A lot of people have been fairly disappointed with this episode and with the beginning of season three in general, however these viewers seem to be missing the point of these first few episodes. The ending of season two was a massive moment for both the characters and the show itself, and it would have been wrong if Fuller and his team hadn't treated the aftermath of this event without the proper weight it deserves. This episode provides a wonderful insight into the relationship between Will and Hannibal, and really reveals just how much these two men meant to each other.
Throughout the episode, Will is consistently conflicted in regards to his feelings towards Hannibal. He is unsure whether to bring Hannibal to justice, or to join him and start a new life. The scene in which Will searches for Hannibal in the Italian catacombs culminates with Will saying to a still hidden Hannibal, "I forgive you." This is a very interesting moment in Will's character development, and it will be as equally interesting to see how this will affect Will's hunt for Hannibal in future episodes.
The development of Abigail and Will's relationship is also a highlight, with Abigail experiencing many of the same feelings Will is. The show initially reveals that Abigail survived the massacre in Hannibal's home, however it is later shown that she is merely a figment of Will's imagination and did indeed die. This twist is one where half the audience will see it coming while the other half will not. Despite this, the reveal that she is a hallucination demonstrates just how much Abigail meant to Will and how he is regretful of the fact that she was caught in the conflict that ended her life.
While the episode is filled with gorgeous settings and symbolic visuals, the inclusion of more linear storytelling would benefit the show. The beginning of the episode, which is merely five minutes of archive footage from the season two finale, is unnecessary despite its symbolic purpose. The episode does however introduce some intriguing plot developments, such as the introduction of Inspector Rinaldo Pazzi who inserts himself into the manhunt for Hannibal.
Overall, a gorgeous episode filled with marvelous performances from all of the cast members. The inclusion of profound character development as well as stunning visuals elevate the episode to a place not everyone is giving it credit for.
Throughout the episode, Will is consistently conflicted in regards to his feelings towards Hannibal. He is unsure whether to bring Hannibal to justice, or to join him and start a new life. The scene in which Will searches for Hannibal in the Italian catacombs culminates with Will saying to a still hidden Hannibal, "I forgive you." This is a very interesting moment in Will's character development, and it will be as equally interesting to see how this will affect Will's hunt for Hannibal in future episodes.
The development of Abigail and Will's relationship is also a highlight, with Abigail experiencing many of the same feelings Will is. The show initially reveals that Abigail survived the massacre in Hannibal's home, however it is later shown that she is merely a figment of Will's imagination and did indeed die. This twist is one where half the audience will see it coming while the other half will not. Despite this, the reveal that she is a hallucination demonstrates just how much Abigail meant to Will and how he is regretful of the fact that she was caught in the conflict that ended her life.
While the episode is filled with gorgeous settings and symbolic visuals, the inclusion of more linear storytelling would benefit the show. The beginning of the episode, which is merely five minutes of archive footage from the season two finale, is unnecessary despite its symbolic purpose. The episode does however introduce some intriguing plot developments, such as the introduction of Inspector Rinaldo Pazzi who inserts himself into the manhunt for Hannibal.
Overall, a gorgeous episode filled with marvelous performances from all of the cast members. The inclusion of profound character development as well as stunning visuals elevate the episode to a place not everyone is giving it credit for.