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« Heroes
The First Cut Is the Deepest
David Anders by Justin Lubin/NBC
Episode Recap: “The Line”
Heroes has never made me lose interest, but it did get off to a slow start. I knew tonight would be a good episode. OK, I hoped tonight would be a great episode. It was the lead-in to November sweeps. However, I didn’t want to set my expectations too high. I’ve noticed a growing trend with network television: they build up the months of November, February and May for Nielsen ratings, and then leave us hanging. Sometimes, the episodes that air during those sweeping months live up to the abundance of promos, previews and annoying scroll lines under everything you watch. Other times, a ferry crashes and we are left with the letters WTF on our minds. That being said, let’s recap.
We’ve all been through high school hell, and I’ve watched the genius of Tina Fey's Mean Girls, but do people like the cheerleading captain really exist? If so, then she got what she deserved. (When she wrote the number of pounds to lose on the girls' foreheads, I threw my pen at the TV.) But I thought that was a ridiculous prank. Why is West so willing to risk his and Claire’s secret? It wasn’t even a cool plan! Sure, the cheerleader was drunk, but she’s not crazy. I doubt she will let this go, especially considering what she has lost. All Claire had to do was re-create the scene from the pilot episode in gym class. I’m not sure what the move was off of the high rise platform, but that would have impressed everyone and gotten her on the squad.
Does the Haitian do everything Mr. Bennett tells him to do? I know they were partners and friends, but the Haitian had been secretly working for Mrs. Petrelli all of last season. That could also mean he was a puppet for The Company, but his power is by far the best defense. Not only can he select and erase memories (before he could only go from your newest memory backwards); he can also shut down your power completely when you are near him. I never know whose side he is on. I like the Haitian, and I want to know more about him. I apologize in advance, because I didn’t get the name of the man Bennet killed. Obviously, he worked for The Company. He called Bennet his protégée. Why were the paintings left in the same place as Peter? More importantly, how did Peter end up in Ireland while the paintings stayed in the Ukraine? Maybe I missed something…
[Update: The man Bennet shot, Ivan, said that the paintings were left with the Liquid Man. So, I may be wrong that it was Peter, but he was also found tied up in a cargo container!]
I also didn’t get a good look at the family photo, but Bennet mentioned a dead daughter. The memory of her was the threat that made the man talk, but is she really dead?
Sylar admitted his plans to kill the twins — or just Alejandro — because Maya is “a shiny new toy and she’s all mine." He is mental. And maybe Maya is too! She committed murder and meant it. It wasn’t like the prison scene. Before, she cried, freed her brother, and saved the men with Alejandro, leaving them weak and almost unconscious. I understand that she wants to get to the U.S. (finally!), but she didn't hesitate to kill those men and drive off. I enjoyed Alejandro’s threat. If Maya uses the power again, he won’t bring Sylar back.
From last week’s previews, I thought Kensei was the traitor, but the story was flipped. Kensei and the sword-maker escaped while Hiro teleported himself and Yaeko to a safe place, not knowing Kensei had beaten him there. Hiro had to kiss her! It was the kiss that "fractured time and changed Hiro forever.” It also cut Kensei “deeper than any blade possibly could.” I asked myself why Hiro didn’t just go back and stop himself from kissing her, but I realized Hiro thought he had convinced Kensei it wouldn’t happen again, then he was knocked unconscious — oh, and it’s television.
I’m glad Mohinder finally stood up to King Midas and The Company. Although Bob’s apology didn’t seem sincere, his fear was. The Company is holding a “Fireman.“ Not the heroic savior Fireman, the arson fire man. His name is Adam Monroe, and he’s met Peter. How great was the future scene? For some reason, the background effects have not been done nearly as well as last season's, but it’s still awesome. Peter and Caitlyn went to Montreal and found a note from Adam. Then, they teleported to New York City, circa July 14th, 2008. The city had been evacuated. SPOILER ALERT: 93% of the world’s population is dead. I can’t wait for November sweeps!
