johnnysd

Bates Motel and Hannibal

When I had about each of these I thought that they were among the worst ideas ever for a TV series.

In fact, I tuned specifically to see how bad they were.

What I found however was 2 of the best shows on TV.

Bates Motel is fantastically acted by the leads, and its blending of horror, Twin Peaks and insanity in all forms is extremely compelling. Vera Farmiga deserves an emmy. The show is paced fantastically, does not consider it's audience idiots, and is never less than compelling. It feels a lot like a pay cable show to me without the nudity.

Hannibal is even more surprising. As the movies have progressively devolved, the series offers a nuanced and intellectual treatise on the damaged mind, and how it affects and shapes everyone around them. Mads took a couple episodes to "get" Hannibal, but the last four or 5 episodes he has been spectacular. Hannibal is compelling and interesting, even a touch sympathetic as they bring out over weeks the amazing nuances and contradictions that have made Lecter such an enduring figure.

Graham and his tortured mind have been perfect too. And the overall arc of the season has been terrific. It could have been handled like a b-movie slashfest but instead we get one of the more compelling and subtle shows on TV.

Both of these shows SHOULD be horrible. But both are simply devine.

Fist of Doom

Agreed about both. I'd add Orphan Black, too. All three shows have been pleasant surprises.

RichC2

You should add "of the season" to that title.

Hannibal needs to get picked up as it has a lot of potential. Bates turned out much better than it should have. Despite being an oscar nominated actress, I still feel like Vera Farmiga is an undervalued actress.

Supermallet

Hannibal is amazing. I'm surprised to hear that Bates Motel is good, because the initial reception didn't seem so hot.

I also will give a +1 to Orphan Black.

Dragon Tattoo

Agreed. Especially for Hannibal.

mike7162

Hannibal and Bates Motel for me. These were the two shows I looked forward to seeing most this season.

I'd also like to give a nod to The Neighbors - it's silly and colorful and smart enough to where I can watch with my 15 and 2 year old kids and not want to blow my brains out.

andicus

They were the shows I thought of when I saw the thread title. I really wasn't expecting to like either, but have been very pleasantly surprised. Really hope that Hannibal gets the nod for another season. It's going to be a long wait until Bates Motel returns.

Gunde

Bates Motel is decent at best. Not great but entertaining.

Hannibal however is fantastic. And I'll third the mention of Orphan Black.

islandclaws

Totally agree. I expected both to be laughable, at best. Instead, I'm digging the very adult handling of Hannibal (for network, anyway); and Bates is like a contemporary Twin Peaks in a way. I hope it can maintain the tone through S2 and beyond. And I hope Hannibal gets a S2.

Ayre

Orphan Black
Rectify

OldBoy

have to agree on both. turned out to be big surprises. very enjoyable shows that turned out better than expected. these two i actually pay attention to and love.

Geofferson

Agree on both. I still need to check out Orphan Black.

Josh-da-man

Hannibal should suck. Hard. But it's really, really great. It's quite amazing that they've managed to pull it off and be one of the best series currently on television.

And I'll second Orphan Black. It's off the hook crazy. It moves fast. The story flows logically. And Tatiana Maslany is a great lead with a ridiculously complex part.

Dan1boy

This.

TGM

has Hannibal been renewed yet?

superdeluxe

It has not.

Tom Creo

If it doesnt get renewed, here's hoping another channel picks it up. Love both shows but Hannibal has me so enthralled. It really did come out of nowhere.

I remember lots of folks I talk to nitpicking the Bates Motel. Alot of discussion before the premiere, mostly negative. It's present time, cell phones, the casting, Norman has a brother, all was pretty much viewed negatively. Thank God I watched it. The acting has been phenomenal and season 2 can go many places. It's a great guessing game and I hope it doesn't take too long to show. Christ, I think Longmire was a full calendar year between seasons.

Orbi-Wan Techno

Orphan Black and Hannibal. Definitely.

conscience

Banshee.

onebyone

When I saw the title, I clicked on it to nominate Bates Motel & Hannibal.

I see that has already been taken care of. I never in a million years would've guessed those shows would turn out to be so good.

OldBoy

There is a marathon for Orphan Black (which i am recording) all day Saturday leading up to the finale.

superdeluxe

cliffnotes on Orphan Black?

Jay G.

Part of the appeal of the show is the reveal of the mysteries in it, but for a quick premise...

Orphan Black follows outsider, orphan and street-wise chameleon Sarah. After witnessing the suicide of a woman that looks just like her, Sarah assumes the stranger's identity. She soon finds herself in over her head in a vast conspiracy.

superdeluxe

Interesting. So it is a little X-files, a little quantum leap (taking over another's life to figure that issue out) etc?

dex14

This has been my thought this year as well. And the biggest suckfest of the year... The Following.