I almost gave up with their initial portrayal of a young woman with Asperger's last year, but luckily they took the edges off her portrayal fairly quickly, though it is now almost unnoticeable, so it is no longer an opportunity to cheer for that particular (sometimes) underdog. I am pleased with their consistently solid portrayal of a student with a physical disability and one with Down Syndrome.

Also, I was disappointed with the blithe turn to drinking during last season. It did not really fit with my perception of the show in how they addressed it, though I know it is a sadly accurate of many high school students.

I am interested to see how the new characters develop this season, but I do hope it will be more even.... I am still here mainly out if loyalty to the concept.