When plot holes, obligatory sex scenes, and worn tropes form the foundation of the 1st season, it's never a good sign of what's to come.
Acting (for the most part), costume and design are all stellar.
Despite zero chemistry between the major protagonists, Bloom still manages to deliver the sizzle. He's still sexy as hell, but the directing doesn't allow him to build on one of his greatest strengths--wearing his mysterious warrior heart on his sleeve. With the revelation of who he really is, his character falls flat, and Bloom's talent is wasted.
I adored Mr. Agreus and Ms. Spurnrose. I'm sure I got the character names wrong, but the gap-filling performances by those two actors were, in my opinion, the highlight of the season. You can't go wrong with the classic Pride and Prejudice formula.
Unfortunately, there are no surprises in the season except for the moment when Bloom breaks the 4th wall with an "Oh, I just f@*ked myself" glance into the camera. All else was painfully predictable.
This reminded me of the Man in the High Castle. Great premise, but...