by Cookie N Screen
Hannibal season two came with much furore. After all, our favourite FBI agent with a dwindling psyche is behind bars, Hannibal Lecter is running wild make meals out of legs and flesh and everyone is clueless to what is going on behind the scenes. And Bryan Fuller and co have created, from the original Thomas Harris canon, a series of characters that we can truly invest in. Those kind of characters that feel wholly real despite the fact that they are all rather poshly dressed, have exquisite taste in the arts and speak right out of a poetry book. It’s been hard to whittle it down to just five, but these are the best characters of season two.
(NB: Due to my other post, there was a crossover of characters and moments so in the interest of keeping it fresh, I’ve not added Beverley Katz or Bedelia. I just HAD to talk about two more though).
Hannibal season two came with much furore. After all, our favourite FBI agent with a dwindling psyche is behind bars, Hannibal Lecter is running wild make meals out of legs and flesh and everyone is clueless to what is going on behind the scenes. And Bryan Fuller and co have created, from the original Thomas Harris canon, a series of characters that we can truly invest in. Those kind of characters that feel wholly real despite the fact that they are all rather poshly dressed, have exquisite taste in the arts and speak right out of a poetry book. It’s been hard to whittle it down to just five, but these are the best characters of season two.
(NB: Due to my other post, there was a crossover of characters and moments so in the interest of keeping it fresh, I’ve not added Beverley Katz or Bedelia. I just HAD to talk about two more though).
Peter Bernardone
Short lived murderers who perforate the background in this television series often end up on the sticky end of a weapon. Or locked away in jail for life. There was something so oddly stirring about Peter’s character. Mainly because he was an innocent, mentally challenged killer manipulated by someone else. His sort of demeanour made him likeable. His modus operatus made him disgustingly enjoyable. So much so that stuffing his lawyer into a horse (his lawyer being the evil one) may raise an eyebrow (including Hannibal and that man eats people) but his nature is soft which makes him largely unforgettable in this series.
Short lived murderers who perforate the background in this television series often end up on the sticky end of a weapon. Or locked away in jail for life. There was something so oddly stirring about Peter’s character. Mainly because he was an innocent, mentally challenged killer manipulated by someone else. His sort of demeanour made him likeable. His modus operatus made him disgustingly enjoyable. So much so that stuffing his lawyer into a horse (his lawyer being the evil one) may raise an eyebrow (including Hannibal and that man eats people) but his nature is soft which makes him largely unforgettable in this series.
Bella Crawford
This character is so grand and amazing that she is barely in season two but she came immediately to mind when thinking of the best characters of the series. It may be because her character is wrought with illness and waning love for her own morality has a touch of humanity too it. Or it may be because she is the only character to slap Hannibal Lecter, because he saved her, and not wind up in a soup. Actually, it’s mainly because she is the most sensible and realistic character who is played incredibly well by the most fantastic Gina Torres. She is endearing, her story and plight, showcasing a strong woman blighted by cancer.
This character is so grand and amazing that she is barely in season two but she came immediately to mind when thinking of the best characters of the series. It may be because her character is wrought with illness and waning love for her own morality has a touch of humanity too it. Or it may be because she is the only character to slap Hannibal Lecter, because he saved her, and not wind up in a soup. Actually, it’s mainly because she is the most sensible and realistic character who is played incredibly well by the most fantastic Gina Torres. She is endearing, her story and plight, showcasing a strong woman blighted by cancer.
Mason Verger
In a show about murderers and cannibals, it’s really weird to be placing a violent and abusive character on a list of favourites. That being said, Michael Pitt’s utterly compelling performance as the spoilt Lecter victim was so great that he edged his way to problematic favourite. The thing is is that Verger’s role as the sickening and incessant man who worms and manipulates his way to get all the revolting things that he wants. He even shimmies into Lecter’s office and is so heinously rude that it’s a wonder he survived rather than having half of his face peeled off. You’ll delight in this and his final comeuppance.
In a show about murderers and cannibals, it’s really weird to be placing a violent and abusive character on a list of favourites. That being said, Michael Pitt’s utterly compelling performance as the spoilt Lecter victim was so great that he edged his way to problematic favourite. The thing is is that Verger’s role as the sickening and incessant man who worms and manipulates his way to get all the revolting things that he wants. He even shimmies into Lecter’s office and is so heinously rude that it’s a wonder he survived rather than having half of his face peeled off. You’ll delight in this and his final comeuppance.
Frederick Chilton
Ever since Thomas’ Red Dragon, Dr Chilton has always been that annoying prick and for the first series, he really took the mantle of egotistical bastard. However, in series two thanks to Raul Esparza, Chilton levelled up from “man you’d most likely punch” to the one with the soundest mind. After all, he is one of the first (bar Will) to become suspicious of Hannibal’s wrong-doings and he is also the one who coined “Hannibal the Cannibal.” Sassy, intelligent (even if he is lacking in the common sense side,) Chilton promptly became a fan favourite. And was quickly shot in the face for attempting to unravel Hannibal's plan. Not before, he too, was framed.
Ever since Thomas’ Red Dragon, Dr Chilton has always been that annoying prick and for the first series, he really took the mantle of egotistical bastard. However, in series two thanks to Raul Esparza, Chilton levelled up from “man you’d most likely punch” to the one with the soundest mind. After all, he is one of the first (bar Will) to become suspicious of Hannibal’s wrong-doings and he is also the one who coined “Hannibal the Cannibal.” Sassy, intelligent (even if he is lacking in the common sense side,) Chilton promptly became a fan favourite. And was quickly shot in the face for attempting to unravel Hannibal's plan. Not before, he too, was framed.
Hannibal Lecter
Yes. Yes. The shows namesake is still the intriguing mastermind of the entire show. Effortlessly played by Mads Mikkelson, who layers another version of Lecter with delicate undertones that run through to his painful background right to his revelling in the chaos he inflicts. This flare of ingenuity, that twitch of his eye as someone is rude, the small hints of a smile when things go exactly his way, this amazing performance is what makes NBC’s Hannibal such a terrific season. There is no denying that Mikkelson, and subsequently Hannibal, pull the show along in an exhilarating way. Murderous but delectable, Lecter will always be top dog here.
Yes. Yes. The shows namesake is still the intriguing mastermind of the entire show. Effortlessly played by Mads Mikkelson, who layers another version of Lecter with delicate undertones that run through to his painful background right to his revelling in the chaos he inflicts. This flare of ingenuity, that twitch of his eye as someone is rude, the small hints of a smile when things go exactly his way, this amazing performance is what makes NBC’s Hannibal such a terrific season. There is no denying that Mikkelson, and subsequently Hannibal, pull the show along in an exhilarating way. Murderous but delectable, Lecter will always be top dog here.
Who are your favourite characters?
What's their best moment?
Let us know in the comments!
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