Rise in cannibalism attributed to NBC show
The true mark of a successful television show is determined by its fandom’s dedication. As such, NBC’s Hannibal can rightfully claim the hit series status. Moving beyond typical fandom activities such as writing fan fiction, making fanart or comparing various characters to rare animal species, “Fannibals,” have decided to show their devotion by indulging in main character Hannibal Lecter’s chosen pastime themselves: cannibalism.
The rise of such a committed fandom should come as no surprise to those who know anything about the show. It follows classic structures: hiring unknown but ridiculously attractive stars, creating a season of only 13 episodes and including one supposedly heterosexual man commenting on another’s scent of aftershave.
Yet the most important aspect that led to its rise in fandom is a relatively new trick, most popularly used by BBC’s Sherlock and every Netflix original series: inducing obsessive restlessness in fans through long breaks between seasons. Without the constant flow of true source material, fans seek out alternative avenues for creative expression.
According to a new report, homicide rates have increased by at least 30 percent in more than 40 states since May, when the second season of Hannibal wrapped up. This is up by 20 percent since June of last year and may be due to the cliffhanger ending of season two.
Stephanie Starving, who was convicted back in July for the murder of three neighbors, plead guilty and the transcript of the case includes proud declarations of her attention to detail.
“Each of the murders was just like one of Hannibal’s from the show,” Starving said. “My only regret is that I didn’t have time to make the pot pie. Mrs. Sapid’s fillet had been marinating for days, too.”
Though Starving has become victim to a confused society that leaves her dedication underappreciated, she said that she does not feel alone. She explained that she receives several letters from fellow Fannibals containing fan fiction and theories every day.
The fanbase has also decided to take on an even more public appearance. These cannibal Fannibals will congregate in December for a fan-run convention. Events will include debates, the history of Hannibal across media, and a course on human meat preparation and consumption.
The idea of the convention originated from Tumblr user mikkelikeafannibalandru?n, known also by the name Julia “Charleston Chew” Charleston.
“We’ve contacted Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen and Laurence Fishburne through excessive tweets and Facebook comments about possibly attending the event,” Charleston said. “I’m optimistic. As we get closer to the event, I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to come see the fans.”
When asked if there were plans on contacting any of the female cast members, there was no response. However, three hours later Charleston posted a long essay on the uselessness of the female roles in the show, especially how Alana undermines the true romance between Hannibal and Will.
Jackie Kazim is a freshman Film, Photo & Visual Arts major who enjoys eating [chicken] liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti. Email her at [email protected]