Heroes - Fallout

We're still in the aftermath from events two episodes ago but after last weeks side step this is the episode with the titular fallout. Various characters find their status quo shifted and motivations are set up for the next story arc. There is a sense of change in this episode as various characters yet to properly cross paths finally meet. Most of the characters find themselves in Texas this episode due to the events of "Homecoming" and it helps the production feel consistent. Sadly some second tier characters are written out of the show but with the increased presence of Syler and Bennets team this is understandable.

The major moments of the episode are the Haitian making a stand that will affect Claires relationship with her father and the cliffhanger which leaves us with questions about Peter. This is a strong episode, this is the traditional "slow issue" after a major cross over, a time to reflect and aim for a new direction. That said there is a lot going on and I'm very sorry to see the death of Eden who is the definition of a character that had legs. 9/10

The Thing What Went Bump in the Night!!!!

 * BUMP *

 * BUMP *

 * BUMP *

 * BUMP *

 * BUMP *

* COCK A DOODLE DOO *

THE END

Heroes - Six Months Ago

This is an absolutely beautiful episode based around the idea that Hiro goes back into the past six months instead of one day. As Hiro tries to save Charlies life we get various snipets of what other characters were up to at the time and how some of them came to be in the situation we found them in six months time. This is Zachery Quintos as we see the origins of Syler and the hand Chandra Suresh has in setting him on his path albeit inadvertently. 

This episode would go on to create a trope in Superhero shows where we would get an episode set earlier in the season from a characters point of view. Its easy to forget how influential this show is. On top of that this is perhaps the best directed episode thus far - even Nathans flight is handled well! This is both a technical and narrative home run. It gets a 10/10 from me.

Heroes - Homecoming

 Here we are nine episodes in and since this show is going with the comic motif we get the end of the first arc. This is such a good episode as everything thats been built up through Isaacs pictures come to fruition with regards to Claire. There are quite a few twists and turns with some good writing, last episode Hiro was written out of the rescue attempt and this leaves Peter as the only would be rescuer on hand with powers - but his are dependant on others! Its a good build up to the homecoming sequence with lots of character fluff with Claire and her school friends. Theres also some good stuff bubbling under with other plots which gives us things to look forward to in future episodes. Mohinder in particular coming to the decision to return, encounter with the dream child and finding of the list may have been the main plot in most other episodes.

We get to see a painting of Isaacs at the start of the episode that looks like Peter is going to die and its quite good how he gets out of the situation in the end. Syler though looks brilliant, he's so overpowered and it looks like nobody can be a match for him. As the arc ends we get to see repercussions of acts taken as early as episode one and one characters fate is badly telegraphed but fitting. There is so much going on in this episode that is set up for future events that I'm sat here typing this up wanting to see the next episode already. We have so many questions at this point; Is Hiro going to save Charlie? Whats going to happen to Peter? What is Bennet going to do with Sylar? What is Mohinder going to do with the list? Who will win in the ongoing D.L Vs Jessica debacle?

We have had a fantastic arc and we move forward onto our second arc in high spirits. 

Heroes - Seven Minutes to Midnight

I've been looking forward to this episode since my re-watch started. The episode at the diner is one of the most talked about moments and Charlie the waitress (played by Jayma Mays off of Glee) is one of the most memorable characters. She just has something about her that gives off a friendly pleasant vibe, its good casting as we care about this character before she meets her fate despite the short amount of screen time. On the other side of things this is the first episode where Sylar is played by Zachary Quinto and we get our good first proper look at him.

Mohinder being back home in India adds a worldy feel to the episode and his situation is intriguing. He's got a lot of decisions to make and the dream sequences are visually interesting. Matt Parkman continues to be infuriating as he keeps screwing up any chance of forward progression in the plot by being a clunker head. The interrogation scenes are done very well with added frustration that red tape is keeping the police from knowing whats going on.

Bennets part of the episode is so satisfying, we see his base of operations and some of the facilities he has on tap although we don't know who he works for. We get a vague explanation, but its one to take with a pinch of salt. Very much like last week we get another character seen from anothers point of view - this time Claire through Bennets eyes. We also see more of Eden who seems to have the power to influence people (Maxwell Lord!) which explains what Mohinder is doing back in India and how she nabbed Isaac so easily.

 

Something that this episode has that no other has had is that every group of characters has a solid location to base there actions around this episode. Most other episodes have characters drifting from one set to another with no solid base while this episode has the diner, Mohinders office, LA Police HQ and the paper factory. Sometimes one character will have this but not all and its a TV basic that Heroes largely doesn't do and suffers from.

In short this is my favourite episode so far, characters are growing, new ones being introduced and I'm invested in their fates. Also another blooming brilliant cliff hanger and it looks like Hiro very much like the TARDIS off of Doctor Who takes the scenic route instead of the quickest one.

Heroes - Nothing to Hide

 We're seven episodes in and its time to address the elephant in the room, the narration that is usually at the start and end of the episodes does not work. If anything it comes over as David Brent and is getting more farcical every episode.

Bar that its a largely good episode this week, even characters not involved this week feel present through their absence. What has happened to Isaac? Mr Bennet feels present through the use of Claire. Sylar and Linderman who we haven't met yet continue to make noises in the wings as they await their big entrances with Linderman in particular making a very interesting non appearance.

Hiro and Ando's appearance is possibly the highlight of the episode, they appear in the background of DL and Micahs storyline, make an impact and then politely scoot off. Its like they're making a guest appearance in their own show.

I love the fact that in the radioactive guy we meet someone with a proper dangerous alpha power and he's just going about his own life. The fate of the wife is tragic and very X-men. Matts part of the story continues to move at a snails pace.

Niki as a character is struggling, it feels like the writers are confused but I like the idea that Micah seems to know more about Jessica than he was letting on to Niki. 

Nathan and Peter are largely side lined this week as we meet more of the extended Petrelli family. Peters dream comes over as a potential power that he's picked up from someone else and I like how we get some insight into the fact Nathan is not interested in any aspect of their powers. It leads somewhere as we get the Linderman revelation.

Claires plotline feels a little lazy.

For fun heres an example of the characters and their powers;

Peter - Rogue.

Nathan - Eric Gibb.

Hiro - Nightcrawler.

Isaac - Destiny.

Niki - Hulk / Dr Jekyll.

Claire - Wolverine.

Matt - Professor X.

DL - Kitty Pryde.

Micah - Forge.