Ep 6. Buridan's Ass

In episode 6 of Fargo season 1, titled Buridan's Ass, the tension in the small town of Bemidji, Minnesota reaches new heights. Sheriff, Lester Nygaard is still trying to cover up his involvement in the murder of his wife, while also trying to keep his co-conspirator, hitman Lorne Malvo, at a distance. Meanwhile, the investigation into the murder of Sam Hess continues to unfold, as more suspects and motives are uncovered.

The episode opens with a tense confrontation between Lester and Lorne, who has been trying to get closer to Lester and get more information about his involvement in the murder. Lester is increasingly paranoid and fearful of Lorne, even as he continues to try to manipulate him. Meanwhile, back at the police station, the investigation into the Sam Hess murder takes a surprising turn when a new suspect is brought in for questioning.

As the investigation continues, Deputy Molly Solverson begins to uncover some of the connections between the different crime families in the area, which leads her to suspect that there may be more to the murder than meets the eye. With the help of her boss, Chief Thurman, she begins to dig deeper into the case, even as she faces pushback from her colleagues.

Meanwhile, Lorne continues to cause chaos wherever he goes, as he manipulates and intimidates his way through the town. From a chance encounter with a fellow traveler at a hotel to a chilling confrontation with a grocery store employee, Lorne shows just how far he is willing to go in pursuit of his goals.

One of the key themes of the episode is the concept of decision-making and the consequences of our actions. The title, Buridan's Ass, refers to a philosophical thought experiment in which a hungry donkey is placed equidistant between two identical bales of hay and is unable to decide which one to eat, ultimately dying of hunger. This idea is explored throughout the episode, as the characters are faced with difficult decisions and must weigh the potential outcomes of each option.

Overall, episode 6 of Fargo season 1 is a tense and gripping installment that advances both the plot and the themes of the show. As the investigation into the Sam Hess murder continues to unravel, the stakes become higher and the consequences more severe. The characters are forced to reckon with the choices they have made and the repercussions of those choices, even as they face new challenges and dangers at every turn.