For what it's worth, I've never heard the opinion that the 2nd half of season two was bad. I don't view it that way, I mean there are parts of season 2 that are bad/cringeworthy for sure (the living room song with Hurley, Donna and Laura's cousin is brutal), but the 2nd half is intense, surreal and necessary to understand the full story through season 3.

Honestly I'm baffled by that comment, and my circle of artist friends is pretty deep and this is not a common opinion at all.

To each their own, of course; I would watch the show and decide for yourself.