Agreed, style changes are very very risky and can kill interest in what is otherwise a fine show. This works well though. I did read on irc some serious tv geeks explaining the producers and director for it are some of the few who could do it justice, so i assume these fellas are top dogs for making something that could so easily be badly made done well.
They must be is serious demand in Holywood right now i would imagine if it is the case. In the same way JJ Abrahms will reboot your franchise well, these guys make sure hard to film shows don't get a half arsed attempt.
Mad Sweeney will have a good career after this, he is a fine actor. I have seen him in other stuff i think but that was basically as a rent a gun in a film with soldiers and shit. This should make a few big wigs take notice imo.