Ricky Church reviews the third episode of Hannibal season 3…
Hannibal Lecter has always been an enigmatic character, one who never divulges information about his past to most people. Those who do hear about his past usually don’t live long enough to repeat it either. ‘Secondo’ was the first episode of Hannibal that delved into Hannibal Lecter’s past and revealed a tiny bit of how he became the killer he is today.
It’s interesting to see how Bryan Fuller has weaved together bits of the Hannibal and Hannibal Rising books into the show, especially since Rising is largely disliked by fans of the series. Mishca, Hannibal’s sister, receives a bit of a different fate than in the books, but only in small details. it’s revealed she was eaten by someone, a trauma which influenced Hannibal’s own habits, but it’s a story which comes with a grain of salt considering Hannibal is the main source. Both Will and Bedelia seem to see through at least part of this story, implying Hannibal may have been more involved in Mischa’s death than previously thought.
While exploring Hannibal’s past, Will met Chiyoh, otherwise known as Lady Muraski, played by The Wolverine’s Tao Okamoto, perhaps the only person alive who knew Hannibal as a young man. She had a strong introduction as well as great chemistry with Will. Their dynamic was quite interesting and should only prove more so now that she’s joined Will’s hunt for Hannibal.
Will also displayed his own Hannibal-like qualities here, something Chiyoh recognized as she stated Will’s actions are made to satisfy his own curiosity, much like Hannibal. This raises the question even more of what exactly Will will do when he actually comes face-to-face with Hannibal.
Viewers also learnt Jack Crawford’s fate. Not much was learnt here except his obvious survival from season two’s finale. No mention was made of how he survived, what happened with his job or if his wife passed away during that time (though it is implied she did). Jack is sporting a new scar along his neck though, a fact the episode didn’t directly point out, but it is visible in several shots. Jack is much more reserved and its notable that his search isn’t bent on finding Hannibal, but on finding Will Graham. Jack’s regret over Will’s ordeal throughout the series has finally caught up with him and he wants to save Will from whatever path he’s going down, knowing it will only lead to more pain where Hannibal is concerned. It is a very intriguing character shift
Hannibal himself is becoming more unhinged as well. His murder of the rude museum expert was very shocking not because of how quickly it happened, but because of how unplanned it was. It was a very in the moment choice, a trait that is unlike Hannibal as it betrays his methodical nature. It was extra disturbing how the ice pick didn’t immediately kill Dr. Sogliato, but first made him blind and slowly lose the ability to speak. It was an oddly humourous moment as Bedelia removed the ice pick from his head to put him out of his misery and Hannibal said “Technically, you killed him”.
Even Hannibal’s impulsive acts have a purpose, though. Bedelia rightly deduced he’s drawing “everyone” to him, hoping to finally get closure and start fresh. His recklessness may prove to be his undoing as he’s clearly distracted by his need to ‘forgive’ Will, making him blind to any other dangers around him. Though he’s truly unleashed his inner monster this season, his days may be numbered because of it.
Ricky Church
https://youtu.be/uysEOQl_NPc?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published June 19, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
