Aporia (Fargo)
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| "Aporia" | |
|---|---|
| Fargo episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 9 |
| Directed by | Keith Gordon |
| Written by | |
| Featured music | Jeff Russo |
| Cinematography by | Dana Gonzales |
| Editing by | Henk Vaneeghen |
| Production code | XFO03009 |
| Original air date | June 14, 2017 |
| Running time | 51 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Aporia" is the ninth episode of the third season of the American anthology black comedy–crime drama television series Fargo. It is the 29th overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Noah Hawley and co-executive producer Bob DeLaurentis and directed by Keith Gordon. It originally aired on FX on June 14, 2017.
The season is set primarily in 2010, in three Minnesota towns: St. Cloud, Eden Valley, and Eden Prairie. It follows the lives of a couple, Ray Stussy and Nikki Swango, who, after unsuccessfully trying to rob Ray's wealthy older brother Emmit, become involved in a double murder case. One of the victims is an old man with a mysterious past whose stepdaughter, Gloria Burgle, is a policewoman. Meanwhile, Emmit tries to cut his ties with a shady organization he borrowed money from a year before, but the company, represented by V. M. Varga, has other plans. In the episode, Emmit confesses to his crimes, but Varga stages more crimes in order to exonerate him. Meanwhile, Nikki and Mr. Wrench plan their next move.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.19 million household viewers and gained a 0.3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the directing, character development, performances, and pacing.
At the police station, Emmit (Ewan McGregor) tells Gloria (Carrie Coon) about his childhood, explaining how he manipulated Ray into getting the Corvette while he kept the stamps, which he used to start Stussy Lots. He also confesses to killing Ray while visiting his apartment, deeming it an accident.
Meemo (Andy Yu) kills a man named Marvin Stussy in St. Cloud. Later, Varga (David Thewlis) orders him to retrieve Emmit from the police station after he takes one of his trucks for its destination. However, the truck is ambushed by Nikki (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Mr. Wrench (Russell Harvard), who fool Meemo with a fake grenade and steal their truck. Having stolen vital financial information, Nikki contacts Varga to demand $2 million, revealing that she has access to his secret accounts. They both agree to a meeting.
While Gloria calls Winnie (Olivia Sandoval) about Emmit's confession, she is informed of Marvin Stussy's death. Later, the police are called to another murder, a man named George Stussy, who was murdered in a similar manner as Ennis Stussy. The police track an ex-con named Donny Woo, who confesses to having killed Marvin, George, Ray and Ennis, claiming that his stepfather molested him and enacted revenge. With this confession, Chief Dimmik (Shea Whigham) orders Emmit's release, dismissing his confession as a guilt complex. This annoys Gloria, who also questioned the alibi that Ruby Goldfarb (Mary McDonnell) provided.
Varga meets with Nikki at a hotel, failing to poison her with the tea or hiring her as part of his team. Mr. Wrench also holds Meemo at gunpoint, leaving Varga with no protection. Nikki gives him 24 hours to pay the $2 million, threatening to send Emmit's and Varga's financial records to the IRS. At the police station, Gloria informs Emmit about his release and the other murders. Despite his attempts to protest, she tells him he must leave. He is then placed in a car with Varga while a distraught Gloria is comforted by Winnie at a bar. Later, Agent Dollard (Hamish Linklater) arrives at his office, finding an envelope that contains a USB drive and the financial records for Stussy Lots.
Production
Development
In May 2017, it was reported that the ninth episode of the season would be titled "Aporia", and was to be directed by Keith Gordon and written by series creator Noah Hawley and co-executive producer Bob DeLaurentis. This was Hawley's 22nd writing credit, DeLaurentis' fourth writing credit, and Gordon's third directing credit.[1]
