If I were to rate the seasons individually, the first two seasons would have gotten a much higher rating. I really liked those, the suspense was held high, there was something at stake there. It really loses its grip (on almost everything) with the end of season 2, to make way for the third season. While watching Season 3, I realized this was more or less a rehash of the first season (though not as good). Still compared to what they went and did in Season 4 ... Season 3 seems like Shakespeare compared to it.
Season 4 goes completely Telenovela on the viewer and while it could have been even more ridiculous, it was enough to almost make me rate the whole thing a 6 instead of a 7. But back to the good things. Season 1 and 2, with great characters and while still some peculiar coincidences, it was really suspenseful and did hold its own. You had some surprises but you also had some things to look forward too. The misdirections worked (the ones you spot and the ones you missed) and the acting was more than decent enough.
Talking about acting, one particular character (a bad/psychotic one) seems to be a favorite. Especially with the ladies and it's not purely for his looks (no offense). Which made me wonder, especially considering the crimes that character committed, why some people were rooting for him. But that's just me I guess, the actor playing him, does a great job and later in the show there is a female "counterpart" (sort of).
The show also got nominated for its score (and might have won a few awards) and rightfully so. The theme is really good and sets the tone. Even the advertising break interlude has a nice touch (of course watching it on Disc, you can avoid those). Everyone was making a big deal that this was a network show and not cable. So there is some violence and a bit of cursing, but not as much (and no nudity) as in other shows. But that was never a problem (at least not for my viewing pleasure).
If you can stop at/after Season 2, you might do yourself a big favor.
EDIT:
Onto Season 5 then ... and as I predicted 6 years ago or so, became reality. Someone even has a season 6 locked in ... ah well. The latter might not happen, no matter how much quite a lot of fans want this to become reality. And I'm almost surprised no one has "rated" my review yet. Then again, there are over 700 - so there is that. But back to the "final" (?) season, which picks things up where we left them, but is way better than season 4 - ok that is not really difficult to achieve.
Some things get negated and others (prison sentences) get "explained". Also, who cares about "logic", yes? Not a real hardcore fan of the show - they will not. So switch your mind off and try to enjoy this romp as much as possible. Luck and everything included - it flows almost exactly like you expect it to. With all the necessary/expected story beats. Nothing much should surprise you here ...
