Overview:
Sandra discovers that Claire has been hiding Alex, and with her help, Alex evades Željko’s agents and leaves Costa Verde. Sylar and Nuke pull over at an abandoned diner, and we flashback to the day Papa Gray sold Sylar to his aunt and uncle and sliced Mama Gray’s head open. Meanwhile, following a lead from Rebel, Peter and Matt whammy their way into Building 26. They don’t find Daphne, and Matt gets captured, but Peter downloads footage of Nathan’s operation and delivers it to the evening news. Željko retaliates by strapping explosives to Matt’s chest and dropping him off in the middle of D.C.
Review:
Let’s get right to what makes this episode awesome. There’s the usual stuff — a compelling plot, consistent characterization, suspense, comedy and so on — but there are two reasons which rise above the rest, and both of them become apparent in the opening scene.
That? … is a sign of creative genius. Because if you’re not bowled over by the cuteness factor, you’re likely to be knocked down by the female empowerment factor. And on a show that generally struggles to write strong women, the fact that Sandra this week gets a chance to take center stage and be a hero without any special abilities says a lot.
The other half of this episode’s opening scene — the half that doesn’t involve Sandra and Mr. Muggles — involves Alex vegetating in Claire’s closet and Claire planning to put Alex on a train to Albuquerque, where apparently Alex will be able to “start over” and “become a new person.”
We’ll get to the practical concerns in due course, and I still can’t decide whether this was intended as a jibe (because apparently, surveillance cameras will find you wherever you go unless you head to Albuquerque), but the part worth noting is that Alex immediately wonders whether he’s going to get caught one way or another, and that he thinks twice about whether he wants to leave his family and friends behind. It’s a little ungrateful of Alex to write Claire off as “a high-school girl” who’s in over her head; she is doing her best to help him, and in a volume filled with allegorical elements, the Harriet Tubman reference comes across as remarkably apt. But it’s also telling that the opening scene introduces a typical citizen whose life has been destroyed by one man’s mistake, and it’s even more telling that Claire never reveals to Alex that the man who forced him to change his identity and leave his home is her father.
Sandra wants to know where the money stored in Mr. Muggles’s rubber sneaker has gone. Aw. Claire immediately tries to shift the blame onto Lyle.
Sandra: “Per usual, he has no clue.”
Between this and Noah last week struggling to care about his role on the PTA at Lyle’s school, I’m beginning to think this is a running gag in the writers’ room, as in, “How can we make Lyle even more neglected and even more out of the loop.” Poor kid.
Mr. Muggles finds the sandwich under the bed, and aww does not adequately convey the adorableness this exudes. There’s also something strangely charming about the way Alex greets Sandra as “Mrs. Bennet” when she finds him in the closet — charming enough that you feel like the guy deserves Sandra’s goodwill and deserves to escape the agents by the end of the episode.
We cut to Goon Squad Central, where Noah tries to abate his homesickness by watching a live feed outside Canine Central. Željko’s “home sweet home” sounds less like a commiseration and more like a taunt, mostly because we know Željko enjoys watching people conflicted by emotions, and because we struggle to imagine Željko sharing the sentiment.
The Wall of Fugitives has been rearranged. The Haitian has vanished — probably because Nathan’s organization has given up finding him — and there are now columns labeled “At large” and “Captured.” I didn’t get a look at all of the faces on there, but Doyle was a conspicuous addition to the “At large” column. If David H. Lawrence XVII’s name in the credits doesn’t ruin the surprise, this does.
Nathan and Željko’s sparring plays out as entertainingly as ever, and Noah maintains an ambivalent distance as craftily as ever. The confrontational tone between Nathan and Željko was becoming more overt each week, so the fact that Željko this week blatantly defies Nathan and begins running the operation himself comes across as plausible. I can’t help thinking it’s a convenient way to make Nathan look like the upstaged leader who deserves our pity; it’s still a project that Nathan put into motion, and ultimately Nathan’s still responsible for all of the death it caused. But this scene goes some way to validating Nathan’s admission to Peter and Angela that he lost control of the situation, and although it doesn’t absolve him of responsibility, it at least establishes that he won’t be directly to blame for what happens from now on.
