I started watching S1E1 after having watched a couple of other episodes from season 2 and 3. I quit watching it halfway. Not sure what was subtle about it. Honestly if it was the first episode I'd watched, I'd probably have written off the whole show altogether.
S1E1 feels like an entirely different show. It doesnt really show near future tech it just shows something that could happen today. Try the rest of the first season. Very worth re approaching.