| "The Useless Hand" | |
|---|---|
| Fargo episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 9 |
| Directed by | Thomas Bezucha |
| Written by | Noah Hawley |
| Featured music | |
| Cinematography by | Daryl Hartwell |
| Editing by | Christopher Nelson |
| Production code | XFO05009 |
| Original air date | January 9, 2024 |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Useless Hand" is the ninth episode of the fifth season of the American anthology black comedy–crime drama television series Fargo. It is the 50th overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Noah Hawley, and directed by co-executive producer Thomas Bezucha. It originally aired on FX on January 9, 2024.
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 prepares to escape the ranch, while Roy sets out a militia as he awaits the arrival of authorities.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.517 million household viewers and gained a 0.10 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the acting, directing, character development, tension and pacing.