The Strange Harbors Podcast

Season 3: The Hannibal Files

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Welcome to “The Hannibal Files,” the third season of “The Strange Harbors Podcast.” Hosted by Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, and Amir Touray, “The Hannibal Files” returns our podcast to its series-centric roots with a look at Bryan Fuller’s NBC serial-killer drama, Hannibal, now streaming on Netflix. Gross, gorgeous, and one the best television series of the last decade, “The Hannibal Files” aims to dive deep into the worlds of Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham, exploring the show episode-by-episode. Join us each week as we break down the two episodes, provide our reactions, and draw from the source material to see where the show may be headed. As always, we encourage our fans to interact, so if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, you can write us at jeff@strangeharbors.com.

 

Episodes

Season 3, Episodes 12 and 13: The Number of the Beast is 666/The Wrath of the Lamb
Say farewell to The Hannibal Files: Red Dragon ends here, and perhaps in a way that you might not expect. What happens with Dolarhyde? Where do Will and Hannibal go from here? What is the legacy of the show? Tune in and find out.

Season 3, Episodes 10 and 11: And the Woman Clothed in Sun/And the Beast from the Sea
In the home stretch of the series and this podcast, we discuss the scattered yet still compelling episodes leading up to the end. Building up to the final showdown, Hannibal is introducing some new dynamics with old characters.

Season 3, Episodes 8 and 9: The Great Red Dragon/And the Woman Clothed with the Sun
Three years later, a new case draws everyone back into the good doctor's orbit. Richard Armitage is Francis Dolarhyde, a monstrous new killer targeting entire families. Will Hannibal cooperate and help the FBI catch him?

Interlude: Michael Mann’s “Manhunter”
Before we tackle the final arc of Hannibal, we take a look at Michael Mann's 1986 thriller, Manhunter. Manhunter serves as the first adaptation of the Red Dragon novel, and the basis of the final six episodes of Hannibal. Widely considered as a cult classic, Manhunter is a neon injection of 80s neo-noir.

Season 3, Episode 7: Digestivo
The Mason Verger arc comes to a close. "Digestivo" buttons up a number of storylines, setting the stage for a brand new direction in the final half-season of the series. How do Will and Hannibal escape their predicament at Muskrat Farm? What fate befalls the Verger estate? Tune in and listen to our thoughts!

Season 3, Episodes 5 and 6: Contorno/Dolce
Hannibal and Bedelia's time together in Italy has come to an end as the good doctor is luring all his enemies to him. Jack, Will, and Pazzi close in on Hannibal in an explosive couple of episodes that sets up the mid-season finale. Tune in and find out what we thought about the latest gruesome developments!

Season 3, Episodes 3 and 4: Secondo/Apertivo
With episodes 3 and 4, Hannibal hits a lull in the pacing in which we all agree isn't the best for the series. Will visits the infamous Lecter estate, while we catch up with the rest of the cast, whose fates are all still up in the air from last season's bloodbath.

Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2: Antipasto/Primavera
A new chapter of The Hannibal Files begins as we follow the fugitive Hannibal Lecter and his unexpected companion to Europe. Paris! Florence! Stolen identities! What is the esteemed doctor up to after the bloodbath that ended the second season?

Season 2, Episode 12: Mizumono
Get ready as Derek, Jeff, and Amir dive into one of the best episodes of television of all time. It's a bloodbath at Hannibal Lecter's house as Will and Jack execute their master plan, and not everything goes smoothly. What surprise does the good doctor have in store for us? Tune in and find out!

Season 2, Episodes 10 and 11: Ko No Mono/Tome-Wan
The first Verger saga comes to a close in the penultimate episodes of Hannibal's second season, with Jack and Will's trap for Hannibal ready to be sprung. What happened to Freddie Lounds? Will Alana forgive all the betrayals coming her way? We discuss this and more before the killer season finale next week.

Season 2, Episodes 9 and 10: Shiizakana/Naka-Choko
Robot bears and pigs in suits! We're nearing the end of Hannibal's second season, and Will Graham is playing a dangerous game. Can he bait the Chesapeake Ripper, or will he succumb to his newfound darkness? Join Derek, Jeff, and Amir as they discuss these two wild episodes.

Season 2, Episodes 7 and 8: Yakimono/Su-Zakana
More than half way into the second season, the show has wrapped one of its best arcs, and set a new status quo. Tune in to find out what we thought of all the new developments and the new direction the series is taking.

