I think good writing can make up for a low budget. The show only comes across as cheaply made when the story itself can't uphold it. I'm not a big fan of SFX myself and I feel like they relied on a lot of flash and gore last season to make up for weak episodes. Writing a strong story doesn't cost anything extra and is better than expensive special effects any day! I thought the writing and acting of this premiere was excellent...it was bloody well almost as good as fanfic!