Ep 9. Shiizakana

In Hannibal season 2 episode 9, titled "Shiizakana," Will Graham is still struggling with the aftermath of his time spent behind bars and his precarious mental state is causing concern for those around him. Meanwhile, a new serial killer emerges, leaving gruesome animal remains in his wake. The killer's methods are especially chilling as he appears to be using his victims to create a monstrous creature of his own making.

As Will continues to work through his trauma, he begins to experience vivid hallucinations of a spectral creature that seems to be stalking him. These visions are made all the more alarming when it becomes apparent that the killer's bizarre creations bear a striking resemblance to the form Will's hallucinations take.

As the investigation into the animal killer heats up, Will and Jack Crawford must work together to track down the monster before he can complete his gruesome masterpiece. Complicating matters is Hannibal Lecter, who continues to manipulate those around him to his own sinister ends.

Throughout the episode, tension builds as the killer's true identity is slowly revealed, all while Will's mental state continues to deteriorate. The lines between reality and illusion blur, with both Will and the audience left questioning what is real and what is merely a figment of a damaged psyche.

As is typical of Hannibal, the episode is visually stunning, with a number of striking and disturbing images featuring prominently. The killer's twisted creations are particularly chilling, and their impact is only amplified by the show's excellent sound design, which perfectly captures the tension and horror of the situation.

By the end of the episode, tensions have come to a head, with Will facing his deepest fears and the killer's true motives becoming clear. The stage is set for an explosive climax, with numerous loose threads left to be tied up before the season's end. Without giving away any spoilers, "Shiizakana" is a thrilling and unsettling episode, showcasing Hannibal at its best.