I'll Write You a Letter Tomorrow: Why We Can't Wait For 'Hannibal's' Return

By Cindy Davis | Lists | February 3, 2014 |

By Cindy Davis | Lists | February 3, 2014 |

I think it’s safe to say that after only one season Hannibal is already a Pajiba favorite; certainly it’s mine. With an eye toward imagined Thomas Harris prequels, Bryan Fuller served us up a sumptuous feast, focused on the early relationship between FBI agent Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter. He’s toyed with everything we thought we knew about these two men, casting mind-bogglingly fantastic actors to reestablish iconic characters; Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen have brilliantly handled the rest. Of course there’s so much more to the series: great writing, inspired imagery, the rest of the excellent cast, and extraordinary attention to every detail—from Hannibal’s suits to culinary preparation and presentation—even horrific crime scenes are too beautiful to look away. Fans of the book and film series thrill to every nod or twist Fuller plays; we delighted in “Savoureux’s” flipped around closing scene, and this new poster:

And we simply cannot wait—will barely be able to tolerate the passage of 25 more days until “Kaiseki” kicks off this series’ courses.

If you somehow missed the Season 2 trailer, it features a seriously kick-ass fight between Mads’ Dr. Lecter and FBI Special Agent Jack Crawford (related to Red Dragon events). According to reports from the Hannibal Television Critics Association panel, *minor spoilers ahead, swipe to see: The fight sequence opens the season, then the rest of the episodes will work toward that event, which actually takes place toward season’s end. *End spoiler.

5. Mason and Margo Verger Show Up, and We’re Being Prepped for Francis Dolarhyde.

Michael Pitt (Boardwalk Empire, Seven Psychopaths) is on board as Lecter’s patient and pedophile, Mason Verger. Harris and Hannibal (the 2001 Ridley Scott film) fans will remember an older version of Verger, bent on revenge against Lecter. Pitt’s version, described as similar to Sherlock’s Moriarty (as played by Andrew Scott), begins a deadly cat and mouse game with our good doctor…I think we all know who’ll win. Katharine Isabelle (Being Human, Ginger Snaps) will guest star as Mason’s sister, Margo—also Hannibal’s patient, after having suffered her brother’s abuse. And although we may not see Red Dragon character, Francis Dolarhyde aka The Tooth Fairy (as yet uncast) this season, there will be hallucinatory images that allude and are a prelude to the character’s upcoming appearance.

4. A Few Great Guest Stars…and Hope for a Glorious One.

Jeremy Davies as Peter Bernardone

Davies will play an animal rescue worker and murder suspect. (Just please, let him keep the Dickie hair?)

Martin Donovan as Crawford’s Therapist

The divine Donovan (Boss, Homeland, Weeds) joins as Jack Crawford’s (Laurence Fishburne) unnamed therapist. Looks like he’s going to need a good one…

Cynthia Nixon as Kade Prurnell

Davis’ character works for the Office of the Inspector General in FBI Oversight and will investigate the first season events.

Jonathan Tucker as a “Psychopath of the Week”

Better suited than Mae Whitman’s Parenthood crush, I’ll tell you that.

Amanda Plummer as Katherine Pimms

Plummer will play a troublesome acupuncturist.

Chris Diamantopoulos as Clark Ingram

Diamantopoulos (Episodes, Arrested Development) guests as Bernardone’s (Jeremy Davies) social worker.

And We’re Still Holding out Hope for David Bowie as Hannibal’s Uncle.

“…still hoping that will come together. If not, Fuller will ‘park’ the character for a while until Bowie is available.”

(Along with series regulars, Raúl Esparza and Eddie Izzard are also confirmed to return.)

3. More Gillian Anderson. I Mean, You Can Never Really Get Enough.

We should be satisfied with the knowledge that Jack Crawford is about to figure out a little something-something ain’t right with Dr. Lecter, and we get to see that play out in the very first episode. But bloodthirsty savages like us, we’re never quite sated, are we? I find myself wondering how much has crossed Dr. Du Maurier’s mind. Surely she knows something is wrong, but does Hannibal know she knows? And whatever will he do…maybe kiss her? Fuller says there will be “Lots more kissing;” Mikkelsen added “With the wrong people.” Hmm.

2. Even More Insane and Grotesque Crime Scenes.

Though we can’t imagine topping the first season’s beautifully gruesome crime scenes, at the same time, we have no doubt Fuller will find a way. These two shots are taken from a couple of seconds in the trailer, and there’s an upcoming “beehive” that’s said to put human mushrooms to shame.

1. The Trailer and Preview Clips Are Killing Us.

I don’t know when I’ve been this excited by a television promo before. My heart just leapt out of my chest when Hannibal went after Jack—and then, the run and THAT JUMP happened.

Let’s not talk about how many times I’ve watched those.

Hannibal returns with “Kaiseki,” Friday, February 28th. The only thing left to do is have a re-watch (Season 1 is available on DVD, or Amazon Prime streaming.)

Cindy Davis, (Twitter) believes a slight tagline adjustment should be made.