Basically the definition of a flawed masterpiece. The middle episodes have way too many rushed storylines and awkward time jumps. I think a title card would have been nice instead of suddenly noticing that the two year old became eight off screen. That being said, when it's at its best, it really does reach peak television. I think the last episodes were some of the best writing and acting I've seen in years. Every actor brought their A game, especially Paddy.