The Great Red Dragon

"The Great Red Dragon" is the eighth episode of the third season of the psychological thriller–horror series Hannibal. It is the 34th overall episode of the series and was written by co-producer Nick Antosca, executive producer Steve Lightfoot and series creator Bryan Fuller and directed by Neil Marshall. It was first broadcast on July 23, 2015, on Canada, and then July 25, 2015 on NBC. The series is based on characters and elements appearing in Thomas Harris' novels Red Dragon and Hannibal, with focus on the relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), a forensic psychiatrist destined to become Graham's most cunning enemy. The episode revolves around a new threat, Francis Dolarhyde, who seems fascinated by The Great Red Dragon paintings, motivating him to become a serial killer. Jack Crawford approaches a retired Will Graham for help while Hannibal Lecter has spent three years in jail. According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.96 million household viewers and gained a 0.3/1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the new storyline, Richard Armitage's performance, Neil Marshall's directing, visual style and pace. Plot In a cafeteria, a man named Francis Dolarhyde (Richard Armitage) sees a TIME magazine with a retrospective of The Great Red Dragon paintings. Inspired by the paintings, he begins working out and has The Great Red Dragon and the Woman Clothed in Sun painting tattoed on his back. He shows devotion to the artwork, revealing an obsession with the paintings.