Once Upon a Time, partway into season 2

Does anyone else think that season two of Once Upon a Time isn't as good as season one? (Yes, I know they're showing s3 but I don't get ABC and have to wait for Netflix to send me the CDs). In general I'm not sure why I don't like this season as much but there are some specific things bothering me.

Regina is allied with her mother? Regina hates Cora, but a few words about how the others have Regina's son and she's siding with Cora? I so don't believe it. Also, Regina, instead of trying to be a better person, has just flipped a switch and is back to being the evil queen? There was an interesting character arc going there and the writers just squelched it? Why? Disappointing, guys.

While I do adore that Mr. Gold has lost his magic, I would have preferred that we not know it's a temporary loss. Emma comments that she knows he has no magic outside of Storybrooke. I would have found it much more interesting to wonder whether or not he was getting his magic back.

Oh, and Tiny, the giant, he brought out the magic bean for his new friends much too quickly. I don't care if they did save his life, after the level of betrayal he's seen in his life, I don't believe he's as trusting as he is.