According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.494 million household viewers and gained a 0.08 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Dot makes plans for Halloween, switching around the street signs in the neighborhood and designing "zombie killer" costumes for her and Scotty (Sienna King).
In Bismarck, an elderly woman (Clare Coulter) arrives home to find Munch sitting on a rocking chair, proclaiming, "I live here now."
Dot and Wayne (David Rysdahl) go to purchase firearms, but the clerk (Brendan Fletcher) warns them that state law requires a one-week waiting period.
Witt (Lamorne Morris) returns to work to check for clues on Donald Ireland, stumbling upon Gator stealing from the evidence room.
Indira (Richa Moorjani) and her boss, Captain Muscavage (Paul McGillion), ask Lorraine (Jennifer Jason Leigh) for cooperation in their investigation, but she actually wants the case to go away.
Roy tasks Gator with leading a team in kidnapping Dot during Halloween night, when everyone is wearing masks and they can operate without drawing attention.
In October 2023, it was reported that the third episode of the season would be titled "The Paradox of Intermediate Transactions", and was to be written by series creator Noah Hawley, and directed by Donald Murphy.
"[5] In its original American broadcast, "The Paradox of Intermediate Transactions" was seen by an estimated 0.494 million household viewers and gained a 0.08 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, according to Nielsen Media Research.
"[7] Alan Sepinwall wrote, "while there's a lot of other stuff to enjoy here, including Dot once again preparing to repel home invaders, Kevin McCallister-style, the Welsh interlude is the piece that's stuck with me for many weeks since I first watched it.
'"[9] Scott Tobias of The New York Times wrote, "The episode ends on the sort of cliffhanger that leaves you wishing for back-to-back hours like the premiere.
Gator and his crack team of masked yahoos have found Dot, despite their confusion over the mixed-up street signs, and Munch has reverted to a scary, primal state to stalk his prey.
"[4] Sean T. Collins of Decider wrote, "it's positively bristling with fun ideas, images, plot developments, song choices, blatant swipes, actors enjoying themselves — all the stuff you tune into Fargo for.
"[11] Felicia Nickens of TV Obsessive wrote, "As much as I love a good Fargo episode, this one left me feeling, dare I say, bored?