Hannibal
Season 3 Episode 7 “Digestivo”
Directed by Adam Kane
Written by Steve Lightfoot
Created by Bryan Fuller
Starring Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Dhavernas, Gillian Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Joe Anderson, Tao Okamoto and Katharine Isabelle
NBC
Air date: Saturday, July 18th, 2015, 10pm

Hannibal has smartly avoided the trap some shows fall into by separating its season into two distinctive halves. One main story typically comes to a close, with another main story emerging in its wake. It’s a smart pacing decision, as we’re often treated to a pseudo-season finale halfway through the season, bringing with it all the chaos and incredible plot decisions that would come with a typical finale. “Digestivo” rises to that occasion, while setting up a very interesting dynamic for the rest of the season.

I’ve mentioned this in previous reviews, but the subtitle for the first half of season three could very easily be called “The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend,” as “Digestivo” pits Alana (Caroline Dhavernas) and Margot (Katharine Isabelle) against Mason (Joe Anderson) with Hannibal (Mads Mikkelsen) in the middle. We’ve been continually reminded that Hannibal is at his best when he lets others think they’re in control. We all knew it was only a matter of time before he’d either get out of his bindings of his own accord or if he’d be freed. What makes the scene with Alana, Margot and Hannibal work so well is we’re very much seeing these women make a deal with the devil they know. And the way that first time director Adam Kane shoots the entire sequence makes it feel like a triumphant moment for all involved and a fitting way to give the titular character a moment of “heroism,” even if it comes at the cost of Cordell’s face.

However, the most powerful scene again comes down to the interaction between Will (Hugh Dancy) and Dr. Lector. Breaking up is hard to do for these two, but I find it interesting that it’s Hannibal who actively gives up himself up to Jack (Laurence Fishburne) instead of Will being the one to bring him in. It’s a twistedly perfect ending, one that sort of reminded me of Gone Girl in the sense that it’s so fitting I couldn’t think of it ending any other way. Will wants to be completely rid of Hannibal, but with Hannibal actively giving himself up, he’ll serve as the voice in the back of Will’s head; he’ll be the shadows in Will’s mind palace, constantly lingering and pestering him when he least expects it.

Which might come in handy, especially as the Red Dragon begins to spread his wings and take flight.

Quick Thoughts:

– Lots of nightmare fuel this week for sure: the juxtaposition of the pig and Will is one that will stick with me for quite some time.

– I have to say that I’m quite happy to be done with the Verger family, but wouldn’t mind seeing Margot pop back up at some point or another.

– Chiyoh (Tao Okamoto) is also still out there – a thread that will be revisited before the finale, I’m sure.

What did you think of the episode? Sound off in our comments!

Video

Hannibal 3×07 Promo “Digestivo”

Captured in Italy by police on Mason Verger’s payroll, Will Graham (Hugh Dancy and Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) are delivered to Muskrat Farm to await Mason’s (guest star Joe Anderson) revenge. Alana (Caroline Dhavernas), distressed that Will has been endangered along with Hannibal, plots a rescue. And Hannibal, once again in contact with his old patient Margot (guest star Katharine Isabelle), finds it irresistible to remind her that Mason will never make good on his promises. Meanwhile, Jack (Laurence Fishburne) informs Chiyoh (Tao Okamoto) of Hannibal’s location.