“I wish to synchronize our feelings, show some emotional respect.”

I tried, wasn't feeling it.

I think they had 2 singles that were equally terrible. I remember growing up in the suburbs and having my peers think SHE FUCKING HATES ME was a really clever song.

SHE FUCKING HATES ME

This seems fucking awesome and I had never even heard of it until now. Finally, a reason to live.

She devoted a good chunk of the review to a character she admits is only a plot device. Why? Also what of the film's style, direction, mood, etc?

Good point. The recent use of the term "indie" to describe what is essentially a studio-funded character study is pretty annoying. They used to be just called "dramas".

Thank you. You managed to put succinctly what I struggled to over many posts.

Every so often there's a love match.

You're having a strangely hostile reaction to all this…I said I enjoy the genre when it is done well, not that I have some deep affection for the character. It's just entertainment.

Yes…I guess I'm operating on the assumption that his abilities grant him "genius" status.

No, but a racist for instance, would be "pulling for his team", like a white guy would have a certain amount of goodwill for other white men.

He is abrasive and tactless in conversation, the show makes this pretty obvious. Not exactly an asshole but lacking social grace, which can be construed as asshole behavior.

No, because I don't think such a character would have enough goodwill towards men to be either sexist or racist. Meaning, he would see all of humanity as deeply flawed and irredeemable, so distinctions between sex and race mean little to him in terms of worldview.

I did read the review, but that's the author's interpretation. If he is in fact sexist and racist, I'm sure the show doesn't promote those qualities as desirable.

Also, Hannibal is guilty of the brilliant asshole trope with Will Graham, but it works for me. All in the execution.

Not sure where you pulled "sexist" and "racist" from…I haven't seen Backstrom so I can't comment on that aspect

I'll admit I enjoy the "brilliant asshole" genre of TV drama. There's something inherently compelling about it compared to a group of characters who get along and are generally nice to each other. I think it makes sense too; when you have that much insight into human nature and how predictable it is, it's only natural…

Well said.

I never knew Baltimore looked so much like Toronto.