http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/nbc-pulls-episode-4-of-hannibal-in-wake-of-newtown-boston-bombings-1200390579/
After several particularly violent months in America, NBC has decided
to pull episode four of drama “Hannibal” from its lineup due to
the disturbing content involving children murdering other children.
Fourth episode of the grisly serial killer drama featured Molly
Shannon’s character brainwashing kids, leading them to kill other
children.
Episode four was slated to air next week. Peacock will instead move
directly to episode five. While the drama is serialized, NBC claims
there will be no continuity issues, noting that TV critics have seen
episodes three and five, and not four.
Decision arose after series creator Bryan Fuller phoned NBC and told
the net that, “given the cultural climate right now in the U.S., I think
we shouldn’t air the episode in its entirety.”
“I didn’t want to have anyone come to the show and have a negative
experience,” Fuller told Variety.
“Whenever you [write] a story and look
at the sensational aspects of storytelling, you think, ‘This is
interesting metaphorically, and this is interesting as social
commentary.’ With this episode, it wasn’t about the graphic imagery or
violence. It was the associations that came with the subject matter that
I felt would inhibit the enjoyment of the overall episode. … It was my
own sensitivity.”
Fuller cited the Sandy Hook shooting in December and this week’s
Boston Marathon bombings as the root of this sensitivity issue.
“Hannibal,” from Gaumont Intl., was filmed before the events in Newtown,
Conn., had transpired.
By pulling episode four from the lineup, NBC has effectively bumped
the season of “Hannibal” up a week. The season finale for
“Hannibal,” originally slated for June 27, will now be on June 20.
Fans of “Hannibal” will still be able to see clips from episode four,
however. NBC is making a package of clips from the yanked episode
available on NBC.com next week. It focuses on character development and
not the procedural element featured in episode four of “Hannibal.”
Package will feature Fuller offering voice over and discussing the
series.
“This is also a great opportunity to provide another platform for the
show that can draw audiences to social media and give them original
content that’s not just a behind-the-scenes special, but a webisode
featuring the primary cast, which is a rare thing to get on the net,”
Fuller explained.
But, mostly, Fuller said, “We want to be respectful of the social climate we’re in right now.”
Peacock notes that the fourth episode will run overseas, but not in the States.
Dino DeLaurentiis Co
