Every frame of this show is a work of art. The design and aesthetics us just phenomenal. Its as beautiful as it is brutal, mixing together the ugly and the wonderful. The storyline is just as intriguing as the visuals, so many interesting choices and unexpected twists that just pay off so well. 'Hannibal' creates a surreal version of reality, the surreal kind of horror often presented in the show is almost fantastical. And all of this is brought together with it's unique style of dialogue. I could probably quote a memorable line from any episode, and almost any character, it's that good. Full of double entendres, references, symbolism and a healthy dose of dark humour.

Of course, I must talk about Hannibal himself. Mads Mikkelsen is phenomenal in this role. Hannibal never seems like an emotionless psychopath, he is such a charismatic and interesting character that you can't help but sympathise with him, and find yourself completely understanding why characters gravitate towards him and why they don't suspect him until it's too late. But at the same time, we are let past his person suit. We can see what a monster he is in the ways he manipulates those around him, sometimes even without any goal past being curious of what could happen. And things do happen. For a character who disguises or represses his emotions so often, Mikkelsen does an amazing job at expressing them through just the faintest expressions in his eyes. So much talent.

The only reason I didn't give this review 10 stars is because I don't think season 3 ever quite reaches the heights that were reached in season 2, with the first half, while still thoroughly enjoyable due to the unique style of the show, feeling sort of slow and aimless. It picks back up around episode 6 or 7, but the season at times is still lacking some of what makes the show feel like itself.

Overall, this show is a joy. Maybe joy isn't the right word, but I was consistently intrigued and amazed by the style and storytelling it had to offer. There's so many things I didn't even mention in my review, but I'm sure you can find those things in others, as it has, after all, been almost a decade since the show ended. If a season 4 ever becomes a reality, I would be delighted. But as is, Hannibal still feels like a complete story, so I won't dwell on it. I couldn't recommend this series enough to anyone who enjoys complex characters and relationships, and who can stomach all of its gore and questions of morality.