Defiance on SyFy - Suddenly got better?

The last 2 episodes of Defiance have taken a sharp turn for the better. Did they get new writers or did Joss Whedon step in to script-doctor things?

The characters have gotten more complex and .. interesting.

I really hated the show in Season 1. We lost "Eureka" and then "Warehouse 13" to help pay for it and the show. The characters were trite (one female star did tai-chi in a sports bra to try and give her some depth). The only reason I even watched Season 2 was my DVR recorded the shows by default.

In the recent "If you could see through my eyes" - Daytak had sex with his wife's hand maiden, then finds her body on his doorstep the next morning. He summons the snarky Irathian doctor to help.

Daytak: "We have to get rid of the body, Now."

Doc Yewll: "We? There are 2 types of friends in the world. The type that helps you hide a dead Whore, and Me."

Daytak: "I cant manage this by myself."

Doc Yewll: "You're a professional criminal. I have faith." (walks out the door)

It's ... kind of good.