I loved how often the Marvel films from phase 1 were referenced all the way down to Iron Man 3's Extremis. That easily made it feel like one universe, which is vital for this show being more than X-Files With Superheroes. Of course the 45 minutes weren't enough to do everyone justice yet and the ending with the head shot felt a bit off, but overall I really enjoyed it. Felt great to see Coulson back and alive. Very interesting what Hill and Shepherd Book had to say about that, though.
I have little doubt this show will do well (broke a few records already, they say), so we can look forward to a lot of fun episodes, I am sure.
You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.