Yes, I think I experienced some of your sense of dislocation too--I didn't really love this ep. And Simone was my least favourite aspect--as you say, a pure plot contrivance, which is a pity.

That's true about Metropolis--they've trapped themselves there. Its hilarious to think that through the whole of the first three Seasons, even in Season 4, Metropolis was 'so far away', and now they're popping back and forth all the time!