[Dr Kain]

No they didn't. The flashbacks last season actually had a purpose to the story fo Seaosn 3 because of Masao and Katana. These flashbacks held no connection to the main plot. Not to mention they were choppy and pointless at times.

How was Ollie just suddenly able to null his powers? He even said he couldn't do it anymore. And the entire city stops rioting just because he starts talking? No, that is not how it would work in the real world, and since this show is trying to be realistic, I'm going to call it out for that. Then hey look, Star City is in danger, must be the season finale. Oh yeah, and now Merlyn is a good guy again. WTF?!

This episode was nothing more than one giant plot convenience after another. Did the writers just give up?