In the opening fantasy, Will has Hannibal tied to a tree while the Ravenstag pulls the rope tightening it around Hannibal's body. This is a reference to Hannibal Rising where a young Hannibal has one of the men responsible for his sister's death tied to a tree as a horse pulls on the rope choking him to death.
Shiizakana is a substantial dish, e.g. hot pot.
Randall's last name "Tier" is the german word for "animal".
The scene where Randall jumps through the window into Will Graham's house is reminiscent of the scene from Manhunter (1986), where Will Graham played by William Petersen jumps through the window to attack Francis Dollarhyde.