NBC pulls Hannibal episode next week, due to the sensitive circumstances surrounding Boston, as well as other recent acts of violence. The episode would star Molly Shannon– who you might remember from SNL — as an individual who brainwashes children to kill other children.
This is one of the few times where a show-runner executed such a decision and not the network. Show creator Bryan Fuller requested the network pull the episode given the fragility of recent events, such as the Newtown, Connecticut shooting and this past week’s horrifying bombing in Boston. NBC spokesman says, “The episode, the fourth for the freshman series, will be replaced by another “Hannibal” hour. Viewers will not see a plot continuity issue.”
A clip package with segments of the pulled episode will be available online at NBC.com starting next week. The package will contain commentary from Bryan Fuller and none of the violent content from the episode.
As much as it pains me that we are losing an episode, the fact that Bryan Fuller made this decision tells me it was necessary. Fuller doesn’t strike me as someone who compromises creative material willingly. If NBC pulls Hannibal again, then my concerns will grow. So far the series is bringing back all the elements that made the first Thomas Harris novels so compelling. If you haven’t watched it, I urge everyone to check it out. The performances from Mads Mikelson and Hugh Dancy alone make it worth your time.
Source: The Washington Post
