Welcome back to a show that has unfortunately been cancelled by NBC. I'm still processing it, to be honest. And I'm having a hard time trying to find something new to watch and review these days. It's certainly difficult to find a show that explores the darkest parts of human nature in such insightful and artistic ways.
Aperitivo managed it quite well and I'd certainly call it the best episode of this season so far. After the slow start and terrible pace overall, it was good to see a flashback of the most important events. This episode marked a transformation of every single character, excluding Will Graham who's somewhat caught in the middle of this mess.
Let's start with Chilton and Mason Verger. Their exchange was absolutely delightful, in a morbid sort of way. I especially enjoyed the way Chilton was basically running around everywhere, trying to build up his Anti-Hannibal coalition, only to be confronted with people who have been radically changed by Hannibal in different ways. Of course, Verger would rather be the one pulling the strings. This is particularly interesting, because it's Alana who manages to stand tall and unaffected in his presence, easily overshadowing the revenge-driven, smug Chilton, who had visited her as well. He looked arrogant in Verger's presence, but not in control. I think both Mason and Alana were on more equal ground than Chilton with either of them. He might be trying to link the key players, but he's forgetting that they all have their own desires and motives. In a strange way, Hannibal brought out the extremes of what humans are capable of, which is why Alana for example was so different in both attitude and looks. Nice touch with her coat, by the way. It looked striking with the grey background of Mason's estate and made her look superior to Verger. The chemistry between Alana and Margot was quite interesting as well.
The episode's theme was highlighted by the contrast between light and dark; the shadows that hide people like Chilton and Abigail, or the light that brings out the strongest, but not necessarily the best aspects of a person, such as Alana's transformation or Will's boat tour at the end. Just because there's a light at the end of the tunnel, it doesn't mean the destination is a clean solution to the Hannibal problem. We see it with Will Graham. He wanted to ignore the worst in order to enjoy the best, meaning he wanted to find out what he stands for, what he is and what he believes in. If it means forgiving his "friend", so be it. That's the same kind of darkness that applies to people who do not in fact forgive Hannibal at all. And that's the power Hannibal has over all these people. He really does bring out the worst and simultaneously the raw, most honest version of a person.
What did you think of Aperitivo?
Glad you enjoyed the last one. Actually the fireflies set up was the one thing I enjoyed the most about the previous episode, but everything else was simply too slow for me to enjoy. Not the aesthetics, though. That's for sure.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agreeing with you on the living-dead state, except Chilton/Abigail. Though, I suppose Chilton was the most active, while everyone else put on that attitude of unbridled power. They do talk a lot, indeed. Just not facts.
The change by putting it here instead allows for Jack to be "rebirthed" instead, a theme of the franchise via metamorphosis, let alone an even bigger theme in what Fuller has been building
Indeed, but I still don't agree with the execution of Jack's rebirth, especially not if Bella is so carelessly brushed aside in the process, reduced to a dress and a window of a past to present metamorphosis. I guess we'll see how it continues.
"Indeed, but I still don't agree with the execution of Jack's rebirth, especially not if Bella is so carelessly brushed aside in the process..."
ReplyDeleteActually this is something that is to Jack's credit. He did what Hannibal can/could not--let go and give someone he loves "peace". He didn't want her suffer, He wanted to let go of his own pride, an excuse to not follow through his other obligations, and give her the death that SHE wanted...
They finally were more blunt in 3.02 with this, but Hannibal is waging war against the limitations of humanity. He hates God, but wants to play god all at the same time! If the story with Murasaki is still simalar, in that she left him, because she felt she lost him/couldn't save him, then it becomes much clearer to see that Fuller has used all these characters and his reactions to them (ie: death of Beverly Katz & Gideon), to point out that loss--that war with peace he's fighting against, because Murasaki was "peace'' ("You smell of green tea and jasmine. You smell of peace" - Hannibal about Murasaki in Hannibal rising). These characters reminded him of all his losses--the family he is trying to get back again in some way---Will Graham says to him in the s2 finale, that they changed him too and I think that is very very true.
Just an excellent on point review, Veronika K. - I look forward to what you have to say about what's coming. It was my favorite episode and wish it had been the first of the season, as another commenter other than myself first suggested - it might have helped a tiny bit with the ratings. I also love the slower, atmospheric ,artistic pacing of the first episodes but this one launched us into the realm of storytelling and not only the painting of imagery. It charged us up for the future drama of the players.
ReplyDeleteActually this is something that is to Jack's credit. He did what Hannibal can/could not--let go and give someone he loves "peace". He didn't want her suffer, He wanted to let go of his own pride, an excuse to not follow through his other obligations, and give her the death that SHE wanted
ReplyDeleteIt's something that I find extremely hard to empathize with, if we just consider the character's point of view. Human grief to me has also an inherent, selfish component. That's why Hannibal's mind is so fascinating to begin with. At least from my perspective. It's easier for me to understand someone who wages a war against something he cannot control, rather than someone who by nature does the best thing possible in this situation. Letting go.
Glad you enjoyed it :)
ReplyDeleteLove your calling them the living-dead - which is exactly how the survivors of Hannibal's orgy of blood came across. Also had a tad more respect for the vainglorious Chilton for calling revenge by its name. As usual you present intriguing alternative views. I still preferred this episode though as a form of drama - though I loved the first episodes ,they were art and indulgent but beautiful in their saturation of images. This episode was more electric - I nearly jumped when I saw Alana in that bright coat with her hard facade - no longer the warm gentle friend. Imagine what the next episodes will be with the players all coming together.Thanks for your comments as always.
ReplyDelete"This episode was more electric - I nearly jumped when I saw Alana in that bright coat with her hard facade - no longer the warm gentle friend."
ReplyDeleteSo True! It was way more electric (also a nice word to use!!) It gave the story it's momentum back, well, outside of Jack loosing Bella at least. I do think it was a brilliant episode, I am just a sucker for Eastern and ethereal Aesthetic, which actually scenes with Chiltin towards the end of the episode, seemed to have interesting Eastern-esque music! (and we have seen some Tableaus and the Wendigo presented as a trimurti/easter-esque like the 'sakura' tree or the human totem pole!!)
(I don't know if anyone saw Bryan Fuller's Pilot for "High Moon", but the Eastern music here reminded me of music there)
I have great empathy for Hannibal, because I too agree that fighting for something is natural and very human thing to do, but at the same time, Jack and Bella's relationship reminds me about relationships in relation to the right control or own somebody else's fate....
ReplyDeleteIf Bella didn't want to die and die a certain way, then I think what Jack finally does would be way harder to swallow, because he would be denying someone he says he loves the dignity and respect she deserves as her own person.
Hannibal, if eventually revealed to still be an protagonist, I think unfortunately likes suffering a little too much, because he uses controlling/altering others as his way of working through a lack of control--however his acceptance of Clarice at the end of Hannibal in the novel does suggest that he can change...
Although I'm not 100% back on the Alana Bloom train, I must say she killed it in the red during her first meeting with the Vergers. I'm loving her new style, and I've heard that they redeem her character after last season, so looking forward to seeing where this goes.
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