One of my favorite shows to date - SO well done and packed with so many references and historical elements. The special effects are excellent as is the character development and the audience's investment in the characters. Very intelligently and imaginatively written! Definitely hard to watch at times but it's important that these stories are told. The relationships between characters is also very authentic and well done. Cannot recommend this one enough (unless you're squeamish about blood/gore/sex... which if so, why are you even on HBO?) lol **I also recommend the official podcast for an even more in depth look**