Heroes - Exposed - 3/2

So, I know I've dropped the ball on Heroes. *looks down in shame* It's not that I've stopped watching it or even stopped loving it. In fact, after last night's episode, it's quite the opposite. It's just that it's moving along very slowly right now, due to the tightly-spaced plot-line and I didn't think it useful to write my notoriously (or not...) long-winded posts each week. Not enough really happens in each episode to warrant that. But, I'm back in the game! Put me in coach! I'm ready to play!

So, as noted above, not a whole lot happened in last night episode, but what did happen was important. Not only that, it was GOOD. Really good; smack-my-lips first season good. The writers stuck to three story-lines, not overwhelming us and giving us a nice amount of time with each story. The episode was intense but focused and it allowed for some major character development, which is something we needed. When you have characters that are growing and changing in a speedy manner, it's imperative that you give your audience lots of face time with them, showing us WHY they are changing. This is something Heroes seriously lacked in the last part of Season 2 and into Season 3. It may cut into the action, but it's worth it if the audience can see the reasons behind...oh say...Mohinder going from peaceful scientist to power-hungry monster, just as one example. Anyway, I digress. Where was I? Oh yeah...

This episode was the best I've seen in a LONG time. So far, Fugitives has been entertaining and Monday night is still my second favorite night of television, but it's obvious that the writers are still working out the kinks of Season 2 that have flowed into Season 3. I really do have faith that the show will straighten out and get back on track (every show has bad seasons and it was hard for Heroes to show-up their amazing first season) and I think last night's episode was a great step forward towards that goal. And honestly, even if it doesn't find its groove, I'll still enjoy watching it. I love the characters and the cast and the concept is still way beyond cool. But again, I digress...

I just want to bring up a couple key points (opinions) and we'll call it a day:

1) I know some people were worried about the possibly repetitious romance between Claire and another dark and handsome "special", but I really enjoyed it. This show could use a little bit of romance drama and who better to bring it but a cute 17 year old girl? I've become very fond of our new Aquaman character and yes, I'm probably biased due to the very kind shirtless shot the writers gave us last night, but honestly, I liked him way before I saw his rockin' bod. Regardless, they gave us just enough romance to balance out the action and I thought it worked out very well. Not to mention, underwater kissing scenes make for great vicarious viewing.

2) There was a lot of humor in this episode, which is something I think the show seriously needed. Everything has been very real and serious for our characters this volume and it's important to have some comic relief for the audience. Perfect example; Sylar's "Cake?" line. This episode, from Clarie's "we're having sex" excuse to Matt Parkman's "whatup" nod to the camera in Building 26 to Sylar smushing Luke's face against the car window, had some great, unexpected comedy. It really leveled-up the quality of the episode.

3) I experienced a new emotion while watching Sylar this episode, one I haven't ever felt before; boredom. How that's possible, I'm not sure but there it is. I don't want to place Zach Quinto in this, he was his usual brilliant self, but as far as Sylar goes, I'm kinda over his whole parental unit scavenger hunt. It's interesting to know about his past and that's great information to have, but I feel like it's been dragged out a bit. I would really love to see Sylar back in the heroes game, playing along side our other characters. Some major stuff is going down and it's about time Sylar stuck his head into it, creating a whole new dynamic. In fact, I'd love to see a Sylar vs Danko face-off. Right? Right? Yeah, that'd be AWESOME!

4) At this point, do Nathan and Peter not realize that when the other comes in for a brotherly hug, it probably doesn't bode well for the hugee? Peter let's Nathan hug him and he gets tazered. Nathan lets Peter hug him and Peter uses his ability to fly away. I'm pretty sure this faux-hug theme has been played a lot over the seasons. Isn't it about time that they get a clue? No hugging allowed! It just opens a window for backstabbing!

5) Peter and Parkman are badass together. Simple.

6) And....Nathan's catching on. What he is trying to do could have been accomplished in a better way and I loved that Angela pointed that out to him. He has completely lost control of his operation and has instead unleashed a ruthless and determined semi-psychopath against innocent "specials". Let's just hope he starts to make amends for what he's done in next week's episode. I really don't want Matt to blow-up. I like Matt.

7) What did Angela whisper to Nathan and why did Nathan look back up to where Peter disappeared? Does it have something to do with Peter? Tell me, dangit!

Anyway, in conclusion, it's my informed opinion that this episode totally rocked. If you don't agree, I will happily fight you to the death.

Until next week, Heroes lovers!

Heroes 12/1

All right! Shall we get down to biznas (that's "business" for you non-cool people). Let's jump right in!

