I found myself skipping this series for many of the same reasons as others...already a cinema classic, a story having been played out...some better than others. I can't believe I deprived myself of this series, like not having eaten Indian food until well into my 40's. Hannibal has the most well written/scripted character interaction that you will ever listen and watch...and listen you must. Talk about a show where words matter! While the performances of all are so well tied together, Mads Mikkelsen truly makes it happen and is an exquisite Hannibal. He shows great skill in the quiet, the pause...and makes you want to listen to every word, focus on every shift of his eyes or slight turn of his head...he's far too clever for any mere mortal. Mads sells it with ease on the screen...Anthony Hopkins who? The show also offers brilliance in the artistic shots, angles and imagery where it's just the camera and the music. The dance between so many of the characters always keeps you guessing in spite of knowing that one person is pulling all the strings. The dash of Gillian Anderson makes this a don't miss.