I liked it. B+
For two reasons, both related to growing beyond the show's X-File homage. The father-son relationship was developed more, and Walter is being developed beyond merely the simultaneous plot hole filler and comedy relief rolled into one. His backstory has some more substance to it.

The 2002-2003 network comedy schedule was dominated by1990s shows that were long in the tooth (Friends, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier), and *shudder* Becker. For shows that were new at that time that actually stuck around, there was Scrubs and Malcom in the Middle, and not much else.