Ep 1. The Law of Vacant Places

In "The Law of Vacant Places," the season 3 premiere of Fargo, we are once again transported to the snowy plains of Minnesota where a new story unfolds. The episode opens in Berlin, where Yuri Gurka (Goran Bogdan) is tasked with retrieving a valuable object for his bosses. Gurka doesn't speak German, but he has a way of communicating with authority that's terrifying.

Cut to Stussy, Minnesota in 2010, where we're introduced to two new characters: Ray Stussy (Ewan McGregor) and Nikki Swango (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Ray is a parole officer who's down on his luck and struggling to make ends meet. Nikki, his girlfriend, is a beautiful and cunning woman who works as a professional bridge player.

Ray's life takes a turn when he learns that his brother Emmit (also played by McGregor) has become successful and wealthy. Emmit has a big house, a beautiful wife (Carrie Coon), and a fancy car. Ray is jealous and resentful of his brother's success, and he decides to take matters into his own hands.

Ray contacts a crooked lawyer named Sy Feltz (Michael Stuhlbarg) and asks him to help him steal an antique stamp that Emmit has in his possession. Feltz is reluctant at first, but he sees an opportunity to make some money, so he agrees to help Ray.

As the episode unfolds, we see various characters intersect and collide. Gloria Burgle (Coon), the chief of police in Eden Valley, investigates a strange and violent crime scene that involves a man whose head has been cut off. Meanwhile, Varga (David Thewlis), a mysterious and sinister man, arrives in town and starts making deals with various local businesses.

"The Law of Vacant Places" sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling and unpredictable season of Fargo. The colors are vibrant, the music is haunting, and the performances are top-notch. McGregor is a standout, playing two very different characters with skill and nuance. Winstead is also impressive, bringing a sly and seductive energy to her role.

The episode is filled with dark humor and unexpected twists, and it leaves us eager to see what happens next. There are hints of larger themes at play here, including the struggle between success and morality, and the power of greed and entitlement. It's a world that's both familiar and strange, and it's a joy to dive back into it.

Overall, "The Law of Vacant Places" is a strong start to the third season of Fargo. It's well-written, well-directed, and well-acted, and it promises to deliver more of the unique blend of suspense and black humor that has made the series so beloved. If you're a fan of the show, or of quality television in general, you won't want to miss this episode.