I'd never heard of Hannibal before, but I was a huge fan of the books and the movies (well Silence of the Lambs and Manhunter), so I decided to give it a try and I was blown away. This show has a very Kubrickian feel to it, meaning that not only are there a lot of references to his films, but they film the show in such a beautiful way that everything has a deeper meaning. What you see on screen is not always cohesive with what you hear the characters saying. It's a total mind-game, and it requires you to think about everything you see. I do have to admit, it is a little gory at times but if you follow the story as much as I do you realize that the gore is portrayed in a way that makes it art. Hannibal Lecter sees things that us mere mortals consider horrible, as beautiful and gorgeous. The way they film the show, gives credit to that. The blood and the death is romanticized in such a way that allows the audience to question where their sympathy lies. Is it okay to sympathize with Hannibal? Is it okay to feel sorry for him? If you haven't seen the show, the answer may come easy to you. He's a cannibal so yes. He is a terrible person and deserves to be thrown in jail. However, you may think differently after watching the mesmerizing performance of Mads Mikkelsen as he attempts to befriend Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), and discover some friendship in the lonely life of Dr. Hannibal Lecter.