I think the start of Season 2 was much better than Season 1. First 2 episodes, there was a better flow and they seem to be pushing the plot at a better pace. Instead of cramming all the reveals and resolution of Season 1 into the final episode.
Cirdan's hair puts all the other Elves in the show to shame. I enjoyed his introduction to the show, and every time he was on screen. I liked his lines about Rumil and Daeron
I thought Sauron reforming his body was visually cool. Even if the black slime reminded me of what killed Tasha in Star Trek TNG
. The CGI, costumes and prosthetics have been on point and improved from Season 1. The Prologue scene, of Adar and the Orcs going Ides of March on Sauron is my favorite scene of the entire series so far. I like that we're going to get to see Sauron portrayed as the master manipulator that he was, and not some super-hulking, mace wielding, smasher of armies from PJ's prologue. That was Sauron's power and Charlie Vickers seems like he's going to be able to step into that role (at least from the first two episodes). Adar was the most compelling character in Season 1. Season 2, up to this point, it's Sauron.
A "cherry picking the good parts" moment, I loved the walking song being turned into the key to show the Harfoots the right path. Also, it sounded to me like the Harfoot actresses dropped their out of place accents.
Overall: I've seen enough from the creators that they have a better understanding on the themes of the story than Peter Jackson did. Season 1, just left me doubting their ability to write and tell a compelling story from all of it. Season 2 is off to a better start than Season 1.