I know there are a lot of people that have become disenchanted with this show. I understand, really I do. Last season was really crappy compared to first season and though this season has been infinitely better than last season, it's still not up to par with the first season. It's almost as if the writers used up all their awesomeness on first season scripts and now they have run out of fuel. Seriously, they should have classes for TV writers on how to ration awesomeness. Still, when I commit to a show with this much potential it takes a lot more than a few shallow, unneeded characters, a little loss of story integrity, and some far-fetched (and that's saying a lot for a show like Heroes, right?) plot-twists to throw me off the bandwagon. Despite all its flaws and without fail, every Monday night has me on the edge of my couch, biting my nails and screaming curses and shocked exclamations at the television set. Once the 9 o'clock hour rolls around I'm instantly immersed in a thrilling, frustrating, sexy and intense story and judge all you want but you can't deny the pull of this show, even at it's worst moments. I feel like the show has been getting steadily better throughout this season, with the last two episodes being two of the best I've seen thus far...but I'm obviously a bit biased, no? I suppose you can't really take my word for it, but you could...if you were super smart. Anyhow, let's talk about last night's high points!

So, I would characterize myself as a man lover, wouldn't you? You certainly would if you've read any of my Smallville or Supernatural posts. I enjoy staring and drooling over a nice manly face and body as much as the next fine lady, but let's all agree...Kristen Bell has some nice stems, yes? I can see why she is so appealing to Sylar...and all the men of our world too, obviously. She ran around with naught on her petite frame but a big t-shirt the whole episode and I can't say I didn't appreciate the view. However, the jealous part of me couldn't help but feel slightly vindicated when taking in her bloody condition. Ha! That's what you get for having such nice legs! You get shot. That's right, sister! Not to mention, you hang with Sylar and you're bound to get either mostly or completely dead (we'll come back to that) sooner or later.

Anyhow, the development of the Sylar/Elle romance just tickles me and I love every scene with them. Kristen Bell's and Zachary Quinto's real life friendship really translates to the screen and you can't help but feel their chemistry. As I said in a previous post, the two actors are gold together, therefore the characters are gold together. And that's how you find me comatose as the 10 o'clock hour approached on Monday night. The whole coma thing didn't last but a minute and as Hiro teleports Claire to the past (more on that later) I barely noticed since I am now screaming something along the lines of "WHAT THE F**K?". Seriously, that did not just happen! Sylar did not just revert back to creepy, evil Sylar and finger-flick a bloody line across Elle's forehead! Wasn't it only a couple scenes ago that Sylar sacrificed himself to HRG so that Elle could get away? He got his throat slit for Heaven's sake! Honestly, what happened in the 5-10 minutes between besieging the Bennet's and Hiro transporting him to some beach getaway that he suddenly felt the need to chop people's tops off again? Was it the fear of being betrayed by Elle and his maybe/maybe not Petrelli parental units? That's honestly the only explanation that I can think of and I suppose it's something to be concerned about, but not a good enough reason to kill your new, nice-legged psychotic lover (and potential baby momma! There goes that theory, right down the drain!). Still, I'm holding on to hope that its all a big farce and Elle's not really dead. We didn't really see her die and it's rare indeed when anyone permanently dies on this show so I think it's a rational hope. But I can't help but feel betrayed by the Heroes writing team. The tantalizing taste of good-Sylar was like a drug you just can't take away from us! What a tease! How horrible of you to offer us Sylar's redemption and then snatch it away in a moment of lunacy! I'm shocked, really! Anyway, moving on...

How much did you love Sam and Frack, the comic book guys? I, of course, have loved Seth Green since his Buffy days so it's always a pleasure to see him on TV but this was one of his cooler characters, by far. I for one would love to see more of them, not just because I love the actors but because introducing their characters to help Hiro solve his problem by reading comics is the epitome of Nerd Central, one of my many dwelling places. That storyline may seem ridiculous to some but I thought it was brilliant. I'll have some more please, massster.

There is tons more to talk about but I think I used up all my writing energy on Sylar and Elle. I guess I should attend that course on rationing awesomeness too, huh? Let's hit a couple more points and then call it day. Sound good?

Point 1: It's a bird! It's a plane! No...wait. Oh, never mind. It's just Nathan Petrelli flying away from his goodhearted and loving brother and into the arms of his evil, immoral father and should-be-killed-off-soon lover, Tracy (Ali Larter). I mean, would it really have been that hard for Peter to again stress that he's been to the future, he's seen what Nathan becomes and it's just a BAD idea to continue down that path? And SERIOUSLY, has Nathan not learned his lesson yet? Stop flying your sexy self to the bad-side and stick with Peter! He knows his shit! Jeez!

Point 2: I heart Matt Parkman, I really do but I'm getting a little tired of the whole Daphne thing. I am not feeling one ounce of sympathy for her character which tells me I don't really care about this storyline anymore. She's whiny and untrustworthy and I think Matt could do a lot better.

Point 3: I'm totally digging the Hiro/Claire time-travel development. It seems like a pretty good idea to me and it might lead to some mending of the Clarie/HRG relationship. Not that I believe he deserves forgiveness for being a bad father but his intentions are always good and it would be nice to feel like we can trust him again now that Sylar has gone all sexy devil again. I can't believe that they are really trying to set up another role reversal so soon after changing things around on us at the beginning of the season. It's a Topsy-turvy world, I tell ya!

And that's about it, folks. Comments, questions, rude accusations? That's what the comments section is for. Have at it!