(spoiler alert) I hate to consider that I contributed to the demise of Hannibal through my constant decision to DVR the show… but the beauty of considering my contribution makes me a kindred spirit to Will Graham. We are both looking to position ourselves in a manner to avoid death or delusion at the hands of Hannibal.
During the three years that Hannibal aired I say without hesitation that I didn’t discuss this show with anyone (except my wife) in person or through social media of any kind. I never saw anyone discussing the series. Hannibal was a solitary hedonistic pleasure full of vivid colors and disturbing imagery. The not so subtle slow motion shots and three seasons of Pollock-esque sprays of blood made this adaptation of Thomas Harris’ books a study in television as art which pushed the boundaries of network tv. Each episode was masterfully reinterpreted and depicted and was always about the art of cinema than it was an adherence to the novels. While many elements were familiar, watching the finale was only stunning in how I thought that the show would survive, like Hannibal, and be reborn.
I guess I always knew that the show would be short lived. The pacing was unlike anything on television. Bryan Fuller, the creator of the show, played with a multitude of themes to ground the characters for viewers, but the actors interpretations of those roles and the movement from reality to dream state particularly in Will’s character in season two, allowed for the audience to create their own ideas for the direction within each episode. It was as if each segment was a psychological stimulant for attempting to look ahead during the episode. This usually only happens with season finales where there is a cliffhanger. Viewers typically do a deep analysis of shows at the breaks. Hannibal created a need for clarification after each episode; the confusion was intentional.
Mads Mikkelsen, much like his role in Valhalla Rising, was a more solitary, contemplative and fearsome Hannibal. For three years I compared his character to Anthony Hopkins and in every aspect I found Mikkelson to be a more convincing paradox. His stature and style was both intimidating and seductive. So when the finale arrived and ended, in an amazingly, stylized, graphic battle with the Great Red Dragon… as rushed as the finale seemed, it was acceptable; but it was also disappointing. I was hoping for The Silence of the Lambs in season 4 to show up on Netflix or any other platform. As it stands I’m left with three seasons of one of the most artistic shows and the closest thing to a Surrealist experience I’ve ever witnessed on television. For that I thank Hannibal and if you have the time and patience I definitely recommend watching.