I know this blog/recap was long, so I’ll sum up some other quick thoughts:
Best Quote: “Support, advice and now gifts. You’re like my own personal Oprah.” — Monica
Best Yell-at-the-TV Moment: I yelled at Niki to take off her jacket to see if the tattoo was on her shoulder. She’s Mohinder’s new partner, but is it really her?
Best Hope-The-Viewers-Won't-Notice Move: It was the Ukraine. It’s cold there. Mr. Bennet could have kept his gloves on while he destroyed that man’s home instead of leaving finger prints everywhere. (I doubt this will ever come into play, but it still bothered me.)
In Loving Memory Of: Tim Susco, who passed away on August 15, 2007. He was a location manager for Heroes.
I really enjoyed this episode and it’s only going to get better! I’ll check back to read your comments and theories. Talk to you all soon! Now, I’m going to go research the history of guns in Japan.
Check out our Online Video Guide here for clips and previews of Heroes!
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Oct 30, 2007 12:32 AM
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Either I wasn't paying attention at some point during the episode or this huge futuristic bit happened at the very end when my DVR cut out early.
I'm hoping for the sake of not having to deal with that obnoxious cheerleader again that she was drunk enough to black out and not remember her actual encounter with Claire. I think Claire's being pretty careless altogether, though. I'm not trusting her boyfriend more and more...
And something tells me that it was Jessica, not Nikki tonight.
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Oct 30, 2007 1:30 AM
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Not gonna lie, I wasn't a huge fan of this episode.
I'm really glad the Wonder twins finally made it to the US, and I definitely think Maya and Sylar could be a deadly combo- especially if he gets Alejandro's power and keeps Maya alive.
I'm personally really bored with Peter's storyline still. I feel like even the small payoff we got this week is still too little too late. I'm not at all invested in Caitlyn, so I don't really care about her interaction with Peter. This Adam character could get interesting.
I still don't think West is good for Claire. He's too reckless.
I did enjoy HRG's storyline (and ditto about the fingerprints- it was bugging me too). Glad to see him back to his hardcore ways. But why mention Claude if he's not around! It gave me false hope.
Poor Mohinder- he looked so scared of Niki, not that I blame him. And I'm still worried about Bob....I don't trust him.
Loving the Monica story. Just love her character.
The Hiro thing confused me. Totally happy he finally got a kiss from someone, but how did it fracture the time line? I know it's been discussed before, but doesn't his being there already makes things slightly off?
Whew....think that covers it all!
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Oct 30, 2007 1:30 AM
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I never really trusted that gaijin Kensei, now he's turned to the dark side. Hiro is going to have to become the Takeo Kensei that Yaeko writes the legends about.
All of a sudden we have this mystery name: who is Adam? (and a possibly related question: do we know the Haitian's name?)
Now you don't really think Debbie the deposed drunk cheerleader would seek any kind of vengeance, do you? Why does the song "Everybody Run, The Homecoming Queen's Got a Gun" keep running through my mind?
Mohinder keeps proving that he has the street smarts of a manhole cover. Hey Doc, did you know the word gullible isn't in the dictionary? After being told the lab is monitored, he keeps making calls to HRG, and now has a "partner" capable of tearing his limbs off without breaking a sweat.
The one storyline I really wanted followed up this week was the Parkman Family Reunion. Hopefully we'll get back to Matt & Maury next week.
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Oct 30, 2007 1:37 AM
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C'mon, doncha think HRG just served the company notice? "I am back, and I'm coming after you." If they really are surveilling Suresh's phone calls, they already know he's talking to Bennett, and HRG knows they know. Why hide his involvement in the murder?
And yes, Claire is being careless. She's also being a normal, hormonal teenager.
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Oct 30, 2007 3:08 AM
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dang. I thought this was a painfully bad/boring episode. I have ZERO interest in the Maya/her brother/Sylar storyline. I have even less interest in Hiro's storyline. Though I love David Anders and the thought of him being the ultimate bad guy in present day really makes me happy. I'll probably have relegated Heroes to DVR status buy then though.
