Dead on analysis, Henry. I'm just happy Shane West's hair piece improved between the pilot and episode 2. I think the show improved a lot when Stephen Lang came on board. I really only knew him from Avatar (which is not a resume enhancement in my book). He really sells the character here.
One thing I really think the show lacks is humor. Other than some awkward situational humor (the dream walker ep), there really isn't anything to break up the "drama". I think the show needs a Starbuck (neo-BSG), or Al Swearengen; a character that can drive humorous scenarios without coming across like a 2 dimensional clown. We'll see what happens with Season 2.
Oh, and duh! WGN, not TNT.
Tom