Thomas Harris reviews the second episode of Hannibal Season 2…
At times, watching Hannibal feels less simply a police procedural, more an adrenaline boost. The opening of Sakizuki encompasses this. Following directly from the previous episode, victim Roland Umber is tearing himself from dead bodies. It’s a startling image and one that continues to haunt days later. It is this in which Hannibal continues to succeed, it shocks and humours, forcing the audience into submission. By no means does this make it an easy watch but it certainly stands tall above all other major cable television shows currently broadcasting.
Mads Mikkelsen continues to play Hannibal with a gross and unsettling glee, most evident in his remark, “I love your work,” while clad in a quite dashing plastic suit. Mikkelsen seems to relish the opportunity the psychopathic elements of the character with his newfound sense of comedy. Even Hugh D’ancy’s Will Graham, now behind bars relishes in his ability to find light in darkness, “Hannibal Lecter’s therapist. What’s she like.”
Thankfully, humour doesn’t take hold of the episode. Religious undertones continue to thread through, “The eye looks beyond this world and into the next and see the reflection of man himself. Is the killer looking at God.” Under a different show-runner, this may feel heavy handed, take Lost for instance. Hannibal’s existence is almost defined by biblical ideals and his role in the series feels God-like, manipulating those around him.
It’s Hannibal’s manipulation of those around him which has lead the series to its current point. Jack Crawford finally accepts Will as a serial killer, not as a result of his own personal beliefs, but due to Hannibal’s gross manipulation. This ultimately leads to his therapist, played superbly by Gillian Anderson, to abandon Hannibal as a client. Slowly, those closest to him are realising he isn’t as he seems. The darkness is rising and it can’t be long before it takes over.
Now True Detective has come to a close, Hannibal has the opportunity to lead the way as the strongest show on television. There is nothing on television more disturbing and bleak at this current moment and it’s joyous knowing we have only just started.
Thomas Harris
Originally published March 16, 2014. Updated April 11, 2018.