The preview of next week's episode showing 93% of the population dead obviously from the virus is disappointing. Last year there was so much more intrigue and twists. This year seems so FORCED it's painful.
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Oct 30, 2007 3:38 AM
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My take on the kiss/Kensei/Hiro is a bit different. Kensei is the one who betrayed the trust. Didn't anyone notice the look on his face when the swordmaster talked about the guns and Hiro said they must destroy them? The wheels were turning. His plan to doublecross everyone was being formulated. Do you think he rushed back to the enemy after he saw the kiss and sold out then? NO! He had sold out, and went looking for Hiro and the princess. He's the one who fractured time, not Hiro.
I thought the ep was terrific. Never liked Bennett, never trusted him. Sorry, but I don't buy "good" guys have to do bad things.
The Nikki/Mohinder pairing worried me too. Regardless of Mohinder's naivete, I don't want his character to die. Don't trust Nikki, period.
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Oct 30, 2007 6:47 AM
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Actually, Casey, in regard to your glove comment, winter in Odessa is short and mild with an average temperature of around freezing point. Falling snow and temperatures below 23F are rare. Summer is long and hot with an average temperature of 77F. Temperatures above 95F are quite often.
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Oct 30, 2007 7:27 AM
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I was also a little dissapointed with the pace at the beginning of the episode but it finally caught up.
My thing now is that this white beard guy from the past, could he actually be someone from the future? Beacuse i cant remember what time frame Hiro is in, and are their guns at that time.
I still think they need to pick up the pace from now on. and bring hiro back from the past.
Theres so many storylines, its time to start bringing them together.
So does anyone know anything about the cockroaches, cause i caught the first episode of heroes and Mohinder talked about them, how they have survived all sorts of evolutionary phases, seemingly Sylar and cockraoches.
So many darn questions, so many answers needed
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Oct 30, 2007 8:48 AM
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was it just me or hoe West dismissed the question about his parents a little strange? i do not trust that kid. also Hiro's storyline is so annoying, and so are the kids looking for their green card. i just hit fast forward when they come on. Peter needs to get into some battles like he did in the future episode last year. what is cool about having every power and using it for 2 seconds every 8th episode
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Oct 30, 2007 8:51 AM
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WTF indeed Casey, that made me spit take.
This show is really unbalanced this year. Some story lines are interesting yet convoluted (Parkman, HRG/Haitian) some are annoying (Wonder Twins/Sylar, Hiro, Peter,) and some are great (Monica, Claire.) I really hope everything starts coming together soon. They REALLY need to get Hiro back to the present, and get Peter out of the future. JUST TELL THE PRESENT STORY! Oy Vey! I mean, there's not enough going on in the present that they have to jump around in time? Sheesh. I'm also wondering what is up with Bob? Did Mohinder really set him straight? He seemed on the up and up with Monica at the end, what's up with that? Hopefully, they feel she can be an agent for the company rather than destroy her ability. I kept wondering why they'd want to neutralize her anyway. How is her power more dangerous than Nikki or Peter? Sweeps is upon us, so let's hope the story gets kicked up a notch.
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Oct 30, 2007 9:25 AM
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I hate West! There are no words that can even describe it well. The kid is kidnapped and experimented on by the company, had a tracker inserted in his neck (ok, so he doesn't know it's a tracker), and he's this wreckless with his abilities? I can buy Claire because even though her father has warned her about the company she's never been taken by them, but West's behavior is just ridiculous. You'd think you'd want to avoid drawing attention to yourself. At his rate, I'm not sure how everyone doesn't know his "secret".
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Oct 30, 2007 9:26 AM
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The best part of the epsiode was the preview for next week.
West is annoying.
The Wonder Twins are annoying.
Mohinder is annoying.
Peter and Hiro need to come home.
