The two-hour premier tried way too hard to suck us into the news of the day that we are overly familiar with, and not needing to experience through the show's characters. At least I know I have no need for that. This show is great escape. You blocked the escape door. Also, the two hour premier was WAY too long. Could have meaningfully be done in an hour. Characters did not seem genuinely emotionally committed, except for Randal, who this time I feel was over-committed in relation to the other cast. The whole Madison pregnancy thing felt ingenuine.
The only real plus for me, for a season premier, was the twist at the end.