Aaaahhhh so many people of my acquaintance have been getting into due South lately and I love it. I've been rewatching it and it's so great. I hope it clicks for you soon! I definitely think the second half of the first season (especially the ending and the beginning episodes of S2) is where the emotional payoff really starts clicking, so maybe you'll feel that soon?

I read and reread Aubrey Maturin through high school but haven't had a chance to go back since--my first true fandom! So good.