Hannibalism

Eleven months after Hannibal concluded its three-season run, I finally watched its finale. And boy, was it bloody beautiful.

Hannibal (2013-2015)

Created by Bryan Fuller

Hannibal tells the story of Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), a gifted criminal profiler, and his relationship with renowned psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen). As Will works for the FBI to pursue serial killers, he also seeks the help and advice of Hannibal—unknowing of the doctor's true nature.

The story having been based on the novels (Red Dragon, Hannibal) of Thomas Harris is already intriguing as it is. With the success of the 1991 film adaptation The Silence of the Lambs (regardless of its successors' failure), TV adaptation Hannibal is a bold, yet exciting move for creators to resurrect an iconic Lecter for the 21st century age.

Though the series only lasted for three seasons, every episode was sure as hell a bloody treat for all viewers. For its cinematography was the grandest. They make the visuals even for the most disgusting murders pleasurable to the eyes. Shift to the exquisite details of the cuisines served in every episode. Add some equally provocative score to further sustain the haunting narrative and wordy dialogues. Switch to otherworldly places with the same eerie atmosphere. You have before you every inch of perfection. And it lived up to it until its final episode.

The characters were also as captivating. Mikkelsen's Lecter was one for the books. His charisma, brilliance, and subtle hints of disturbing madness persuaded the viewers to like him despite of the cannibalism. Dancy also gave a remarkable performance as Will. Both were articulate, and were able to win the audience hearts in spite of their weirdness and occasional insanity. The rest of the cast (Laurence Fishburne, Gillian Anderson, Caroline Dhavernas) was just as outstanding. I could not commend enough how impressive the actors were, especially the complicated roles of the villains. They made the series even more interesting (aside from the obvious reasons).

Indeed, it was, most of the time, disturbing, too morbid, and extremely graphic; but what a shame it was to end only after 39 episodes. Because this bloody show was, without a doubt, pure genius.

(photo is not mine; credits to owner)