Don't get me wrong, I like Anthony Hopkins. I think he is a fine Actor who has made many valuable contributions to cinema. However, I always felt his depiction of Hannibal Lecter was too hammy for me. "chianti and fava beans ffu ffu ffu ffu!" made me burst out laughing when I first saw it! The crazy character he portrayed didn't gel with the cool, calculating predator that Hannibal Lecter is. I always viewed Hannibal as the Megeladon swimming amongst the great whites; the Predator of predators, if you will.

Now enter Mads Mikkelsen. His portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is simply exquisite. I find myself completely mesmerised when he is on screen. I actually watch each episode twice (sometimes even more!). The first time for the story and the second time so that I can completely immerse myself in watching Mads. The impeccable way he holds himself, every movement and every look meticulously thought out, the subtle smile that plays upon his lips, the flash of predatory fire that glints in his eyes all of it is absolutely sublime. For me, Mad's play the perfect Hannibal Lecter.

There are other outstanding cast members; Lawrence Fishburne plays an excellent Jack Crawford. Gillian Anderson, who plays Hannibal's Psychiatrist is glorious. I particularly love it when Hannibal and her are on screen together; there is definite chemistry between these two. I love Hettienne Park as Beverly and Eddie Izzard is superb as Dr Abel Gideon. Finally, Lara Jean Chorostecki plays an excellent, if unlikable, Freddie Lounds.

Most of the remaining cast are strong. Obviously there are many smaller characters that are needed but don't have anything to do with the development of the story so I won't discuss those here. There are however, two main characters that for me don't really work. The first is Caroline Dhavernas as Dr Alana Bloom. I don't know what it is about her but she is just not right for the part at all. I've read that she is an excellent actress (I've never seen her in anything else so I can't be the judge of that) and I know she is adored by many but she just grates me every time she's on screen. This is just a personal opinion and I'm sure many would argue that she does a fine performance so don't let that put you off watching Hannibal. The second is Hugh Dancy as Will Graham. His portrayal of someone with aspergers, while correct in some ways, is all a bit too theatrical for my liking. If I had to sum up Hugh Dancy's Will Graham in one word I would have to pick 'Fragile' which is not really what Will Graham character is about. Sophia Helin did a much better job of playing a detective with aspergers in Broen (The Bridge).

Story-wise Hannibal is, in the main, excellent. The pace is good, particularly in the first season. The second season started really well but has suddenly had a lull for about three episodes now and I hope the story picks up soon. Overall though it's very good. There's plenty of tension and horror; prepare for some grisly scenes!

So whilst this show isn't perfect, you should be watching it because it is definitely good! If for no other reason, dip in to watch Mads Mikkelsen's performance. Gets a solid 8 / 10 rating from me.