The episode was written by executive producer Chris Brancato and series creator Bryan Fuller, and directed by Michael Rymer.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.10 million household viewers and gained a 0.7/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
The episode received extremely positive reviews from critics, who praised the creepy atmosphere, writing, performances and build-up to the season finale.
Graham (Hugh Dancy) visits Georgia (Ellen Muth), whose condition seems to be improving, inside a hyperbaric chamber.
Meanwhile, Abigail (Kacey Rohl) starts working with Lounds (Lara Jean Chorostecki) on her book, omitting certain details which would implicate her in Nicholas Boyle's death.
Crawford learns from Price (Scott Thompson) and Zeller (Aaron Abrams) that Hobbs was with Abigail on the same train with some of his victims and wrongfully thinks that she killed Sutcliffe and Georgia.
The various ingredients and plot threads highlighted over the season-long arcs are brought to a boil with tantalizing reveals and dramatic confessions, all served on a delectable plate.
"[2]When questioned about Bedelia's actions, Fuller explained "It felt like we were setting up a very cool mystery by giving a lot of information, enough where the audience could really connect the dots if they wanted to, but not spelling it out so clearly that it was explicit.
The back half of the season has largely focused on the Will-Hannibal dynamic, and in the process, Jack has been relegated to a smaller role, which is a shame considering how commanding Laurence Fishburne is when given something meaty to do.
"[7] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix wrote, "Fuller and company took their time to lay out the Will/Hannibal 'friendship', the future of Abigail Hobbs (here told the chilling words 'I'm sorry I couldn't protect you in this life' from Dr. Lecter), the complex and uneasy work relationship between Will and Jack, etc., and all that groundwork is paying off hugely here at the end.
"[2] Laura Akers of Den of Geek wrote, "In this week's 'Relevés', Bryan Fuller holds a mirror up to all of us watching, and we finally see, in the reflection, Hannibal Lecter staring back.