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. 