Hassun (Hannibal)
Will Graham's trial is interrupted by a severed ear.
"Hassun" is the third episode of the second season of the psychological thriller–horror series Hannibal, and the 16th overall episode. It was written by Jason Grote and executive producer Steve Lightfoot, directed by Peter Medak, and first broadcast on March 14, 2014, on NBC. The episode centers on the trial of Will Graham, who is charged with multiple murders, and features the interruption of the trial when Graham receives a severed human ear.
- Series
- Hannibal
- Season
- 2
- Episode
- 3 (overall 16)
- Written by
- Jason Grote and Steve Lightfoot
- Directed by
- Peter Medak
- First broadcast
- March 14, 2014
- Network
- NBC
Lore & Background
The episode revolves around Will Graham's murder trial. Jack Crawford, pressured by Prurnell, testifies that he pushed Graham into participating at crime scenes. Graham receives an envelope with a severed human ear, and the BAU determines it was removed from a corpse in the past 48 hours. Freddie Lounds testifies that Abigail Hobbs told her Graham planned to kill and eat her. The BAU discovers the knife that cut the ear belongs to Graham and was removed from evidence by bailiff Andrew Sykes. A raid on Sykes' house results in an explosion; Sykes is found dead, mutilated in a manner attributed to Graham. Hannibal Lecter visits Graham and convinces him to lie on the stand to save himself. Lecter testifies for Graham, but the prosecution argues Sykes' death is irrelevant. The next day, the judge is found dead in the courtroom, hanging from chains, leading to a mistrial.
Reader's Guide
The episode was seen by an estimated 2.47 million household viewers and gained a 0.9/3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. It received very positive reviews from critics, who praised the writing, art design, performances, and character development. Eric Goldman of IGN gave it a 9 out of 10, calling it 'amazing.' Molly Eichel of The A.V. Club gave it a 'B+,' noting the episode indicates a wedge that will strain the rest of the season. Alan Sepinwall of HitFix found the episode more functional than good, while Mark Rozeman of Paste gave it an 8.8 out of 10, calling it an intriguing stepping stone. The episode ranked third in its timeslot and eighth for the night in the 18–49 demographics.
Did You Know?
- The episode was written by Jason Grote and executive producer Steve Lightfoot, and directed by Peter Medak.
- The episode was watched by 2.47 million viewers, a slight decrease from the previous episode's 2.50 million.
- The episode features the death of Judge Davies, found hanging from chains holding a scale with his heart and brain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the Hannibal episode "Hassun"?
The episode centers on Will Graham's criminal trial for multiple murders, which is jarringly interrupted when a severed human ear is delivered to him in the courtroom. It's the third episode of Season 2 and the sixteenth of the series overall.
Who wrote and directed "Hassun" from Hannibal?
Jason Grote and executive producer Steve Lightfoot penned the script, while Peter Medak handled the direction. It premiered on NBC on March 14, 2014.
Why is Will Graham on trial in "Hassun"?
Graham is being prosecuted for a string of murders, though the real drama lies in the psychological manipulation surrounding the proceedings rather than a straightforward legal battle. The trial becomes another arena for the ongoing mind games between Graham and his unseen adversary.
What is the significance of the severed ear in the "Hassun" episode?
The ear delivered to Graham mid-trial acts as a violent disruption that underscores the cat-and-mouse psychological warfare at the heart of the show. It reinforces the series' recurring theme of torment disguised within the framework of criminal investigation.
Where does "Hassun" fit in the overall Hannibal series?
It is the third episode of Season 2 and the sixteenth episode across the entire run. The installment escalates the tension between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter that was building throughout the early part of the second season.
More in Hannibal episodes 1-24
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