cory monteith glee interview

HEROES: Can This Show Get Any Better?

March 6th, 2007

In this world of over-hyped sweeps stunts, empty promises for answers (yes, I’m talking to you LOST) and constant barrage of internet spoilers, I think I’ve pinpointed why HEROES is going so strong. In-spite of everything, it still manages to surprise its audience. Which simply makes watching the show so much fun.

Last night’s episode was a perfect example of yet another phenomenal chapter in the HEROES saga. Nothing was as it seemed, new (and very cool) Heroes were introduced and Suresh finally got his head in the game as he turned the tables on Sylar. Well sort of.

Yes, timid Professor Mohinder Suresh — who until now seemed to only have the superpower of stupidity — finally clued into his ‘friends’ real identity, tied him to a chair and shot him. Of course Sylar wasn’t going to let a simple bullet end his ultimate plan of world domination (what exactly is his plan by the way?). He quickly turned the tables, taking control of the situation and left Mohinder apparently for dead. Yet this being Heroes, I hardly think Suresh is dead. His family (not so much himself so far) is far too integral to the show’s plot.

Interesting how family units have come to play such an integral part in the show. Think about it. We’ve got the mysterious Nakamura family, the Petrelli family, Nikki/Jessica’s dysfunctional bunch and of course, HRG’s family… who for the first time ever seemed like a truly remarkable bunch.

How great a moment was it between HRG and his wife when she handed him the note he wrote prior to his memory wipe? Even after everything HRG’s put the family through, family ties are still strong. How evil/brilliant/genius was it for Thompson to use HRG’s own family against him? Did your jaw not drop when HRG realized that his ‘wife’ was actually shape-shifter Candace. For a moment, I really thought HRG’s wife was the evil one. But anyone who owns a dog like Mr. Muggles can’t be bad — Can they?

Quick kudos to two off my most annoying Heroes (or is it three) — Niki/Jessica and Hiro. Niki/Jessica, or Nessica for short — you didn’t annoy me this week. I have no idea how your abillities really work, but it’s nice to see Niki getting the upper hand. Hiro, I have to say, I was shocked that Linderman’s sword actually gave you back your power. I really thought that you’d learn that the power is inside of you (cue: ‘GI: JOE The More You Know’ music) and that the sword was nothing more then a placebo. That said, your escaping into the future was mighty cool and I’m thrilled that you took Ando along for the ride. Loved Ando’s triumphant return, I wonder if he has superpowers? Oh wait he already does (cue: ‘Cheesy FULL HOUSE music) — the power of friendship.

The Petrelli family. So many questions, first of which is — what’s the deal with the Petrelli matriarch and what is her involvement in all of this? Why does she know french? What is her connection to the Haitian? And is her husband really dead?

And finally, the biggest surprise of all, NBC’s marketing machine actually delivered on a promise. Sure we were teased all week that we’d be meeting the elusive Mr. Linderman. But who among us actually we’d get a substantial scene?. Knowing how the world of over-hyped television works, I fully expected us to ‘meet’ Mr. Linderman for one second near the episode’s end to ensure we’d tune in next month when the show finally returns in April (as if there was a chance we wouldn’t!). Well surprise, surprise, Mr. Linderman actually had a scene and more importantly he revealed some pretty interesting things. Namely that he knows about Nathan’s ability, he has seen the future and that Nathan will be a ’stones throw from the Presidency in two years.’ Needless to say we’re intrigued and April can’t come soon enough.

62 Responses to “HEROES: Can This Show Get Any Better?”

Todd W in NC Says:

I agree, specifically, with several of your points, and generally, that last night was another great episode and that this is becoming one of the best shows on TV.

I was surprised and impressed that Mohinder took charge over Sylar but also a little disappointed that he didn’t take better precautions. HRG tried to surpress Sylar’s power, but Sylar could still use his telekinesis to pull Eden through the cell glass. Now, Mohinder tries to neutralize Sylar’s power while he’s unconscious, but Sylar can still close the IV valve with his mind. Either Sylar’s powers are unstoppable, or just the telekinesis is immune to all forms of impedance.

The Niki/Jessica storyline was played much better last night and seems to be taking one further step toward integration into the bigger picture.

