In 2008, this series and "Mad Men" (2007) became the first basic-cable shows nominated in the best drama series category at the Emmys.
Uncle Pete refers to every day above ground being a "Pyyrhic victory". Ancient Greek king Pyrrhus of Epirus defeated the Romans at Heralcea in 280 b.c., but at the cost of a great number of his own troops. Afterward, he is said to have remarked, "Another such victory would be the end of me", hence the expression ascribed to any victory or benefit gained at great personal expense.