I can't believe the hype over this. Far too overrated.

After True Detective ended, I was looking for another serial-killer thriller to fill the void. A friend recommended to give "Hannibal" a shot, citing it as a thrilling, captivating, atmospheric show.

It was nothing like that.

There main problem with this show is the writing. It just doesn't seem to follow any scriptwriting rules. There's no suspense, no buildup, no cliffhangers. The show is meant to be a psychological thriller / horror show, but it fails measurably. I guess they couldn't "empathize" with the viewers.

The cast is weak. The lead looked like someone I wouldn't expect seeing in a Fast and Furious movie, let alone a title such as this. Hugh Dancy's "tormented genius" character got old rather quickly. Very stale and monotone.

His psychologist friend, played by Caroline Dhavernas, is just another generic "are they gonna end up together" character, and is mostly there to drop lines like "He can't handle it!", "He's not ready".

I guess the only redeeming thing about this whole show is the casting of Mads Mikkelsen as Dr. Hannibal Lecter. He fits the role nicely, and truly was the only reason I watched a third episode.

I'd say wait for the 2nd season of True Detective.