Heroes Still Flying High

A quick sketch study of super-villian Sylar

I finally got the chance to see the new episode of “Heroes” the other night, in glorious HD. It was a long wait for a new episode, but as I expected it was worth it.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

It was no surprise this series picked right back up where it left off. One of the brilliant things about this show is how effortlessly it jumps from sub-plot to sub-plot, and maintains both interest and development in almost all of them. The Nikki/Jessica storyline seemed to me to be the least engaging before the break (save maybe the Hiro one, which was spinning it’s wheels), as it was the farthest from the central story. It was action packed, with Jessica being an assassin and taking on Parkman at one point, but beyond that her association with Linderman was not very deep. Now we see Micha is going to play a major part in Linderman’s master plan… Ali Larter‘s face when she pulls up in the car and suspects something is wrong bodes ill for Linderman. She will be the wildcard for certain.

Speaking of Linderman’s plan, I confess I saw that coming. “The Watchmen“, anyone? For those out there not among the comic book geek nation, “The Watchmen” was a graphic novel series written by Alan Moore (V for Vendetta) that is among the greatest comic book stories ever published (in my opinion). If you have never read it, immediately go out and buy a copy and do so. Not to give too much away, but the main theme mirrors Linderman’s plan to destroy part of New York in order to bring people together through tragedy. Not exactly a new concept, even for “The Watchmen“, but nicely demented even with the misguided idea that the end justifies the means. It will allow players like Nathan Petrelli, who do not seem to fit the mold of cut-and-dried hero, to show their complicated sides.

My favorite part of this episode was the brief but fantastic confrontation between Peter and Sylar. You didn’t get to see too much, but what did happen was dynamite. Sylar’s trick with the glass shards ended it too quickly, but there’s nothing wrong with leaving ’em wanting more. It must be the intention of the creators of the show to only give us glimpses of each person’s powers in use… especially the more flamboyant ones. As much as I’m dying to see someone really cut loose with their powers, I think this is a wise policy. It builds tension and creates anticipation, but at the same time keeps the super-powers themselves from being the driving force of the stories. In the comics, the heroes always use their powers to solve whatever problems arise. In the real world it wouldn’t be that simple. It would be rare for these beings to find themselves in a situation where their specific power would actually help matters much, so there is no reason to use them all the time. The stories are character driven, and the superb casting is making it all work.

It will be interesting to see what Mrs. Petrelli’s power ends up being. I hope it’s a shocker, like she transforms into a Hulk or other monstrosity… that would be a cool counter to her prim, icy and respectable demeanor. Is Linderman Peter and Nathan’s real father? If not their father probably had powers as well. How much of Sylar’s powers did Peter absorb in their brief encounter? Some, as he clearly had telekinesis that he did not before possess. Peter must be going to die at the end… he’d be too powerful otherwise.

Great ending to the episode as well, with future Hiro meeting present Hiro. It was that first glimpse of future Hiro on the subway many episodes ago that made me realize this was going to be an extraordinary series. It’s already back on track and only a few episodes remain for the season. It’s been a great ride so far.