Watched season 1 back when it was first airing, but never got around to season 2. People seem to hate it but I can't quite tell if that's because it wasn't up to the standard of season 1 or if it was just bad TV.
Should I skip it and go straight to season 3? Or is it worth watching on its own merits?
It wasn't bad. It's just cursed to be forever compared to its predecessor, which obviously it can never live up to. If it was released as a different and unrelated neo-noir series, I think it would get good ratings. If you can set aside any biases and comparing it to season 1, I think you'll enjoy it. The main cast was pretty good. You can't go wrong with Colin Farrell. Some people hated Vince Vaughn's acting, but if you put it under the lens of someone who is a try-hard gangster trying to make himself look more intelligent and smart than he really is, I think it makes sense.