I'm a big fan of the Hannibal books. I also enjoyed Red Dragon and Silence of the Lambs, but have yet to see any of the other film adaptations.

Currently on episode 3 of this series and it is average. HBO have taken the predictable protagonist character of a man who is isolated from the world (even going so far as to give him a mental illness); a man who sees the world 'differently' and therefore this gives him a gift of solving crimes (House, the Mentalist, Gil Grissom in CSI, Criminal Minds). The only thing that makes this differ from the aforementioned programmes is the added 'hook' of a psychiatrist cannibal. Yawn.

Overall it's quite beautiful to watch, but the crimes so far are twisted in a way that is not necessarily interesting, just weird. The relationship between the protagonist and Hannibal is not interesting, and has very little to offer the viewer. Also, the soundtrack and music overshadows the dialogue by trying to convince the viewer that each conversation is profound, edgy, and/or twisted and will add something to the almost non-existent plot.

If you enjoy CSI, the Mentalist, or any other programme like this, you'll probably enjoy Hannibal. But for me, it's one too many of these clichés, it is too predictable, and I'd want to punch each character in the face for being annoying if I cared enough to dislike them.

On a side-note, the actor playing Hannibal is incredibly talented. Unfortunately, his acting is lost within the fray of the average that pervades this television programme. I am incredibly disappointed.