Episode four of FX's superb second season of "Fargo" saw the proverbial manure hit the metaphorical fan in several instances. The Gerhardts have officially declared war on the Kansas City mob, Ed (Jesse Plemmons) and Peggy (Kirsten Dunst) are getting in way over their heads, Betsy's (Cristin Milioti) cancer is getting worse and Lou (Patrick Wilson) is just trying to hold it all together.
So how will all of these storylines play out in episode five, "The Gift of the Magi?" If I had to guess, not well.
Floyd (Jean Smart) is preparing to hit the mattresses against Kansas City, represented by Joe Bulo (Brad Garrett), in order to protect the family business. Episode five will see them on the offensive, according to the plot synopsis. Is it a lost cause though?
Episode four revealed to fans that Mike Milligan (Bokeem Woodbine) is sleeping with Simone Gerhardt (Rachel Keller) and is prepared to go to great lengths to elicit vital information from her.
"I want to know what they are going to do before they do it," Mike says to her in the promo.
While this war is rapidly escalating, Ed and Peggy are in serious danger as well. Hanzee (Zahn McClarnon) discovered Rye's (Kieran Culkin) belt buckle in the couple's fireplace, seemingly confirming their involvement in his disappearance. Floyd won't take too kindly to his death.
"I want this butcher dead. No mercy" she is seen commanding in the promo. Ed should have accepted Lou's help when he had the chance.
Meanwhile, Ronald Reagan is paying a visit to the sleepy North Dakota town, though Karl (Nick Offerman) refuses to shake his hand because he appeared in a movie with a monkey. Reagan's involvement apparently pushes Lou to the background of the investigation.
Also, what the heck is going with those UFOs?
"Fargo" airs Mondays at 10:00 PM ET on FX.