Every so often you get a TV series that makes you sit up and take notice. It stands out for it's innovation, style, edge, plot and design. You go through series after series disappointed that potential was wasted. Why didn't it meet my expectations or hopes? But then, out of the blue, you get a real gem. Hannibal is just that.

From the style, with the eerie music, to the acting and characters, this show really hits the very depth of the mind and soul, making you question what's right and wrong, distinguishing between good and bad. The way the show is designed and portrayed. It's all very surreal and unique, which intrigues you into a psychological dream, exploring the state of mind and how it operates during the very darkest of scenarios.

The main character, Will Graham, who is expertly portrayed by Hugh Dancy, really hits the spot. His very subtle mannerisms, which many shows would deem immaterial, perfectly summing up his emotions and persona, and he's excellently backed up by Mads Mikkelsen, as Hannibal Lector himself. The addiction grows as you're so desperate to see where this relationship goes and how it develops. The rest of the supporting cast are very strong, Laurence Fishburne in particular, and keep the flow of the story going as well as adding foundation to the series. But the two main leads are at the very top of their games.

The entire atmosphere that is generated is what makes this so gripping. As excellent as the acting is, it's this chillingly sinister environment which is created, whereby you feel you are entering and living in a dream. Even the opening credits, which remain very efficient, set you up nicely for the tone of the episodes. Psychological dramas always tap those emotional vibes, feelings that are rarely explored.

And it's that very darkness which makes this so good. There's a ruthless efficiency about the whole series. Nothing drags on, everything does what it needs to and moves onto the next chapter. There was always going to be an evil lurking in this show, as all dramas involving killers have, and a lot of the cases are very distressing, but the uniqueness allows the show to flourish over others in this genre. Even the way Graham's character empathises with the killers, and how this is presented, is genius.

This series is destined for greatness. Whether they decide to extend it's life with a second or third season isn't clear. But, one thing's for sure, this is a superb psychological drama, that makes you think, worry, question and believe. Things that are few and far between in the entertainment industry in this day and age.

Exploring the mind requires a delicate touch. The balance needs to be struck, the attention to detail maintained and the emotions need to run deep. Everything is done to a refreshing level of quality, which allows Hannibal to show it's true unorthodox colours, and maintain that standard to a scarily high level.

This is a design, and it's a masterpiece.