The bond between Hannibal and Will grows after Will demonstrates his willingness to go to dark places, a shift that does not go unnoticed by Jack. Jack and the FBI team investigate a tableau made of Randal Tier and his animal exoskeleton, fully realized as the vicious hunter he yearned to be. Hannibal advises Margot Verger regarding her concerns over her brother Mason's violent nature, a fear that intensifies when Mason demonstrates how he has trained pigs to consume human flesh. Will agrees to an interview with Freddie Lounds for her upcoming book, and learns that she is looking into his allegations of Hannibal's possible guilt.

In a therapy session, Will imagines how he would kill Hannibal, honestly sharing his visions, and oddly bolstering their co-dependency. Later, in a session with Mason Verger, Hannibal discusses Margot's unfortunate "accident" and other veiled threats. Jack grows impatient with Will's progress on catching Hannibal, and brings in a surprise witness from the past to help. And when Hannibal's life is threatened, Will must decide whether to come to his aid, and give Hannibal the opportunity for revenge.