Yeah, I don't like Canary or Laurel much either. The detective father is the only worthwhile bunch of that family. I was kinda happy Canary left. Felicity is great, though it is tough to get past her blatant fanservice.
I really liked season 1 of Arrow, where Oliver was more of an anti-hero. His progression towards more stereotypical superhero morality was inevitable, but I always enjoy a change of pace.