Ep 3. Secondo

Hannibal season 3 episode 3, titled Secondo, is a continuation of the storyline from the previous episodes of the season. The episode brings us an insight into the early life of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Lithuania and his relationship with his younger sister, Mischa. Meanwhile, Will Graham is still on the trail of Hannibal and is trying to track him down somewhere in Europe.

The episode opens with a flashback to Lithuania, where we see a young Hannibal (played by Vladislaus Kaud) with his sister, Mischa (played by Yasmin Mwanza). Hannibal is the caretaker of Mischa since their parents died, and he has taken it upon himself to provide for her. They both scavenge for food, and Hannibal uses his knowledge of herbs to prepare their meals. But as the war brews in the area, soldiers come to their home, and Mischa is taken away. Hannibal is left alone, and the trauma of the incident marks the beginning of a transformation in him.

Back in present-day Italy, we see Hannibal (played by Mads Mikkelsen) in the company of Bedelia Du Maurier (played by Gillian Anderson), who is his confidant and accomplice. They are both living in a lavish villa now, enjoying the benefits of Hannibal's past killings and manipulations. But Hannibal is visibly disturbed and haunted by his past, and he confides in Bedelia that he wants to go back to Lithuania to see the place where his sister was taken away. Bedelia tries to dissuade him, but Hannibal is insistent, and they both leave for Lithuania.

Meanwhile, Will Graham (played by Hugh Dancy) is seen exploring Europe trying to find Hannibal. He meets with an old acquaintance, a scholar in Hannibal's history, who gives him some leads. Will follows the leads and ultimately ends up in Lithuania, where he discovers some startling facts about Hannibal's past. This is where the episode pivots, and we see some of the most powerful scenes of the season.

The scenes set in Lithuania are the highlight of the episode, as we see a vulnerable side to Hannibal, something that has been carefully concealed in the previous seasons. The flashbacks to Hannibal's childhood are tinged with melancholy and sorrow, and yet they are also beautiful in their portrayal of his relationship with his sister. The scenes alternate between the flashbacks and the present day, adding to the narrative's depth and complexity.

In Lithuania, Hannibal visits the ruins of his childhood home, where he spent his early years with his sister. He is trying to piece together what happened to her and why she was taken away. He visits the forest where they used to gather herbs and food, and the ruins of the castle where he met his uncle. The scenes are shot beautifully, with a haunting and ethereal quality to them that heightens the sense of loss and devastation that Hannibal feels.

The episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving us wondering what Hannibal will do next. Will he go back to being the ruthless killer he was before, or will he succumb to his emotions and become a changed man? The episode leaves us with many questions, but it also provides answers to some of the mysteries surrounding Hannibal's past.

Overall, Hannibal season 3 episode 3, Secondo, is a gripping and emotional episode that delves into the psyche of Hannibal Lecter. It is beautifully shot and expertly crafted, providing an insight into the character's complex past. The episode sets the stage for future episodes and leaves us on the edge of our seats, eagerly waiting for what comes next.