Looking at other forums, some people have pointed out a big problem with the season. There are no more hubs! Okay, there are, but they're not nearly as prevalent. Remember in S1E2 or S1E3, where Lee could just walk around and talk to people at the beginning of the episode? He'd ask everybody what was on their minds and you'd get to see how different characters were reacting to the day's events. There's none of that in Season 2. With the ski lodge, you could talk to Alvin and Rebecca and help Sarita and Sarah decorate a tree, but that's kind of it. All of the conversations were necessary to progress in the story, too. There are no more optional conversations
During the five day journey through the woods, we could've stopped three days in and talk to each character. After the bridge, you can only talk to Alvin and Nick. It would be great to have more moments of interaction with the cast as I think this contributes to the cast not being as memorable as Season 1. Also, it can add length to the episode (neither episode in Season 2 has been over two hours long)
Other forums have complained about this, too. I think it's worth talking about. We need breaks in the action to get to know other people and take a breather. If you don't like that, then don't take the breather! Plus, the hubs also give little moments for Clementine. Remember Lee and all of his little adorkable moments while examining objects? There was nothing to examine in the Ski Lodge besides the can of peaches (which just made Clementine scowl) and the tree toppers
I'd like to see these make a return, and hopefully they will with Carver's camp in E3, but I think it would be difficult considering that the cast has probably recorded all of their lines