I do not agree that Hiro is annoying. He’s one of my favorite characters. It was a bit convenient that he just happens to run into Nathan and even more contrived that Ando showed up to save Hiro. And yet, I don’t care. I love it when the heroes get to interact with each other, and I love the dynamic duo of Hiro & Ando. It was the right thing for Hiro to send Ando away and the right thing for Ando to come back, even if it is a little forced.

I also like the family connections in the show. I admit, I was also surprised at how well the Petrelli brothers’ mom is clued into everything.

The meeting with Mr. Linderman was excellent as well. As Hiro would say, “He very bad man.” Linderman has even more power than I could have imagined–the power of manipulation–if he can face an armed and desperate Nathan without fear.

Linderman, Mr. Nakamura, Mrs. Petrelli, HRG. This is quite an organization that is manipulating & studying these heroes so thoroughly.

idigress Says:

Actually Linderman stated that Nathan would be a “heartbeat away from being President”, for the political among us – this is a reference to being the Vice President of the US. For instance – Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House is 2 heartbeats away from being the President, the closest a woman has ever been to the Presidency. So with Nathan being the VP – craziness could ensue! Just saying…

Sam Says:

Second best episode of the season for me (last week being the first best).

I got the sense Nathan’s mom was and has been the Haitian’s mysterious boss that he answers to.

I forgot that Peter had Claire’s regenerative ability when Sylar started to saw his head off. I thought it was the end of Peter. And then I remembered, lol.

betty remple Says:

Yes they are all a strange lot at that.
But then most of us could write scripts of the strange people that we encounter in our daily lives and take for mainly granted.

Will Says:

Mr. Linderman actually knew about Claire as well, because when he was talking about nathan’s powers he said “your daughter” and that can only mean Claire, Right?

bluebonics Says:

how was it anything but completely obvious that the shape shifter was pretending to be HRG’s wife? had they tied the shape shifter into the series prior to this episode, it wouldn’t have been so bluntly obvious. as soon as he turned on the shower i was able to deduce that it wasn’t his wife… it seemed more forced than Ando saving Hiro at the casino (which was far less obvious and kick ass). and Hiro kicks ass in general btw :P

_Jon Says:

I am concerned that the power that “Candace” has will be abused.
It is very easy to lose the trust of the audience by using that too much, like what was done in the Mission Impossible movies with the mask.

We – the viewers – need a clear indication that a situation might include Candace role playing.
This ep had her phone ring differently, so there was a clue, but it should have been sooner.

I think HRG is toast….

Roy Says:

@ Sam:

Now we know where Peter’s scar comes from that “future-Hiro” referenced in the subway.

Observant Viewer Says:

NBC really screwed up with this episode, they had been cultivating the “Who in the heck is this Linderman” theme all season, then they go ahead and blow it in the opening credits of this Monday night’s episode. In the previous episode, they talked about Linderman and briefly showed an elderly man from the rear as he started to turn around and then abruptly cut away. Well, well, what older actor would portray Linderman, well NBC cut down the short list to only one name by putting McDowell’s name in the opening credits. There goes all the suspense right off the bat. OOPS! I still don’t know how Linderman knew of Nathan’s powers from watching the episodes, very few characters knew for sure and the only one who has a direct line to Linderman was Issac thru his paintings and Simone who sold Linderman the paintings but she didn’t know/believe at first.

We’ll know more in April unless a script somehow get’s leaked earlier.

diemone Says:

I agree with bluebonic, who couldnt see the shapeshifter duping HRG from a mile away? I honestly thought that this episode was somewhat of a let down. Mohinder turning the tables on sylar was cool and somewhat unexpected on how he went about doing it; also Idigress took the whole “A heart beat away” to literally.. He meant that he was going to be the president. Also Hinderman was a complete badass, but in general the actor who plays him usually is in everything he does.

