Heroes: Don't Look Back
Don't Look Back, the second episode of Heroes, was slightly stronger than the pilot, Genesis. It did have a somewhat darker feel than last week, and this added an extra edge to an already enjoyable concept.
First off, I have to say that I really like the opening voice over done by Mohinder (Sendhil Ramamurthy) - his voice is very distinctive, and gives the show a rather epic feel. It was very strange that the man in his apartment spared his life - they were quite prepared to kill his father, so why not him? Although the neighbour, Eden (Nora Zehetner), seems innocuous, there is something about her that I don't trust. Perhaps I just don't buy the supposed friendship between her and the elder Suresh - after all, wouldn't making her privy to his theories put her own life in danger? I probably have it wrong, but I think she is one to watch.
A new hero, beat cop Matt Parkman, was introduced this week. He is portrayed by Greg Grunberg, who I am very excited to see in this role after his stint as Agent Weiss on Alias. I feel a lot of pity for the character; he wants to help people, but until now hasn't had the opportunity. Now that he has saved a little girl, his act of heroism is being seen as villainous. Of course, being able to 'hear' the girls cries would seem very suspicious to an outsider, and he himself doesn't yet seem to comprehend that what he is hearing isn't being said. As for the assumed patient zero, Sylar, it will be interesting to see what exactly he is up to - are these his crimes, why is he committing them, and what is their significance?
Hiro (Masi Oka) remained his absolutely adorkable self, and is still my favourite character.
I originally thought that he may be a side character, used mostly for comic relief. However, it appears his role may be more pivotal than I thought. Finding a comic book that depicted the events of his life must have been quite a surreal experience for him, but I highly doubt that any comic would have the address of the artist contained within it. It also appears that the blast that Isaac (Santiago Cabrera) foretold is destined to happen in just 5 weeks time. The question is, who will be behind the blast? Will it be one of their own?
The reflective self of Niki (Ali Larter) appears to be very ruthless, and certainly is quite resourceful. With no footage to be seen, one has to wonder exactly how she goes about doing these things - does she take control of Niki, or is she a separate entity? The fact that Niki's clothes had changed indicate the former, but her lack of knowledge of her actions seems odd if it is the case. Also, with the spade and other bodies that Niki discovered, it seems that she may in fact have done this before.
As I mentioned last week, Claire (Hayden Panettiere) has a rather interesting and ambivalent view of her indestructibility. On one hand she despises it and wishes it to be kept a secret, but then she gets annoyed when the glory goes to someone else. I found the tackle odd; surely the footballer could distinguish between her and another player? It makes me wonder if it was just staged to see if she would be injured, but that may be me reading too much into it.
As for Claire's father (Jack Coleman), all his interaction with her was extremely creepy, let alone when he was watching the tape. The question of whether he is aware of her ability has certainly been answered; it just remains to be seen what action he will take.
Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) finally flew, which on the surface would indicate that he and his brother share the same power. However, as I mentioned in Genesis, Peter appears to have some sort of sense of connection and empathy. Perhaps he is able to absorb or mimic the gift of others he has interacted with? The first glance at his hospital drawing could be mistaken to represent the original falling incident, but maybe it actually represents the later scene with Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) when Peter hovered above the ground? If that is the case, then he might have been channelling Isaac's ability to foretell the future.
The sharp eyed among you may have noticed the appearance of a certain symbol throughout the episode. It was depicted in some of Issac's paintings, on Peter's drawing, within the mathematical code, and even in the swimming pool by which Nathan was standing. It remains to be seen what exactly this symbol means, but it certainly appears to be uniting all the Heroes together.
As for the title, Don’t Look Back, I think it represents the point that the Heroes have reached. They are starting to discover and control their abilities, and they must leave behind who they thought they were. You can’t move forward if you’re always looking back. Besides, you might not want to see who is chasing you down…
Heroes continues next Wednesday at 8.30pm on Channel Seven.
*Screencap courtesy of the TV-IV, and is used under Fair Dealing for identification and critical commentary.
First off, I have to say that I really like the opening voice over done by Mohinder (Sendhil Ramamurthy) - his voice is very distinctive, and gives the show a rather epic feel. It was very strange that the man in his apartment spared his life - they were quite prepared to kill his father, so why not him? Although the neighbour, Eden (Nora Zehetner), seems innocuous, there is something about her that I don't trust. Perhaps I just don't buy the supposed friendship between her and the elder Suresh - after all, wouldn't making her privy to his theories put her own life in danger? I probably have it wrong, but I think she is one to watch.
