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Hannibal Season 2 Episode 3 Review: “Hassun”

 
Hannibal Season 2 Episode 3: "Hassun"
Hannibal Season 2 Episode 3: "Hassun"
Hannibal Season 2 Episode 3: "Hassun"

Our Rating
B+
11/14


User Rating
7 total ratings

 


0
Posted March 15, 2014 by

Hannibal dialed things back a bit this week, preferring to take small nibbles as opposed to large bites, so to speak. “Hassun” marks the beginning of Will Graham’s trial for murder. We start the episode slowly and it ends up playing out something like a courtroom drama, albeit steeped in Hannibal’s sense of dark cinematic style. As the trial moves forward a copy-cat emerges, bringing some degree of reasonable doubt in Will’s case. The question now for most people instead of, “is Will innocent?” seems more like “Is this new killer a copycat?,” maintaining the presumption that Will Graham is guilty if it’s just a copy-cat.

Hannibal Season 2 Episode 2 Review: “Sakizuki”

I find myself wondering whether or not it is Hannibal that’s committing these new murders. I may have missed some detail, but it could be possible that a new killer is going into the mix. Either way, these new murders were the exact distraction that Will Graham’s lawyer needed to build up a new case. Will is being painted as a menacing, premeditating psychopath that has disguised himself over the years, fooling even those closest to him. We are all aware who the real guilty party is, but Hannibal is doing such a good job of setting up Graham it’s starting to convince me he’s guilty.

“Hassun” also marks a nice turn as this season’s focus seems to be maintaining. One of my biggest issues with the first season was the fact that Crawford and company were catching serial killers on a near weekly basis. It made the show feel disjointed and slightly out of sync at times. This season is already putting a greater emphasis on the over-arching narrative, as evidenced by the season’s opening flash forward and the non-weekly murderer lock-ups.

We may be only three episodes in but, so far, things have been running like a well-oiled machine. All of the characters are now established and each carries his or her own agenda and relationship statuses. We have the agents working in the lab, familiar with Graham and who seem to be pulling for him. Dr. Katz, as I said last week, is getting her chance at a bigger role. If the previews for next week’s episode are to be believed she may have an interesting situation on her hands. Alana Bloom and especially Jack Crawford are wrestling with the notion of whether or not they pushed Will over the edge. Laurence Fishburne has had some awesome moments to shine so far this season, but I am starting to get the weary feeling he may not make it out alive. It’s just a hunch so far though so don’t get too scared yet.

I am glad “Hassun” decided to pull things back a bit this week and give us a little breathing room. The first two episodes were awesome but draining. This episode marks a great transition from hectic, dark and cynical, to a bit more ponderous and even optimistic in a way. Graham is inching a bit closer to freedom, but we already know he will never be the same again. I am glad this season is more glued together. The long term story is taking center stage now and I can’t wait to see Lecter and Graham continue their duel of mind and spirit.

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Mikeoldboy