| "Shiizakana" | |
|---|---|
| Hannibal episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 9 |
| Directed by | Michael Rymer |
| Written by | |
| Featured music | Brian Reitzell |
| Cinematography by | James Hawkinson |
| Editing by | Ben Wilkinson |
| Production code | 209 |
| Original air date | April 25, 2014 |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Shiizakana" is the ninth episode of the second season of the psychological thriller–horror series Hannibal. It is the 22nd overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Jeff Vlaming and series creator Bryan Fuller, and directed by executive producer Michael Rymer. It was first broadcast on April 25, 2014, 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 the murder of a truck driver, with evidence pointing that an animal committed the crime. As more evidence comes out, it appears that a man operating a mechanical suit is the perpetrator. Meanwhile, Graham meets another of Lecter's patients, Margot Verger (Katharine Isabelle), and both discover what their sessions with Lecter did to them.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.45 million household viewers and gained a 0.9/3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances, although the case and pace received a mixed response.