Episode 2 was somewhat better. Think I've figured out what was bugging me on the cinematography other than the overall gloominess and cheap look. Maybe the "gloomy" was part of the pilots first impression of a "backward" country but the whole thing looked like it was filmed for viewing on an iPhone or back of seat screen on a 757. Has a very cheap look for all of the hype.
I honestly don't feel this way at all. I think the acting, the intrigue, the world building, all of political machinations, etc I think drives the show but I think the show looks lived in and great. Some of the overheard shots of the cities are a little CGIish but this still looks great to me.