| "East/West" | |
|---|---|
| Fargo episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 9 |
| Directed by | Michael Uppendahl |
| Written by |
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| Featured music | Jeff Russo |
| Cinematography by | Dana Gonzales |
| Editing by |
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| Production code | XFO04008 |
| Original air date | November 15, 2020 |
| Running time | 51 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"East/West" is the ninth episode of the fourth season of the American anthology black comedy–crime drama television series Fargo. It is the 39th overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Noah Hawley and Lee Edward Colston II, and directed by Michael Uppendahl. It originally aired on FX on November 15, 2020.
The season is set in Kansas City, Missouri from November 1950 to early 1951, and follows two crime syndicates as they vie for control of the underground. One of these is Loy Cannon, the head of a crime syndicate made up of black migrants fleeing the Jim Crow South who have a contentious relationship with the Italian Kansas City mafia. In the episode, Rabbi and Satchel arrive at a boarding house in Liberal, Kansas, hoping to evade Calamita. The episode is presented in black and white and serves as a homage to The Wizard of Oz.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.82 million household viewers and gained a 0.1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, with many calling it the best episode of the season; its cinematography, directing, character development, and originality were widely praised.