It was probably a stronger second episode than the first, here are my thoughts...
I am going to start off with Simon's golden buzzer, Nightbirde, who for me is the first true contender we have seen. She has a lot going for her, in the sense that she has a truly heartbreaking backstory (cancer really is vile) that will motivate votes if pushed, a very distinctive and commercial voice and performing hit worthy original songs. She is also the sort of act that would be hard to cut down if she poses a threat to someone else they may potentially want to win. She is a lock for the top 5 and is definitely a contender. How much of a contender she is remains to be seen when it comes to other acts, the only negative in her producer treatment I saw was that she wasn't given an interview segment, though they may decide to save some of that till later. Everything else was positive and I could see producers being happy to see her win.
Talking about the other acts, Beyond Belief Dance Company got a YouTube preview clip started the show on a good note but I don't see them being any more than quarter finals fodder. However UniCircle Flow have more potential to go far, that they are bringing something very different to the table. However they are also the sort of act that may end up disappointing at judge cuts and misses out on the live shows.
We then got a segment covering Larger Than Life and Korean Soul. Firstly I think the way Larger Than Life was treated, especially from Simon, was quite harsh. They should not have been buzzed. Sophia was nice to them, and the other judges should've acted similarly to her. We then saw Korean Soul, who got a promising segment. They have a lot of room to grow, and likely will be in the lives. If the K-pop vote is powerful, that could take them quite far.
We then had the fakest danger act in Got Talent history, Matt Johnson... When he was on BGT I never had any thrill watching him and whilst this audition was a step up, it was the same. The reason is his act is so predictable, that he clearly plans his every move and when he is going to escape. It was obviously going to go over one of those lines, then he escapes just as the thing falls. And Simon Cowell actually criticised him for that on BGT, and I could see that being how his journey ends at judge cuts.
Patrick Kun then received a promising segment and probably will make the lives. However he strikes as more of an Eric Chien than a Shin Lim, and Eric Chien was brutally cut down at the semi finals stage. We then saw Johnny Showcase, who had an entertaining audition. His trajectory could go one of two ways. Either as judge cuts fodder or a Hans like trajectory in the live shows.
We then received a promising segment of 3 acts. The Curtis Family C-Notes proved to be a highlight and could bring some good value to the live shows, though they are unlikely to contend to make the final. Les Beaux Freres were incredibly entertaining to watch, however I doubt they will make the live shows, they'd have to pare it back significantly, which would ruin the act.
Then we saw Gina Brillon, who is a recognisable AGT archetype. Middle aged female stand-up comedienne. She is most likely a lock for the live shows, however her trajectory from there could vary. She could either make the final, like Vicki Barbalak or fall at the first stage, like Julia Scotti. But it was positive treatment all round for her.
On the whole a very solid second episode.