Just saw the older seasons for the first time

I started watching this show after Amanda Burton left. I really like it. So recently I got the older seasons and have been watching them.
They are so dreary. Amanda Burton is so cold and not very likable.
I find myself not liking her at all. Also she seems to make strange choices with men, and are those her "students". I am still not clear on that.
I had not seen her acting before this, so she is new to me.
They did a good job when they replaced her.
I quite like the current crew. I was sad when William Gaminara left and I do not think they have really found a good person to replace his leadership type of character.