Honestly, the camp's part of the fun. It never quite fully strays away from that overall feel, so if that's not doing it for you, you might end up disappointed. It's supposed to feel like slightly-kitschy Americana.
Season 2 DOES have more of a psychological horror bend. You might end up liking that more. But...Season 2 and onwards is when it moved to the CW and it feels like the budget took a bit of a cut. More talking, less special effects.
It's a top-tier CW superhero show...but it IS still a CW show. And it can get a little soapy in later seasons. If that's just not you're thing, it's just not going to work for you. I've always been a fan of the JSA, and getting to see some more of them was fun. But, if you don't know who any of these characters are, it might not mean as much to you.
I'm just wondering, what is your issue with Pat/the Dad, specifically? I thought he was pretty decent, honestly.