Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal is characterized by its intense darkness, visceral violence, and gruesome themes—qualities befitting a series centered around a cannibalistic killer. Drawing from the narrative of Red Dragon, this series garnered critical acclaim and developed a devoted fan base, despite facing challenges with viewership ratings. Audiences praised its atmospheric execution, stunning cinematography, and a remarkable cast. However, often overlooked is the unexpected humor that punctuated this harrowing crime drama, a facet that many fans wish had been explored further before the show’s unfortunate cancellation prior to Season 4.
The narrative was enriched by an eclectic ensemble of characters, each contributing to the series’ distinctive blend of horror and humor. Hugh Dancy portrayed the brooding yet quick-witted Will Graham, while Mads Mikkelsen effortlessly embodied the clever and enigmatic Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Raúl Esparza’s flamboyant take on Dr. Frederick Chilton added further color to the already vibrant cast. These characters infused a unique, quirky humor into Hannibal, enhancing the viewing experience.
12 Hannibal’s Disdain for Rudeness
Hannibal’s Reactions to Freddy Lounds Reflect Our Own
A recurring gag throughout the series is Hannibal’s visible annoyance at rude behavior. This trait ties back to one of Dr. Lecter’s most memorable quotes: “Whenever feasible, one should always try to eat the rude.” An early episode highlights this when Hannibal’s neurotic patient Franklyn discards a tissue near him, leading to Hannibal’s disdainful gaze shifting between Franklyn and the tissue.
The character of Freddy Lounds, played by Lara Jean Chorostecki, received a gender twist from the original depiction in Harris’s Red Dragon. The male counterpart in earlier adaptations was famously portrayed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hannibal’s interactions with Mason Verger, particularly moments when Mason displays blatant rudeness, add some of the most humorous elements—who could forget the scene with Mason lounging on Hannibal’s desk?
11 Will References The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Hannibal’s Meta Humor Shines Through
During the pilot episode, Will Graham encounters Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who has been called in to aid the FBI’s hunt for the Chesapeake Ripper. Upon meeting, Will questions whether Hannibal is analyzing him as much as he is the killer. This sets the stage for Will’s increasingly sharp attitude throughout the pilot episodes.
Watch Pilot Scene
Known for his clever meta references, Bryan Fuller incorporates amusing nods to his other work, such as an earlier character from Wonderfalls appearing in Hannibal. Will’s cheeky line, “You wouldn’t like me when I’m psychoanalyzed,” cleverly echoes Bruce Banner’s iconic quote from The Incredible Hulk.
10 Hannibal Smells Will
A Whiff of Cannibal Spirit
In “Coquilles,”Hannibal leans in conspicuously to smell Will’s shoulder, leading the latter to incredulously ask, “Did you just *smell* me?” Hannibal’s cheeky comment about Will’s aftershave is both insulting and humorous, playing just as much into the series’ dark comedy as it does its horror elements.
Watch Hannibal Smelling Scene
9 Hannibal’s Casual Dismissal of Will’s Seizure
Just a Mild Seizure: Nothing to Worry About
When Will Graham suffers from debilitating encephalitis, Hannibal employs psychological manipulation to exacerbate the situation. One comically dark moment occurs when Will arrives at Hannibal’s home, triggering a minor seizure. Hannibal nonchalantly refers to it as “mild” in front of Dr. Gideon, who can’t help but find humor in Hannibal’s flippant demeanor.
8 Hannibal as a Fanboy
An Odd Fanboy Moment with a Serial Killer
In Season 2, during the investigation of the Muralist, Hannibal stumbles upon a grizzly tableau that presents a hilariously mismatched moment. His casual acknowledgment of an emerging murderer—”Hello. I love your work” —highlights Hannibal’s most absurd yet sincere expressions of admiration in the face of a grotesque crime scene.
7 Hannibal’s Sassy Responses
A Terribly Comical Quip to the Muralist
As Hannibal confronts the Muralist, his cutting wit comes to the forefront. When questioned about the inspirations sourced from his captures, Hannibal delivers an iconic remark that resonates with both humor and dark irony, epitomizing his characteristic approach towards his fellow killers.
5 The Shocking Scene with a Man Climbing Out of a Dead Horse
A Brutal yet Absurd Moment
In the deeply shocking episode “Su-Zakana,”viewers are met with a scene that combines horror and absurdity as Clark Ingram emerges from a dead horse. Hannibal, showing little alarm, casually pets a sheep nearby, encapsulating a blend of dark humor and macabre absurdity that characterizes the series’ unique voice.
4 Mason Verger’s Manic Humor
Verger’s Dark Joke-Telling
Mason Verger’s (Michael Pitt) deranged laughter—especially when he taunts Will about his treatment of his sister—creates a darkly humorous juxtaposition in the series. When confronted, Mason laughs off the violence, further solidifying his character as a parody of those who find humor in horror.
3 Bedelia’s Sharp White
Will and Bedelia’s Snarky Banter
The interplay of sarcasm between Will Graham and Dr. Bedelia du Maurier (Gillian Anderson) serves as another comedic highlight. Their exchanges throughout Season 3 reflect layers of tension mingling with comic relief, punctuating their tumultuous relationship with clever one-liners and memorable retorts.
2 Hannibal’s Notable Jokes
Maybe They Should Assume No One is Ever Really Dead
In pursuit of the Great Red Dragon, Will’s comedic line—”Ding dong, the Dragon is dead” —juxtaposed against Hannibal’s playful retort, “Ding dong, the Dragon is not dead,” creates a dynamic interplay of dark humor amid the tension of the plot, reflecting Fuller’s writing style.
1 Hannibal’s Airborne Antics
The Humor of Aerial Attacks
Despite its serious themes, Hannibal does not shy away from moments of physical comedy. Mads Mikkelsen’s background in dance translates into the fight choreography; however, one of the show’s recurring gags is Hannibal’s unexpected airborne antics during battles, providing comic relief in an otherwise chilling narrative.
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