Marvel Agents of Shield...uhm, when did this show suddenly get really really good?

Just finished watching the first two episodes of Season 2 of Marvel Agents of Shield - and, it was surprisingly good. Fast paced. Unpredictable. Interesting characters - both supporting and lead. And diverse casting choices. Someone came in with a monkey wrench and managed to fix all of its problems. The two weak links in the main cast last season - Simmons and Ward have been completely retooled and as a result, have become multi-faceated and interesting characters. I want to know more about both of them, and why they've done what they did. When last season, I didn't care if they keeled over. I only made it through three episodes last season - the show kept putting me to sleep. But the first two episodes of this season...were compelling and riveting. WTF happened?

I admittedly tuned in just to see Lucy Lawless and Kyle McLachlan (whom I've had a bit of a crush on since he played Paul Atreidis in Dune. I've seen most of Kyle McLachlan's movies and tv shows. Some are excellent, some not so much.)

Now I need to find a site that summarizes what happened last season, specifically in regards to Ward and Simmons.

( Spoilers for first two episodes )