HBO has had some of the best television shows out there, and many of them are my favorites, including Carnivale, but I can sympathize with the OP because despite having the cream of the crop, HBO has had a lot mediocrity and a few stinkers, particularly (imo) Tell Me You Love Me. Blech, that show was the worst. In terms of mediocrity, there's been No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Flight of the Conchords (went downhill s.2), The Ricky Gervais Show (nowhere near as funny as Extras or The Office), Big Love (has completely jumped the shark imo), Entourage (I never got what the big deal was), and Hung (it's okay, but not something I look forward to).
That being said, the aforementioned The Wire, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Deadwood, and Rome are all fantastic shows. I also love Eastbound & Down, In Treatment, and True Blood (although I find TB to be more just a fun sex and gore fest, rather than brilliant television). I was sad to see The Comeback canceled...I think people just didn't get it, but I thought it was hysterical. For the most part, I still say "It's not TV, it's HBO" whenever I get told I watch too much television.
As for Boardwalk Empire, it looks promising, but The New York Times gave it a lukewarm review, and after seeing the premiere, I can understand why. However, I think it can surpass any pitfalls and really pick up speed after a few episodes.
A severed foot is the ultimate stocking stuffer.
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