The Shiv political stuff was my least favorite too, but I like it a little more after the payoff in this week's episode. I think part of the reason I didn't like it is that it's too obvious that Gil is supposed to be Bernie Sanders. The other fictional characters seem to borrow from a variety of real life people and businesses- lots of Murdoch obviously, but also some Mercer family, some Disney, some Trump, etc.- so it's not at all distracting. But with Gil it's too distracting.
Anyway this show continues to be incredibly entertaining IMO. It's probably never gonna be considered high art like The Sopranos or Mad Men or something, but it's just as binge-able. The hour flies by as quickly as any prestige drama I can remember and I always want more at the end. Also it's the first show I can remember to depict incredible wealth without veering into lifestyle porn. I have no desire to trade places with any of these people.