Adam Says:

Heros is the best f*in thing that has happend to tv, i have been hooked since the first monday it aird it makes up for how much mondays suck :)

Hal Jordan Says:

Putting Mrs Petrelli in the equation would mean that Peter’s father did not commit suicide but probably killed in the act of protecting a mutant, or because of being a mutant himself. The shapeshifter only looks evil at this time, just as HRG seemed evil before, but she seems to have an agenda of her own which is not unlike Bennet’s objectives. While Linderman is pretty high in the manipulator ladder, he is preparing for a showdown against Nakamura’s Group. Volume two will take us closer to this confrontation.

liferedeemed Says:

Hiro’s power is not related to the sword. Remember the reversed time at under the bus when Jessica tried to shoot them. The last number of times, the time shift occurred only when Ando also closed his eyes. It is related to Ando in some fashion.

Augie Says:

To avoid unecessary repetition I will simply say that I agree with the previous posts…for the most part. Aside from this, I have questions: Who was the “invisible guy” hiding which caused him to fall out of the good graces of HRG’s group? and, Could that person possibly have been Petrelli’s father?

Ian Eure Says:

Did anyone else notice the Dr. Strangelove reference? The Kensei Sword’s catalog number was CRM-114.

neveras Says:

Well, looks like we finally got to find out how Peter gets that Scar!

Dissociated Maven Says:

Did Peter absorb all of Sylar’s abilities? Something to think about.

fassade Says:

HRG must have known that the chameleon was his wife. He is portrayed as far too cool and calculating not to have some sort of password or challenge phrase in place once he knew of a Hero with this power. More to the point, the writers made sure we heard the Doggie Hotel had an annoying custom ring tone, which the fake wife did not know, and HRG did not look at all surprised when she made this mistake. I think HRG has a plan, one that may even have required him to get captured, but we are going to have to wait 6 weeks to find out what it is…

Chris Says:

Well the one thing about scylar and mohinder is that for one thing curare doesnt completely impede neural function, that was very poorly done, he should have given him a derivative of the drug that he put in his tea (or chai as they say in India). Also a spinal tap from the cervical vertebra would undoubtedly paralyze scylar, especially when his CSF was taken with a syringe without the prior application of anestetic. The other part of the show I didnt get was when Hiro teleported into the future and realized he had failed. This show has really differed on the concept of fate vs. no fate. First there was that incident where Hiro went back in time to deliver that fateful message to peter (save the cheerleader save the world) and he said he was risking the pollution of the timeline. Next there was the conclusion he reached from his 6 months with that girl in TX, where Hiro figured that he couldnt not change the future (or more accurately he could not change people living and dying). One suggests that there is a “temporal mechanics” interpretation to events and the other a “fate” interpretation. If he has already accepted the fate interpretation then he should not be surprised to learn that he fails (if he does, I dont think that makes a very “romatic” conclusion to this volume of the series so it could change), but even if the series does turn out to let Hiro change the future, the writers have already contradicted themselves on the aformentioned basis. But who knows, I’m only some crazy (probably misinformed) guy taking out 5 minutes of his life to jot down some thoughts on a good show. I really wish this would have been better done, but its fiction and I still love it.

Brandon Says:

She is not a shapeshifter, she is an illustionist. She makes people see what she wants them to see without changing herself. She told that in an interview on g4tv’s Attack of the Show.

Whitney Adams Says:

One thing that i’m wondering. In the begining of the series Hiro finds peter on the subway and he says “you look diffrent without the scar” so I don’t think that peter is going to regenerate. no doubt he is going to get away from Sylar, but he’s not going to regenerate thus Peter getting the scar.

ben Says:

i loved parasite!.. this show gets better every episode! too bad im leaving for the air force and ill be at basic training when the season comes back :( so i wont be able to find out what happens til at least june. ahh the misfortune of that. oh well, long live heroes!

DocB Says:

This show continues to pull me in. Each episode builds the story to immediately imaginable routes all making sense within the context of the story. The characters are constantly developing. LOST on the other hand offers no direction with static characters and vague secrets seemingly pointing nowhere. HEROES has a monster that is immediately tangible but also the hidden monster of the Linderman (is it really his?) organization behind the scenes with direction yet unknown. LOST has a big black noisy cloud that nobody seems to care about except when an escape form a plot rat hole is needed. The hidden monster for LOST is a shadowy 1960s – 1970s organization that doesn’t appear to be relevant to anything the characters do. Quick we’re stuck in the plot; cue the Big Scary Noisy Black Cloud and have it hit someone with a DARMA hatch; cut to previews of next weak (episode).

