Last year's flashback scenes, taking place in Hong Kong, were on the whole pretty poor, especially when compared to the scenes on the island and the freighter from previous years. They didn't match up particularly well with the present day storyline (although obviously came into play at the end), and nor did they really manage to tell a compelling story in their own right. Season 4 needs to get back to having flashback sequences that do serve the plot of the present day, whether that's in things it reveals or just the contrasting versions of Oliver we get to see, but also ensure that it works as a self-contained story as well. Season 3 ended up Olly boarding a ship for Coast City, which should hopefully work very well as a setting for these scenes, given the established history of the place with Ferris Air, the fact Oliver knows how to pilot a plane, and the potential of a Hal Jordan appearance (more just wishful thinking on that last one, admittedly). We do know Oliver is getting a love interest in the flashbacks, and that should at least tie in with the present day, insofar as it will provide an interesting contrast to his new relationship with Felicity.
NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far.
A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.
