The second episode of a new (or spinoff) series is almost more important than the first. There are answers to provide (or hint at), characters to introduce, villains to encounter and the BIG MISSION to introduce if it hasn't been already in the first episode.
Norman Reedus does a very good job of adding another layer to a character he's embodied for over a decade. Because his muse (Carol) is not present, he has to carry more of the dialogue freight. It's good to see that he's more than ready for his starring role.
The backstory fill in on why/how he ended up in that boat carried lots of interesting potential storylines and the possible BIG BAD.
The secondary characters still need more depth, but the episode guest stars provided welcome texture and interest. The nun and the troublesome charge they're shepherding are still two dimensional. I'm hoping the girl's difficult nature isn't used as a means of putting the whole group in danger. We saw enough of that trope in the original TWD.
The new scenery, culture and social backdrop is a breath of fresh air.
So far, I'm looking forward to next week.