Fargo season 5 episode 8: Will the real Roy Tillman please stand up?

At the start of Fargo season 5 episode 8, Roy Tillman (Jon Hamm) had the upper hand. However, Roy’s victory lap came to a screeching halt in the middle of the episode. But what matters is the end of the race, wouldn’t you agree? That said, where did Roy finish episode 8, “Blanket,” at? Spoilers ahead! 

Final spoiler alert! If you missed Fargo season 5 episode 8 on FX, please note there are spoilers ahead. Go stream the episode on Hulu before reading on. 

Audiences were left hanging on the edge of their seats last week as Nadine/Dorothy (Juno Temple) found herself in the hospital. Dot expected to see her husband Wayne (David Rysdahl) walk into her room but was greeted by Roy, instead. Roy is quick to check Dot out of the hospital, but not before Witt (Lamorne Morris) spots the two and tries to stop them. Unfortunately, Dot tells Witt that she is going with Roy willingly. She is lying, but even as a cop, Witt’s hands are tied since Dot did not ask for help. Not to mention, Witt is also outnumbered.

Once back in his vehicle, Witt phones deputy Indira (Richa Moorjani) to let her know Roy has Dot. We'll see them again, but let's chat about Roy's failed debate.

Now, Lorraine Lyon (Jennifer Jason Leigh) may not be overly fond of her daughter-in-law, Dot, but she loves her son and will protect her family at all costs. So yes, this includes Dot. It also helps that Lorraine may have had a change of heart after learning the horrors Dot escaped from. Either way, she is determined to stop Roy from winning the upcoming election. Lorraine instructs her loyal attorney Danish Graves (Dave Foley) to clear the debt of three of men if they agree to change their name to Roy Tillman.

What ensues is a hilarious scene that sees the real Roy Tillman enter the debate with three other Roy's. Getting a sentence out is a challenge for Roy (the real Roy) as his clones begin to mock and repeat everything that comes out of his mouth. Frustrated, Roy leaves the room pushing reporters and people out of his way, including punching the debate's moderator.

Needless to say, Roy is fuming. Sadly, he takes his anger out on Dot, who he left chained in a cabin behind his home. But before he inflicts more wounds, Roy is interrupted by one of his guards who informs him the Lyon's lawyer wants to speak with him.

Danish's first mistake was not letting anyone know that he was headed to see Roy, and his second mistake is going alone. Danish underestimated Roy (and Roy's anger), believing he can share with Roy that, in exchange for Dot, Danish will help Roy win the debate by making the other Roy Tillman's disappear. Roy's response? He murders Danish right then and there. Dot watches helplessly as two of Roy's guards dispose of Danish's body.

Another big OMG moment happens when Dot (and viewers) realize Linda (Kari Matchett) is dead, and has been dead from the start, which is why Linda "left and never came back." That's right, it was all part of a dream Dot had at the diner.

The next episode of Fargo season 5 is episode 9, the penultimate episode titled "The Useless Hand," and airs on FX next Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 10 p.m. ET. Can't tune in at this time? Stream the episode the next day (Jan. 10) on Hulu.