Heroes 1.2: "Don't Look Back"
Written by Tim Kring
Directed by Allan Arkush
If the first episode was all about introducing the characters, then this episode was about defying perceptions about the characters. This is already a series begging for close inspection; a lot of people were probably very confused at the end, wondering when things happened and how much was real. It’s an ambitious start to the series. Certainly, the writers are making the case that this will not be a conventional or simple television series.
The large cast is a good thing, because it gives the audience several options, allowing them to relate to one or more characters in each and every episode. Hiro is certainly going to be a breakout character, but Claire appeals to the younger viewers and her personal story is approachable. Some may find Niki to be disturbing, especially in terms of how her ability affects her son, but showing the various facets of this phenomenon on “ordinary” people is the name of the game.
This episode introduces a number of plot elements, and trying to cover it all would take far too long. I like how they introduce a possible villain in Cyler, linking him to brain extractions and making it sound like he might be one of the super-powered out there. It’s still not clear that he has abilities, or if he is part of the conspiracy messing with Mohinder. Claire’s adoptive father seems to have been unaware of her potential until now, but that could be misdirection. I can’t help but wonder if there is a connection between him and Cyler.
Niki’s situation is rather intriguing. One could interpret all of this as some kind of multiple personality disorder, but Dark Niki seems to have abilities and resources well beyond those of Normal Niki. It could be a combination of both. Niki could be subconsciously aware of her abilities, and the result could be the emergence of a personality that embraces the power. Right now, Dark Niki is playing with Normal Niki. If things get worse, one could imagine a scenario where Normal Niki willingly gives her life over to the other personality. It could really go in some fun, disturbing directions.
Matt, the telepathic cop, is introduced in this episode, and I speculate that he will become important. Used correctly, his ability is a huge asset to the group, especially if they eventually band together against Cyler or the threat coming to New York, foreseen by Isaac and Hiro. As with many of the characters, his personal issues will get in the way. I like that realistic feel to the scenario; these are not perfect people jumping into heroism. They are normal people, trying to figure out how to cope with these changes.
If Isaac manages to survive and they can clean him up, he could be quite useful. Between Isaac and Matt, they have a lot of angles covered in terms of advance warning. That said, most of the abilities are defensive in nature, unless Niki really does turn out to be stronger than she looks. That could be intentional in terms of the plot, or a recognition that offensive abilities are usually flashy and unrealistic.
Beyond that, there’s the odd symbol that keeps popping up. It was found in at least three or four spots in this episode, and I’m sure someone has already gone back to the first hour to see if it appears there as well. I have no idea what it means, but I’m sure that it pertains to the main story in some way. That attention to detail, and the depth of the mystery, will help keep the series moving forward as the season hits full speed.
(As a sidenote: I also have a podcast associated with my various reviews called “Dispatches from Tuzenor”. Current episodes cover “Heroes”, so it might be something of interest. Go to http://entil2001.libsyn.com if you want to listen!)
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4
Final Rating: 8/10
Directed by Allan Arkush
If the first episode was all about introducing the characters, then this episode was about defying perceptions about the characters. This is already a series begging for close inspection; a lot of people were probably very confused at the end, wondering when things happened and how much was real. It’s an ambitious start to the series. Certainly, the writers are making the case that this will not be a conventional or simple television series.
The large cast is a good thing, because it gives the audience several options, allowing them to relate to one or more characters in each and every episode. Hiro is certainly going to be a breakout character, but Claire appeals to the younger viewers and her personal story is approachable. Some may find Niki to be disturbing, especially in terms of how her ability affects her son, but showing the various facets of this phenomenon on “ordinary” people is the name of the game.
This episode introduces a number of plot elements, and trying to cover it all would take far too long. I like how they introduce a possible villain in Cyler, linking him to brain extractions and making it sound like he might be one of the super-powered out there. It’s still not clear that he has abilities, or if he is part of the conspiracy messing with Mohinder. Claire’s adoptive father seems to have been unaware of her potential until now, but that could be misdirection. I can’t help but wonder if there is a connection between him and Cyler.
Niki’s situation is rather intriguing. One could interpret all of this as some kind of multiple personality disorder, but Dark Niki seems to have abilities and resources well beyond those of Normal Niki. It could be a combination of both. Niki could be subconsciously aware of her abilities, and the result could be the emergence of a personality that embraces the power. Right now, Dark Niki is playing with Normal Niki. If things get worse, one could imagine a scenario where Normal Niki willingly gives her life over to the other personality. It could really go in some fun, disturbing directions.
Matt, the telepathic cop, is introduced in this episode, and I speculate that he will become important. Used correctly, his ability is a huge asset to the group, especially if they eventually band together against Cyler or the threat coming to New York, foreseen by Isaac and Hiro. As with many of the characters, his personal issues will get in the way. I like that realistic feel to the scenario; these are not perfect people jumping into heroism. They are normal people, trying to figure out how to cope with these changes.
If Isaac manages to survive and they can clean him up, he could be quite useful. Between Isaac and Matt, they have a lot of angles covered in terms of advance warning. That said, most of the abilities are defensive in nature, unless Niki really does turn out to be stronger than she looks. That could be intentional in terms of the plot, or a recognition that offensive abilities are usually flashy and unrealistic.
Beyond that, there’s the odd symbol that keeps popping up. It was found in at least three or four spots in this episode, and I’m sure someone has already gone back to the first hour to see if it appears there as well. I have no idea what it means, but I’m sure that it pertains to the main story in some way. That attention to detail, and the depth of the mystery, will help keep the series moving forward as the season hits full speed.
(As a sidenote: I also have a podcast associated with my various reviews called “Dispatches from Tuzenor”. Current episodes cover “Heroes”, so it might be something of interest. Go to http://entil2001.libsyn.com if you want to listen!)
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4
Final Rating: 8/10
posted by John Keegan | 15:28
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