Jo Bromilow | On 26, Jun 2014

As the events of last episode seemingly put a halt on the hunt for the Ripper, we are introduced to some strange new story lines in Episode 8.

Will’s methods to catch and expose his prey are adjusting; in the opening scene, where he introduces Jack to his pastime of fishing, he explores the nature of ice-fishing – making the prey come willingly to the hunter. Is this Will’s new long game, to play nice and win Hannibal to his side?

Predators and prey, hunters and hunted, carnivals and herbivores… the power struggles within the animal kingdom take centre stage this week, as a series of nasty equine-related murders help distract Will from his derailed mission. A mentally disturbed animal lover, manipulated by someone he holds in a position of trust… yep, it’s fair to say that Will is emotionally invested in this case, which, while not as heavy on gore as previous week’s, does push the boundaries of disturbing concepts.

Hannibal had plenty on his plate this week before this murder even came along thanks to his intensifying courtship of Alanna Bloom (featuring possibly the most artfully shot sex scene in history) and a mysterious new patient, Margot, whom we meet initially via a brief scene featuring a tank full of fish. How will she relate to the show’s other big fish, Will? Time will tell; at the moment, she is providing Hannibal with an outlet to explore and test his therapy skills away from the complicated relationship he has with Graham.

Considering his big catch has evaded the line so spectacularly, Will is behaving very well this week. Jack Crawford has abandoned his suspicions regarding Hannibal, choosing instead to believe his protege Miriam Lass that the (seemingly deceased) Dr Chilton was the Chesapeake Ripper. With Beverley gone and Abel Gideon in several partially digested pieces, Will is a lone fisherman now. At this point in Season 1, Abel Gideon was introduced as a late pawn on the board; perhaps, again, a new group of characters are needed to be the front line players in Will and Hannibal’s struggle. So let’s see who comes for dinner next week.

 

Hannibal: Season 1 to 3 is available to watch online on Amazon Prime Video as part of a Prime membership or a £5.99 monthly subscription.

 

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All photos: NBC

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