I caught one episode of this and couldn't make moss or sand of it, but I was a little intrigued by the very different approach.
In a similar vein 'Rome' on BBC 2 last night is a superb new series - very gritty and real and presented as only the Beeb seem to be able to do these period dramas. There's lots of sex and nudity too, so don't watch it of you're easily offended.