I don’t think I have ever known a show of recent to be
this consistently brilliant – episode eight of Hannibal is once again an
absolute joy to watch, as Bryan Fuller displays a strong penchant for intensity
and the horrific, whilst exploring the perils of friendship.
In Baltimore, we arrive at a
quaint music store run by Franklin’s partner Tobias, whose stringed
instruments possess a far more humanistic component. A young boy asks, “Is it
true the strings are made of cat guts?!”... “Not always...” Tobias replies, with a
smirk on his face. Queue a montage of instrument craftery like no other. Cat
guts? No. Human intestines? Absolutely. Already, in a pre-credit sequence, this episode has set itself up
for a grueling premise. It has also made quite the introduction to Tobias, a man
who proves to be a strong match for Dr. Lecter. He soon realises however, that there is only enough room for one psychopath in this town.
Things for Graham are hotting up this week, and I don’t
just mean his nightly sweats. The manifestation of Garret Jacob Hobbs and
frequent animalistic noises haunting him from his fireplace cause him to seek
comfort in Alana Bloom. Both share a passionate kiss this episode, one which felt a little forced and an unnecessary move in their
relationship – more on-screen progression would have served
this inevitable outcome a bit better. Regardless, the moment is ultimately
ruined by Bloom over-analysing the situation. She doesn't stay the night
at Graham’s but walks away, which in some respects is quite the unconventional
outcome. Many television productions would take a different route and spend the
next five minutes showing us a love scene. Fuller however, makes the right
decision for the sake of faithful characterisation.
Although lady troubles are the least of Graham’s worries
this week, as there is a new psychopath in town – one who made quite the
entrance onto the FBI’s radar by staging a rather theatrical but brutal stunt.
As ever, Fuller presents crimes of the utmost brutality with a flare of beauty.
Wonderfully lit, a trombonist from the symphony orchestra sits centre stage,
with a stringed instrument planted through his throat, exposing the vocal chords.
It is eerily compelling but Fuller doesn't stop there. Whilst empathising with
the killer, Graham proceeds to play the instrument. It’s a ballsy move for prime time television and I have to admit, caught me surprise. Damn I love this
show.
Whilst investigating Tobias for the murder, Graham is once
again haunted by noises causing him to go outside. Upon return,
he finds his accompanying officer murdered and descends into Tobias’s basement,
or should I say, laboratory. Here Fuller displays his skills and knowledge of the horror genre, the use of shadows create a dark and oppressive atmosphere, the
intensity of which is only heightened through the use of an orchestral score.
Intermittent shots of intestines hung to dry or in jars allude to the type of
psychopath Graham is dealing with. The manifestation of Hobbs may
metaphorically highlight Graham’s dance with darkness, but here, Graham is
dealing with a whole other tune. The sequence culminates with Tobias almost
strangling him, but thanks to a gun and flexible wrists Graham escapes, as does
Tobias who then heads straight to Lecter’s office.
Throughout the episode both Tobias and Lecter metaphysically
play a sadistic game of chess. Each bluff, manipulate and make their move
as a means of trying to out the other. In an elegant and enigmatic sequence
both partake in a very honest piece of discourse. Much like Lecter’s delicious
creations, their psychopathic secrets are laid out on the table. Could their
similarities ensue a blossoming friendship? Could Hannibal turn into an
off-the-track sitcom Tobias & Lecter? One thing is for sure, their dinner
parties would be quite the occasion. But no, the truth is that both would
rather kill one another instead. Returning to Lecter’s office, their relationship
goes from the utmost civility to something of the complete opposite, a violent
brawl.
Tobias and Lecter fight using various pieces of stationary and
office supplies. For me, the show works best when the battle is of great
subtlety, competing intellectually rather than physically, but the physical
nature of this sequence is by no means a negative (although Tobias breaking out
the wire was a bit bemusing). In atypical Fuller fashion, the fight is well
edited, choreographed and it is effective to see Lecter so thrown and dishevelled
contrasting the elegant, up kept man we are used to. He remains triumphant
however by bludgeoning Tobias with his beloved stag ornament. Checkmate. Not only does
Lecter have a way with food, he also has a way with the punches.
The FBI enters the crime scene, Graham included, and upon seeing
him Lecter exudes relief at his survival. This episode dealt with their ‘friendship’
superbly this week – there is a genuine care and connection developing for one
another. In a wonderful moment, Graham interrupts Lecter and Tobias’ dinner
party to reveal he had kissed Bloom. Both then converse in a way that I guess
would be the psychopath-come-psychiatrist equivalent of ‘lad banter’. Lecter
also confesses to his psychiatrist (nicely played once again by Gillian Anderson) about developing feelings of friendship, at first perhaps for fellow
murderer Tobias but as the episode culminates, Graham was the friend all along.
Hell, both characters even laugh toward the end... The development
of Lecter singularly has been nicely done also. Credit is due to Mads Mikkelsen for playing Lecter superbly, but his feelings for Graham
and care for his psychiatrist encourage sentiment toward the cannibal. His
realisation of the need for friendship gives the man a heart, and one he doesn't plan on eating.
We are not only continuously dazzled this week with
beautiful brutality and sequences of suspense, but we are also treated to a master
class of the inner workings of friendship. Last week’s episode gave us an
insight to the personal life of Lecter, from his culinary order to bustling
social life. This week the exploration is of a more mental sensibility, proving even cannibals
need friends... just not ones that try to kill you in your office.
What were your thoughts on this week's episode? Post a comment!
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