Megan Boone’s acting is just fine. In the comment version of the first season pilot, it was said that when they showed a first cut to an audience, the audience wanted a “softer” Liz, so they softened her character. I wouldn’t want her like Claire Danes in Homeland for instance. Whatever Red & Liz’s relationship ends up being, it’s the inexplicable fascination of an intriguing older man for a capable but inexperienced (and lovely) younger woman that gives the show its mystery and tension.
I just rewatched the first season pilot with my husband (I’m trying to get him hooked like I am) and I focused on Megan’s acting. I thought she was really good, excellent even, in the scenes with the little girl, when Tom is being tortured & when she stabs Red in the neck. I think she’s been the victim of a bad “meme” & that’s a shame. I might stop watching if the Red/Liz mystery is marginalized – it’s really foundational to the show’s unique mythology.