Season 1 is engaging visually, builds to a climax, seems plausible, contains realistic decision-making, and has a tension that drives the story forward.

Season 2 has none of these things and reminds me of the second season of Outlander. It just becomes a cheaply written soap opera. Matthew's personalty changes dramatically in a matter of days, the costuming doesn't match the social classes shown (though, this is rampant in TV, but their CG London is surprisingly accurate so, what gives?), the comedic/positivity relief of season 1 is eradicated which creates a blase emotional monotone, plot triggers are irrationally avoided in a failed attempt to create tension, subplots are added incessantly with little to no follow-up, and characters who were heavily developed as central to the plot in the first season are nowhere to be seen.

I'd definitely recommend watching the first season and pretending like the cliffhanger is an enigmatic ending designed to make you think. Don't ruin it for yourself by trying season 2.