My first 50mm/1.8 shots, as expected?

So I finally got the standard lens added to my kit.  I look forward to having a bit of fun with the wide aperture.  However I am not sure what to make of my first shots, not quite was I was expecting, but not sure if i should be disappointed yet.

So my first shot is with the 50mm wide open of a lucky bamboo...

50mm f1.8

next is my old 17-85mm @ ~50mm wide open @ f5.6

17-85 (50) mm f5.6

then back to the 50mm stopped down to same shutter as the 17-85.  (things sharpen up a bit)

50mm f5.0, 50s^-1

Now of course where I expect this lens to shine is in portrait and narrow depth of field.

Am I headed in the right direction??  I appreciate any comments, suggestions. thanks