Welcome back, Fannibals.
Yakimono was slower in terms of pace and density. In a way, this episode was more of a transition between the first and the second arc of this season, which also focuses on destroying all possible boundaries between the protagonists. Will is back in the game. And he's invading Hannibal's space in order to lure him in like a fish. But how do we catch a fish who essentially challenges you to play with him?
Attack Mode
Hannibal's excitement was palpable after Will proposed to continue his therapy. It seems like he's not trusting anyone else but himself to do the job, and his casual dismissal of Chilton's pleas reveals how far he can go. I must applaud Hugh Dancy's performance of a darker Will who's constantly on edge. And he smiles at the most inappropriate times. Sometimes I feel like I should be more afraid of Will than Hannibal at this point. It's funny, because this episode also demonstrated how utterly in control Hannibal truly is and how methodical he is about his flowery design.
Miriam's situation obviously mirrors Will's. Her own description of hearing a voice is an exact parallel to Will's sense of drowning back in season 1. Hannibal manipulates you in a way that consumes you entirely. And her subsequent reactions to Chilton's voice gives me flashbacks of Will pointing his gun at Gideon. This time however there is a renewed purpose and a sense of clarity for Will that makes him toy with Hannibal in the kitchen. Miriam hasn't reached that clarity yet. But she fulfilled Hannibal's purpose and became another perfect part of his entire design. Hannibal's predictable statement to see this story come to an end is another lure for Will. And one that he willingly accepts. Will and Hannibal have become equals.
If I've seen such a perfect set-up of a crime scene in Chilton's house, I wouldn't have hesitated for a second to point my finger in Dr. Lecter's direction. Perfection can reveal more about a suspect than sloppiness. And someone who's as intelligent and meticulous as Hannibal simply wouldn't murder the FBI in his own house and leave traces all over the place. It's like inviting Will to his place and showing him Beverly's body parts and then laughing diabolically.
A basement is more preferable.
It's times like these when I grow frustrated that people can be so oblivious.
Observation: We should keep an eye on Will's hairstyle. Everything's very neat, which might be a symbolic hint at his transformation into a "new Hannibal Lecter". Looks good, though.
Favorite quote: "Yes, I have an agenda. Living." - Dr. Chilton (who will be missed). Considering his importance in the source material, I am curious to see how Fuller will go on without using his character.
What did you think of Yakimono?
