I think some of the characters are great (especially Hannibal) and all the connections between the elements of the main plot are fascinating. I am, however, getting annoyed by all the side plots of other homicidal maniacs that put this show on a case-of-the-week basis. I have never been a fan of the "case-of-the-week" structure, and I think it's especially a shame on a show like Hannibal which is supposed to centralize around a man who spent his whole life being a serial killer of a sort. That idea is really cheapened when every week the FBI task force is catching someone who has spent their life being a serial killer. I think this show would have a lot more potential if it was more focused.
I never read the book Red Dragon, nor have I seen the movie. Did either have tons of scattered cases?