Given that there are two plot threads in "Trust Exercises" and that we also get to see a less straightforward Decepticon, Steeljaw, this episode is an improvement over the lengthy but shallow Pilot two-parter. Pairing off the bots allows us to observe the dynamic of this new team, even as it evolves over the episode. Plus, we get two (two!) new Decepticons appearing in this episode. I'd say this is a pretty good start to the series, and would recommend new viewers to start with this episode instead.