The kids over at Heroes had a pretty rough go of it with the first half of their season. Ratings were down, complaints were up, and it seemed much of the shine was off of the show. Ah, but not to worry. Tim Kring sent word that everything was going to be just ducky with this new chapter, “Fugitives.” We’re a few episodes in now, and it’s as good a time as any to talk about where this latest installment has hit, and missed, the mark.
Overall, I think things have improved with the latest chapter, although there are still aspects of it that could be better. I like the basic story of the heroes on the run. Frankly, if there had been a vision of something exploding, and another mission to save the world, I might have called it quits. Seeing them on the run at least offers a new look, and the government conspiracy beats infighting amongst those with powers.
Of course, that’s where the problem with the new story comes in. Why is Nathan in charge of the operation? Aside from the fact that Nathan’s revolving door motivations and ethics have become tiresome, it’s also not taking full advantage of the best new character in quite some time, Danko. Zeljko Ivanek has been all over the TV over the past couple years (Numb3rs, The Mentalist, Damages, True Blood, House, Lost, Bones…), and he’s always very good. An operation with Danko in charge, and with less scruples about what happens to the heroes, would carry a much greater threat. I’m holding out hope that Collins (Moira Kelly) is going to lead to the order coming down, from President Worf, for Danko to take Nathan into custody for having powers.
Things have been improved with the heroes themselves as well. The changes for Hiro and Peter are especially welcome. Having every power made Peter too powerful. The one-at-a-time solution is a good compromise. With Hiro, the time travel gag was just getting out of hand. I’d be just fine with it never coming back. With any luck, it’s also going to serve to make Hiro grow up a little. I’m still waiting for the show to deliver on the promise of the future Hiro we saw in season one. Accepting that he doesn’t need his powers to be a hero may be the first step down that path.
The drawback on the powers angle is Parkman getting the painting the future power. It’s a little lame as a power to start with, as we saw with everyone not recognizing that Daphne was about to get shot. But I also put it in the same bag as time travel. At this point, the less seeing the future, the better. There’s plenty of drama to be had in the here and now.
And then there’s Sylar. He falls into the same category as Peter, having too many powers. But there isn’t really time to worry about that yet, because nobody seems to know what to do with him. Season one Sylar, the unknown serial killer that was targetting heroes, was scary, and infinitely more interesting. This new Sylar, with all of his Daddy issues, is just kind of lame. He needs a much better story, the sooner the better. I’m good if that kicks off with him killing Luke. Right now the Sylar scenes feel more like, “Damn, Zach’s a breakout star, we need to get him on the screen.” more than anything else.
What do you think? Thumbs up? Thumbs down? Thumb waggling somewhere in the middle? Really enjoying those CBS comedies and ignoring Heroes?
Clacked by Brett Love 
on Feb 17, 2009 @ 09:00 EST5EDT
Thumbs still watching waiting for it to get better.
I believe Boy Breathe Underwater is a fake, planted by the Hunter. Why could she not have been called to rescue a 75 year old grandma? Does it have to be some young guy?
I’m very excited about the addition of Moira Kelly to the show. I somehow missed the news of her casting, and was completely surprised to see her on screen. Now, I finally have a reason NOT to fast forward through Nathan scenes :)
the whold nathan thing is i don’t think that anyone knows that he has a power, but if they do hopefully that guy will turn around and capture him.
I am actually really enjoying this new installment I have to say and I was ready to give up on Heroes before Christmas. I agree with you 100% on Hiro too, I too have been wondering when we are going to see the future Hiro promised in season 1 and is it just me or did Mohinder and Peter appear to cringe when Hiro started banging on about destiny? Perhaps not, but I was cringing for them. The gig that was so cute in the first season has just got old, some character development please.
That said that is where I disagree with you on Sylar, I think he is one of the few characters that has actually shown some development over the last three seasons and Zachary Quinto is one of the few on the show who consistently hits it out of the park acting wise. The struggle between the unassuming Gabriel Gray and serial killer Sylar, between good and evil, is far more interesting than having him running around killing people with plenty of guts and gore. His not killing Luke is far more interesting than his doing so.
I say Sylar is interesting but I’m a bit lost re. his motivations… at the beginning I thought he just wanted to have powers, now he has them all and he doesn’t seem to care – is he suddenly bored with being over-powerful? Plus why is he suddenly so interested in his Dad?
Peter needs some power, he’s not sexy without them :P
Hiro needs to grow up asap… I think he should have his powers back but maybe restricted, like sort of Lost alike, if he travels too much in time then his nose starts to bleed and then he could die – see? there’s a storyline ;)
I would like to do Claire doing something though, I’m sure her power could serve a more important purpose than just ‘be’ – and her Dad has serious issues, who does he work for? I’m lost. Parkman shoudl concentrate on creating more illusions, that’s a good power, better than painting – anyway, no one seems to understand the pictures… and all those who paint end up dying anyway. I still think Arthur Petrelli has penetrated Nathan’s soul, mind or brain, he’s acting too weird…