The Myth of Sisyphus (Fargo)
Episode 3 of Fargo season 2, aired October 26, 2015.
The third episode of *Fargo*'s second season—and the thirteenth overall—is titled "The Myth of Sisyphus." Bob DeLaurentis wrote the installment, with Michael Uppendahl directing. It debuted on FX on October 26, 2015, drawing 1.21 million viewers.
In the episode, law enforcement identifies fingerprints on a gun left at the Waffle Hut, launching a manhunt for Rye. Meanwhile, Milligan, Dodd, and Dodd's henchman Hanzee (Zahn McClarnon) each search for him separately. Hank runs into Betsy while posting a wanted poster for Rye at a beauty salon; she suggests Rye may have been hit by a car. Peggy dismisses this theory but persuades Ed to deliberately crash their car a second time to hide the damage from hitting Rye. Lou travels to Fargo to meet Detective Ben Schmidt (Keir O'Donnell). They visit the Gerhardt farm, where a tense confrontation occurs. Lou then goes to Skip's typewriter store, encountering Milligan and the Kitchen brothers in another standoff. Dodd's daughter Simone (Rachel Keller) tips off Hanzee about a lead, and they ambush Skip at Rye's apartment. Brought to Dodd for questioning, Skip reveals he knows nothing about Rye's whereabouts. Dodd and Hanzee force Skip into an open grave and bury him alive in hot asphalt. Dodd then orders Hanzee to do whatever is necessary to find Rye, starting in Luverne.
The episode's music was composed by series composer Jeff Russo.
Critically, "The Myth of Sisyphus" earned a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising its tension and Patrick Wilson's performance. Terri Schwartz of IGN gave it a 9.3 out of 10, noting the three tense showdowns raised the stakes and that Lou Solverson, though fighting the good fight, is in over his head.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Fargo
- Season
- 2
- Episode
- 3
- Director
- Michael Uppendahl
- Writer
- Bob DeLaurentis
- Production
- XFO02003
- Airdate
- 2015-10-26
- Length
- 47 minutes
- Guests
- Cristin Milioti as Betsy Solverson / Jeffrey Donovan as Dodd Gerhardt / Bokeem Woodbine as Mike Milligan / Brad Garrett as Joe Bulo / Mike Bradecich as Skip Sprang / Elizabeth Marvel as Constance Heck
- Prev
- Before the Law
- Next
- Fear and Trembling
- Season Article
- Fargo (season 2)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The episode follows the manhunt for Rye after fingerprints are pulled from the gun found at the Waffle Hut. Milligan, Dodd, and his henchman Hanzee each conduct an independent search for him. Hank encounters Betsy while hanging a wanted picture of Rye at a local beauty salon; she speculates Rye is the victim of a potential hit and run. Peggy discounts Betsy's theory but convinces Ed to crash her car a second time to explain the damage from hitting Rye. Lou travels to Fargo to meet Detective Ben Schmidt, and they visit the Gerhardt farm for a tense encounter. Lou then visits Skip's typewriter store, where he encounters Milligan and the Kitchen brothers, resulting in another standoff. Dodd's daughter Simone tips off Hanzee about a lead on Rye, and they ambush Skip at Rye's apartment. Dodd interrogates Skip, learns he has no information, and forces him into an open grave, burying him alive in hot asphalt. Dodd then tells Hanzee to do what is necessary to find Rye, beginning in Luverne.
Reader's Guide
The episode received critical acclaim, particularly for its pace and Patrick Wilson's performance. It holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critical consensus calling it a tense episode highlighted by an especially impressive performance by Patrick Wilson. Terri Schwartz of IGN gave the episode a 9.3 rating out of 10, concluding that with great direction and excellent acting, Fargo delivers a great third outing. The three tense showdowns underline that stakes are being raised, as Lou Solverson fights the good fight to combat evil deeds but is in over his head. The music for the episode was provided by series composer Jeff Russo. The episode first aired in the United States on FX on October 19, 2015, and obtained 1.21 million viewers.
Did You Know?
- The episode was written by Bob DeLaurentis and directed by Michael Uppendahl.
- It first aired on October 26, 2015, and was seen by 1.21 million viewers.
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