Heroes 1.17: "Company Man"

Written by Bryan Fuller
Directed by Allan Arkush

Considering all the comparisons, it’s neat to see “Heroes” attempt its own version of “Lost”. This definitely fit the classic “Lost” mold in terms of format, and this should finally give a true basis of comparison. Can “Heroes” succeed in the same kind of narrative territory that has made “Lost” so unique? And can “Heroes” retain its flavor in the process?

Choosing Mr. Bennett as the focus of the episode was a smart move. Mr. Bennett is one of the best characters on the show, and his history is central to the entire mythology. The framing story is perfectly suited to this review of Mr. Bennett’s history. Ted adds an unpredictable pressure on the situation, Matt can read minds, and Claire wants answers. And of course, this is the perfect chance for Matt and Claire to discuss their personal experiences and put together connections among the superhumans.

Very quickly, pieces of the puzzle come together. Hiro’s father has a direct connection the initial exploration and cataloguing of those with abilities, a process that was already underway more than 15 years earlier. It’s not entirely clear whether Hiro’s father and his associates are the ones running the Company or if they are independent contractors. The possibility of a connection to Linderman is likely.

Claire’s “death” did a great job of ratcheting up the tension, forcing Mr. Bennett into the right position to explain himself. It’s now quite clear that Mr. Bennett is trying to keep Claire from being victimized by his own organization. Victimized, it seems, in the same way that Matt and Ted were. As with the best villains, Mr. Bennett truly believes that he is doing the right thing, both for his family and the world.

This is given scope and depth by every action that Mr. Bennett takes, past and present. So much has been done to keep the truth concealed, but now the situation is spiraling out of his control. That’s the kind of circumstance that reveals character, good or bad. Of course, it reveals something very important: Mr. Bennett, as bad as he might be, is holding back out of love for his family. What would someone without those dueling loyalties?

There is one small problem with the resolution to the episode. Ted’s ability is based in the release of nuclear radiation. If he loses control of his ability, it shouldn’t simply start a fire. Ted should be releasing massive bursts of radiation. And that should be ripping anyone near him apart, or short of that, giving them serious radiation exposure. Claire was badly hurt, but everyone else should have been equally damaged.

In the end, Mr. Bennett is no longer in control of the situation. He’s managed to save himself, but the genie’s out of the bottle. Mr. Bennett’s attempt to save his family has failed, and he may not be able to save Claire from the Company in the future. His only chance of survival is to throw himself into his work without further hesitation. And that should reveal what it’s like when someone like Mr. Bennett no longer feels conflicted about his work.

Like the best episodes of “Lost”, the flashbacks and “present day” segments of this episode answer a number of questions while producing new ones, without generating the wrong kind of frustration in the process. In fact, like the best episodes of “Lost”, this managed to give a highly consistent history for Mr. Bennett while revealing layers that were only hinted at in the past. It’s not the sort of thing that “Heroes” should do every week, but it was the perfect way to end the complication phase of the season arc and start the road towards resolution.

Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 3/4

Final Rating: 9/10