Season 2, Episodes 5 and 6: Mukozuke/Futanomo
The tides are turning in Hannibal's second season. One of the series' most memorable tableaus is finally here, and the power begins to shift away from the inimitable Dr. Lecter. What other nasty twists does Hannibal have in store for us? Tune in and find out!

Season 2, Episodes 3 and 4: Hassun/Takiawase
This week, The Hannibal Files is thrown into chaos. Will's murder trial! More Hannibal Lecter shenanigans! Two mysterious killers-of-the-week, and Beverly's investigation heats up. There's lots to talk about, so strap in and listen up!

Season 2, Episodes 1 and 2: Kaiseki/Sakizuke
Derek, Jeff, and Amir are back to cover the second season of Bryan Fuller's Hannibal. Springboarding from a shocking cold open, Season 2 starts with propulsive momentum. What's the new status quo? Who's the new killer of the week? We discuss all this and more in this week's episode. 

Intermission: What We’re Watching
That’s it for the first season of Hannibal, so it seems like the perfect place to take a one week break and take a breather. This week, Derek, Jeff, and Amir take the opportunity to talk about some of the films and shows that they've been watching. What's worth your time? What isn't? Tune in and find out!

Season 1, Episode 12: Savoureux
The first season ends with a bang as we discuss what's to be done with Will Graham and the season as a whole. With Will on the hook for Abigail's grisly fate at the end “Relevés,” the show pulls the rug out and deploys a fascinating reversal of roles. What did we think of "Savoureux?" Tune in and find out.

Season 1, Episodes 10 and 11: Rôti/Relevés
Shocker after shocker as Hannibal barrels towards its first season endgame. The final two episodes before the finale, Join Derek, Jeff, and Amir as they discuss the developments of "Rôti" and "Relevés." Abigail Hobbs takes center stage once again as Will Graham continues to spiral out of control.

Season 1, Episodes 9 and 10: Trou Normand/Buffet Froid
As we enter the final stretch of episodes of Hannibal's first season, we have two quieter, table-setting episodes. Will Graham spirals out of control as Hannibal plots his endgame for the season. Abigail Hobbs returns, and a new character enters the game. What did we think of these two episodes? Tune in and find out!

Season 1, Episodes 7 and 8: Sorbet/Fromage
As we pass the midpoint of Hannibal's first season, we get two fun, action-packed episodes focused mostly on our favorite cannibal serial killer. In this latest episode of The Hannibal Files, Derek, Jeff, and Amir discuss some fascinating production notes, the introduction of some great characters, and the themes of friendship.

Season 1, Episodes 5 and 6: Coquilles/Entrée
This week, Hannibal makes the leap from good television to must-see classic as we discuss episodes 5 and 6 of the show's first season, titled "Coquilles" and "Entrée," respectively. We talk about another disposable killer-of-the-week episode elevated by some beautiful thematic work, plus the big turning point of the season.

Season 1, Episodes 3 and 4: Potage/Oeuf
This week, we discuss episodes 3 and 4 of the first season of Hannibal, titled Potage and Oeuf. Following two appetizer courses, Hannibal throws us right into the deep end. Tune in as Derek, Amir, and Jeff dive deep into Hannibal's main course - the introduction of key player Abigail Hobbs, and the theme of family.  

Season 1, Episodes 1 and 2: Apéritif/Amuse Bouche
Our Hannibal journey starts here! Whether you're a new fan just tuning in on Netflix or a diehard veteran revisiting the series, this is the perfect place to get your fix of Hannibal discussions. This week, join us as we talk about the first two episodes of the series, titled "Apéritif" and "Amuse Bouche." Bon Appétit.

Prologue Episodes

Prologue: “The Silence of the Lambs”
Before we get into the nitty gritty with Bryan Fuller's Hannibal television series, we talk about Jonathan Demme's indelible 1991 film, The Silence of the Lambs. A dark horse horror film that unexpectedly swept the Oscars that year, The Silence of the Lambs is a classic that is undeniable with its influence. 

Special Announcement: The Hannibal Files
A special announcement for the new season of “The Strange Harbors Podcast” as we prepare to return to our series-centric format. This season, we will be entering the world of Bryan Fuller’s serial killer masterpiece, Hannibal.