quizzically as though to say "How did you know to come?" and they point to Wayne and he says in his usual upbeat way "I called them when I left the room to get him the orange pop." And then after a couple of beats, Wayne turns to the camera and says "We may be Minnesota nice, but we're not Minnesota stupid." Fade out.
As you would say, I think that would be a great way to end the episode.
The redemption for a man who has not acknolwedged his own sins against inoocents (state trooper and store clerk) and the idiocy of a family man letting a dangerous individual into his household was a bridge too far for me.
You expecting a supernatural 500 year old sin eater to receive lawful punishment is more ridiculous than the concept of a supernatural 500 year old sin eater lmao
Sure, if you accept that he actually was a 500-year old sin eater. Fargo is always deliberately ambiguous when it comes to supernatural characters or events, and many viewers and reviewers assume Munch was actually an ordinary, if slightly batty human who is trying to emulate an ancestor (seen in the flashbacks) who was the actual sin eater.
@@rickmarshall345 There was nothing ambiguous about Munch being who he was, they showed you it plain as day.
I've rewatched those scenes and, in fairness, you can interpret them either way, as you can also interpret the supernatural-tinged scenes of earlier Fargo seasons either way. That's one of the cool things about the show, You're certainly entitled to your view.
Anybody else flash back to Enid and Wednesday's hug when Dot hugged Lorraine?
What if Munche was just another character with a horrible childhood ? A childhood with which the only way he could escape was to read books about Viking history?
That was a really beautiful and smart analysis! Thank you!
I liked what they did in the last 25 mins but I found it very anticlimatic. i'd rather see a classic higher octane "cat and mouse" chase that went through the whole episode.
I feel like the crescendo of this season which was supposed to be the shootout at the Tillman Ranch really got cut short. Every season has a moment where everything hits the fan for everyone involved (Malvo and Lester going head to head, the motel shootout, the prison bus crash, and the Cannon/Fadda war). I felt like the entire season was building toward something that never really came about, it just lacked that oomph.
Edit: And what about Roy's tank that was mentioned at the debate? I thought Tillman was gonna go all Tiananmen Square on the feds
My thoughts exactly! I thought they really dropped the ball on the shootout scene at the Tillman Ranch. You're telling me 2 army's going head to head with heavy machinery and the only person who got killed was Witt via a stab womb! Total let down! I'm reading the comments and people are saying they enjoyed this season but this season is just as bad as the last one in my opinion. The first 3 season are way better and it's not even close. I feel like they tried too hard to deliver their message this season.
Loved the first nine episodes.. that last episode was way to corny for me.
I understand, but in some way appreciated the choice to not give Roy and his ilk their big climax. This was Dot's story and her victory. He didn't deserve a big ending.
I said to my husband, this is the first Fargo with what was closest to a happy ending. Loved every minute!
I immediately turned to my partner and said, it's like Noah Hawley pulled a Ryan Murphy. American Horror Story has some of the happiest endings in TV. AHS Season 2's ending is my all time favorite in TV and I had similar vibes in the last 20 minutes of this season.
Part of me was expecting Munch to age like the guy at the end of Last Crusade after taking a bite from the Biscuit of Love.
What I really enjoyed about this season is how they took so many scenes from the movie and flipped the script. From Nikki's "it's a beautiful day..." Speech to Dot sitting on the couch knitting only to wind up foiling the kidnapping, to the axe killing by Munch. The only missed opportunity was to have Wayne selling tru-coat but I'm sure this is because they wanted Wayne to be likable.
Thank you for posting.Pete Peppers
Great commentary!
Roy had some new ink, a neck tattoo, but i could not make out what it was so i cant guess at the significance. To get that tattoo means he is settling in, one way or another he had the resources to get the tattoo. Lorraines visit upended his world. I thought at first she gave him a box of magnums for his daily visitors that she arranged. When i paused it i saw it was cigarettes. Condoms would have been funnier but relaxing afterwards with a smoke is a decent joke too.
I figured it was something to trade to stave off what's ultimately inevitable.
@@imonymous I think it is was a dig from lorraine about relaxing with a cigarette after sex. I still think an extra large box of magnum condoms would have been funnier but was probably too on the nose or too crude for the writers.
There's the discrepancy with Ola Munk's age bc at the table he says he came to america on/in longboat, which is a Viking boat (he most likely did this btw 1000-1200 a.d). Then in the episode where he was cursed he was in wales in the year 1522. How did he get back to wales & then back to america (again)?
As you all know "The Mayflower" wasn't a longship/longboat...
