How did this show become so "successful" and win all of those Emmys. The show is boring and a waste of time, you do not feel any connection to any of the characters.

That's why I would like to make a recommendation to a Korean tv-show Beyond Evil. It also about a small town where everybody knows each other, and about two cops trying to find a serial murder. Excellent acting! You really could connect to the character's, the show made me cry many times. Similar to M of E but done right!