The bleakness and grinding poverty makes for a depressing environment that is made worse by a totally confusing plot. The series starts with an opening episode that does nothing to provide context and background for the story. One has no idea who the people are, the scenes are arranged chaotically, and there is zero continuity between them. It's as if the writers and producers have never heard of the use of a story board in TV production. It's the lack of continuity that killed it for me, not so much the fact that people seem to live in the dirt and grimy surroundings. There are multiple story lines but all appear disconnected until the very last episode. It's a very confusing way to tell a story!
