I just finished episode one, here are some thoughts:
1. This is very much set in the universe of new Trek. The sets are as dark as the trailers suggested.
2. I do not dig the stuff about Raffi so far. Maybe it will pay-off, but I don't like where her character is. It feels like a regression. I also wish she'd swear less. That said, it is in character for her to do so.
3. I am not sure if I like where Riker's character is too with regards to the "status" of his relationship with Deanna and his child.
4. I like how Jean Luc is back to his more optimistic self. He's old, but he has some of that bravado I loved from TNG here.
5. Picard and Riker together was so wonderful to watch. I'd watch an entire season of just these two together.
6. The Beverly storyline is intriguing.
7. Captain Shaw is annoying. He's meant to be annoying, but you'd think as a "Starfleet" officer, he'd be more pleasant.
8. Seven is awesome as always.
Overall, it was a solid first episode. This is the version of Picard we should have gotten in Season 1.
Edit: I forgot to talk about the ships:
The Titan being a modern version of the Constitution was a blatant grab for nostalgia. While I do think the design looks wonderful, it does not make sense for that era of Starfleet.
The interior was pretty bland, more militaristic I thought. You can argue it was not a flagship like the Enterprise, but neither was Voyager. This almost felt like the NX-01. The bridge itself felt like a redress of the Discovery.
Crusher's ship I can't really judge for now. Judging on the size of the shuttle versus the saucer, this ship is tiny. Probably smaller than the Protostar. It looks like a Starfleet vessel, but I doubt it is anywhere near a modern one. I wonder if she stole this ship given the lack of crew.