The second option, I really should have rewatched it before starting the new season because I was super confused at the start. But the longer I watched the more things fell into place, especially since it does often use the technique of cutting straight from a person in one time to that some person in another.
I can’t really say it’s better or worse, I am still liking it, every time a parallel happens or something good is revealed, I still go ooooh, like when we see [young Agnes!]. I’m still loving Jonas, this poor kid goes through SO MUCH. Still hating Noah and [Adam Sarandon], still dislike [Ulrich’s stupid aggression, attacking everyone].
What I really love, and I think this season highlightes that a lot more, is how much the show is driven by familial love. Sure, a huge part of it are the family ties through the generations, but it’s just really genuine and lovely to see, amid all the rest of the plot. It’s not just what’s convenient for the plot, it’s what grounds the plot.