This series was one of three adventure series that I watched when I was a child, besides Xena and Hercules. The first season was lighter. I was fallen for this series, as soon as I had watched the first episode. The casts were talented, except Maeve, who has so-so acting skill. However, Sinbad and her have kind of dynamic and interesting relationship. I agree that they had great chemistry, even they only kissed once and the rest was just "eyes communication".
The second season, just like the first season, also has great potential. I'm not Maeve fan, so I still followed this season. However, unfortunately, I lost the feeling that I had gotten in first season. Bryn's acting skill was much better than Maeve, but Sinbad and her didn't have such a chemistry as the previous cast. This season was darker but it was not interesting anymore. This season, obviously, had a huge hole in the storyline, if you try to connect its story with the end of the first season. Maeve's departure was such a big loss for this series. Most of my favorite quotes ever from this series came from the first season. Personally, I prefer the first season and based from the series rating, I believe most audiences agree with me.
Of course, this series has some weakness. The special effect, the setting, and some of the plot stories were ridiculous and just kept repeating. Sinbad kissed almost all of the females cast so it kinda boring. But then, I wouldn't expect more from this series in 1996. I won't compare it with 'high-quality story or expensive special effect' series, but this series still good to watch. Anyway, the Maeve theme song (which was played in most of Sinbad-Maeve scenes) was so memorable, and I still remember it until now.