Antipasto (Hannibal)

"Antipasto" is the first episode of the third season of the psychological thriller–horror series Hannibal. It is the 27th overall episode of the series and was written by series creator Bryan Fuller and executive producer Steve Lightfoot, and directed by Vincenzo Natali. It was first broadcast on June 4, 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 Hannibal Lecter and Bedelia Du Maurier in Europe, posing as Dr. Roman Fell and his wife after Lecter killed them. When a person who knows Fell seems to suspect something, Bedelia begins to feel uncertain about her role with Lecter as he puts in danger their cover. Throughout the episode, flashbacks are shown through certain events impacting Lecter's and Maurier's lives. The episode only features main cast members Mads Mikkelsen and Gillian Anderson, tying with the next episode for the episode with the fewest cast members. With his appearance, Mikkelsen is the only actor to appear in every single episode of the series.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.57 million household viewers and gained a 0.7/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised Mikkelsen and Anderson, the directing and cinematography, although some felt mixed on the episode's slow pace and lack of answers from the cliffhanger.