I hope HEROES can maintain momentum and not get lost like LOST.

Anim8me2 Says:

I visited this site thanks to a link on Digg… WOW, was that a mistake.
Your writing is awful and you seem to be INCREDIBLY obtuse!

How does Lady Petrelli speak french? How does anyone speak a second or third language? Not to mention that french is for those above a certain income level de rigeur in school. Makes those ski trips to Gstadd so much easier to manage. For gods sake!

Linderman did not “see the future”, he was telling Nathan that he would make it happen through political/devious machinations.

I do agree that this was a well crafted and thouroughly enjoyable episode (as is the show in general).

Please give it up and try a new line of work… or at least a new subject for your blog.

At least now we know how peter gets his scar.

eric Says:

There’s a very good chance that Mohinder will live. In the Peter/Sylar meeting, although Mohinder was being held against the ceiling, he was able to croak out the name “Syler.” before Peter turned round and saw him.

I’m very interested in how this show-down turns out and have discussed it in detail with Son#2. He thinks they’re fairly evenly matched, but, as I keep reminding him, Peter can pickup all of Syler’s abilities just by being in the room with him. So we’re keeping our fingers crossed!

dhess Says:

@ Sam

Remember, Claire wasn’t able to regenerate when her brain was impaled by the stick earlier in the series. Sylar removes his victims’ brains in order to gain understanding of their abilities (and eats them? to fuse their DNA with his.)

Should Sylar be able to remove Peter’s brain, he won’t be able to regenerate.

Peacedog Says:

I knew it was the shapeshifter when her phone rang and it wasn’t the Mr. Muggles ringtone you heard earlier in the episode.

Malcolm McDowell as Linderman was pretty cool. The wife and I had thought Donald Sutherland from the previews.

Phil Says:

Alot of cool stuff happened in this last episode, i think that Peter got the scar that “future Hiro” said he had when they were in the subway. Also i dont think they actually saved the cheerleader yet. When Hiro of the future went back in time to warn Peter that he needed to save the cheerleader to save the world i dont think he knew of what was happening in Texas, Hiro wasnt there, so im guessing that there is another event that happens. Thats just my 2 cents.. i have fallen in love with this show mainly because it makes me think, and i actually believe that they are going somewhere with it right from the beginning of the season, not just flying by the seat of their pats /cough Lost

Tynan Says:

Ando does have superpowers besides friendship. Remember when he and Hiro were in the compartment in that bus? I believe it was HIS powers that saved them, not Hiro’s. Watch it again and pay attention.

Also, I’m not sure that Linderman has seen the future. I got the impression that he was outlining a plan that he had.

Good writeup, and what a show!

Tynan

Meccs Says:

I agree with bluebonics. It was obvious that it was the shapeshifter. What annoys me is the way that sylar ‘absorbs’ powers. His victims lose their brains….what does he do with it? not that I’d like to see that :S It was a good episode.

Great Episode!

I was disappointed with Suresh, he really should have just taken Sylar down as soon as he had the chance and caught him off guard, I think HRG is amazing and he is my favorite character at the moment… I really don’t think that many people will die though, without giving away spoilers the people in the last scene, I can’t see how any of them can leave the show without being integral to the plot, UNLESS! they are killed and reformed for the side of evil, which certainly makes sense for one of them!

Bagwaa
http://www.bagshaw.co.uk

snarlyboy Says:

explain something to me someone if you can…. In relation to Sylar’s powers… Remember that scene ages ago when Sylar tried to kill the little girl in the police basement and he forced the FBI chick’s gun to her own head only to be shot by Matt Parkman? He *fell* to the ground from the bullets and didn’t have the healing power, why would he fall if what he did was just telekinetically stop the bullets in mid air? As I recall the episode, the bullets actually hit him and threw him back? that seems like a plot flaw… (otherwise I pretty much love the acting and the show! except for Niki and her hottie eye-candiness is losing its war with her character’s annoying schizo wimpinessfor me)…. :)

Moljen Says:

Great episode, think it’s my top… erm 1st, yees.

