Ray is getting fizzled out with Forever living in his more successful brother's shadow, and now the Parking Lot King of Minnesota, who sees himself as an American success story will have to deal with the rivalry heat.
I've enjoyed season three of Fargo so much for so many reasons that I've barely had the time or inclination to comment on the few things that haven't quite clicked.
Whatever happens, the stage is set for an explosive finale next week, so to that end this episode did everything it needed to, a few contrived moments notwithstanding.
Perhaps that's why this season of Fargo has felt so much more somber than the others - because its version of good isn't just ignored and dismissed, but totally invisible. And then we get a glimpse of hope.
Though this season has been a slight step down from the brilliant previous seasons, it manages to pack on the intrigue and offer a touching arc for Burgle with its second-to-last episode.
This season has made that abundantly clear, with all its kleptocrats, lawless goons and insidious fake news. But this show's also proving that, with a little compassion and persistence, nothing's ever beyond repair.
With only an hour left, Season 3 remains a tad predictable and a touch redundant overall, but Episode 9 was a particularly stirring, enlightening, and rewarding hour of television.