An analyst picks up on Peter and Matt’s visit to the Apartment of Clairvoyance. Good! It only took them about five hours to check the cameras at the apartment while Matt covered the floor with paint.
Matt pushing Peter away was a neat detail. It could be that Matt’s consciously telling Peter to back off and let him figure out a way to rescue Daphne, or it could be that the trance automatically compels the painter to ward off any interference.
Mohinder’s computer beeps to life.
Rebel lies! Or not. I guess it’s possible Rebel’s information was accurate at this time and Rebel didn’t realize Daphne was about to be transferred out. Alternatively, Rebel wanted Matt and Peter to get the footage for the news and used Daphne as an incentive. So Rebel’s either slow or sneaky.
The remarkable thing here is that Peter suspects sneakiness, pointing out that they don’t know who Rebel is or what Rebel’s agenda is. Matt’s eagerness to consider all options that could help them rescue Daphne is endearing, but Peter’s shrewdness and skepticism is laudable. How we went from the marathon-hugging Champion of Dumbness to this is beyond me, but it’s a vindication for the character, and it’s a pleasure to watch.
Peter and Matt narrowly escape Goon Squad agents. One of the agents records the floor painting on his cell phone, and Željko gets a light bulb over his head. The apocalyptic painting is largely redeemed this week, at least insofar as the circumstances leading up to it distinguish it from the first-season bomb plot. My main complaint here — and one of only a few minor quibbles this week — is the way the show seems to be using prophetic paintings to advance its storylines. Need Hiro out of the story for three episodes? Sketch him in India and off he’ll go! Need Željko to strap explosives on Matt and ditch him at Capitol Hill? Paint it and put the idea in Željko’s head! Even Daphne getting shot probably wouldn’t have happened if Matt hadn’t sketched it: Matt would have stayed away from the crash site, Daphne would have gotten Claire and Ando to safety, and Daphne wouldn’t have stopped on the hillside to ponder how she’ll get all the extra people to safety. The images themselves are cool, but there’s something borderline lazy about prophetic images that dictate the plot. The paintings depict events that could only happen by people seeing the paintings in the first place. It’s hard to say whether Željko would have gotten the idea to make Matt an ostensible terrorist if he hadn’t seen this painting.
Anyway, we go from the opening credits to Canine Central.
Funny, if only for the way Claire throws herself into the role, and for Alex’s mortified reaction to the news that he’s having sex with Claire. There’s an element of everyday family drama undercutting the scene, but it’s amusing that Alex would rather blow his cover and risk getting captured than let Sandra think he’s taking advantage of Claire.
Alex reveals that he can breathe underwater, Claire exposits that she was protecting him from Noah, and Sandra barely finishes with the whole “This is incredibly dangerous!” angle before skipping to the part about Claire lying to her.
… Which would be the usual everyday-family-drama element, but Ashley Crow’s expression when Sandra makes that observation is so true to life that you share her sense of hurt and betrayal.
The Psycho Killer Road Trip continues, and I have to say that as much as I’m enjoying this storyline, it feels like this road trip has lasted about eighty billion years. Can they just find Papa Gray already?
We learn that Sylar hacked into the Goon Squad’s missing Dell and can monitor anyone who’s tracking him. The 50-mile radius with no blips gets the message across clearly enough, but I’m a little mystified by how the agents are tracking him in the first place. Is he emitting some kind of psycho-killer signal? Are the agents using a tag which The Company implanted into him while he was working for Angela in the previous volume? It’s never explained.
The lack of an explanation for how the commandos pursue Sylar isn’t as alarming as Nuke’s plan of action when the commandos find them:
Look at that enthusiasm. Look at that twisted excitement. Nuke likes killing people. In case anyone wanted it, this is further evidence that Nuke is more disturbed than Sylar ever was. His backstory about how his father used him as a human ashtray evokes a little sympathy, but honestly, I’m more inclined to feel bad for Mama Campbell — who, as it now turns out, was trying to cope with a violent and abusive spouse as well as a warped and antisocial son.
