‘Hannibal’ season 3, episode 9 preview: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen find new ways to work together

Tonight, “Hannibal” introduced us to the “Great Red Dragon,” but what follows this up? We have an episode next week entitled “And the Woman Clothed with the Sun…” that furthers along the story of the Francis Dolarhyde case, and with Will Graham’s history of trying to relate to his killers, this puts him into the position of having to almost become the man. We anticipate both Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen getting some great material here, in particular sense present circumstances are forcing him to try to use this convicted and imprisoned killer as someone who can help him find answers.

The synopsis for the episode below tees up this story perfectly, and then also reminds us of the addition of “True Blood” alum Rutina Wesley, who is going to have an important role for most of the rest of this season:

“The FBI’s search for elusive serial killer Francis Dolarhyde (guest star Richard Armitage) intensifies as Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) begins envisioning himself in Dolarhyde’s tormented psyche. Wading deeper into dangerous territory, Will enlists the help of Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen) to assist with the killer’s profile. Meanwhile, Alana Bloom (Caroline Dhavernas) reminds Will that the last time that he and Hannibal worked together things didn’t end well, but Will sees no other option. Elsewhere, a new woman (guest star Rutina Wesley) comes into Dolarhyde’s life.”

For those of you who potentially fairly critiqued “The Great Red Dragon” for being perhaps paced a little too slowly, this episode should be a chance for things to start to pick up as the investigation starts to intensify.

We wish there was a promo to share, as well, but NBC chose not to air one after tonight’s episode. Sad news on that front.

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