Six episodes in and so far this season is FAR, FAR better than the first IMO. Loving the show right now. The kids are OUTSTANDING now. Performances up several notches. Direction is tight thanks to some big names getting involved. They've dialed down the heavy-handed Spielberg/King homages that I think hobbled the first season and now they've focused on just making ST a show in its own right. Lots of little nods to stuff like The Thing, Alien/Aliens, etc. etc. but not overdone.
Best part are the kids though. They are so much more relaxed on screen, the chemistry is genuine this time around, and there are some breakout performances.
Didn't think they could do it, was pretty jaded about the first season. They nailed this one.