Amazing set work. You have to wonder how much time and effort went into putting this storyline together; whether the show used separate sets for the maintained and dilapidated versions of the diner, and how much detail must have gone into the signs, the graffiti, the cobwebs, even the planks of wood to board the place up.
Canine Central. Claire tells Sandra she’s sorry she lied and admits she should have told her mom the truth. Why didn’t she? I can understand Claire keeping Alex secret while Noah was around, but with the immediate threat gone, wouldn’t it be easier to keep Alex safe if everyone in the house knew he was there?
Claire skips to explaining to Sandra that she has to do this. Claire’s resolve is admirable, but it’s undermined by the way she falls back on the same “I’m doing this to protect you” garbage that Noah resorted to a hundred times, and it’s totally eclipsed when Sandra’s awesomeness kicks in and she tells Claire she’s had enough of it:
Sandra: “Why? Because I’m some fragile creature in need of protection?”
Claire: “That’s not what I meant.”
Sandra: “I know what you meant, and I’ve got news for you. I’m strong, much stronger than either you or your father think, and I know more than you think.”
Applause erupts across the nation, and it’s applause for a moment that’s long overdue. The wonderful part is Sandra earned it through strength of character and resilience rather than special abilities or government training. She went from playing a clueless perfunctory role to a pivotal part in the plot, and she managed to do that in spite of everyone’s best efforts to keep her in the dark. THIS is a positive message from the show. THIS is what Hiro’s storyline should aspire to convey; the message that anyone can be strong, that anyone can be a hero and make a difference, regardless of whether they have special abilities and whether there are obstacles along the way.
Sandra reveals that she knows about the two agents watching the house from the van across the street, and Claire doesn’t immediately go to the door, open it, look at the people watching her and let them know their cover has been compro-
Oh, Claire.
I’m holding off the Dumb As Award, but only because I don’t think the agents care if anyone knows they’re there.
“Costa Verde Pool Cleaner”? You have to admire whoever came up with the sign on the van. Cute detail.
Rachel Mills returns! With dialogue! She can now die happy, knowing the show treated her better than Echo.
Sandra asks Claire how she plans to get Alex to safety. If Sandra hadn’t come to the rescue, I think she should have called West. He could have flown in, grabbed Alex and flown him to Albuquerque. It wouldn’t have been at all awkward. It would have been a graceful nod to continuity, and if anything, it would have helped us to appreciate both of Claire’s brief relationships more.
Or not. Mostly, it would have shown up West as an arrogant and annoying jerk next to Alex’s charm and sensitivity. Poor West.
We learn that Goon Squad Central is based inside the L.A. Transamerica Building. Who knew?
It’s established in dialogue that Matt can only whammy a limited number of people at the same time. It’s also established …
… that Peter can control when he absorbs a new ability, and that he doesn’t need direct skin-to-skin contact to do it. Not that the average viewer will care one way or the other, but many nerds for detail will get a kick out of putting this debate to rest.
Matt: “You can’t fly now, which basically rules out our rooftop escape plan.”
Did anyone else’s jaw drop when Matt said this? They actually had a plan? Who are these characters, and what have they done with the dumbasses they replaced? And yeah, OK, they didn’t exactly stick to the plan, and the whole thing didn’t exactly turn out the way they planned, but the fact that they’re planning anything at all is progress. Well done, Peter and Matt!
I can’t help feeling bad for the security guard; the guy will probably be fired after letting the organization’s two most wanted into the building.
We briefly cut to the belly of Goon Squad Central to ascertain that although there are security cameras tracking Peter and Matt, NO ONE THOUGHT THEY WERE WORTH USING. The security at Building 26 are obviously as useless as they were at Primatech.
