I've never read the books, but I did see the movies. So, I've had some pretty high expectations for this show, since it brings life to one of the most badass evil dude's in the history of thriller genre. And, I'm surprised to say that 'Hannibal' TV show goes beyond my expectations. It was awesome as hell.
I had to spend some time before writing this, to think what I'm going to write for this review because it's really hard to review something good. If this show was bad, I could've rant along all over this page talking about all the mistakes they did and how horrible it looks. But, can't do that to Hannibal, it's just too good. So, while I was thinking, I ended up watching the pilot episode for three times. And, I still can't get enough of it. Anyway, I guess I will try to write something up about this new show.
If you'd want me squeeze the entire review into few words, I would say "Hannibal is my favorite new show of 2013". If want more detail, continue reading.
Note -: This review contains few minor spoilers
First of all, I saw some critic's compare Hannibal with Dexter. Please, do not do that. Dexter and Hannibal are totally different kind of shows. Yes, they have a few minor relations but its not the same. So, get that off your mind.
As you may already know, 'Hannibal' TV show was made based on the epic thriller novel, Red Dragon by Thomas Harris. This show focus on two main characters. First is Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), an expert nut job who works with the FBI to catch the most baddest, cannibalistic maniac's with his own unique ways. The other is doctor Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), who was hired by the FBI to baby sit Will. By the way, our good doctor is actually a human-flesh eating maniac. And, he also likes to mess around with people's head.
Hannibal pilot episode dived directly into the story showing what our FBI freak, Will Graham can do. He's more like a creepy Sherlock Holmes that uses all the evidence and clues on a crime scene to predict how it happened. This show takes us through his imagination brilliantly with an awesome reversing cut to show us, the audience what he sees. It was something that I've never seen in a TV show. In movies, yes. But, not in a TV show.
Doctor Hannibal enters the show politely, showing off his good eating manners, of course. Which you'll see him doing a couple of times in the show. And we also get to see him cut, cook and eat human flesh too. He's more of a cannibalistic sociopath. I guess you would already know that if you've seen the movies. He comes to look after and help Will, as the FBI fears that Will has some issues when it comes to being social. So, they start going on missions together. Only, Will doesn't know that our loving doctor Lecter is one hell of a guy to hang around with.
Without going into much story detail, I will try and explain why this show is Sooo.. Gooood. 70% of the goodness should go to the mysterious story detail, which made me watch it over and over again for three times. Other 30% goes to the brilliant acting of all three main stars including Laurence Fishburne, awesome editing, creepy sound effects and the intense violence. I wish I could say something bad about this show, but I really couldn't see anything that bad. Some viewers say that they could have picked a better cast, although I think they are doing their job to perfection.
Overall, 'Hannibal' is not scary, and it's not action-packed either, but it's one hell of a show, as far as the premiere goes. And, I think we can hope this show to get only much better in more episodes to come. I made a vow to myself that I'm never gonna miss a single episode of this show.
In a small preview clip at the end of the pilot episode, it shows some awesome scenes from the upcoming episodes including one with Gillian Anderson, Lecter smelling Will from behind and more. Don't miss it.