Disclaimer - I'm only on episode 8 of series 2.
First series was brilliant, as good as the novel with sufficient tweaks to make it contemporary. Second series is still visually arresting and totally bleak but the plot not quite as robust or believable even though Atwood is still involved.
But the acting across both is fantastic, Elizabeth Moss ability to convey such complexity with her face is astounding.
There's no JW hanged in the TV version.