Starting backwards, let me just say that I absolutely loved the conclusion of the episode, with the two “teams” standing together behind their leader. On Angela’s side – the supposed “good guys” – you had Peter, Nathan, Claire, Parkman, and Daphne. Arthur’s team – the big baddies – comprised of Sylar, Elle, Tracy, Flint, and Knox. Then you have 10 year old Hiro in his 28 year old body (more on that later) and Ando, who will undoubtedly end up with the babyfaces. Ditto, I would assume, for HRG (who, actually, technically works for Angela as it is). And, of course, Sylar and Elle will ultimately end up with the heroes as well. On the other side of the coin, monster-in-training Mohinder is on Papa Petrelli’s payroll.
Before you argue that things are a bit too lopsided for the good guys, I wouldn’t be terribly shocked to see Meredith decide to side with her brother, joining up with the villains.
Of course, I’m sure there are many viewers out there who are saying, “But Matt, we already know that Claire, Daphne, and Knox end up together as evil doers who kill Peter and little Noah.” Alas, you must remember that THAT future has already been altered, due to Peter disrupting the timeline. It’s fair to say that without the knowledge of the future, the Parkman/Daphne courtship could have easily transpired in a different fashion, in a way that would have prohibited her from having her epiphany. Along with that, Peter’s cautious treatment of Claire could conceivably change her course (I do believe that their interaction in the sewer struck a chord with her). Speaking of the sewer scene, did it occur to anybody else that Claire was running away with her paternal uncle, from her maternal uncle?
Anyway, I’m glad they’ve finally established semi-solid allegiances. We’re three quarters into this volume, so, to paraphrase a favorite expression, it’s time to crap or get off the pot. I was worried they’d fall into the trap that Smallville often does: Incredible build up, only to falter when it comes time to pull the trigger.
I’m sure there are people out there complaining about the constant rewriting of the rules when it comes to Sylar and his ability, but I’ve really enjoyed the ride. While some things have been a bit of a stretch, honestly they haven’t done anything outside the absolute realm of possibility. I also thought that his scene with Elle was surprisingly sweet, although I thought she forgave him for murdering her father a bit too quickly. Yes, I understand that she came to realize that she created the monster that killed her father, but still. Nevertheless, I give their scene together a thumbs up. And I’m going to have to jump on that bandwagon that came into prominence last week and state that, yes, I believe that Elle is the mother of baby Noah.
I’m a little hot and cold when it comes to the whole Mohinder thing, but I really wish they would focus more on the fact that this man completely sold his soul – and his body – for this scientific breakthrough that had actually been discovered, with far more successful results, over 30 years ago.
Now, the criticism: The lack of HRG this season has been an atrocity. He is, without a doubt, THE most complex, interesting character on the show (which says something, considering he doesn’t have an ability). I love what they’re doing with Sylar’s character, but I can’t help but be disappointed that they’ve essentially rewritten HRG’s role in favor of Sylar. And on the subject of HRG’s lack of abilities, I think it’s important to create a balance for the audience. With Mohinder turning into a monster, the only two core characters that don’t have abilities are HRG and Ando. Ando’s entire character is contingent on Hiro, who does have powers. HRG is the only character without abilities that is strong enough to stand on his own two feet. It’s a travesty that they’ve practically completely ignored him this season.
And while I think the Hiro character is fantastic – and wildly popular – I have to wonder if they should just write him off completely. The absolute weakest point of season two was Hiro’s entirely too long trip to feudal Japan. Now, in a maneuver that can be described as nothing other than stalling, Hiro inexplicably believes he’s 10 years old. It’s almost fitting that this guy’s ability is to control the movement of time, because the writers have constantly written themselves into a corner that requires them to stall for several episodes before the big climax.
Personally, if they’re going to divert his story, I thought my idea was far more interesting. Why not strip him of his powers, only for Ando to eventually develop an ability after taking the injection? It would reverse their roles and add a very interesting dynamic to their relationship. I assume that the central characters that have had their powers taken from them (i.e. Peter) will just get them back anyway, so why not do something drastic and have Hiro go powerless for a bit?
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.
