Note: All opinions below are my own. I never wrote on entertainment topics before here, so it's worth it to tell you that.

Now, I've also watched season 2, but I think 1 is clearly superior.

Their acting in a few words:

Delicate, Punchy, Masterful

Here are my 5 stand out performances of season 1. Absolutely loaded

My tier list:

1. Patricia Arquette (8 o'clock): steals EVERY scene. Every delivery, voice or micro expression, is packed with intention and range. Perhaps the most skill on display in the whole show.
2. Tramell Tillman (11 o'clock): a delightful mix of being very friendly & unfriendly. Watching him is a constant joy. There is never confusion which trait is showing up when. Surgical performance.
3. Adam Scott (center): plays our main character, which carries the show's major emotional weight. And it's a success.
4. John Turturro (2 o'clock): his feelings are controlled like seeing a volcanic eruption being administered though all of his senses
5. Christopher Walken (5 o'clock): greatly skillful as well, and I don't think I see Walken much, but fully his character.

Everything else contribute, as well: great styling choice, scene direction, character writing...

Which leads to each scene seems to deliver the most, with the least screen time needed.

Feels like watching an ensemble of masters working on their new filmmaking textbook.

Most of the things I said above can be glanced at with the scene below.

It's very subtle, and happens during episode 1 (doesn't spoil anything).

If you still haven't watched the show, watch it. I recommend.