I will preface my review by stating the positive aspects of this show: - decent plot - Mads Mikkelsen

Oh, were you expecting more? Sadly, the above-average story-line and Mikkelsen's acting are really just about the only redeeming qualities of this show. So why is Hannibal so widely revered as an example of pure television gold? Simple; the show runs under the false pretense of being deep and substantial. How could it not, when the namesake of the series is a charismatic and brilliant character that has been immortalized in cinematic history due to the sheer depth of his character? Yet, upon closer inspection of this show, you will sadly find that it just doesn't make up for the tropes, clichés, and many flaws that exist in Hannibal (the show, not the character). Let's start with the script... it's not good. There are two, and only two, distinct "types" of lines in this show: horribly cheesy '80s-action-film- esque lines that will make you groan, and pretentious dialogues of lightning-fast banter that aim to impress you, but are merely cover- ups for the fact that the characters lack any sort of personality. I get that these are the bright, learned minds of seasoned FBI agents, but it truly breaks the immersion when you're very much made aware that you're watching a TV show through the dialogue alone. When you aren't forced to endure the disgustingly cliché close-up-camera-shot-followed-by-dramatic-one- liner, you find yourself wondering why the characters feel the need to dress up their conversations by incessantly speaking in riddles and metaphors in an embarrassingly desperate attempt to flaunt their "higher knowledge." The same criticism can be applied to the acting in this show as well. Unfortunately, the acting in Hannibal (Mikkelsen excluded) might be the only thing worse than the script. Why? The actors/actresses in Hannibal make the same mistake that beginner high school theater students make: they mistake intensity for good acting. No, yelling all your lines, constantly donning the same cold, unwavering facial expression, and behaving like an angry bad-ass in every scene does not make you a good (or even mediocre) actor. Mikkelsen shines in comparison because he possesses the one quality as an actor that literally every other cast member in this show seems to lack: subtlety. Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, Tom Hanks, etc. (a list of stellar actors, just to clarify) did not rise to stardom by ranting and raving through all their lines and shouting louder than the other guy. They did so with tact; they behaved on-screen like human beings ACTUALLY behave in real life. Simply put, their acting made you forget you were watching a movie/TV show. I'm not sure whether Mikkelsen is benefiting from this by being on the better end of a polarizing comparison, or if his career is being harmed by this show wasting his talent on an ensemble of B-list actors at best. However, despite my harsh criticisms, I will say this: this show's plot is VERY interesting. The fascinating concept of the show, coupled with appropriately-placed cliffhangers, proves to result in a flawed mess of a half-decent crime drama. Sadly, with all the glaring problems this show contains, it leaves little to enjoy on episodes where the plot may fall short.