The Lone Star beer was a one other nod to S1.
It's good. It's a little heavy handed. The argument between the two leads felt like something on Twitter, but that's ok. They are neck deep in cliches, but also, that's ok. One of the reviews I read noted the writing in S1 could be overdone, overly stylish, debates on theology and "pyschos fear", redemption-- but that it made the performances and the scenes so fun, and I agree.
The writing here is harsher and tighter, doesn't give the performers or the scenes room to breathe. But, again, that's ok. It seems like a quality show that will end up being a great watch, like Mare of Easttown, which was also filled with cliches, but I loved. Also, only watched once, whereas ran back S1 about 3 or 4 times.