While the first season was slow burn, non-sensical at times and rather all over the place this is leaps and bounds over it.
I get that some of the stories have that innate slow burn pace but this is a sci-fi and it should have a rather faster pace especially with the 10 episode count for the season.
The second season however does that way better, it's more action oriented, the philosofical issues usually presented in sci fi are better illuatrated, and for the most part the acting is better.
The story is a bit predictable if you've seen enough sci fi but just enough to keep you interested and not to put you away.
I would've liked to see more special effects especially in alien races and a bit more inventivity in ilustrating them but I guess bugetary constraints are an issue when we talk about well designed aliens. Also there was absolutley no world building for any of the alien races and given the slow pace maybe an episode or two with that wouldn't have hurt, just to get an insight into what drives them, and not just take the easy deus ex machina route. I get it it's easier, safer and I guess cheaper but still would've wanted it.
Maybe they'll get another season and try it then.
Now while Katee Sackhoff's acting is great and when it comes to sci fi she really brings it, Justin Chatwin is soo over reaching here that it's almost funny, I don't wanna say the dude is a bad actor but I just didn't buy any of the Erik he brought to camera while Katee's Niko was quite believable and actually strong and determined.
Considering the second season I honestly hope they get a third, like someone said before it's not a masterpiece but it get better and enjoyable.