I found it inconsistent how when we first see Wayne looking at Moonch, he looks almost afraid. And then when Dot gets there, Wayne is more of a caricature of himself.
I accept the absurd moments of the series and the season. And love the show. I just have a hard time with that inconsistency
It was AMAZING !!!! You are the only one that has questions 🤷🏼♀️
Another GREAT scene: Lorraine visits Roy in prison, and lays out for him what's going to happen to him, and why. "You're going to feel every blow you ever gave to women, and every (sexual) assault!" Lorraine is paying the convicts to do him dirty, without killing him. She wants him to suffer for a long long time. 👍
Evil woody from Toy Story aka Roy got his comeuppance
Him talking about how prison is the way world should be made me laugh so hard with the neck tattoo.
Solid solid season. Thanks for your thoughts as always Pete!
Great review. Thanks. 'Fargo 5' is great TV. Genius. I loved the ending.
I would love to still see your analysis of eoisode 9. I was watching for it all week.
O.M.G what a good show congratulations to all cast job well done I will watch it again love this ending.
You’re a great media analyst and cultural critic. Keep it up!
I can't be the only one that wonders what happened to Roy's daughters right?
And that woman who husband Roy killed?
So cute having Ole Munch help with cooking and at dinner, the fact that Munch killed 7 (including a store clerk) and blinded one shouldn't matter
Pete , it’s already over ,,, I’m sad
That last bit was hilarious.
Another outstanding season! ❤❤
That last 20 minutes wasn't just (probably) the best scene in all the Fargo series. It must be right up there as one of the best, most uplifting scenes in TV drama. Although I've just watched it, let's see if I feel the same way in 6 months.
I had a thought that the women's evil deeds were brushed aside and not given the weight they should have had.
JJ Leigh: Evil business of debt- makes countless people's lives misrable - no ramifications
Dot - Swithched the hospital placards to get an innocent man kidnapped/killed, rather than her husband
Indira - Left the force for a more lucrative position of being a stooge for evil woman.
JJ: lost her (right) “hand”
Dot: lost her guardian angel
Indira: lost her so-called “head of household”
All sacrifices, nonetheless.
Absolutely correct. Also, Munch did not pay for, or ask forgiveness for his killing of the state trooper and the store clerk.
The "innocent man" was an asshole to all around him.
Well constructed take on the finale of Fargo season 5, great job!
I really didn't like how they used the only Black character in this season as Roy's last victim. It could have at least been the federal agent that said he was just in a firefight yesterday.
So connetions to the other seasons? Just that Wayne and Dot have a car dealership and there is a wife kidnapping? Must be something deeper, less obvious? Thoughts?
I really wish that the Coen Brothers would make a movie or Fargo type episode production of the and many events in the tragic life and redemption of Herr Ole Munch.
That Character and the character of Dorothy are so intriguing and what their future interactions may be beyond that final where any viewer would recognize that zone found SALVATION thru his interactions with Dorothy....please do something wonderful with this.
Good vid! Any chance for seasons/characters ranking?
I absolutely loved the ending it is amazing for a series. Thank you for confirming this.
Had a tear in the eye when Gator begged Dot to come visit him in prison 😢
Yep, dunno what it is about the actor Joe Keery, but in Stranger Things they played him the villain initially, but he became the good guy (maybe audience feedback to make him the good guy) and now in Fargo, same thing, I was thinking "this is Steve Harrington all over again" feeling sorry for him lol. And about the cutting remarks about him not getting the name Roy, or when Roy told him he was good for nothing without his eyes.
I've enjoyed the season, and your reactions. I wonder if the name on the grave next to Witt's is significant? Is it a connection to one of the other seasons? The other seasons have AIUI all had a subtle connection to another season.
I loved it. I loved the ending. I loved Ole Munch. Overall fantastic series, episodes 1 through 5, very satisfying.
Pete!!! 🥳💕
Your review was dead on. But Ola's story was confusing to me. It seemed to have some chronological inadequatness. I'll have to watch it again. .....on a second watch, I realize I missed the words "before the boats". Which reordered the chronological for me.
I agree it was more of a two episode finale. Usually left hanging after the final season, like wtf is this? It was all summed up in 9&10. Made me realize that Wayne is not just a goof. Munch not a true crazed evil man. A feel good ending, The Lyon’s being just good people, a genuine good and loving family.
Ole Munch's ending was great but everything else felt generic to me.
You know it is amazing how much food plays a role in this series
I totally agree. I loved it. Great insights. Thanks!