Peter and Matt whammy another two guards, and there’s this little moment …
… when they both get this look of amusement, like they’re really enjoying themselves. You could argue that it falls flat when Matt’s trying to save his critically-wounded girlfriend and when everyone they care about is on the run; but at the same time, they’re using their abilities to break into a government facility, and they’re driven by friendship and loyalty. Even in context, you can’t help enjoying the moment of triumph with them.
Cheesy as hell, but to the point where it’s funny, and again, in spite of the circumstances, you can’t help rooting for them when they have a little luck to feel upbeat about.
Peter pulls up a prisoner manifest on the organization’s database. He identifies files on Daphne, Tracy, and Mohinder, and three others named Elizabeth Axelson, Curtis Hovsepian and Cyril Sharp, the first two of whom were also listed on Elle’s cell phone in “Our Father.” Very clever, show.
Rebel decides to be useful and prevents any of the Goon Squad analysts from locking out Peter’s access to the database. So, assuming Rebel isn’t Chloe from 24 or Chloe from Smallville, I’m going to take an absurd leap of logic and suggest that the Micah theorists have been proved correct. Because, really, only Micah’s going to bypass government firewalls and hack into classified files.
The flipside here is that only a complete fool would send Peter and Matt — statistically two of the dumbest characters on the show — to retrieve data that a technopath could obtain on his own anyway.
Canine Central. Lyle discovers that honesty is not a virtue when he admits he got a C- on his history exam and ends up having his driver’s license confiscated. Alex steals Lyle’s identity, an appropriate metaphor for Lyle’s insignificance if ever there was one. A “terrible driver”? Probably because no one cared enough to take him out for lessons, and probably because no one loved him enough to give him a brand new Nissan. I’ll bet you anything he wouldn’t have left it unlocked at school.
Sandra demonstrates how to create a fake ID, and while I think it’ll take a LOT more than one forged driver’s license for Alex to “start over” and “become a new person,” I have to say, this deviousness only makes Sandra more amazing.
And that was before the Def Leppard reveal.
Sandra — if you’re done with Rick Savage and separated from Noah, marry me!
Claire develops a new-found admiration for her fake-ID-manufacturing and Def Leppard-loving mom.
Claire: “I’m sorry for being the way I am. Making everything so much harder. Sometimes I just wish I was normal.”
Sandra: “Why on earth would you want that?”
Claire: “It would just make everything easier. Maybe you and Dad would still be together.”
It’s typical, self-centered “me-me-me-me-me” Claire dialogue, but for a moment you can believe she’s thinking of Sandra as much as she’s thinking of herself. There’s a part of it that transcends the superpower drama and taps into the everyday doubts and fears a kid experiences: if their parents separate, is it because of the kid, and is there something the kid could have done to prevent it?
Sandra assures Claire that she and Noah had issues “long before [Claire] came around.” Judging from the flashbacks we’ve seen (which, coincidentally, were also written by Armus and Foster), that’s not hard to believe.
Claire: “Why’d you marry him?”
Perfect delivery. Compassionate, genuinely curious, but without coming across as incredulous or judgmental.
Sandra: “‘Cause I fell in love with him, warts and all. He was dangerous, handsome … I accepted everything that went with that.”
It’s amazing how Sandra gets to that last part and gives this sad smile, like she’s acknowledging just how much she had to accept with that.
Sandra: “But now …”
*Beat* … Claire takes an anxious gulp.
Sandra: “… I’m tired of being lied to. I can’t see my marriage anymore.”
Again, perfect delivery. Firm and honest, but at the same time heartfelt and sympathetic.
Claire: “So, it’s … over. You guys are gonna get a divorce.”
Sandra: “I don’t know. Maybe. But whatever happens between your father and I has nothing to do with you.”
Claire gives Sandra a sad smile in return, and it’s so sad that for a moment I forget the self-obsessed whining, the bratty rebellious phases and the Love-Noah/Hate-Noah/Forgive-Noah merry-go-round. This scene was exquisitely well written and performed, and it’s an example of what this volume is doing best: focused character arcs and emotionally raw drama.
