I don't understand all those superlatives around this series. It seems like people are satisfied with mediocre writing, and bad acting if you give them solid direction, great camera and music with the hint of leftist agenda these days. This series has 0 character development. I didn't care for the main protagonist one bit, because he has no dimension. No feelings, no sympathy or emotion. It is simply hard to care for. I bet the whole writing for the first episode is about two pages long. No originality in the story, just predictable outcomes one after another. It is a great example how a mediocre story with zero heart, can confuse the audience in believing they are watching masterpiece if you surround it with great technical features. Take a look at Chernobyl. Very similar setup. A known topic, that never got much space, just like chess, yet it has everything "The Queen's Gambit" lacks. Acting, Writing, Heart and Brain (which is ultra rear) and an amazing finale. That is the masterpiece. TQG is just an expensive fast-food without any taste for everyday consumer. A big let down. Ask yourself a question..were you ever surprised by anything in this tv series..?!