| "The Land of Taking and Killing" | |
|---|---|
| Fargo episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Noah Hawley |
| Written by | Noah Hawley |
| Featured music | Jeff Russo |
| Cinematography by | Dana Gonzales |
| Editing by |
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| Production code | XFO04002 |
| Original air date | September 27, 2020 |
| Running time | 58 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"The Land of Taking and Killing" is the second episode of the fourth season of the American anthology black comedy–crime drama television series Fargo. It is the 32nd overall episode of the series and was written and directed by series creator Noah Hawley. It originally aired on FX on September 27, 2020, airing back-to-back with the previous episode, "Welcome to the Alternate Economy".
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, Ethelrida's aunt escapes from prison with her lover, setting to stay in her house. Meanwhile, Loy and Senator plan their next move while Josto struggles with the arrival of his brother, Gaetano.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.79 million household viewers and gained a 0.1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the conflicts, performances and more straightforward narrative, although some still expressed criticism for the amount of characters and subplots.