What better way to follow it up than to cut to the Psycho Killer Road Trip?
To be fair, this storyline is equally focused and emotionally raw, but it seems like it’s been bundled in with the rest of this episode. Thematically, the links are there: the diner exposes the truth to Sylar, Sylar’s memories expose Papa Gray’s villainy. But even on paper, it feels like a tenuous link, and when you’re watching it, it doesn’t blend with the other storylines so much as disrupt and derail them.
All of that said, this storyline is remarkably well done.
I love how Dan Byrd mimics Zach’s posture and mannerisms. As weird as Nuke might be, there are nuances in the actor’s performance that rock.
We flashback to a time when the diner was still in business. I got a glimpse of a sign on the window that says Missouri, so at least we have some idea where this road trip is taking the characters.
Kid-Sylar is made of aww. As with the picture of him on the bike, it shouldn’t be cute — not when you know the monster he’ll become — but it is.
Young Aunt Gray? I can’t say I see the resemblance to Ellen Greene, but I hope we’ll get a chance to judge more definitively in the “1961″ episode.
Nuke brings Sylar back from his reverie, and Sylar TK’s the wood paneling from a crevice of the diner until he finds his long-lost toy car.
It’s an oddly poignant moment, and brilliantly lit, with the sunlight emphasizing Sylar’s epiphany as his memories return.
Canine Central. Claire walks into her bedroom and finds a shirtless Justin Baldoni. I can’t say I’m completely shocked. It was only a matter of time. Still, shame on you, show! The ratings aren’t that bad.
Alex wonders why Claire is doing so much to help him. Given the glimpse we just got of his six pack, I’d say that’s self-explanatory. But Claire blah-blahs about them being an endangered species, which sounds like a subtle nod to the manatee subplot back in the first season.
Alex mentioning “the whole immortal healing thing” was like an overdue carrot being dangled in front of us. You’d think the immortality issue would have been addressed by now, but the fact that it’s barely mentioned in a throwaway line is almost as disappointing as ignoring it altogether. I gather it’ll be covered in at least one scene at the end of the volume, but you’d think the prospect of living forever would have at least some bearing on Claire’s view of relationships. Alas, no.
Alex broaches whether the two of them would ever have hooked up under different circumstances, and Claire dismisses the idea because she’s “not really into the whole relationship thing right now.” Don’t worry, Claire, I don’t think he is either. Honestly, I’m torn on how I feel about this part of the storyline, because Alex is a likable character, there’s enormous chemistry between him and Claire, and the romance is suggested without being rammed down our throats. At the same time, given the circumstances, I can’t help wondering what even a suggested romance says about Claire. People she knows are dying; friends are being abducted, drugged and tortured; her father’s involved in masterminding the whole operation. AND SHE’S OGLING A GUY’S SIX PACK!
Claire laments that everyone who gets married seems to end up getting a divorce. That’s not true — at least not on this show! Some of them poison one another. Some of them unintentionally kill their spouses by emitting lethal radiation. Some of them seem to forget their spouses altogether and replace them with nubile speedsters. Or, as we learn this week, some of them snap their spouses’ necks with telekinesis.
It’s subtly played, with Alex doing his best to reassure Claire that an emotional connection justifies the risk of relationships failing. Claire doesn’t look particularly convinced. If she isn’t, I’m tempted to think it’s in keeping with the badass incarnation we’ve seen of her in the previous volume. It would be an early indication that she’ll lose all faith in lasting attachments if she doesn’t think they have a future, and, perhaps more importantly, that she’ll become afraid of outliving everyone she cares about and repeatedly having to move on once they’re gone.
Rachel and The Other Agent get tired of lurking and decide to search the house. Sandra hides Alex in a hidden closet compartment and starts to reach for a gun under the table when Rachel looks like she’s about to find him. It’s to Sandra’s credit that she knows about the gun at all, but it’s even more to her credit when this scene plays out with enough tension to make us believe she’d actually use it.