A new hero, beat cop Matt Parkman, was introduced this week. He is portrayed by Greg Grunberg, who I am very excited to see in this role after his stint as Agent Weiss on Alias. I feel a lot of pity for the character; he wants to help people, but until now hasn't had the opportunity. Now that he has saved a little girl, his act of heroism is being seen as villainous. Of course, being able to 'hear' the girls cries would seem very suspicious to an outsider, and he himself doesn't yet seem to comprehend that what he is hearing isn't being said. As for the assumed patient zero, Sylar, it will be interesting to see what exactly he is up to - are these his crimes, why is he committing them, and what is their significance?
Hiro (Masi Oka) remained his absolutely adorkable self, and is still my favourite character.
Hiro sees himself in the 9th Wonders comic*
The reflective self of Niki (Ali Larter) appears to be very ruthless, and certainly is quite resourceful. With no footage to be seen, one has to wonder exactly how she goes about doing these things - does she take control of Niki, or is she a separate entity? The fact that Niki's clothes had changed indicate the former, but her lack of knowledge of her actions seems odd if it is the case. Also, with the spade and other bodies that Niki discovered, it seems that she may in fact have done this before.
As I mentioned last week, Claire (Hayden Panettiere) has a rather interesting and ambivalent view of her indestructibility. On one hand she despises it and wishes it to be kept a secret, but then she gets annoyed when the glory goes to someone else. I found the tackle odd; surely the footballer could distinguish between her and another player? It makes me wonder if it was just staged to see if she would be injured, but that may be me reading too much into it.
As for Claire's father (Jack Coleman), all his interaction with her was extremely creepy, let alone when he was watching the tape. The question of whether he is aware of her ability has certainly been answered; it just remains to be seen what action he will take.
Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) finally flew, which on the surface would indicate that he and his brother share the same power. However, as I mentioned in Genesis, Peter appears to have some sort of sense of connection and empathy. Perhaps he is able to absorb or mimic the gift of others he has interacted with? The first glance at his hospital drawing could be mistaken to represent the original falling incident, but maybe it actually represents the later scene with Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) when Peter hovered above the ground? If that is the case, then he might have been channelling Isaac's ability to foretell the future.
The sharp eyed among you may have noticed the appearance of a certain symbol throughout the episode. It was depicted in some of Issac's paintings, on Peter's drawing, within the mathematical code, and even in the swimming pool by which Nathan was standing. It remains to be seen what exactly this symbol means, but it certainly appears to be uniting all the Heroes together.
As for the title, Don’t Look Back, I think it represents the point that the Heroes have reached. They are starting to discover and control their abilities, and they must leave behind who they thought they were. You can’t move forward if you’re always looking back. Besides, you might not want to see who is chasing you down…
Overall Rating
Heroes continues next Wednesday at 8.30pm on Channel Seven.
*Screencap courtesy of the TV-IV, and is used under Fair Dealing for identification and critical commentary.
Film & TV on DVD
You can't help but specualte how the tapestry of characters fit together, who is good and bad, love teh serial comic book endings, episode 2 had a pretty cool one.
Great review by the way I look forward to reading next week.
Film & TV on DVD
If you are looking for a similar fix, 4400 tackles some similar themes...not as well as Heroes but still a fun distraction.
Passionate Apathy
And not to spoil anything, but yes Hiro is far from being mere comic relief. After all, anyone who gets into that series can certainly see some "Super Hiro" in each of us.
Rugby World Cup 2007
I'm going to end up recording all the episodes and watching them in one full marathon session!
I did this with 'Twin Peaks' way back when (showing my age now...!) and I am soooo going to do this with that bloody, exasperating, infernal, infuriating 'Lost'.
Damn I love that show.
Hope you're well Ninabelle.
...because it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of watching for myself, I will continue to read your reviews.
Cheating?
Nah. Research!
Dusk
I watched Seasons 3 and 4 of Alias in marathon sessions. It certainly is a terrible time waster, but it really gives you a great grasp of the progressive story arcs. Plus no agonising week-long break between episodes....
Celebrity Obsession
I'm a fan of Ali Larter's, so I'm interested to see how her reflective self works. I think this show is going to be really interesting. Looking forward to seeing how it plays out.
Great review Nina!
Kylie