Hannibal - What You Need to Know About the Pulled Episode, "Ceuf"

NBC "Hannibal"

Following the Boston Marathon Bombing, NBC felt it was best to pull Episode 4 of Hannibal having come to the conclusion that the episode's weekly story arc was too intense and insensitive; however, that is not to say that the entire episode could be deemed irrelevant. Rather than create continuity errors and plot holes in the greater arc of Hannibal's first season, NBC has decided to make some of the footage available online. Producer Brian Fuller explains that instead of airing the controversial episode in its entirety, they have decided to debut a web series showcasing exactly what was important in the growth of the characters and their relationships, specifically that between Lecter and Abigail Hobbs.

Both Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter feel a sense of paternal responsibility following the killing of Abigail's father. Will, who'd never known a true sense of family following his abandonment by his mother and a childhood that took place on the move, is a perpetual "stranger." Family was a concept he could never understand. Hannibal, also admitting to having had issues with orphanhood, understood Will's obsession with Abigail. Following the death of Garret Jacob Hobbs, Will has felt as though he was becoming Hobbs, like the connection he felt prior to the man's death suddenly consumed his entire being.

Going above Alana's request to keep Abigail in clinical treatment, Hannibal attempted to connect with the girl as well. After taking her back to his home for dinner, he offered her drugs, mushrooms to be exact, in order to help the clarity of her mind go to a more psychedelic place. In other words, he was looking to discover what truly made this girl he found so fascinating tick subconsciously. Delving deep would free her from her crippling nightmares, those surrounding the murder she'd committed in "self-defense" during the episode prior. In the end, it does seem as though Hannibal's desire to play daddy might be recognized, as his image, as well as Alana's, seemed to fade in and out of visions of her parents. This is becoming her new family. You can watch the first part of the web series below, and all six parts Here. Gina Torres makes her first appearance as Jack Crawford's wife.

Also, if you're looking for the Recap and Review of Episode 5, the April 26th show, Here it is!