But on another note…. Ando must be ‘more’ than a friend! Hiro’s father (who cares what his character name is, lets just call him George) is quite high up the rankings in the ‘paper business’, otherwise how could he order HRG to adopt baby Claire.

Mr. Takei also runs the company that Hiro worked in, he probably instructed Ando to keep an eye on Hiro.

Ando just showing up by coincidence, c’mon… there are not coincidences in this show. Even Ando’s initial unwillingness in Tokyo to buy the ticket, take the ride with Hiros destiny trip, can be interpreted as a protection maneuver. Ando is probably more deeply involved in the paper business than just being a office clark.

Simon Says:

Now we know what scar “Future Hiro” was talking about when he warned Peter to “Save the Cheerleader, Save the World”. (”I didn’t recognise you without the scar”) For some reason, Peter won’t be able to regenerate his skull properly – or how else could he scar?

ToyMao Says:

I must agree with Sam, and I will add, that perhaps the primary intention of the Haitian to bring Clair to Canada must be somehow related to the fact that Mama Petrelli speaks French (my guess: she’s Canadian e.g. from Montreal.)

Gluck Says:

Loving the show, now lets see if they have the willpower to end it in a timely fashion.

chris Says:

@ToyMao bring Clair to Canada? When the Haitian is on the phone speaking french, he mentions “Marseille” (France)

I agree the show and past two episodes have been great, BUT… I think we’re getting too many heroes with plot-convenient abilities.

For example, all week we’re led to believe Simone is a hero (”Wanna shoot me again?”), but instead it’s a shapeshifer who also happens to trick HRG. That’s a little too convenient. I don’t want to start feeling that everytime we get into a jam on the show that a new hero with the appropriate skills will appear to save the day.

Zanthany Says:

The Petrelli mother speaking French to the Haitian?

Haiti is a former French colony, and thus its official language is French.

Adam Says:

ToyMao,

Remember that Mrs. Petrelli is a high society woman. Being able to speak a foreign language like French or Italian isn’t all that uncommon in such circles. of course, it is a bit convenient that she happened to pick the high society language that the haitian speaks…

DanFlan Says:

I think there are multiple secret international organizations at work here. There’s the one run by George Takei and now the one run by Nathan’s mom. Linderman may even be a third player or he may be part of Takei’s org.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Linderman had powers that made him not worry about Nathan shooting him. After all he said multiple people have tried to kill him.

My biggest disappointment was how easily Sylar pinned Peter to the wall. I know his powers are still a work in progress, but Peter should have resisted a little more. Or maybe that’s next month’s episode. I wouldn’t have minded a little more explanation as to Sylar’s power to steal abilities from Suresh either.

The Last Word Says:

This show has been great from the beginning, absolutely outstanding. I think, dare I say it, that these families, Nakamura and Petrelli, somehow wanted to develope Super-Human offsprings. World domination. I’m excited about the coming NEW battle between Sylar and Peter. The Yin and Yang of the show. One bad, completely evil and the other good AND coming into his powers. Should be fantastic. Can anyone tell me why Mohinder didn’t just shoot Sylar and be done with it? Come on April!!!!

Matt Says:

The More You Know and the GI Joe public service announcements are two different things. Nice attempt at a pop culture reference, but it’s “…and knowing’s half the battle…GI Jooooe!” Certainly not “the more you know”.

I don’t think it was “too convenient” for Ando to show up. He took a job as a security guard at Linderman’s gallery because he knew Hiro was going to steal the sword.

What’s the deal, author? You quote Linderman but use the wrong phrase? Stone’s throw?

Dr. Funbags Says:

Her new Passport said she was a Canadian from Montreal. The Haitan was taking her to Marseilles, France.

KW Says:

@Meccs-

If you are on the Primatech Paper email list you’ll get an email this week from Mohinder. Go to his website on genetics and there are some interesting threads — including one about eating brains to gain power(s).

Shmock Says:

Here’s one; What happens when peter absorbs Sylar’s power to see how things work? Will he be able to stop everything or realize it’s hopeless? – Either way I’m tuned in.

dood Says:

For all you jackasses whining about French – my public high school in a lower-middle-class income small town of Maryland offered French and Spanish. It’s not only a language of high society.

Davey Says:

Linderman is Nathan’s father….