The way it’s played, you can believe Sandra has enough conviction to kill Rachel. You can believe the show would kill a webisode character without any compunction, and given all of the focus on Sandra’s inner strength and resilience, you can see her shooting one of Noah’s agents for a kid she was resolved to protect.
Which in itself speaks to the distance the character has come since the pilot episode, but when it’s followed up …
… with Sandra giving this delightful little smile as she formulates a plan to get Alex away safely, you wonder whether Sandra’s enjoying the chance to upstage government agents as much as Peter and Matt are.
At Goon Squad Central, Peter stumbles on information about Daphne being transferred to a medical facility.
A screen pops up with the message, “Check it out!” OK, I added the exclamation point. But it was so dry, I didn’t think it would hurt to punch it up a little.
Peter: “Your friend is back.”
“LOL! YES!1! its me REBEL! Im you’re freind!!! can u see me?? what r u doing??”
Matt: “Rebel? Tell ‘im he screwed us. Daphne’s gone.”
“NO!!! she was hear I checked!! now shes goon?? i dontt know waht happen!!? maybe she’ll cmoe back oh well LOL! how r u??”
Peter watches Rebel pulling up the database’s video archive and makes the most stunning deduction he’s made all season: “I think there’s something he wants us to see.” Oh, Peter.
Did Peter bring the USB stick with him, or did there just happen to be one lying around? Either way, it’s a little convenient for the plot. I also feel compelled to ask how Peter plans to support this footage with evidence that the captives in orange jumpsuits are really American citizens.
Peter practically claps with delight as he contemplates how Nathan’s “not gonna know what hit him.” I can’t help wondering why neither Peter nor Matt stop to consider whether Daphne’s in any condition to take part in the exchange. If she’s recently been moved to a medical facility, it’s an indication that she might be in seriously bad shape. Regardless of whether Nathan’s under pressure to kill everyone with an ability, a medical facility might be the best place for Daphne to stay.
Noah realizes that the Parkman Whammy enhances Matt’s other senses and jams it by deafening him with an emergency alarm. Neat detail, although you could poke holes in the concept and wonder why it only applies to Matt’s coercion; you’ll recall that Noah sustained a clear line of thought with Matt when they escaped from Primatech, and an emergency alarm was ringing the whole time.
Rebel shuts down the power to Goon Squad Central for 30 seconds. Again, I have a hard time believing anyone but Micah could have pulled this off, even if they worked at Building 26 and planned for this in advance.
Nathan, Noah and Željko show up to glare at Peter and Matt. I’m disappointed that Peter didn’t take this opportunity to whammy Željko into shooting himself; or, failing that, singing and dancing or doing handstands or something. But Matt acquits himself by pulling a Mohinder and letting himself get caught so that Peter can shut the place down.
We cut to the Diner of Repressed Memories. I can’t figure out if the dialogue in this scene was meant to be melodramatic, but it’s the one part of an otherwise exquisite script that sounded clunky to me. “It eats away at your soul”? Awful.
Heartbreaking. The worst part is Papa Gray gives his son a pat on the shoulder before walking away.
Horrifying, to the point where Kid-Sylar would understandably repress the memory, and to the point where we’re predisposed to hate Sylar’s father before we even meet him.
On some level, though, it’s also a morbidly intriguing detail. Even if it’s not yet clear whether Papa Gray inherited or acquired telekinesis, it explains why it’s Sylar’s default weapon of choice. It also explains …
… where his predilection for slicing heads came from. For the brains inside, obviously, but you could argue that by adopting his father’s M.O., Sylar is always — at least on a subconscious level — trying to emulate his father.
Incredibly well done. I’m not sure what it says about Sylar, but I hope it’s at least addressed when he finally finds his father. The show seems to be saying that psychosis can be attributed to childhood trauma, that evil is hereditary rather than innate, that good-natured kids are corrupted by their parents, and that sons are destined to become their fathers. I’m not sure if it’s a roundabout attempt to exculpate Sylar and suggest that his actions are really all Papa Gray’s fault, but it raises questions that deserve to be explored. If nothing else, it’ll be interesting to see how the ideas raised here translate to the current Petrelli arc.
