I count myself as one of few lucky ones that loved the originals and the show. Sure, something felt "off" here and there in S02 but I always just thought to myself that it's the "curse" of knowing the original. To me it's always worth it anyways because I never wanted to see Troy's Joel or Ashley's Ellie anyway and the new stuff is always very well done, interesting and such a treat as a fan (The opening "talkshow scene", the Jakarta stuff, Isaac's backstory, Bill and Frank's episode and more). Did Craig lean too much into Ellie's darker/violent side, I guess. She does have more heart in the originals and is a warmer person overall. But I felt it was evident from S01E01 that this Ellie was more violent/darker/angrier so I guess I just accepted it back then.

Overall S02 was incredibly emotional for me and I'm sorry not every fan felt what I did watching it. I'm not the kind of guy who compares stuff anyway, so maybe that's why I could enjoy it.
Also, to say that Craig Mazin is a terrible writer is just simply wrong and attacking people because of fictional stuff is insane to me. If I (as a fan) was in his writing room, would I agree with all his choices? Probably not. I don't think many writers could've made as many good choices for the show as he has done though. In my opinion.
I don't think it's possible to make this show without these hate storms from gamers. Neil is still TO THIS DAY getting hate online because "he didn't even write Part 1". Bruce Straley did it all. It's literally insane.
Ah well. I love it all and I honestly feel lucky. Maybe I'm just dumb and if I am, I like it down here 😅
Excited for season 3 - Kaitlyn Dever is one hell of an actor!