Ricky Church reviews the season three premiere of Hannibal…
After a year away that left fans in turmoil over its cliffhanger finale, Hannibal has finally returned to television. Its third season premiere, ‘Antipasto’, served as a reminder to fans of what Dr. Lecter is capable of while setting up the themes of the season. It was also markedly different from anything that came before in the previous two seasons, but that’s to be expected after such a big shake up in the show’s formula. With the change of locale and character dynamics, Hannibal feels like a different show now.
It is quite a bold move for Bryan Fuller to go the direction he did with this premiere. Rather than focus on the other characters, whose lives were hanging in the balance in the final minutes of season two, the premiere consisted solely of Hannibal and Bedelia Du Maurier, his former psychiatrist, starting a life for themselves on the run. While it was a risky choice, it had its advantages by focusing on Hannibal’s escapades now that he was free to do whatever he pleased.
Hannibal’s desires actually received a lot of emphasis throughout the premiere. As mentioned, Hannibal was essentially free to do what he wanted since he escaped FBI custody and fled the country. While he always killed people with little regard or consequence beforehand, he seemed to take it up a notch by killing people in order to improve his own standing. After all, he murdered a museum curator just so he would be able to fill the position. As Bedelia pointed out to him, he no longer had ethical concerns. This might come back to bite him as she hinted at how reckless his desires were making him.
Bedelia, however, seemed to get more focus than Hannibal did and for good reason. Since Gillian Anderson’s first episode, her character has been shrouded in a lot of mystery as her history and motivations have been left vague. Clearly Hannibal has affected her more than previously thought if she’s willing to run away with him, but it seems she’s regretting her decision as she’s begun planning for a quick escape. One statement she made to Hannibal was quite telling of their relationship: “I still believe I am in conscious control of my actions. Given your history, that’s a good day”.
The flashback sequences were quite interesting because of what exactly Fuller decided to flashback to. While a flashback to the night Hannibal convinced Bedelia to escape with him was expected, it was a surprise to see Eddie Izzard back as Dr. Gideon, showing more of his final days with Hannibal last season. These scenes in particular really set up the themes of this season as Hannibal becomes the hunted rather than the hunter.
Both Mads Mikkelsen and Gillian Anderson did a superb job with the material they were given. While Anderson might be given the edge based on her amount of focus, Mikkelsen shined through as the unreserved Hannibal Lecter. Guest star Tom Wisdom also did well and its rather unfortunate he won’t be sticking around since he and Mikkelsen had good chemistry.
While ‘Antipasto’ left some burning questions unanswered for the moment, it served to build-up its characters, introduce the audience to the new show dynamic and set up the themes of the season. It also displayed what Hannibal really looks like when unleashed and, if Bedelia’s reaction at the premiere’s closing is any indication, it is not a pretty sight. Hannibal’s third season is already off to a great and tense start as the good doctor showed just how unafraid he is of breaking any barrier, no matter the risk.
Ricky Church
https://youtu.be/8HTiU_hrLms?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published June 5, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
