'Prodigal Son' Season 1 Episode 1: Is it fair to compare Michael Sheen's Surgeon with Hannibal Lecter?
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Season 1 Episode 1 of 'Prodigal Son'
Following the Season 1 premiere of Fox's 'Prodigal Son', the show has already garnered a massive fan following.
The crime thriller follows Tom Payne's Malcolm Bright as a criminal psychologist haunted by his past. Being the only son of a notorious serial killer is not the easiest job in the world—it comes with its own share of nightmares, tremors, and a big dose of PTSD.
His father, Dr Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen), is arrested in the '90s following 23 killings. Known as The Surgeon, Sheen's character had used his medical expertise to kill people by paralyzing them in a way that their organs shut down one at a time causing a slow, excruciating death. After his arrest, he is held at Clairmont Psychiatric, from where escape is impossible. Throughout the episode, we see instances of Dr Whitly saying that he and Malcolm are not all that different—that their minds are twisted in the same way. However, as it is revealed at the end of episode 1, it is actually Malcolm who calls the cops on his father.
When on the screen, Michael Sheen's Dr Whitly is creepy. The actor's trademark smile—which can be associated with that of the angel Aziraphale from Neil Gaiman's 'Good Omens'—is laced with menace in 'Prodigal Son'. As The Surgeon, Sheen captures the audience in a mastered hold of a skilful actor.
And fans haven't failed to notice this. "So, I'm watching 'Prodigal Son', right? I'm not even down with the first episode, and all I have to say is... Michael Sheen, how do you go from a soft angel to a crazy serial killer? It's like magic, and it's creeping me out a little," exclaimed a fan. "Michael Sheen can chew scenery and be awesome no matter the role," said another.
Others are drawing parallels between Sheen's wretched The Surgeon and the ever-so dreadful Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The cannibalistic serial killer had terrorized audiences through the novels, television series and movies for years and has been lacerated in millions of mind for his exceptionally portrayed madness.
"Just watched the first episode of #ProdigalSon. And I loved it!! It gives me Hannibal vibes and it’s so interesting. Can’t wait to see more!!," said one. "So prodigal son is giving me such similar vibes to Killing Eve and Hannibal and I just feel like the world might finally be ready for everything Hannibal has to offer," said another. "Prodigal Son looks like Hannibal but with Michael Sheen wearing cardigans and i honestly couldn’t ask for anything more," said another fan of the show and the actor.
But such is Dr Hannibal Lector's impression that some fans refuse to see the similarities. "That was a good show. Prodigal Son has a good cast, but it doesn't look like it's for me. Looks like a cringe Hannibal," said one. "So I watched the pilot for Prodigal Son, thinking with Michael Sheen this would be a class show. Sigh. Serial killers. Profilers. Hannibal settings with David Fincher lighting. Well, I have a lot to read," said another naysayer. And one went full throttle: "Prodigal Son feels like a poor man's Hannibal that has half the substance and none of the style. If you've never seen Hannibal, just watch that instead. If you have seen Hannibal, you're better off just rewatching that instead. Either way, just watch Hannibal instead."
Either way, this is not to take away from 'Prodigal Son'. Although comparisons were inevitable, the show has its charm—specifically in Michael Sheen.
'Prodigal Son' airs Mondays on Fox at 9 pm PT/ET.