Ep 2. The Principle of Restricted Choice

In Fargo season 3 episode 2, titled "The Principle of Restricted Choice," viewers are introduced to several new characters, including Gloria Burgle, the recently divorced police chief of Eden Valley, Minnesota. Gloria is struggling to adapt to the changes in her personal life, including the fact that her ex-husband has moved on and she's struggling to connect with her teenage son, Nathan.

Meanwhile, Ray Stussy, a parole officer with a grudge against his successful brother, Emmit, enlists the help of Maurice LeFay, a low-level crook, to steal back a valuable stamp that was inherited by Emmit from their father. However, things quickly spiral out of control when Maurice decides that he can make a bigger score by selling the stamp to another criminal.

As the plot unfolds, viewers are drawn deeper into the complex web of relationships and betrayals that make up the world of Fargo. From the tense confrontations between Ray and Emmit to the sinister machinations of Maurice and his associates, every scene is filled with tension and suspense.

One of the most striking things about "The Principle of Restricted Choice" is the way that it explores themes of fate and free will. Throughout the episode, characters are forced to confront the consequences of their choices, whether they're making a simple decision about what to eat for lunch or embarking on a dangerous criminal enterprise.

The title of the episode itself refers to a philosophical principle that suggests that the choices we make are constrained by the very circumstances that surround us. In other words, we may think that we have free will, but in reality, our actions are limited by factors outside of our control.

This idea is expressed in a number of different ways throughout the episode. For example, when Ray confronts his brother about the stolen stamp, he accuses Emmit of hoarding their father's wealth and leaving him with nothing. Emmit, in turn, denies any wrongdoing and claims that Ray's problems are the result of his own bad decisions.

Similarly, Maurice's decision to betray Ray and sell the stamp to another criminal is ultimately shaped by his own personal values and desires. Even though he knows that it's a risky move, he's willing to take the chance because he wants to make more money and gain more power in the criminal underworld.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the characters in Fargo are all grappling with their own versions of the principle of restricted choice. They're all limited by the circumstances of their lives, from their socioeconomic status to their personal relationships to their own ethical codes.

In the end, "The Principle of Restricted Choice" is a tense, compelling episode that sets the stage for the rest of the season. With its complex characters, rich themes, and unpredictable plot twists, it proves once again that Fargo is one of the most inventive and entertaining shows on television.