Hannibal is a horror thriller-based TV show series. The series is based on the novel Red Dragon. It has been a decade since the last season, which was season 3, episode 13. Back then the series wasn’t as popular and had less viewership, causing delays in filmmaking and eventually the cancellation of season 4. The show takes place through different states including Virginia but is filmed in Ontario, Canada.
This show features Hugh Dancy as Will Graham and Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal, which I think both fit perfectly for the roles. Those are the two main characters, one being the literal title. This show focuses on these characters mainly due to their very interesting relationship. Will Graham is the main protagonist as a criminal profiler and a professor for the local FBI Academy. Not only does he work for the FBI but also has a hidden talent of being able to recreate the exact way of how someone killed their victim(s) in the blink of his eyes. Adding hidden talents to characters is a well-known way of catching the viewer’s attention. In this case, it caught mine. Hannibal is the main antagonist who is secretly setting up crime scenes already done by other serial killers or killing people whom he finds rude. Hannibal being a familiar word, may tell viewers what exactly he does with some of the victims, which I find quite interesting to the story
Throughout the series, it was like a bumpy car ride where you’re honestly not expecting what will happen next. There are many twists that I enjoy and understand whenever something new happens. The acting is pretty realistic and blends well with the music that plays in the background when something big is coming up. The plot is pretty disturbing yet exciting due to its sudden change in events. It goes from a completely normal crime scene to accusing each other, to a steady pace, and then a big downfall, which in my opinion caused a lot of emotions such as annoyance. Other than that it has kept me hooked by just the first episode.
The creator has mentioned that Will is on the spectrum of Asperger syndrome, which causes his awkwardness and reactions to drama. Dancy acts out those character traits well and makes you think they’re real. He is said to have a cold yet emotional attitude, which I agree with. Hannibal on the other hand, being a psychopath makes him show less emotion and empathy for others. I love that they make him seem calm even when things go downhill. It shows the reality of people who are considered psychopathic. Just the smallest of twitches made him show more emotion than most of the actors could do.
The show is an eventful field trip that isn’t for people who can’t handle gore. The plot of the series stays the same perfectly but also adds a bit more to it each season. I was honestly shocked when certain information popped up about characters who seem completely normal. A lot of people even complained publicly when finding out that some characters have a secret. I didn’t see a problem with any of the characters except one. Mason Verger was probably the most disturbing character in the show. His lack of emotions and twisted way of putting things make him seem worse than the main character himself.
Three other characters such as Dr. Alana Bloom, Jack Crawford and Bedeliia Du Maurier are side characters that also pop up most in the series. They are played by Caroline Dhavernas, Laurence Fishburne, and Gillian Anderson. Dr. Alana is a psychology professor and is also a part of the FBI. Her role is Hannibal Lecter’s former student, who befriends Will. Her character is more on the less dramatic side and is more bubbly. They needed a nice character within the role to even out the emotional bits with comfort, making her actress suit her well. Some viewers think she didn’t have a purpose in the movie, yet I disagree. She plays a role for many patients in the episodes and uses her abilities to also help the antagonist and protagonist, which leads to major plots within the show. Jack Crawford is the head of the FBI Academy. His personality is strict yet caring, which fits the role he plays. His emotions are minimal, which is usually normal for people who work in this field. The dynamic of showing tough love is a unique trait for him that makes the reactions of others more realistic. Bedelia Du Maurier is Hannibal’s psychiatrist and colleague. She is utterly fascinated by the minds of killers, which plays a part in her role a lot. The way she’s calm around a man who kills just blows my mind, but at the same time it is part of her job to stay professional. Her actress has played the role of a therapist in the past and possibly future movies she’s been featured in, which makes her being Hannibal’s psychiatrist fitting.
Many people have complained about the ending of the series being considered a cliffhanger. It ended abruptly, leaving viewers confused, upset and a little disappointed. The show series was meant to start a new season to cure viewer’s curiosity about what was to come. Sadly, due to a lack of views and money, they canceled season 4 temporarily. There has been a petition to bring the series back thankfully. Over 50,000 fans; or as they put it, fannibals have signed and raised money to help start up the next season even if it’s only a sequel. I believe there should also be a sequel, especially since I signed the petition as well. The actors of Will and Hannibal have even mentioned that they wouldn’t mind coming back to finish the series up, and even encourage fans to expect another season. Keep it up fannibals.
