Regarding Shannara, I think they've done just what they intended to do and it couldn't have happened to a nicer IP.
That is to say, they have a certain target audience at MTV (and associates) and this treatment might well be just the way to reach and keep them watching. It's tweeny and twilighty and all of the things that will get it clobbered in reviews by more serious fantasy fans. So, too, if they had to do this with a popular bit of IP from the past, choosing Shannara gets them both name recognition and a bit of Teflon coating since it was always said to be a Tolkien ripoff. No one is ever seriously going to say that a great, original movie or series could have been made from this work.
On a personal note, I only ever read the first book from the Terry Brooks Shannara "chronicles" so this series picks up right where it fits my own knowledge. While it isn't something I am going to sit and watch while glued to the screen, I am going to pop it on while doing other stuff (painting minis, making terrain, etc.) and will definitely enjoy the special effects and such. I'll be able to follow the story, such as it is, closely enough in this manner to get what little I want from it. The references so far hit me just right, since when I did read that first book it was many years ago when it first came out and the memories of it feel just hazy enough, as they would for the characters.
The acting isn't bad though I see a lot of backlash over the various accents. They don't really bother me. I was more taken aback by the treads on the boots. While I know this is meant to be in the future, a post-apocalyptic Earth of the 31st? Century, something about perfectly made boot treads just seemed jarring. I like the other costume stuff and setting work they've done. The CGI F/X flying creatures seem a little weak though the F/X work in scenes with the main villains and/or the druid were very enjoyable.
I hope it lasts at least a couple seasons. Maybe it will even get better.