Ep 3. Fiddler's Green

Tony Soprano, err... I mean, Frank Tagliano is back in the saddle in the Norwegian drama series Lilyhammer. Continuing from where the first season left off, the second series takes us deeper into the former mobster's new life, and the challenges that come with it. In Season 2, episode 3 titled "Fiddler's Green," Frank (Steven Van Zandt) is still struggling to fit in with his new community, but this time, it's a different kind of challenge. Frank gets involved in a local fiddling competition and befriends the organizers, discovering an unexpected connection to his past.

The episode opens with Frank at a local bar where he meets two musicians, who play Irish folk music. Frank is reminded of his days in New York where he used to hang out at bars with fellow mobsters. He is particularly intrigued by the sound of a fiddle, and as he listens to the music, he decides to join a fiddling competition that is being held in town.

Frank starts practicing the fiddle with the help of a local music teacher. However, he is quickly reminded that he is a beginner and has a hard time keeping up with the other contestants. Despite his lack of experience, he becomes determined to win the competition, which boasts a large cash prize.

To increase his chances of winning, Frank befriends the competition's organizers, who turn out to have connections to his past. He learns that their father, who was a fiddler, had played with his own father in New York and had been instrumental in his father's career. He also discovers that one of the judges is a former lover of his father.

As Frank prepares for the competition, he realizes that there is more at stake than just the prize money. He sees this as an opportunity to connect with his father's past and to discover more about his family history. He is determined to win the competition, not just for the money, but to honor his father's legacy.

Meanwhile, back in New York, Frank's former associates are getting restless. They are still upset over his betrayal and are planning to come to Norway to settle scores. Frank's right-hand man, Torgeir (Trond Fausa Aurvaag), is worried about the safety of the town and tries to convince Frank to leave.

Throughout the episode, we see a different side of Frank. He is vulnerable and emotional, as he struggles to connect with his new surroundings. We see him make mistakes and fail, but we also see him learn and grow. He isn't the ruthless mob boss we saw in the first season, but a man who is trying to find his place in a new world.

The episode culminates with the fiddling competition, which is a big event in town. Frank goes on stage, nervous but determined. As he plays, he is transported back to his days in New York, where he would watch his father play. He ends up winning the competition, and the crowd erupts in applause. But more importantly, Frank feels like he has found a new connection to his past and has honored his father's legacy.

Overall, "Fiddler's Green" is a moving and emotional episode, which explores the theme of identity and belonging. It shows us a different side of Frank, and reminds us that everyone, no matter how tough they may seem, is vulnerable and searching for a place to call home.