Heroes – Episode Two


Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at PhotobucketWith another episode under the belt, I’m back to continue this weekly Heroes review. But first, I’m still trying to figure out if it’s possible to enjoy Chuck after reading the brilliant and ruthless comments of TV writer Ken Levine. Go read that, and the rest of the blog while you’re at it.

Now, back to the main attraction:

We’re not in Kansas – It’s a good thing that Claire and her family moved to California and not Kansas, because if they were in the Sunflower State there would be no way her teacher would ramble on about theoretical evolution in a way that just-happens-to-tie-into-the-show’s-theme. Come to think of it, wouldn’t having a group of genetic freaks stuck in Kansas actually make this infinitely more interesting?

Speaking of John Doe and fam – The ongoing travails of the most normal of the Heroes families continues to be the best-done aspect of the show. It’s just too bad that, because of the cast of hundreds, there’s not enough show to really get into all the issues they would face. Like how the mom is coping with years of lying from her husband, or what the heck the creepy son does now that he knows he was brainwashed for years.

That guy – This is just really bugging me, but the guy working for “the company” who’s leading Suresh on various missions, you know, the bald goofy actor. I know he’s been in a million movies and TV shows, but I can’t figure out who he is. There’s no point to this, just a little something stuck in my craw.

Devise a virus – The “virus” that’s striking down (sort of) the heroes has to be even funkier than that created by Deltron 3030, because how on earth could a virus survive for 30 years and only appear in three hosts? I hope there’s a good explanation for that on the horizon.

One hot Haitian – Here’s a suggestion to the “virus” stricken Haitian: Maybe you won’t feel so feverish and sweaty if you pull off that blanket. Seriously, you’re in Haiti. It’s hot there. Blankets not needed.

Hair today… – So, in the few months off, Nathan grew a massive Ron Burgundy beard and Peter shaved his chest. Talk about brothers going in opposite directions.

Speaking of Peter – The little fight in the bar was almost more impressive than the big battle at the finale of last season, which is compliment and criticism all rolled together. It is nice to see this new Peter (sans emo hair), who does more than sulk and pout through the episode.

Fun with Hiro – Setting all the chronal inconsistencies aside, the adventures of Hiro in the past continue to be another highlight. The way he yelled out the specific names from the stories he had read was perfectly in character and showed him having fun with his powers. Though a bit heavy handed, the appearance of the deer was a nice beat, and a good thought to acknowledge that the poor kid’s dad just biffed it off a roof.

Crazy crying girl – I’ve been reading a lot of Mexican folk tales lately for this book I’m working on, and one of the main stories in that tradition is La Llorona, the ghost of a woman who terrifies people by crying and wailing through the night. I wonder if that inspired Maya, who’s quickly becoming one of the more interesting characters in the show.

Blondie – So, Claire complains to her idiot friend that he pigeon-holed her as a stupid blonde, then she finds out her car is stolen because she forgot to lock it. Point, set, match.

Illegitimate reference? – Sly little comment from Ma Petrelli that she hadn’t banged George Takei in “a long time.” Maybe Hiro has a half brother in the Petrelli clan? Could the writers possibly use this as a way to bring Peter and Claire together, which they seemed to hint at last year?

We cut off your johnson! – Why not end with a Big Lebowski reference, since Heroes went out the same way. Or was that just me? Claire takes sheers and cuts off her pinky toe right after putting on polish? I guess her polish wasn’t green, but still…