Surprise: NBC has a huge hit with 'Hannibal'

So, NBC has a new show. Why should you care, given the network's recent track record? Because it's fantastic, that's why. Hannibal is almost a prequel to the Thomas Harris books, and it gives us a glimpse into Hannibal Lecter's life before he becomes one of the world's most notorious killers. Did I mention that it's brilliant? Oh yes, I see I did. Well, it needed to be said...twice.

I am absolutely stunned at how great Hannibal's premiere was, because honestly, I didn't think it was possible for NBC to pull off such a slick, intelligent, beautifully disturbing thriller of a show. Guess what? They totally did. So far this TV season, the only new shows I've found myself really liking are Bates Motel, The Americans and, to some extent, The Following. My problem with The Following isn't the acting or the story: It's the ridiculous amount of gore and violence. It's just way too much.

That is not the case with Hannibal. Yes, there is gore and yes, there is violence, but this show is presented in a way that makes all the horror seem palatable (for lack of a better word). I'd venture to say that this is my favorite show of the year, and for once I'm urging everyone to see it. If you decide it isn't for you, fine, but trust me: You want in on this one. Now.

I don't want to give too much away plot-wise, but let's just say that in Hannibal, Hugh Dancy plays Will Graham, a man who used to work homicides for the FBI. Now he's lecturing at the FBI Academy, and he's brilliant but unstable. The guy has issues, clearly. His boss, Dr. Jack Crawford (Lawrence Fishburne) calls him in to help profile and track a serial killer who is abducting young women in Minnesota. Graham has a gift (and a curse): He can empathize so well with killers (well, with everyone, really), that it literally threatens his sanity. It helps him catch killers but the process makes him crazy. If this seems formulaic, it is, but trust me when I tell you that in Hannibal, it doesn't feel formulaic at all.

In an effort to keep Will Graham from going totally off the rails, Jack Crawford brings in Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), a renowned psychiatrist. Lecter is immediately intrigued by Graham, and seeks to form a bond with him. Mikkelsen's Hannibal is much more understated than Anthony Hopkins' character. He's creepy, for sure, but he's very, very refined. Of course, this is before Lecter begins going on his own killing spree - or is it? Once you see the Hannibal series premiere, you'll know what I mean.

Official Hannibal Trailer

This is definitely not your average serial killer crime drama. Hannibal is so much more. The show is positively gorgeously shot. The acting, particularly by Hugh Dancy as Will Graham, is phenomenal. I already care about these characters. I don't feel like Hannibal exploits serial killing the way The Following does. It took all of 10 minutes for Hannibal to completely draw me in (possibly a new record). I'm hooked.

Did anyone else see the Hannibal premiere on NBC on Thursday night? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Photo courtesy of SciFiNow.com