2

True mystery is the only word that can describe the intimate and complicated relationship between Dr Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham, at least as described in the TV series. There are many implications throughout the series that Hannibal cares and feels compassion for Will, which is clearly opposite to his rigid character and his behavior towards other human beings.

Will to Bedelia: “Is Hannibal in love with me?”

Lecter to Will: "Achilles wished all Greeks would die, so that he and Patroclus could conquer Troy alone." (implication about the homosexual relationship of Achilles and Patroclus)

Also, the only fact about Hannibal's sexual life we have is that:

Hannibal goes to bed with Dr Bloom.

Is it viable that there is an underlying love relationship (not necessarily sexually oriented) between the two?

Improve this question
7
  • 1
    Having sex with a woman doesn't mean you heterosexual only. Just because we don't see Hannibal have sex with a man doesn't mean he's not bi-sexual or even omni-sexual.
    – Paulie_D
    Jun 28, 2017 at 11:30
  • 1
    Agreed, however there is not a 100% clear sign or fact towards homosexuality, that's why I mentioned it
    – koita_pisw_sou
    Jun 28, 2017 at 11:32
  • 2
    Maybe I didn't express myself clearly. I mean the only clear evidence we have is sex with a woman. We don't know if he likes men sexually. As far as love is concerned, well that's my question in the first place and as I wrote "not necessarily sexually oriented".
    – koita_pisw_sou
    Jun 28, 2017 at 11:37
  • 1
    Then I would suggest you remove the reference to having sex as it's not relevant to your qyestion.
    – Paulie_D
    Jun 28, 2017 at 11:37
  • 2
    Hmmm, that's a bit debatable, since his feelings are vague, but that's the only hint we have about his sexual life. I can edit it, though, regarding heterosexuality ;)
    – koita_pisw_sou
    Jun 28, 2017 at 11:39

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

It's possible but somewhat amorphous.

Is there love? Or are they "In Love"? ...there's a difference.

Bryan Fuller explained to TVLine.com

TVL: In the first two seasons, their relationship — or the possible romance between them — was mostly between the lines. In the last few episodes of Season 3, though, it started to feel a little more like, “The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Sociopaths in Love.” We’ve had Bedelia asking Will if he aches for Dr. Lecter. Will and Hannibal’s “goodbye chat” felt like a breakup. To me, it’s all seemed more overtly romantic, and I just wonder if that’s what you’ve been trying to project.

FULLER: It felt like we had to s–t or get off the pot, ultimately, because there had been so much going on between these two men that when Will asks, “Is Hannibal Lecter in love with me?” it is very much about death and the romance between these two men. There is a quality to connections that go above and beyond sexuality. You can have this intimate connection with somebody that then causes you to wonder where the lines of your own sexuality are. And we didn’t quite broach the sexuality. It was certainly suggested, but the love is absolutely on the table. There is love between these two men, and confusion between these two men. We had to articulate it, and the idea for a [potential] Season 4 was an interesting continuation of that, as well as a subversion of it at the same time. So it’s strange to look at [this week’s episode] as a finale, because part of me believes that the most interesting chapter of Will Graham’s story is yet to be told.

Since S4 is not yet available (assuming it ever is), it's possible this will be explored in that season.

Fuller to The Independent

"There’s an interesting next chapter in the relationship between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter that would be fascinating to unpack. I’ve shared it with the gentlemen and they’re both keen on it."

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .