Review: Hannibal: Season 1, Episode 13 - Savoureux

(Spoilers!)

It’s no secret, I love NBC’s Hannibal. I cannot be blamed either, for this first season has showcased stunning cinematography, complex and layered characterisation, an excellent script, a well balanced hybridisation of genre and a few bits of gory, bodily dismemberment thrown in here and there. What more could you want from a television programme? It has been gripping, a delectable treat of 2013 and lo and behold, Savoureux is where this televisual feast comes to an end, in a highly emotive and intense season finale. 

The episode begins with another one of Will Graham’s sweat inducing nightmares. Awakening, he stumbles downstairs, pops a few pills and then vomits – poor man, could his night get any worse? Why yes, because he vomits a human ear. Naturally he phones his beloved and caring psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who soon makes haste to Graham’s house in which both then discuss the events of the previous day – Graham's visit to Minnesota with Abigail Hobbs, from which he returns home without her, not knowing where she is... or if she’s alive. To this it is deemed most appropriate to phone Special Agent Jack Crawford, who decides to take Graham to the FBI facility where he is then ‘processed’, under the suspicion of murder.

Crawford relays all of this information to Dr. Alana Bloom and through this discourse Lecter’s orchestrated master plan subtly fits together – namely the secrecy of Graham’s encephalitis and the advice to retain him on the FBI team. Both Bloom and Crawford (exhibiting strong performances) blame each other for the current situation – a natural response to the breakdown of their colleague, their friend and for Bloom in particular, romantic interest. When visiting Graham in the interrogation room, this added layer of complexity is evident as their romantic overtures remain effectively withdrawn, dialogue being the only necessary tool to converse this dramatic turn of events... "Guess you dodged a bullet with me..." "I don’t feel like I dodged a bullet... I feel wounded". 

In the same sequence, Graham refers to Lecter’s clock tests used previously in therapy, as a means to root his sanity. Bloom however is aware that these tests are used to detect neurological deformities, so requests Graham to draw one for her, in which she notices his spatial disorientation. A look of relief appears – there is an explanation behind his behaviour, he may even be innocent. Either way, there is hope yet. However despite this beacon, it remains unpromising for Graham as the evidence piles up against him. Amidst the pocket knife, blood under his finger nails and a matching tissue sample between the vomited-ear and Hobbs, Graham’s fishing lures were also examined and revealed to be made out of human body parts, specifically those of previous victims assigned to the ‘copycat killer’. Lecter you smart but sneaky, sneaky man. This latest batch of evidence, relayed to Graham, interestingly confirms his sanity to himself. He rightly points out to Crawford, he wasn't ‘sick’ when some of those victims were murdered. He realises all the evidence points to a set up, someone who knows the cases, someone who knows his depleting mental stability.  

But of course from Crawford’s point of view, this is further fuel to the fire of insanity and it is here that the episode boasts one of its greatest strengths. This 'set-up' narrative has featured in many productions within the thriller genre, the manipulation of a frail man to cover up murders. Majoratively speaking, the narrative construction and characterisation makes the set up so blindingly obvious it becomes increasingly infuriating to watch. However through careful orchestration, Hannibal manages to convey the set-up in equal measure so audiences view the insanity from either side. We witness the downfall of an innocent man, yet at the same time, we question his innocence and more prevalently, his psychological coherence – the result of which generally makes for more intense and compelling viewing.

With mounds of evidence against him, Graham is arrested for murder and transferred to another facility for further tests. He escapes however (akin to the actions of Eddie Izzard’s character in a previous episode) and heads to Lecter’s office, who at this point in time is still masterfully playing the helpful and concerned psychiatrist. Both discuss each of the past murder victims, Lecter states as a somewhat process of elimination - by going through each person, one can decipher if Graham’s murder of them was possible. More purposefully however, this appears as yet another manipulative attempt for Lecter to implant untrue information into Graham’s psyche. Regardless, it’s a neat opportunity for the show to implement its famed elegant horror as each mutilated body appears in the room. Graham determines the next best move is to return to the scene of Hobb’s murder, perhaps as an act of closure or as an act of hope, in which all of the pieces of this intricate puzzle will fall in to place. Which they do, and oh so brilliantly. 

At the bloody scene of Hobbs' murder, in a highly intense sequence, Graham remembers one or two moments from the past instigating the realisation that Lecter may be the killer. He stands, pointing a gun at the remarkably stoic man and states, "I know who I am but I’m not so sure I know who you are... One of us killed Abigail Hobbs...". Lecter had no traceable motive which is why he was so "hard to see", but now its all clear, comprising a much anticipated moment between the two titular characters. After a conversation with Dr. Bedelia du Maurier, Crawford also makes haste to Minnesota and intercepts Graham and Lecter’s confrontation with a gunshot to Graham’s shoulder. He lies on the floor, poetically in the same spot as Garrett Jacob Hobbs in the show’s premiere episode. Whilst there he requests Crawford to “see”, like Graham eventually has, all whilst the black Elk Man (which has frequently manifested itself in Graham's subconscious) finally appears in the position of Lecter. 

Following an intercepting scene, in which we discover Graham was soon placed in a medically induced coma after the shooting, Lecter and du Maurier meet for dinner, one which feels almost celebratory. Fitting then, that his choice of meat is veal, the young age of which quite blatantly refers to the death of a young Abigail Hobbs. Directly so in fact, as it is without a doubt 'veal' isn't exactly what they are eating. Over dinner Lecter discusses his plans to visit Graham, to say a farewell of sorts.  Du Maurier agrees believing it wise to end their relationship, before others get suspicious of the emergent pattern of violent patients in his psychiatric practice. This awareness may unravel the belief in Lecter's ability as a psychiatrist... To me this piece of discourse unravels the depth of awareness du Maurier actually has over Lecter's lifestyle.

The final sequence of the episode comprises a long awaited moment – so wonderfully executed, it is without a doubt a highlight of the entire series. Shot majoratively through close-ups, Lecter slowly walks the halls of a prison to the heavenly tune of an operatic score. It’s a brilliant paradox really, as what we are witnessing is the reign and success of Lucifer. He reaches a prison cell in which Graham is situated and both stand face to face... "Hello Will..." "Hello Dr. Lecter". The intermittent close-ups, paired with a shared knowing yet menacing gaze concludes, with a smirk fixating on the face of Lecter. Perfect. 

Savoureux is a spot on ending to what has been a formidable series. Everything has tied up nicely in a highly intense and emotive manner, all thanks to smart narrativisation and the characterisation of protagonists, in which the entire cast boast strong performances. The final sequence in particular was masterfully put together and I have to say, caused myself to smirk also. Yet as one door closes, another opens and this revelatory ending opens up boundless narrative opportunities for the following season – can Graham prove his innocence? Where will his relationship with Lecter go from here? Overall season one has been a delicious feast and last night offered a wonderful final course. Thus I think it is safe to say season two will be welcomed with open arms and an incredibly large appetite.

What were your thoughts on the season finale of Hannibal? Post a comment!