Hannibal's not so subtle commentary continues to be one of my personal highlights in an otherwise very calm and sinister atmosphere. Kaiseki can be best described as an appetizer for tragedy.
Challenges
Who is the one being played right now? It seems rather obvious that Hannibal's obsession with Will Graham makes him susceptible to manipulation, even though he seems to be above such power plays. One hint we got was a scene in which he was by himself, staring at an empty spot. He misses Will's presence. More specifically, he misses his mind.
In a session with Bedelia Du Maurier, she kind of hints at what might happen, giving an ominous warning. In fact, she rightfully points out that Will is capable of taking advantage of any kind of weaknesses that Hannibal might reveal. His obsession with him is one. His desperate need to see the world from Will's point of view is another. Which leads us to the conclusion that both have simply switched roles.
The new Will Graham and the new Hannibal Lecter
Hannibal's delighted expression shows his need to completely synchronize with Will's mind and wanting to possess an ability that makes you see nothing but pure death. Will on the other hand assumes Hannibal's point of view, because everything inside his head points towards Hannibal being the one who did this to him. His pure empathy allows for the truth, which is something that Hannibal perceives as an exciting challenge. "My inner voice sounds like you" represents Will's ability in the most disturbing way. And Bedelia's statement that they simply can't define Will is another hint at what's to come.
Allies
We see Jack Crawford struggling with Will's absence, even though he's still convinced of his guilt. However, the fact that he enters Will's house and talks to Alana leads to a slow understanding of the position both are in. Alana also helps Will recovering a gruesome memory.
Another reluctant semi-ally is Beverly Katz, who still marvels at Will's abilities and shows no hesitation to consult with him in order to solve another gruesome "color palette" case. He's obviously quite disappointed that she didn't just simply come to talk. He must feel like a useful instrument.
Moreover, we see Chilton in a similar position, observing his patient with keen interest.
Highlights
I really appreciated the fact that Hannibal mentioned Lady Murasaki and seemed to honestly reveal more of himself than he usually would. Mads Mikkelsen's micro expressions continue to show another side of Hannibal that fascinates people, but also makes some people aware of what a danger he can present. Bedelia's reaction is a key scene for that argument. As the beginning of the episode showed, others will definitely catch up with her.
What did you think of Kaiseki? Hungry for more?
Oh. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteDid he mention Lady Murasaki? And when? I don't remember!
ReplyDeleteNear the beginning. During a conversation with Jack. I think it was the dinner scene.
ReplyDeleteGreat Review Veronika! (Glad your reviews and Hannibal are back!)
ReplyDelete"Who is the one being played right now? It seems rather obvious that Hannibal's obsession with Will Graham makes him susceptible to manipulation, even though he seems to be above such power plays. One hint we got was a scene in which he was by himself, staring at an empty spot. He misses Will's presence. More specifically, he misses his mind.In a session with Bedelia Du Maurier, she kind of hints at what might happen, giving an ominous warning. In fact, she rightfully points out that Will is capable of taking advantage of any kind of weaknesses that Hannibal might reveal. His obsession with him is one. His desperate need to see the world from Will's point of view is another. Which leads us to the conclusion that both have simply switched roles."
"I really appreciated the fact that Hannibal mentioned Lady Murasaki and seemed to honestly reveal more of himself than he usually would. Mads Mikkelsen's micro expressions continue to show another side of Hannibal that fascinates people, but also makes some people aware of what a danger he can present. Bedelia's reaction is a key scene for that argument. As the beginning of the episode showed, others will definitely catch up with her."
Without trying to talk about book/film spoilers too much here, it will be interesting to see how we might get to the beginning of Red Dragon by seasons end (???) with this now 12 week flash forward with Jack and with bringing of certain characters in at an earlier time, but it does appear the foreshadowing is all there! I was really touched with the scene where he sat in his office alone, missing Will. As you know from previous conversations I just love how Fuller goes about Hannibal with both humanizing him and with showing something anthropomorphic with him/the story. -It's something I think book fans didn't understand or appreciate when they get to "Hannibal"...
'Stylistically, the atmosphere of this episode was conveyed by using slow motion in several scenes and contrasting the violence and body horror with rather aesthetic settings, no matter how disturbing they were. In a way, death becomes appealing to the eye from a killer's point of view, but is essentially rotten to the core. Just like Hannibal's cooking."
It's one of the things that I love about the show and appeals to me being able to see it this way from the beginning as something again transformation, -almost mythical
Can't wait for more including the introduction of Lady Murasaki (I think her showing up here will mean Du Mauirer will die. One writer for another)
PS: Going to make a little theory/prediction: At some point Mason Verger's **** will be eaten by Will's dogs...
Lovely review! I kinda felt that maybe too much happened in this episode, with everyone in their new position, new relationships and dynamics, that maybe I needed to view the first two episodes together, rather than separately, because it took a while to set things up. Other than that, I love the new Will Graham, Hannibal's obsession with Will is creepy and probably end up being his downfall, Alana believe in Will but doesn't believe HIM and Bedelia is looking scared there for the first time, I think she's starting to realize a few things about her patient. Can't wait to see how it all goes down.
ReplyDeleteAgree with everything you said. The humanizing aspect combined with his obsession is something that really stood out for me.
ReplyDeleteAs for Mason Verger. Winston will have some fun with him.
Same. The relationship dynamics certainly changed in several ways, although I still felt that the pace was rather slow overall.
ReplyDeleteI guess that the f***ing recordings of Chilton will reveal the truth to Jack. Maybe he will hear what Bedelia whispers in the promo for the second episode.
ReplyDeleteDuring the "12 weeks later"-scene I found me hoping that Jack will fall into a coma after this scene.
I loved this episode and I could not find one thing that disappointed me. I have a feeling this is going to be a very interesting season and I cant wait for the next episode!
ReplyDeleteYes this season will definitely present the characters in new ways. I'm especially excited to see Will challenging Hannibal in whatever ways possible
ReplyDeleteBetween this being a two parter and having to set so many things up, I'm going to be holding off on judgement until after episode 2, but I don't mind if the slow pace is temporary to set things up, I'm sure it'll pick right up soon enough.
ReplyDelete"During the "12 weeks later"-scene I found me hoping that Jack will fall into a coma after this scene. I want to see Hannibal playing his games for more than 12 more fictional weeks."
ReplyDeleteAh, but thing about Hannibal is, just as Will Graham will also be proving, is that people can still play games even when they're behind bars. -But I do think there has to be something that happens to Jack for us to get to the beginnings of Red Dragon. So I agree, I comma makes good sense! :)