News came out this week that this is the last season of Hannibal (
at least on NBC). It's cancellation should not be seen as failure though, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. Hannibal is the most beautiful and stunning television show airing right now, if not ever. This is a bold statement and it seems impossible if you are familiar with the books or previous movies. Beauty is not a word one would associate with a show about a cannibalistic serial killer. But, even at its most gruesome, it is so artful. Bryan Fuller, the show-runner, created the other shows
Pushing Daisies,
Dead Like Me, and
Wonderfalls.
Season one has a crime-of-the-week plot structure. Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) helps the FBI catch killers because he can "see" inside
their minds based on the crime scenes. This ability disrupts his own
mental state to the point that he needs help. Enter Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen).
Season two has a different structure, which is driven more by Will's narrative and his changing relationship with Hannibal and the rest of his colleagues at the FBI. Season three began earlier this month and you're able to watch the aired
episodes
online. So far, this season is following Hannibal's narrative-- he's calling the shots.
So, on to why this show is special: it's a feast for the senses. The dialogue is not wasted and often carries a double meaning; the imagery is significant and
dream-like (or hallucinogenic); the sets and color palette are lovely and
intentional; the lighting moody; and the food styling is so exquisite its enough to make you want to join in on the meals,
even though you know you don't really want to.
The cinematography is so perfect, its a wonder that you're only watching a network
TV show and not a feature film. Now the disclaimer: this show is
not for everyone. It is intense, disturbing, and shocking at times-- the crime scenes can be a lot to take. I would also recommend refraining from snacking while watching.
News came out this week that this is the last season of Hannibal (at least on NBC). It's cancellation should not be seen as failure though, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. Hannibal is the most beautiful and stunning television show airing right now, if not ever. This is a bold statement and it seems impossible if you are familiar with the books or previous movies. Beauty is not a word one would associate with a show about a cannibalistic serial killer. But, even at its most gruesome, it is so artful. Bryan Fuller, the show-runner, created the other shows Pushing Daisies, Dead Like Me, and Wonderfalls. 
So, on to why this show is special: it's a feast for the senses. The dialogue is not wasted and often carries a double meaning; the imagery is significant and
dream-like (or hallucinogenic); the sets and color palette are lovely and
intentional; the lighting moody; and the food styling is so exquisite its enough to make you want to join in on the meals, even though you know you don't really want to.
The cinematography is so perfect, its a wonder that you're only watching a network
TV show and not a feature film. Now the disclaimer: this show is not for everyone. It is intense, disturbing, and shocking at times-- the crime scenes can be a lot to take. I would also recommend refraining from snacking while watching.
