Long-time readers will know that I’ve been a very loyal Heroes apologist. While everybody else has gone on and on about how the show is in critical condition and on the verge of cancelation, I’ve rightly noted that it’s still one of the highest rated shows on NBC (the network in, what, fourth place?) and brings in the most alluring demographics (which means money). Yet I have to admit that I’ve been majorly frustrated with the previews I’ve read for the fourth season. Nearly every single one has a cast member acknowledging that season three was a bit shaky, but that things are really going to pick up this season, with the heroes attempting to live normal lives. I feel like I read the EXACT same thing last season. And if last season failed to reach expectations – as the actors seem to acknowledge – then what assurances should I have for this upcoming season?
And truth be told, I didn’t even mind last season. I thought it was a HUGE improvement over season two, particularly the “Fugitives” arc. Part of me wishes the actors and producers would take the Matthew Fox/Lost approach, and basically just say, “No, the critics are wrong. The show is still great. You’ll see.” And he was right. A lot of fans argued that the third season of Lost was weak – I don’t agree – but ultimately, I believe, those same fans would agree that it paid off in the grand scheme of things.
There’s owning up to things and there’s taking ownership. Last year those involved with Heroes rightly owned up to the previous season’s weaknesses. This year I would have preferred they taken ownership of what was an adequate and acceptable season. Did they capture that same magic we saw in season one? No – but they never will. So they shouldn’t even try. Using Lost as an example again, the writers aren’t trying to recreate the first season (time travel comments aside), they’re instead progressing the story. And that’s why I was partially disappointed to read that these characters are “going back” to living normal lives. I don’t want them to “go back” to anything. I want them to move forward – the one thing the show has constantly struggled to do.
Nonetheless, I have come into this premiere with a positive attitude. Admittedly, I am more skeptical than I once was. My greatest hope is that the writers will show some restraint, and the real, for me, will be whether Sylar appears. And if he does, in what capacity. Last season, I made the bold suggestion that they wait until the finale before we see him emerge from Nathan’s persona. I doubt that’ll happen, but I’m curious to see what sort of self-control they show.
For what it’s worth, I suggest everybody check out my blog later this week, as I’ll use the latest season of True Blood as the template Heroes should use. But until then, here’s my review of the premiere.
Personally, I thought the episode worked, partially because they didn’t attempt to outdo themselves. Yes, they’ve lost a lot of their audience, but hopefully they’ve come to the conclusion that people that still watch are going to watch pretty much no matter what. 24 has a similar mentality. They no longer have to “screw the pooch” in the premiere in order to ensure that they have an audience for the rest of the season. This was a fine set of episodes that told properly told us where the characters are and gave us a hint of where they’ll be going.
And I think what made the episode really successful was the strong focus on HRG. I’m very grateful that they kicked the season off with him and Claire on good terms, and drifted away from any indication that there could be trust issues between them. In fact, they seemed almost at peace with each other, both understanding what the other had to do to live their life. Their interaction, as it almost always is, was genuinely sweet. And I know a lot of people don’t like Claire, but I find her adorable. Oh, and it
was also beyond great seeing him and the Haitian working together again.
For that matter, I thought his budding relationship with Tracy – one of the weakest characters on the show – was fantastic. It actually made me like her character, whereas I beyond rolled my eyes when it was revealed that she survived in last year’s finale. I enjoy their mutual quest for redemption, and I just hope that the writers resist the urge to have one of them turn their back on this mission.
I always love the interactions between HRG and Peter. Ever since their “call me Noah” moment, it just seems like these two have a special bond. And it made total sense to me that Peter would be the person he would go to for back up. Even when they are seemingly on opposite sides – as they were for part of the Fugitives arc – there still seems to be a certain amount of trust between them.
Well, as you can see, Sylar was in this episode. And quite a lot. So far I’m cautiously accepting the way they’ve gone about it, with him being (for all we know) hallucinations shared by Parkman and Angela. And, if handled correctly, the idea of Nathan living in Sylar’s body, while Sylar’s living in Parkman’s body, could be very interesting.
But actually, my bigger complaint is with Nathan. I thought they laid on his identity crisis far too thickly. I would have preferred seeing him live his life normally, and having little things occur (like him reaching for his glass and it gliding towards him, unbeknownst to him) that might make him raise an eyebrow. But when he says stuff like, “it’s almost like my past is not my own,” it feels like a kindergartener is writing the show. And it doesn’t exactly make it seem like they think their audience is very intelligent.
I enjoyed the new carnival characters, however I can’t help but have that sinking feeling that we’ll see the same old thing happen: They’ll introduce new characters that are really fun and exciting – a great refresher from some of the bland original characters – only for them to be killed off. And see all of the original players survive.
One thing that did slightly disappoint me, though, was that they had Hiro successfully change the past. Purposely or not – and I suspect not – all of Hiro’s attempts at changing the past have failed. The result might have changed, but the event itself still occurred. Case in point: the first season finale. The explosion still occurred, Nathan just prevented it from killing all of those innocent people. Although I guess one might argue the same thing happened here. The event literally still took place, as the slushy did get knocked into the air, only this time adult Hiro took the ice, instead of his young sister. With that in mind, I guess I’m not even disappointed.
But haven’t we all had just about enough of Hiro going back in time and changing stuff? And does anybody else find it odd that he could be convinced to go back in time to save his sister’s dress, but couldn’t be talked into saving his own father’s life?
Matt Basilo has been writing for Inside Pulse since April 2005, providing his insight into popular television shows such as Lost, Heroes, and Smallville. You can visit his blog at [a case of the blog].
