S1 was filled with useless shitheads. The game was more about stumbling along and keeping everybody together. You didn't really have a choice, it seemed like.
S2 definitely has a "Take care of yourself first" theme, but balances it with "You can't do everything yourself." Right from ep1 where Clem has to basically say "

you guys" and break out to steal the medical supplies. She's the leader of the group from a mental standpoint and seems to make all the important decisions. On the other hand, it's also clear to show that she's small and not entirely self-reliant. While establishing this, they show Carter who is the logical conclusion (though an asshole) of complete control over a group, and later on Jane is introduced to underline the dangers of looking only after yourself.
I've only played TWD s1 and TWAU from Telltale previously, but so far I like TWD S2 the best because it does have more going on than just a protagonist dealing with a bunch of assholes. It actually feels like they're developing Clementine's character and trying to give a more realistic approach to the reality that not all survivors should have the same value.