i will be honest. at first i had no interest in watching this, although i must admit the geek in me was jumping up and down. but i felt there was no way they could compete with the others that have been done and it would be a waste of time to watch. but then i saw it. i LOVE the show. the cast is excellent and beyond. i love all of them already and i love the play of weaknesses and strengths, the interplay between the characters as they build their relationships - i love the references to the past. i am simply enjoying everything. i even like the evil characters. the stories are entertaining and believable. i like every single thing about this series and i hope it goes on forever. thank you writers, actors, directors - everyone.