As another reviewer mentioned, the slow did get off to a sligjtly slow start. It began to really hit its stride after episode 3 or 4, but when it does, it REALLY captivates you. The show is extremely well-acted, you feel an intense emotional connection to the characters (whether it be extraordinary empathy, anger towards them and- sometimes- you swing back and forth between bitterness and sympathy based on the episode/situation) and it keeps you wanting more. This is not like some TV shows or movies where you guess exactly what the ending will be and who the culprit is. I have yet to complete it but I am so excited to just be following the story line. Why not give it 10 stars? The woman playing Melek is gorgeous and a great actress yes, but why must every hair be in place and her (albeit natural looking makeup) be applied during her prison scenes? With the exception of when they made her run in the rain during an earlier episode, she is perfectly put together. In a REAL prison, ESPECIALLY if they are singling you out, you will not get access to the kind of hair care products needed to keep her tresses in top notch condition. Look at some of the other inmates. Anyone in her position would be looking more than slightly haggard (yes even despite her natural beauty). That is the only thing that is detracting from the plot. It is unrealistic. She would be emaciated, have chapped lips, etc. But that is a minor burden since the show is so great in every other respect.