| "Trials and Tribulations" | |
|---|---|
| Fargo episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Noah Hawley |
| Written by | Noah Hawley |
| Featured music |
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| Cinematography by | Dana Gonzales |
| Editing by | Skip Macdonald |
| Production code | XFO05002 |
| Original air date | November 21, 2023 |
| Running time | 47 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"Trials and Tribulations" is the second episode of the fifth season of the American anthology black comedy–crime drama television series Fargo. It is the 43rd overall episode of the series and was written and directed by series creator Noah Hawley. It originally aired on FX on November 21, 2023, airing back-to-back with the previous episode, "The Tragedy of the Commons".
The season is set in Minnesota and North Dakota in the fall of 2019, and follows Dorothy "Dot" Lyon, a seemingly typical Midwestern housewife living in Scandia, Minnesota, whose mysterious past comes back to haunt her after she lands in hot water with the authorities. One of those authorities is North Dakota Sheriff Roy Tillman, who has been searching for Dot for a long time. In the episode, Dot evades questions over her kidnapping, while Roy Tillman is introduced as a person who has been looking for Dot.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.311 million household viewers and gained a 0.08 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and intrigue behind the character of Roy Tillman.