The Tragic End of State Trooper Witt Farr in Fargo Season 5 Finale

The Decision to Kill State Trooper Witt Farr

Fargo creator Noah Hawley has opened up about the decision to kill State Trooper Witt Farr in the season 5 finale. During the raid of the Tillman Ranch, Witt ends up in the dugout, aiming a gun at Roy. However, he's unable to kill him, resulting in the sheriff stabbing him through the chest.

Lamorne Morris as Witt talking on the telephone with a concerned expression in a scene from Fargo season 5

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Hawley offered an in-depth explanation as to why Witt died during Fargo season 5's ending. The creator explained the decision through the dichotomy of good and evil, and how Roy was able to get the upper hand because he didn't play by the rules.

These choices that we writers make are not easy. And sometimes you are doing things you really don’t want to do. But we’ve established the rules of the game, which is that this show says it’s a true story. It says it’s reality, and in reality all the good guys don’t live and all the bad guys don’t die. And it’s complicated and it’s often tragic, et cetera. And part of what this season was wrestling with was the system of justice, the collaboration between Indira and Witt and the FBI and the judges we don’t see, and the prosecutors we don’t see, against the 'I am the law' man on a horse, whose every whim is, 'If I do it, it’s legal, and if you do it, it’s illegal.'

Why Witt’s Death Made Sense

Witt’s death acts as the final tragic moment of the season, as he’s the last major character in the series to die. After Roy kills the state trooper, he leaves the dugout, only to be arrested by the FBI. The sheriff's last appearance shows him in a federal prison, his station made worse by Lorraine Lyon, who has instructed other prisoners to torment him for the rest of his life.

By killing Witt off in a final confrontation with Roy, the series showcases how evil can triumph over good if the good aren't willing to do what is just. As Hawley states, the trooper could have shot the show's antagonist, but was in a mindset that didn't allow him to do so. Much like how Ole Munch's cursed life was rooted in moral ambiguity, it was unclear to the police officer if he would have been right to shoot the sheriff. This hesitation wound up costing him his life.

Despite his death, though, Roy was arrested, showcasing that, despite the losses good can endure, it always triumphs in the end. The tragedy of Witt's death adds a level of realism to Fargo season 5, reflecting the truth within its fictional tale. This also makes the ending more shocking and engaging, tying up his story in a tragic yet fitting way.

The Impact of Witt’s Death

Witt’s death in the Fargo season 5 finale has left a lasting impact on the viewers, as it showcases the harsh reality of justice and morality. The tragic demise of a character who stood for the rules and justice, only to be outwitted and killed by treachery, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of good and evil in the world.

The emotional weight of Witt's death resonates with the audience, as it highlights the vulnerability of those who adhere to moral principles in a world where the ruthless often prevail. This profound exploration of the human experience adds depth to the narrative, eliciting a range of emotions from viewers and prompting introspection on the nature of justice and sacrifice.

Ultimately, the impact of Witt’s death extends beyond the confines of the show, sparking discussions on morality, justice, and the portrayal of tragic characters in storytelling. The character's legacy lives on, not only within the fictional world of Fargo, but also in the hearts and minds of those who were deeply affected by his untimely demise.