Hannibal (2013, NBC Series)

[Canelek]

I'm not usually one for network TV, but I was certainly intrigued that Thomas Harris' brilliant novel Red Dragon was being fleshed out as a bit of a prequel series. This series revolves around the beginning relationship between FBI Special Investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (the super-awesome Mads Mikkelsen). Lawrence Fishburn also co-stars.

The series premiered Thursday evening on NBC and seems to revolve around a serial killer who kidnaps, murders and sometimes eats young women in Minnesota. It is unclear that this was actually resolved in the first episode, but it certainly reveals a much darker subtext (bring on the doctor!).

Again, I would not have held interest in this just due to the Harris novels--it was purely due to the casting of Mikkelsen. Dude is brilliant. Most Americans would know him as the bleeding-eye-antagonist and Bond-enemy in Casino Royale. I think his finest work was from the Danish films De grønne slagtere (The Green Butchers) and Blinkende Lygter (Flickering Lights). Dude is a top actor and should really bring substance to the TV version of one of the most popular characters in literary and cinema history. Oh, and he was also brilliant in a subtle way in the underrated Valhalla Rising (One Eye).

Just one episode in, but it promises to be better than the usual sheepish network fare. Lots of blood!

I will be adding this show to the pile, and anticipating Thursdays!

[Keverian FireCry]

Oooh! Not really up on any new series over the last couple years, but now that I know Mads is in it I'll have to check it out. He is indeed an awesome actor and I'd recommend all those films you've mentioned(also Adam's Apples, The Hunt and the Pusher trilogy). Off to download it now.

[Hesten]

I still need to watch The Hunt, it should be amazing.

Remember he was also in A Royal Affair, nominated for an Oscar as best foreign movie this year

[Canelek]

Oh yeah, I need to see all of those!

[Canelek]

Watching 'The Hunt' now. Wow! Great so far, despite the obvious upcoming tragic parts. I love that the screenplay switches between Danish and English. Kind of perfect, at least when I was in Denmark...So seamless! You Danes are fucking rad!!!

And yeah, Mads is as usual awesome.

On a lark, I looked at Danish immigration law...wow, that is pretty tough...will have to check job listings in EU for IBM...tempted...(seems immigration acceptance is based upon country need.)

[Kluden]

I watched this the other night. It was hyped beyond belief! and it definitely delivered on overhype. I did not enjoy the first episode very much. I will hold judgement on the show itself, until I've seen 5 episodes, because its just not commonly fair to judge a show based on one episode.

yes, the casino royale guy was great as Hannibal, but that's it. That's all the show has (in one episode). FBI agent dude Will is just not believable, or empathic to the audience in any appreciable way. His mindset is annoying, his way of life is annoying, and his "gift" is really just whatever. The clock swing special affect when he is "doing his thing" is also just dumb.

Now, I guess its good that they are going beyond the standard set of "must do's" for a TV show, like, your protagonist is still flawed...but in Hannibal, he is uber-flawed. To the point of ridiculous. It leads to the above for me.

Maybe it will turn out better. So far, Hannibal was it for me. If the character of Will Graham doesn't get better, I won't make it past episode 5, sadly. I really enjoyed all the Hannibal movies. Case in point, Ed Norton's "Will Graham" was fine, and was enjoyable. This Will Graham is just too much.

[Canelek]

Adams Æbler is good!

[Bubba Grizz]

My wife and I started watching The Following when it began. We made it about 6 episodes in before we had enough. The show made the FBI look like incompetent boobs and they really played on the love of killing too much. Thinking long term we couldn't see how they could make a second season without doing something incredibly unrealistic. When I heard about this show starting up all I could think of is how shows and movies trend and compete.

[Canelek]

Episode 2 was pretty fucking rad! Interested to see if they will stick to a 'serial killer of the week' formula or begin to tighten up overall story arcs. I am guessing the latter.

[Kluden]

You wish...its baddie of the week for as many seasons as they can.

But I agree, episode 2 was much better than episode 1. Probably cause I watched it without commercials this time

[Keverian FireCry]

Watched this. Thought it was good. Some parts were great. I love Mads as Hannibal and the main actor is fine. While fairly unique and dark for NBC it still has the formulaic feel of other investigative dramas. I am already tired of the little flash scenes where Will goes into the mind of the killer, or if it were done with a bit less certainty (leave some mystery, let him make some errors, etc). Could be better with out some of those kinds of gimmicks and more focus on pacing of the episodes and unfolding mysteries. I think it would also be better if each case/killer were given more depth over two or three episode arcs in the story (similar to Luther and some other great shows).

[Canelek]

It reminds me of Grimm quite a bit (trick-o-the-week), but in a much-less comedic way. Luckily, Grimm is getting better since there is now a bit of a arc. I can only hope the same for Hannibal. I agree on the stylized "flash" scenes, but since network TV is hurting for shows that do not suck, maybe this one will break from the mold that is essentially one step up from clap-track shows.

It is nearly fucking impossible for shows on network TV to be good past a few episodes, however. This is just the way shit is. Look at network TV "comedy" after all. See the problem here? Mindless shit with clap tracks. People love stupid shit, as long as it is cheap and is on sale at Wal Mart. This is why Larry the Cable Guy, Jeff Foxworthy, Oprah, American Idol, Justin Beeber and Big Bang Theory exist.

Ooops, angry tangent, my apologies.

So, here's hoping for a smart network show.... and if it sucks after a bit, here's to Mads finding a better job!

[Canelek]

Looks like an overall arc is continuing to develop, which is a good thing. Steady progression in all aspects--good stuff! Solid acting all around, but Mads is still top dog here (not surprising). The chick from Wonderfalls is still pretty hot as well.

[Canelek]

Renewed for Season 3!

[Keverian FireCry]

Sweet. Not long ago I had heard it might get cancelled. It's not a great show, but for a network series it's really unique(and dark!) and keeps me interested.