We get a shot of Sylar whispering “Mommy,” and when we return from the commercials, we’re looking at Angela. I leave you to decide just how ironic that is.
Nathan: “Someone’s out there calling themselves ‘Rebel.’ Knows where Building 26 is, how it runs.”
“So I see.”
The dialogue alone conveys nothing, but when you factor in Angela’s “Well now, isn’t that interesting?” tone …
… and Angela’s look of feigned ignorance, it’s hard to believe she isn’t involved.
Nathan: “Tell me this isn’t you.”
Angela: “Of course not. First of all, I don’t know the first thing about computers …”
Nathan: “You can hire someone for that.”
Ooh, who would a mastermind with no technical expertise recruit? Come on, show, if Rebel is a collaborative effort between Angela and Micah, you’re telegraphing it here. This must be misdirection!
Angela: “Beyond that, I know who’s keeping me safe, Nathan. I can live my life in peace thanks to your generosity. I would never betray you.”
At this point, the show’s practically waving banners and inviting us to acknowledge that she would, and she is. Angela and Micah theorists, drink!
Nathan: “I’ve done everything I can to contain and control these people with abilities, but there are other people that want to see them all dead.”
Again, it’s dialogue that paints Nathan as the well-intentioned guy whose operation spun out of control. I’d say Nathan’s actions up to this point sufficiently vilify him and that a lack of involvement at this stage in no way redeems him; but the interesting part is the way Angela delivers her next line:
“Yes, dear, I’ve had a bit of experience with all this.”
It’s mildly amusing for the condescending tone that Cristine Rose laces it with, but I’m still pondering what she meant by it; whether she meant Adam’s one-man crusade against everyone connected to The Company, or the general feeling of fear and distrust towards supers that The Company always wanted to avoid, or a predicament we’ve yet to see.
Peter delivers his ultimatum, and Nathan’s like, “THAT’S IT? TWO PEOPLE?” Peter doesn’t bother to explain that he doesn’t really want Tracy after she tricked him, and that things between him and Mohinder aren’t like they used to be. But he makes it clear that Brian Williams will get something to bolster NBC’s ratings if Nathan doesn’t fulfill his part of the deal. For the sake of the network, I can’t help thinking that Nathan secretly wanted to let Peter leak the footage to the news.
Canine Central. Sandra puts her elaborate plan into action. It involves pulling her car out of the driveway with Lyle in the passenger seat, and Claire and Alex sneaking out back and inadvertently making enough noise to alert the office drones on the top floor of Yamagato.
Alex and Claire slip and slide down a hill and end up on top of one another. The moment drags on longer than it needs to, although this …
… is admittedly very romantic. You have to wonder why Rachel doesn’t scour the pool more thoroughly if she knows about Alex’s ability, but I’m less disappointed by that than the possibility that this is the last we’ll see of the guy. It’s probably best that the show wrote him out so soon and avoided letting the storyline devolve into a prolonged soap opera. But all things considered, this was the most delightful romance the show came up with since Hiro and Charlie, and Justin Baldoni did a solid job playing a sort of romantic interest for Claire.
Goon Squad Central. Noah points out that Peter arranged to make the trade “next to the network news.” 4001 Nebraska Avenue? Very clever, show.
Željko backing out of the exchange and forging ahead with his own plan is in character, but it loses its impact for the same reason that Željko pushing his head against Peter’s gun lost its impact. We know Željko’s not just scrapping the plan because the president refuses to negotiate with terrorists, and we know Željko wants to wipe out supers everywhere. The problem is we still don’t know why, and because of that, it’s a lot harder to identify with his vendetta, or even to make sense of it. Presumably Željko lost someone he cared about or witnessed an atrocity committed by someone with an ability, but I think the character’s actions lack the dimension they’d have if we understood why he hated everyone with an ability so ferociously.
