The wife owns the full series--had it on VHS and then switched to DVD when that was available--and we both love it. But yes, you're absolutely right--the first story arc is brilliant, the second is crap, and the third started getting good just as they cancelled it.

Personally, I'm glad Cooper didn't go for Audrey. I do think that would have been wrong for him, and he makes it very clear why in the first season. I seem to remember him even telling her that if she were only a bit older . . .

Interesting, though, that Lynch also left for a bit. Buffy Season Seven, anyone? I'd always thought it was just that he didn't have Frost to rein him in anymore.