Hannibal (TV series)

Cast and characters

Hugh Dancy portrays Will Graham, a gifted criminal profiler who visualizes himself committing murders to understand killers, a process that strains his psyche. Mads Mikkelsen plays Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant forensic psychiatrist and secret serial killer known as the Chesapeake Ripper. Caroline Dhavernas appears as Dr. Alana Bloom, a psychology professor and FBI consultant. Hettienne Park plays Beverly Katz, a crime scene investigator specializing in fiber analysis, in seasons one and two.

Laurence Fishburne is Jack Crawford, head of the FBI's Behavioral Sciences. Scott Thompson portrays Jimmy Price, a latent fingerprint specialist, recurring in season one and starring in seasons two and three. Aaron Abrams plays Brian Zeller, a crime scene investigator, in the same pattern. Gillian Anderson appears as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier, Lecter's psychotherapist, recurring in seasons one and two and regular in season three.

Raúl Esparza plays Frederick Chilton, administrator of Baltimore State Hospital. Kacey Rohl is Abigail Hobbs, daughter of a serial killer. Eddie Izzard portrays Abel Gideon, a surgeon institutionalized for killing his family. Vladimir Jon Cubrt is Garrett Jacob Hobbs.

Anna Chlumsky appears as Miriam Lass, an FBI trainee. Katharine Isabelle plays Margot Verger, a patient of Lecter. Michael Pitt and Joe Anderson portray Mason Verger in seasons two and three respectively.

Production

NBC began developing a Hannibal series in 2011, and former head of drama Katie O'Connell brought in Bryan Fuller to write a pilot script in November. NBC gave the series a financial commitment before Fuller completed his script, and on February 14, 2012, bypassed the pilot stage by ordering a 13-episode first season based on the script's strength. David Slade directed the first episode and served as executive producer. José Andrés acted as culinary cannibal consultant, advising on preparing human flesh for consumption.

Fuller described the limited episode order as allowing a cable model on network television, avoiding dallying in storytelling. He noted that Hannibal is presented with a cheery disposition, not telegraphed as a villain, applying Alfred Hitchcock's principle of suspense. Fuller called the relationship between Graham and Lecter a love story. He originally planned seven seasons: three of original material, then adaptations of Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, and an original ending.

After season two, he revised this to six seasons. Season three used material from Hannibal Rising and Red Dragon, and included a different origin story for Lecter, ultimately also adapting Hannibal. Fuller intended to include characters like Jame Gumb and Clarice Starling if he could obtain rights from MGM.

Broadcast

The fourth episode, 'Oeuf', about brainwashed children murdering their families, was pulled from the U.S. broadcast schedule at creator Bryan Fuller's request, though it aired in other countries. Fuller stated the decision was not due to the Boston Marathon bombing but likely the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and that he felt the subject matter would inhibit enjoyment of the episode. A portion of the episode was released as webisodes, and the complete episode became available via iTunes and Amazon Video on April 29, 2013, appearing in intended order on DVD and Blu-ray.

On April 29, 2013, NBC affiliate KSL-TV in Salt Lake City pulled Hannibal after four episodes, citing graphic violent content. Fuller criticized the decision, comparing it to Pravda's news coverage. The series was picked up by local CW affiliate KUCW. City acquired broadcasting rights in Canada, where the show was filmed, as a mid-season debut.

When NBC moved Hannibal to Saturdays mid-season three, City continued airing it in its regular Thursday time slot in Canada.

Reception

Reviews for the first season were positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season received an 82% approval rating based on 68 reviews, with an average rating of 7.7/10, and the critical consensus described it as catering to an intellectual audience preferring gore in psychological thrillers with polished presentation of madness. On Metacritic, the first season scored 70 out of 100 based on 32 reviews, indicating generally favorable reviews. Joanne Ostrow of The Denver Post praised the series as well constructed and masterfully written, but noted the level of violent imagery was not to her taste, though the characters were compelling.

Paul Doro of Shock Till You Drop gave Hannibal an 8/10, citing excellent performances, genuine suspense, and well-constructed mysteries, praising Hugh Dancy's performance. Jeff Jensen of Entertainment Weekly gave the show an A−, calling it finely acted and visually scrumptious. Brian Lowry of Variety called it the tastiest drama NBC had introduced in a while, praising the central trio. Eric Goldman of IGN gave the series a 9/10, calling it terrific.

Linda Stasi of The New York Post gave two and a half stars out of four, praising performances and calling it the most beautifully shot show on network TV.

Did You Know?

• The first season DVD and Blu-ray set includes producer's cut versions of five episodes.
• The third season DVD and Blu-ray set includes ten audio commentaries with cast and crew.