‘Hannibal’ season 3 spoilers: How ‘Digestivo’ leads to ‘Red Dragon’ story

In some ways, it is fitting to think of “Hannibal” as two separate seasons this year. First, you’ve got “travels through Italy,” and following that the story of Red Dragon starts to rear its head. The July 16 episode entitled “Digestivo” is going to be an interesting way to serve as a bridge. It is the end of the Italy story, and whatever happens here will eventually lead to the massive time jump and the start of the second half of the season.

NBC has released their official synopsis for the episode below, and this makes it clear just how Mason Verger will be involved potentially in everything that transpires. We already know that he has a most violent agenda for Hannibal, but whether or not he is actually able to properly execute that will be part of the drama of the hour:

“Captured in Italy by police on Mason Verger’s payroll, Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) are delivered to Muskrat Farm to await Mason’s (guest star Joe Anderson) revenge. Alana (Caroline Dhavernas), distressed that Will has been endangered along with Hannibal, plots a rescue. And Hannibal, once again in contact with his old patient Margot (guest star Katharine Isabelle), finds it irresistible to remind her that Mason will never make good on his promises. Meanwhile, Jack (Laurence Fishburne) informs Chiyoh (Tao Okamoto) of Hannibal’s location.”

Hopefully for the sake of Alana, the time that she has spent in the sphere of Mason over the episodes before this will help her to be aware of his strengths and weaknesses. That way, it will be somewhat easier for her to rescue Will from Mason’s clutches, and hopefully at the same time she can shake out some of his own violent urges.

If you missed it, head over to the link here to see what we had to say about this season of “Hannibal,” its cancellation by NBC, and future prospects in our latest podcast. Also, sign up to get some further TV updates on all we cover, courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)