Loplop (Fargo)
Ed and Peggy flee with Dodd as Hanzee closes in.
"Loplop" is the eighth episode of Fargo's second season and the 18th episode overall. It aired on FX on November 30, 2015. Bob DeLaurentis wrote it, and Keith Gordon directed it. The story follows Ed and Peggy Blumquist as they flee with Dodd tied up, while the police and Hanzee chase them.
In the episode, Ed returns home after escaping police custody and finds Peggy has tied up Dodd in their basement. They knock Dodd unconscious, put him in his car's trunk, and drive off just as Lou Solverson and Hank Larsson arrive. Hank is taken to the hospital for his wounds. Hanzee later sneaks into the house and finds a hotel reservation for the Lifespring seminar Peggy planned to attend.
Ed and Peggy stay at a cabin on the outskirts of Canistota owned by Ed's uncle. Ed tries to trade Dodd to the Gerhardt crime family for exoneration, but they show no interest. Back at the cabin, Dodd makes crude remarks at Peggy, and she stabs him twice. Hanzee follows the hotel address to Sioux Falls, stops at a bar, and shoots patrons who insult his heritage, along with two police officers. He then goes to the hotel where Constance has reserved a room.
Peggy calls Constance to explain her absence. Threatened by Hanzee, Constance tries to get Peggy's location, but Peggy only says she is in a cabin on the outskirts. The next day, Ed leaves again to contact the Gerhardts. While Peggy watches TV, Dodd breaks free. Ed calls Mike Milligan, who just killed his replacement, and offers Dodd in exchange for Milligan killing the Gerhardts. Milligan accepts. They agree to meet the next day at a motel in Sioux Falls. Hanzee arrives at a gas station and intimidates the owner into revealing Ed's location, described as somewhere near the lake. The owner then calls the police after seeing Hanzee's mugshot in a newspaper.
Ed returns to find Peggy unconscious on the floor. Dodd surprises him and hangs him up with knots. While Dodd is distracted, Peggy stabs him in the foot with a knife and removes the handle so he cannot pull it out. Dodd is forced to levitate his foot to pass the blade and is knocked unconscious with a fire iron. Hanzee arrives at the cabin. He talks with Peggy, angering Dodd, who insults Hanzee and asks for help. Hanzee shoots Dodd in the head, killing him. He then asks Peggy to cut his hair. As she is about to start, Ed sees Lou and Hank approaching.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Fargo
- Season
- 2
- Episode
- 8
- Airdate
- 2015-11-30
- Length
- 63 minutes
- Director
- Keith Gordon
- Writer
- Bob DeLaurentis
- Photographer
- Craig Wrobleski
- Editor
- Regis Kimble
- Production
- XFO02008
- Guests
- Jeffrey Donovan as Dodd Gerhardt / Bokeem Woodbine as Mike Milligan / Elizabeth Marvel as Constance Heck / Zahn McClarnon as Hanzee Dent
- Season Article
- Fargo (season 2)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The episode takes place in the Upper Midwest in March 1979. It follows the lives of a young couple, Peggy and Ed Blumquist, as they attempt to cover up the hit and run and homicide of Rye Gerhardt, the son of Floyd Gerhardt, matriarch of the Gerhardt crime family. During this time, Minnesota state trooper Lou Solverson and Rock County sheriff Hank Larsson investigate three homicides linked to Rye. In the episode, Ed and Peggy go on the run with Dodd tied up, all while the police and Hanzee go after them.
After escaping from police custody, Ed returns home to find Peggy has tied up Dodd in their basement. They escape in Dodd's car, putting him in the trunk. They stay at a cabin in the outskirts of Canistota that belongs to Ed's uncle. Ed tries to trade Dodd to the Gerhardts for their exoneration, but they show no interest. Hanzee tracks them, eventually arriving at the cabin. In a confrontation, Hanzee shoots Dodd in the head, but this does not kill him; Dodd survives the episode and is later killed off-screen by Hanzee in a subsequent episode. Peggy stabs Dodd twice (not Hanzee) during the cabin scene.
Reader's Guide
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.32 million household viewers and gained a 0.4 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. This was a 6% increase in viewership from the previous episode. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the writing, performances, pacing, directing and use of split screen. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 9.1/10, based on 16 reviews. The site's consensus states: 'In a strategic move, "Loplop" takes a comedic downshift in order to gun the engine for the last two episodes of Fargo's second season.' Critics highlighted the episode's dark domestic comedy, the performances of Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons, and the effective use of split-screen techniques.
Did You Know?
- The episode was written by Bob DeLaurentis and directed by Keith Gordon.
- Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating for the episode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Fargo Season 2 Episode 8 'Loplop'?
Ed Blumquist escapes police custody and returns home to find Peggy has already restrained Dodd in their basement. The couple knocks Dodd unconscious, loads him into his car trunk, and drives off just as officers Solverson and Larsson arrive. Hanzee simultaneously begins closing in on the Blumquists' location.
Who directed the Fargo episode Loplop?
Keith Gordon directed the episode while Bob DeLaurentis wrote the script. It is the eighth installment of Season 2 and the eighteenth episode of the series overall.
What does Ed do with Dodd in Loplop?
After Peggy has already tied Dodd up in the basement, Ed and Peggy strike him unconscious and shove his body into the trunk of his car before speeding away. They time their departure to beat Lou Solverson and Hank Larsson, who pull up moments later.
Who is chasing Ed and Peggy in the Loplop episode?
Two threats converge on the Blumquists: the police officers Lou Solverson and Hank Larsson, who respond to the scene, and Hanzee, who sneaks into their home while the couple is gone. Hank ends up hospitalized for his injuries during the confrontation.
When did Fargo S2E8 Loplop air?
The episode premiered on FX on November 30, 2015. It is the eighth episode of the second season and the eighteenth episode of the series in total.
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