How two Stranger Things stars totally should have been in Hannibal season 4.

How two Stranger Things stars totally should have been in Hannibal season 4.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I still haven't properly mourned the cancelation of Bryan Fuller's gothic and visually stunning take on Thomas Harris' characters in Hannibal the TV series. When it was originally announced they are making these iconic novels/films into a TV series on a popular station like NBC I'll be the first to admit, I was on the fence. I really couldn't wrap my mind around this actually working as a TV series. 

Boy was I wrong.

Actually the same happened with The Exorcist the TV series. Something audiences didn't believe could be adapted onto the small screen, actually worked brilliantly, and much like Hannibal sadly suffered an early death, leaving fans from all over beyond frustrated.

I think what really sold me on the TV series was the casting of Mads Mikkelsen. I could only imagine trying to fill the shoes that Anthony Hopkins left behind. Still, at this point I felt as though the sleekness and edge the character of Dr. Lecter had lost someone of it's "edge" He was always turning into this campy one-liner villain, and didn't seem as frightening as he once did before. Mikkelsen stole the show in Casino Royale (to date one of my favorite Bond films) and clearly established that he was bringing something completely new to the table by playing such an iconic character. Mikkelsen is frightening, but also likable in a strange lingering way. Watching him make Dr. Lecter is own throughout these three seasons was truly a huge pleasure. I believe Mikkelsen is one of our generation's greatest actors, and I really do love whenever he appears in a new project. 

I often tell people, watch Manhunter (1986), Silence Of The Lambs, and then the Hannibal TV series. I believe Fuller got most of his inspiration with looks, cinematography, and overall mood for the series by Michael Mann's original film. I have nothing against the remake Red Dragon, but the cast honestly seemed to be sleep walking in this stale empty shell of a story. Manhunter was edgy, ahead of it's time, shot beautifully, had a wonderful soundtrack, as well as featuring William Petersen as FBI profiler Will Graham. Huge Dancy filled this role wonderfully, and brought the same haunted disturbed sympathetic side to Graham, and how his mind work "This is my design..." as well as the tragic love story between him and Hannibal. I can even forgive not bringing Scott Glenn back for the show (He was by far my favorite Crawford), as Fishburne took over this character brilliantly seeing that it had been recast over and over and over again! This show made great casting choices (even changing the sex of some and working to the show's advantage) I think Fuller knowing the show was getting canceled did the ending that made the most sense and was beauitfuily tragic as the mic was dropped showing the only ending that seemed fitting now that the idiots over at NBC refused to continue the story. I loved how it ended, but it showed most certainly that this was truly the end of the characters of Hannibal and Graham. I enjoyed them tackling the Red Dragon part of the storyline, but couldn't believe they were ending it right before the most famous and iconic chapter was just waiting to be told.

The Buffalo Bill storyline.

I'm still in awe Netflix didn't jump at the chance to run this show another 1-2 more seasons. The fan base is huge, and the show has developed quite the cult following. Still, Netflix seems to have its head up its own ass (Yes, I'm talking about canceling the Santa Clarita Diet. I see you Netflix!) I'm sure fans, and even Fuller haven't given up hope. Who knows, even though all the major companies passed, maybe someday Hulu or Amazon might come to their senses. 

Speaking of Netflix, I'm sure yet again I'm not alone by binge watching all of season 3 of Stranger Things. It's funny, this is a show I have a love/hate relationship with. When I first discovered it during the summer of 2016. It was nostalgia overload. I remember thinking this was like had Stephen King directed The Goonies. I loved the music, the characters, that stunning opening title sequence, and all of the little references. The show became an overnight hit, and in October of 2017 season 2 hit. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. Trust me, I'm not one to totally hate on a show because it's a huge hit and becomes very popular. I actually really dig that, but much like the IT movie it left me going "Okay." Didn't love it, but didn't hate it. When season 3 started getting teasers I was certain this would become a summer staple to watch whenever the weather got warm. In 8 short hours I plowed through the third (and by far my favorite) season. I loved the soundtrack, storyline, action, and overall development this time around. I loved it so much, I'm truly hoping they do one more season and finally finish it up. I'm starting to see some storylines repeating itself and it would be a shame if they milked the cow for all it was worth, losing whatever charm it still holds. I on the other hand, found this season the strongest. Watching, I instantly saw two actors who would have KILLED it (no pun intended) had Hannibal gotten a 4th season covering the famous Buffalo Bill storyline.

Maya Hawke as Clarice Starling

The entire time I was watching season 3 the first time around I kept thinking to myself "Man, she looks familiar..." It wasn't until afterwards I saw who were parents were and laughed at how she really truly is the spitting image of them. Maya was a wonderful addition to the Stranger Things gang as Robin who had some really amazing character development. She proved she isn't just beautiful, but  showed off some pretty killer acting chops several times throughout season 3. There's just something very likable about her. I could see her playing Clarice perfectly. Think of the chemistry she would have with Mads. There's something lingering behind those big beautiful eyes of hers. I could see her telling the story of her uncle's farm to Hannibal, her eyes filling with tears, not blinking, and making the audience unable to look away. This would be killer to see such a strong female character brought to the table. I truly thought Anna Chlumsky would be the knew Clarice from season 1/2, but after watching Maya in season 3 of ST I know if anyone could play Clarice right (sorry Julian Moore) it would be her. Plus, since most of the storyline of Hannibal was all ready covered in season 2/3 we could mainly focus on her being hired by Jack, and investing the Buffalo Bill crimes. I know, how did Hannibal survive the fall from the cliff? Listen, in this world anything is possible. Maybe it was all a dream? Maybe Graham and Hannibal parted ways, or maybe by some strange chance it killed Will but Hannibal survived and was taken into custody. Here he mourns his friend/soulmate, and finds a glimmering chance with Clarice who is so eager to prove herself to the FBI and stand against a crazed famous killer.

Dacre Montgomery as  Jame Gumb aka Buffalo Bill. 

Without spoilers, I'm sure it's safe to say that Drace aka Billy in season 3 was one of the best parts. Highly underrated. Went from total asshole in season 2, basically a mullet wearing heartthrob that was so over the top, to villain in a very Invasion Of The Body Snatchers vibe this time around. He got to somewhat redeem himself (the character of Billy actually had quite a few layers behind him, involving some pretty heartbreaking backstory as well as showing he was a product of a broken home and abuse) his sacrifice at the end killed me, and I found it a very fitting ending to what I originally thought was going to be a very two dimensional character. Plus, had no idea he was Australian! Talk about hiding an accent very well! Maybe it was the hair and dangling earring throughout the show, but I felt major Buffalo Bill vibes from him. We know he's got some major acting chops, and can lash out being absolutely terrifying one second, and breaking down in tears the next. We know Fuller and the team behind Hannibal are some truly sick twisted freaks (I say this in the best way possible) they are truly artist, making haunting visuals for audiences. I could only dream of what they would think of with Bill's victims and the bodies he leaves behind. Maybe we even get some Easter eggs (Goodbye Horses, his dog, maybe even American Girl blasting somewhere) I would love to see a twist on this killer that Mr. Levine made so famous. I'm sure he would bring something fresh and new to the table, as well as something absolutely terrifying.

So thoughts?