Reviews by Matt

Of all the new shows that have come out this television season, “Heroes” is by far the most interesting. It takes a time tested idea, people with super powers, and puts it in a brand new world; ours. The whole idea behind the series is to make this believable and possible. They are spread all over the country, but they must come together to save the world. Peter Patrelli (Milo Ventimiglia) believes he can fly, but it has come to light that he takes on the powers of those around him. He brother Nathan (Adrain Pasdar), a candidate for senator can fly, Isaac Mendez (Santiago Cabrera) can paint the future, only when he is high. Niki Sanders (Ali Larter), a single mother who has a side that is capable of terrible things (I should also mention here that her power is a little tough to figure out, but that is the best I can come up with). Hiro Makamura (Masi Oka), can make time stand still, Matt Parkman (Greg Grunberg) is a cop who can hear other people’s thoughts. Claire Bennet (Hayden Panettire), the cheerleader who cannot get hurt. Then there is Mohinder Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy) the son of a murdered professor who spent his life searching for people with powers.

This show is amazing. It takes a realistic look at super heroes that is a new take on an old idea. All these people are just discovering their powers and all are wondering just what the heck is going on. The first time we see Claire, she jumps off a ledge and gets up, pops her arm back into place and walks to her friend holding the camera and says “that was try number seven.” Later she runs into a burning building and saves a man inside. A fireman runs up to her and puts out her sleeve that is on fire. He rips open the sleeve and discovers that she has no burns and in one of the more disgusting scenes she sticks her hand into an active garbage disposal to get a ring she dropped.

“Heroes” is another show that will require the audience to stay with it until the last episode of the season. It is a trend that can work well or fail. Thankfully “Heroes” works very well. Something is going to happen and only the heroes can stop it. Hiro transports to New York City and sees that he is in a comic book. He finds out who made it and it turns out to be Isaac. When he gets to Isaac’s loft, he discovers that Isaac is dead. Just then the cops break in and are questioning Hiro on how he got there. Hiro has them call his friend back in Japan and is told that he has been missing for about a month. The more important fact about this is that at one point Hiro turns toward the window and sees a huge mushroom cloud. He transports back to Japan and back to when he transported. This is the set up for the season. But how are they going to save the world? Hiro has the answer, in a scene with Peter, Hiro shows up from the future and says “Save the cheerleader. Save the world.”

This show just gets better and better every week. It is one of my few must see shows for the week. There is so much going on in each episode and there is so much that needs to be answered. Unlike “Lost” the answers will be given because they are needed to give us more insight into the characters anf major plot points. What exactly is Niki’s power? How are all these heroes going to save the world? Who exactly is the man who is going after heroes and why is he looking to capture them and then letting them go? Who is the man with the “mind wiping” power who works with him? I really could go on and on, but I just wanted to put a few down to spark some intrigue in the show.

“Heroes” is sci-fi for dummies. It has a lot of sci-fi elements, but it can be enjoyed for people who don’t necessarily like the sci-fi genera. It is interesting and intriguing. It keeps the audience hooked and never lets go. It is one of the stand out hits of the year and has potential to be a long running show. If you are worried about jumping in and missing out, NBC.com has whole episodes and well as a “two-minute recap” for those with less time. So for a new take on the superhero genera ‘Heroes” is perfect.

NBC
Monday 9/8c
TV14
So thus ends my Fall 2006 new show reviews.