This was another character-heavy episode of Heroes, and in my opinion, that’s a very good thing. Leading up to the finale, I’m not necessarily sure that we have to have some sort of catastrophic and explosive event occur. Sure, that is in part what made season one so successful, but at this point in time I don’t mind delving a bit more into the characters’ psyche. Considering that character development and behavior as a whole has been the glaring weakness of the past two volumes, I think this is a step in the right direction.
I also find it interesting that this one episode alone taught us more about the previous generation of heroes than the volume that was titled “Generations.” Yes, I know that that story was cut short by the strike, but it’s pretty clear that the writers had no intention of going that deep into their story. But I enjoyed finally learning about these older characters and how they initially met and came together (and, in turn, how the Company came to fruition).
I also liked the two central themes, basically being “What have I become?” and “Not everybody is what they seem.” Claire came to learn that her adoptive father was actually fighting on their side this entire time. Peter realized that his mother and brother deserve his forgiveness, despite what they’ve done in the past. Mohinder discovered that his father may not have been as altruistic and virtuous as he had once thought.
Then there is the distinct sense of self realization. Angela admired the fact that Claire could dig up dead bodies without batting an eyelash. In turn, this made Claire realize that she’s a teenage girl who, for some reason, is pretending to be a secret agent that isn’t even bothered by the prospect of a land full of buried skeletons.
Likewise, Mohinder began to question what he had become and wondered if he’s any better than the people responsible for this massacre. Just last volume he was experimenting on humans as guinea pigs. By that same token, HRG and Angela – who live by the mantra of “the ends justify the means” – began to question that very mentality. Actually, overall, I think Angela’s character was the one that stood out by the conclusion of the episode. I believe that last volume was intended to soften her character, and I think it did, to an extent. But by the conclusion, I don’t think many people were saying, “You know what? At the end of the day, she is good” like they might about HRG. However, this episode really made me feel for Angela’s character. I sensed that the trauma and loss she experienced early on in her life helped shape her into the ambiguous person she is today. But at her core, she is a supremely caring and nurturing person. It’s interesting that she repeatedly clings to Peter, despite viewing him as the weaker brother. Perhaps he reminds her of the innocence and purity of her sister.
Admittedly, these epiphanies did feel forced at times. I mean, after all they’ve done and all they’ve been through, visiting a rundown summer camp is the thing that makes them question their morals and values? But ultimately, as our Company friends might say, the ends justified the means. More than any other point in the season, I truly have a sense of who these characters are and where they stand.
Overall, it was a really solid episode. And much like the ones before, it was really focused and driven by a small group of characters. It didn’t feel the need to force other characters down our throats when they had nothing to add to the main story, and the episode as a whole benefitted from that.
I don’t necessarily feel like the finale is going to be this huge event, because I’m not exactly sure what they’re building towards. They’re not going to write off Sylar, so is the climax eliminating the Hunter? Is that really an ultra satisfying end? I mean, it’s a group of people with abilities taking out one human man. Nevertheless, the last few episodes have been compelling enough that I really am looking forward to the conclusion (in a good way). That’s gotta be worth something.
Matt Basilo has been writing for Inside Pulse since April 2005, providing his insight into popular television shows such as Lost, Heroes, Prison Break, and Smallville. You can visit his blog at A Case of the Blog.