Dean Says:

I have not seen this show yet but I’m going to Tivo this show right now.

Kitty Pryde Says:

Actually, G.I. Joe was “Now I know, and knowing is half the battle! Yoooo JOE!”

“The more you know” was NBC’s celebrity PSA slogan.

Loved your article, however-save the thing about Hiro-I agree he’s been one-note lately, but I really loved a lot of the earlier episodes with him. You know they HAVE to have a fanboy hero on this show!

DaXtermGuy Says:

Holy crap man, this episode ripped my stomach out. It’s by far one of the best, and on it’s way to be the best, show on TV. Let’s see who can compete :P

Joost Says:

Good episode, Mohinder is still alive though.

Sougent Says:

Maybe Peter’s scar is there because his head isn’t on straight when he heals…….

Based on stepping through the previews a frame at a time (yes, silly isn’t it?) , it looks like Sylar is distracted by something after he’s cut Peter’s head, my guess is that Claude’s (there’s one frame with what looks like a hazy figure standing there) been tailing Peter and distracts Sylar (probably with a smart ass comment) giving Peter enough time to focus and use the TK powers he originally absorbed from Sylar to pick Sylar up and fling him out the window, which would naturally break Sylar’s concentration causing Mohinder to fall to the floor.

doktored Says:

Good right up above. Especially the comment about the theory on Fate in this series. Definately the only reason to watch TV. And lets be honest outside the US no one watches this show on TV.

What happened to Wireless when they went to confront HRG (who is excellent, how to turn baddie to goodie with brilliant plot and motivation).

Matt Parker darn! recruited for the man. There are plenty more Good guys then Bad guys. Somewhere (as with Lost and all these shows) Someone like Peter or Nathan should organise a night out in a bar invite everyone that is a superpower and have a good old chinwag about what they all know. That simple… Get pissed and show off each others skills then just go confront any of the bad guys. What don’t mobile phones exist? What about a txt here and there to update each other.

Hey Mohinder I can do load of sh!t now… Really – I have Syler – Let me call my moody brother and see if he is a good guy yet.

Sougent Says:

Peter really ought to work for HRG’s organization, then he’d run into all sorts of people with neat powers and absorb them all.

thinlenn Says:

wireless can be found here for those that haven’t found here http://www.samantha48616e61.com

she keeps a blog and you’re able to keep up….you can also go to http://www.primatechpaper.com if you haven’t i assume that everyone is at least as web savvy as I ain’t I don’t care about fate and intent of fate in the show comics have always chosen that ideology changes and whatever happens at the end of the day yes this is the best on TV but it is a comic there is only implanted logic.. i also find it odd that no one is thinking about Pete’s invisible friend and his inexplicable ability to overpower the stron peter with a simple knock to the skull…sure Sylar should be able to hear him but the series has shown that he is weakest physically when he uses his telekinesis and I believe Pete and the Haitian were in a police headquarters in texas at the same time food for thought

Tamer Elfiky Says:

#1 Hiro is NOT annoying
#2 Mohinder Will not Die
#3 Issac is going to die
#4 Mrs. Petrelli works with the Haitian and Claude’
#5 Nikki and Jessica are not the same person and will soon be able to slit when they need to
#6 Mr. Linderman has powersw and may be peters father and not nathans
#7 Ando and Hiro both ahve completeing powers.. while hiro can stop time ando can reverse it
#8 wireless girl works with HRG and was send by him to get ted to get him out of the Paper company
#9 Heroes all kick ass
#10 sadly enough the season final will include the nuclear bomb going boom(ie: peter coming into contact with ted)

Tamer Elfiky Says:

i forgot to mention that peter will ahve no scar… since hiro has not seen him except after the cheerleader was supposed to die thus peter was never going to meet claire and thus never gain healing abilities before hiro told him to save her ( i know its sounds complicated) If Hiro didnt come from the future to tell peter to save teh cheerleader then she wouldve died and peters stand off with syalr would end in a scar.. but since peter saved claire and gained her powers then he will heel and not get a scar….. so he doesnt ahve to lok like crap for the rest of the show (imagine looking different with out the scar… must be some huge ass scar)
contact me at ibn_bobby@hotmail.com if you think i know it all

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