Ep 8. The Great Red Dragon

"The Great Red Dragon" is the eighth episode of the third season of the critically-acclaimed thriller Hannibal. The episode follows the story of Francis Dolarhyde, a disturbed individual who is obsessed with a painting of the "Great Red Dragon" from William Blake's novel Red Dragon. Dolarhyde is played by Rutina Wesley in a compelling performance that captures the character's sinister and tragic qualities.

The episode opens with a flashback to Dolarhyde's childhood, where he is abused and belittled by his grandmother. We see how this trauma shaped his development, leading to his fascination with the dragon and his desire to become a fearsome figure like it. Dolarhyde works at a film processing lab, where he is introduced to a blind woman named Reba McClane (played by Glenn Close), whom he forms a connection with.

Meanwhile, Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) is continuing his investigation into the "Tooth Fairy" murders, which the audience knows is the work of Dolarhyde. Graham consults with Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) about the case, creating a tense and intriguing dynamic between the two characters. As always, Lecter is manipulative and cunning in his interactions with Graham.

As the episode progresses, we see Dolarhyde's transformation into the "Great Red Dragon" through a captivating and eerie sequence of events. He creates a makeshift altar to the dragon and begins practicing bizarre rituals, such as covering his body in clay and biting chunks out of his victims. These scenes are unsettling and gory, perfectly capturing the horror and madness of Dolarhyde's character.

The episode culminates in a shocking and intense confrontation between Dolarhyde and McClane, which represents a turning point for Dolarhyde's character and sets the stage for the rest of the season. The scene showcases the talents of both Wesley and Close, who give the scene a sense of raw emotion and depth.

Overall, "The Great Red Dragon" is a standout episode of Hannibal that delves into the psyche of one of the show's most complex and intriguing characters. The writing, direction, and performances all come together to create a tense and disturbing work of art that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.