Fromage (Hannibal)
Lecter fights a killer while Graham's mind unravels.
"Fromage" is the eighth episode of the first season of the psychological thriller–horror series Hannibal. It was written by producer Jennifer Schuur and series creator Bryan Fuller, directed by Tim Hunter, and first broadcast on May 16, 2013, on NBC. The episode is notable for its brutal fight scene between Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Tobias Budge, and for advancing the deterioration of Will Graham's mental state.
- Series
- Hannibal
- Season
- 1
- Episode
- 8
- First broadcast
- May 16, 2013
- Network
- NBC
- Writers
- Jennifer Schuur, Bryan Fuller
- Director
- Tim Hunter
Lore & Background
The episode revolves around the BAU investigating a murder at a concert hall, where the killer serenaded another killer. Will Graham begins hearing animals crying in pain, while Hannibal Lecter expresses concern for his patient Franklyn, who worries his friend Tobias may be a psychopath. Lecter visits Tobias's shop and later dines with him, where Tobias confesses to the murder and reveals he knows Lecter is a killer, offering a partnership that Lecter declines. Graham interrupts the dinner, and Tobias flees. Graham later visits Tobias's shop, finds a dead officer and a basement hideout with organs, and is attacked by Tobias but shoots him in the ear. Tobias then arrives at Lecter's office, where Lecter kills Franklyn by snapping his neck, then fights and kills Tobias by smashing his head with a statue. Lecter tells the FBI that Tobias came to kill Franklyn and him. In a session with Bedelia, Lecter expresses intention to open his office for more patients and assumes responsibility for Franklyn's death.
Reader's Guide
The episode was seen by an estimated 2.46 million household viewers and gained a 1.1/5 ratings share among adults 18–49, a 7% decrease from the previous episode. It received extremely positive reviews from critics, who praised Mads Mikkelsen's performance, visual style, the fight scene between Lecter and Tobias, and Will Graham's character development. Eric Goldman of IGN gave it a 9.2 out of 10, calling it 'amazing' and noting it felt like a season finale. Molly Eichel of The A.V. Club gave it a 'B' and called it the series' most action-packed episode. The episode's characters Franklyn and Tobias were inspired by Benjamin Raspail and Jame Gumb from The Silence of the Lambs, but the series could not secure the rights, so the episode took a different route. Bryan Fuller viewed the episode as an opportunity to explore a possible friendship for Lecter.
Did You Know?
- The fight scene between Lecter and Tobias was praised by critics as over-the-top and brutal.
- The episode was watched by 2.46 million viewers with a 1.1/5 ratings share.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Fromage' in the Hannibal series?
'Fromage' is the eighth episode of Season 1 of the NBC psychological thriller-horror series Hannibal, originally broadcast on May 16, 2013. It was co-written by series creator Bryan Fuller and producer Jennifer Schuur, and directed by Tim Hunter.
What is the main plot of 'Fromage'?
The episode pits Dr. Lecter in a violent physical confrontation with a killer named Tobias Budge while simultaneously pushing Will Graham deeper into a state of psychological collapse. It functions as a pivotal mid-season episode that escalates tension for both leads.
Who wrote and directed 'Fromage'?
Bryan Fuller and Jennifer Schuur penned the script, with Tim Hunter handling direction. Fuller, as series creator, is credited alongside Schuur on the writing.
What makes the fight scene in 'Fromage' stand out?
The brutal, close-quarters brawl between Hannibal Lecter and Tobias Budge is frequently cited by fans as one of the most visceral physical set pieces in the entire series. It starkly contrasts Lecter's otherwise refined, cerebral persona with raw, unglamorous violence.
How does 'Fromage' affect Will Graham's character arc?
The episode marks a noticeable step forward in Will's mental unraveling, deepening the psychological deterioration that becomes a central thread through the rest of Season 1. It pushes him further into a fractured state of mind that shapes his decisions in subsequent episodes.
More in Hannibal episodes 1-24
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