First, I admit that I am not book purist, so it really doesn't matter all that much if Fuller deviates from the source material too much. In the past it was enjoyable even. The episode however didn't impress for several reasons, such as moving character A in order to get to plot B and create emotion C. That kind of storytelling process is too obvious in my opinion, which is why I'm firmly on team #Katzisalive.
A.V Club addressed the cliffhanger and revealed a rather gruesome picture that will be presented soon.
Memories and Danger
Whether it's a brief journey through Will's mind and his time with Abigail, or the disturbing details of Hannibal's "unorthodox therapy", it was honestly liberating for his character to go through the process to regain his identity. Chilton is really growing on me, by the way. The way he stood up to Hannibal and managed to back him into a corner with that sassy attitude was nice to see. And Will mentors not just him, but also Beverly, leading them past the traps that Hannibal has so carefully laid. Unfortunately, such actions don't come without consequences and Will's interference literally puts other characters in danger simply by being his mouthpiece and challenging the intelligent psychopath. Challenges are met, but Hannibal wants to silence, ensnare and finally mold Will to an image that he envisions for his "friend". Others are probably not "friend" enough to consider at this point.
Problems
Oh, Beverly. Fans are complaining that her visit to the basement without backup etc. was foolish, but we knew they'd eventually set up ways to come closer to the truth. Unfortunately, her death feels exactly like that. A plot point and unfortunate side effect. It also makes us question what she's seen before Hannibal appeared.
Characters die, people get hurt. We move on to follow the story. The same thing happened with Abigail. This time however I would not settle for simply writing her out like that, even though Fuller revealed that she was supposed to die in season 1. Characters like Beverly, Abigail, Freddie, Brian etc. are not the protagonists that we are supposed to follow in this story, but removing their own stories, no matter how minimal, and then killing them off is the same as discarding their potential. In Abigail's and even Bella's case it's much better done, since it feels like we are following their journey through the pain and attempts to regain their agency. So we can settle for their point of view.
Gina Torres did an absolutely fantastic job to establish the way her character seeks control over something that doesn't want to be controlled. That type of power can indeed make someone feel very much alive. Hannibal can respect that, but that doesn't prevent him from playing God.
Bella's anger at having her own choices dismissed and her potential conflict with Dr. Lecter might lead to the foreshadowed fight between Hannibal and Jack as a result of what happens to her. And just to mention in this context, goodbyes are always painful. They mark an uncertain future and the irreparable damage that can be done to the people left behind. They are also a way to help the person make choices that contradict what other people expect of them, but can be empowering for the person saying goodbye. In the end, they always change people. And outside parties can claim to help these people, as Honey Bunny/Katherine Pimms (Amanda Plummer) did. However, that is also an act of playing God, especially with people who aren't fully aware of what is going on exactly. That's also why Bella's state and Hannibal's smirk heavily resonated with scenes of Clarice and Hannibal in the future. Bella's scenes were heartbreaking and tough to watch.
Awareness is and should always be top priority. And that's what Will has been fighting for and will continue to pursue.
Without equals and friends like Beverly at his side.
To conclude with a quote from Red Dragon (Thomas Harris)
"I'm sorry, Beverly. What did you say?" He looked at her bright eyes, and kindly well-worn face.Beverly Katz and Will Graham
"I just said I'm glad to see you back, Champ. You're looking good".
What did you think of Takiawase?
Thanks Veronika for another great review.
ReplyDeleteDespite the sadness of potentially loosing Beverly (and I say that because of certain spoilers pertaining to another character) I liked the way the episode went about certain things with an Eastern Philosophy edge, as in Hannibal Rising Lady Murasaki (whom we've not yet seen despite the massive winks to her with these Japanese titles) was the one to try and teach Hannibal ways to ease his suffering and find peace, which he has to leave her and France, because he could not listen to her...(and this parallels Katz not listening to Will)
Note: All of Hannibal's ancestors were warriors. From the one's that built the castle and then even Lady Murasaki had a shrine to remember her samurai ancestors.
So to see him not accept peace (and to know he has this commonality with Jack is also interesting), but forced to have to do something about the only main Asian character so far Katz, and to have this all juxtaposed by the honey-bee killer, and to see Abigail in Will's dreamscape/extrapolation really hit the mark with a man who is wrestling with God (and fear of death) here on Earth.
It will be interesting to see where we go from here, especially since next episode promo seems to indicate another copy cat-like killer similar to Dr. Gideon...
I hate how it sounds but Beverly's death will make Will stronger than ever. Also making him embrace the darkness already and sending that guy to kill Hannibal, which we all know he won't succeed but it will be fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteSmart people in denial can be foolish but I don't think I saw anything in the episode that would imply Beverly is dead nor have I seen anything in any episode to imply that either Abigail Hobbs or Miriam Lass is dead. Hannibal could be just feeding their limbs to their colleges and keeping them alive and healthy for them to watch it on video.
ReplyDeleteBut perhaps I am just in denial about Beverly being implied to be dead, and am being foolish.
That's what's very problematic to me. Character death serving as fuel to Will's emotions is not really the type of storytelling that I appreciate. But I hope it gets better and I'm really excited to see the fight.
ReplyDeleteI think Beverly is either dead or a prisoner. Her final shot went through the floor above her, suggesting Hannibal was on her, struggling with her. I say she might be a prisoner because I am also not convinced Abigail is dead. What did Beverly see just before turning to see Hannibal behind her? Only a couple plausible possibilities come to mind: she saw Abigail's corpse, perhaps in a freezer, or she saw Abigail herself, alive, imprisoned. Maybe Hannibal keeps some people alive, "growing" them in the dark like mushrooms or veal calves, cutting off parts of them as necessary for meals or to taunt his living victims like Jack. All that said, I think it's more likely Bev is dead.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with you.
ReplyDelete