Thirteen years after its initial premiere, Bryan Fuller's acclaimed thriller series Hannibal, starring Mads Mikkelsen as the titular cannibalistic psychiatrist, is now available to stream for free on Pluto TV. The 39-episode series, which originally aired on NBC from 2013 to 2015, explores the complex and disturbing relationship between Hannibal Lecter and FBI profiler Will Graham, played by Hugh Dancy.
A Darkly Romantic Masterpiece
While Hannibal draws inspiration from Thomas Harris's novels, its initial seasons function as a stylized crime procedural. Will Graham is enlisted by Jack Crawford (Laurence Fishburne) to help solve cases involving the elusive Chesapeake Ripper. Unbeknownst to the FBI, Lecter himself is the serial killer they are hunting. This setup allows the series to initially focus on the intellectual cat-and-mouse game between Graham and Lecter, a dynamic that evolves into a profound, albeit toxic, romantic connection.
As the series progresses, the initially adversarial relationship between Will and Hannibal deepens into an obsessive bond. Fuller’s direction often frames the two characters as mirrors of each other, highlighting their inability to fully separate despite the harm they inflict. This intense connection is central to the narrative, with characters like Freddie Lounds dubbing them "Murder Husbands" and Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier confirming Hannibal's romantic feelings for Will.
Even as Will attempts to distance himself and protect those around him, such as his wife Molly and her son, his deep-seated connection to Hannibal complicates his efforts. Season three sees Will confessing his desire to have left with Hannibal, a testament to the profound, if destructive, nature of their relationship. The series explores how love can be a monstrous force, a theme echoed in gothic horror classics.
Although a kiss between Will and Hannibal was omitted from the series finale, a decision creator Bryan Fuller has expressed regret over, the romantic undertones of their relationship are undeniable. The series is celebrated for its daring portrayal of this gothic love story, making it a standout in horror television.