The fingerprint thing really really annoyed me. I sat there thinking HRG should know better than that!
Where is my first season Heroes????
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Oct 30, 2007 9:33 AM
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Charliy - Mohinder keeps proving that he has the street smarts of a manhole cover.
My coffee covered monitor salutes you! Too Funny.
I loved seeing Noah badass again!
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Oct 30, 2007 9:52 AM
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I really liked the episode. I like how the last couple of weeks they have been concentrating on fewer storylines and giving more of those stories. Unlike some I like the Hiro story. It seems he is learning that it's personal actions that effect time, more than anything. It's not a new notion in this show, last season with his timeline connecting people and events, little things that can lead to disaster. On the scale of New York being blown up, the death of 1 teenage girl in Texas seems small, but it had a profound effect on events to come. Being able to 'kill' Syler, and just as important adding her voice to Peters, so to say, convinced Nathan to do the right thing and save the city.
Whats bugging people is Wests attitude. The whole I can fly, so I don't have to play by their rules thing is a little like Syler. It's also a little like the 'Bad Girls' episode of Buffy. With any luck Claire will recognize what is happening before she gets into real trouble. I've often thought that one of the the ways the company found people to bag and tag was from checking out official records for strange events. Since the old tracking system is down (and the new one too) if they here about a girl claiming someone was flying and someone else raised from the dead they may go investigate.
I can still see the twins, or at least Maya, as being central to events to come. I wonder if Mohinder would have had any problem injecting Maya instead of Monica. We already knew Syler was crazy, but before he only wanted to kill people to take powers, or if they stood in his way. It sounds like now he won't mind killing people just for the sake of it.
I'm going to come down on Bob's side as far as trying to find a way to supress powers. Maya, Ted and even Jessica/Niki are all good examples of abuse of, or unstable powers. On the other hand I will agree with Mohinder about the worry that they could introduce something that could jump to the regular population. They need a cure for it before they start infecting people. At first I was thinking that maybe Mohinders new partner was going to be Elle. If you have been watching Heroes since last season, you know it's Jessica not Nikki. I've wondered if the Haitian could remove memories of her sister, and the abuse if that would cure Nikki of the split personality.
It's interesting that Monica is really the first person that the company has actually encouraged to use her powers (outside of for company business). This could be an interesting trend if it were to be continued. I like the video Ipod with 'everything from martial arts to plumming'. This could get interesting.
HRG's search for the paintings. I don't know about you, but I really couldn't make out what the paintings were all about, they didn't show them really good. I hope they show them better later. I am not sure what you mean Casey about Peter and the paintings. Peter is in Canada, and as far as we can tell was in New York up until the time he was put in the cargo container. I don't see how they are related. Not suprising that hrg offed his mentor. He is part of the company, and if you are going to take an organization like that down, there will be bloodshed. BTW the current Graphic Novel tells the story of the chase for the Liquid man that Ivan (that's Bennets Mentors name) talked about in the show.
Peters storyline is finally picking up. I was kind of hoping he would find Charles in the building in Montreal. Instead we get the name of a new character, Adam. It also sounds like Peter lost his memory after meeting this Adam person. I thought it was trauma from exploding, but I guess I was wrong. At first I was thinking that what happened to Peter was another dream, much like when he saw himself exploding last season, but with the girl with him I figured he pulled Hiro's ability out instead. This is being played out much like Hiro's first trip to the future last season. Hiro saw the disaster and set about trying to stop it. I'm sure the same will happen with Peter. I'm thinking because they showed the world ending event so much later than last season that Peter will stick around longer and get some clues. Here is an interesting question though. Did the company cause the plague as Mohinder was worried about, or did the plague happen because they ruined the company. One last thing about the episode. People have mentioned the religious symbolism occasionally in the show (Noah, 12 company heads/apostles, Issacs crusifixion) so is there any Significance to the name Adam?
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Oct 30, 2007 10:04 AM
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