I think maybe everything I've been reading about the likes and dislikes of this season, last season, this show, the last show, all boils down to one thing: The cast - and - the show are evolving. For better or for worse. Sometimes its better and sometimes it goes backwards.
I have a huge interest in music (pop, rock) and have been tracking goups and songs since 1955. I use this as an analogy. Take the Rolling Stones or the Beatles. Listen to their early stuff and listen to the later stuff. Not the same stuff..... (Did I use stuff too many times? I meant songs). The artists, whether they are actors or musicians evolve. When the Beatles hit in '64 in the US, plain and simple stuff. Then you jump ten years and take something off the White Album or Abbey Road. Not the same group exactly, but still enjoyable.
Give it a chance to grow on you, or off you ... at least for now, ultimately the ratings will RULE....., it's the rule.