Well I think the kid wanted to be there he just didn't want to admit it to himself. Even in his origin episode he never wanted anything to do with FirestormThe more time they spend on origin stories then the more it will seem like padding. For me, they hit the right balance, they established the characters and started the ball rolling.
Oddly enough I don't have any issues with the characters so far.
Only gripe I had was the Professor should have been dragged over the coals by the other half of Firestorm.
The professor is more like the side of his conscious that is more reckless which is funny give their age.
I can't wait for the Jonah Hex episode. They can really have a lot of fun through the DC timeline. May even see Legion and Ambush Bug!