Started off a bit slow as it initially seemed like the show hadn't made up its mind what it wanted to be...the film Gladiator, HBO's Rome, Spartacus, etc. In the end, it hooked me and I burned through the entire season in a few days. I think the acting is quite good and the digital special effects are more then decent (better than Spartacus, not quite as realistic as Gladiator).
If you love ancient Rome, you'll find this series entertaining...may just take a few episodes not to see Ramsay Bolton.