Lester’s story may not have been front-and-center this week, but Martin Freeman did a great job with what he was given, and added a great deal of weight to the proceedings. It’s only been a few days since his wife died, and we see that Lester just sits around the house, staring at what still looks like a gruesome murder scene. This prompts him to return to work, though I doubt he was anticipating his first order of business: to go speak with Sam Hess’ widow about their life insurance.
What follows is a pretty great and comical exchange between Lester and Gina Hess, played by Kate Walsh. Before he can even finish his introductions, she’s asking about money. It doesn’t take long for her to come on to him, making it very clear that she’ll do anything to ensure she get her husband’s insurance money pronto.
What makes the scene hilarious is the fact that it plays out in front of a giant window that gives us a view of the backyard. There, one of the boys witnesses what’s happening inside and accidentally shoots his brother in the ass with an arrow.
This little debacle is witnessed by Mr. Wrench and Mr. Numbers, who are peering at the house from the woods. They later approach Lester at the office, believing he either had something to do with Hess’ murder and is sleeping with his widow, or he knows where Malvo is. Their intimidation attempt is thwarted by Molly, but Lester’s not out of the woods yet.
Molly acts as if she’s in search of life insurance, and conveniently drops the security photo of Malvo on the ground for him to see. He, predictably, gets nervous and rushes her out of the building, only helping prove her suspicions.