Peter meets Noah on a rooftop parking lot and tries to get a mental read on anyone in the car. Neat concept.
Noah warning Peter about the set-up with his thoughts is consistent with the guy who warned Matt about the right hook in “Company Man,” although he could have warned Peter about the gun pointed at him a little sooner.
Was the shot of Nathan flying Peter away too fast? I know I’m not the only one who had to backtrack to figure out if Peter flew away on his own. It’s not clear whether Željko realizes who’s flying away, but the way the shot ends up, even the audience can barely tell.
It’s a pleasure to see the family together, if only because it’s so unusual.
Peter: “Why are you doing this, Nathan?”
Nathan: “Doing what? Saving your life, or trying to save the world?”
Great delivery. No trace of guilt, and no regret.
Nathan admits that the current situation is his fault and that he wants to “fix it,” but there’s nothing in his expression to suggest he regrets anything that’s happened. Part of the elegance is in the writing, but it’s mostly Pasdar’s performance that conveys a guy who cares if his friends and family live or die but who doesn’t really regret the actions that endangered them in the first place.
Peter: “I know you’ll take care of me …”
Nathan: “I will.”
Peter: “… because you love me.”
Aww. Especially when you realize that although Peter believes it — at least insofar as he believes his brother will always show up to save his life — it’s not enough for Peter to put his trust in Nathan.
Peter learns to wield the Petrelli Hug of Manipulation. Well done, Peter!
Nathan: “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t go after him right now!”
Because he double-crossed you and deserves to enjoy the moment!
Because the sight of two Petrellis chasing each other across the night sky would be silly!
Because the visual effects budget won’t stretch far enough to allow it!
Angela: “The game has changed. I’ve seen it. And you need to be ready.”
Whatever she whispers to Nathan after this, it gets a look from Nathan that suggests …
… Shock? Horror? Panic? Barely-contained excitement? Your guess is as good as mine.
Diner of Repressed Memories. Sylar wraps up his medley of flashbacks, calling Nuke on his distorted depiction of Papa Gray as “Mister freaking Rogers” and TK’ing him to the wall.
All I can think of right now is, “DO IT, SYLAR! KILL HIM! KILL HIM! CHARBROIL HIS ASS!” Dammit! Nuke’s perverse delight over violence is rubbing off on me!
Sylar reproaches Nuke for using him “for some joyride.” I shudder to think what fanfic writers will make of that, but I’m not really one to talk because I firmly believe there’s a compelling story to tell about Mama Campbell, especially now that her creep of a son has nowhere to go except home. Without a car and stuck in the middle of nowhere, however, it does look like that’ll take a while. Goodbye, Nuke! I never liked you, I won’t miss you in the least and I’m disappointed that Sylar didn’t rip your head open, but you were a good listener, and you gave Sylar a chance to deliver some great monologues.
Željko absorbs the reality of the situation as incriminating footage is broadcast across the nation. Nathan’s operation is exposed, but it’s worth noting that the report doesn’t mention special abilities of any kind, so the gist seems to be that the project will be shut down without the public ever knowing why it was created.
Željko’s response?
The caption here should read, “How to Stop an Exploding Parkman.”
Sorry. Couldn’t resist.
Props to the show for diving into this volume’s bomb plot so quickly. I expected it to drag on until the finale, and this was a much better way to go. It shows how desperate Željko is to validate his suspicion, and judging from the promo for next week’s episode, it looks like an effective way to force Nathan into deciding whether to risk letting D.C. explode or fall back on the old “fly them into the upper atmosphere” trick to save the day.
Canine Central. Claire tells Sandra how “incredible” she’s been in this episode. The hokey diversion notwithstanding, I have to agree. If anyone besides Brea Grant deserves to become a cast regular after this season, it’s Ashley Crow.
We’re subjected to a saccharine exchange in which a mother and daughter reaffirm their bond, and yes, I’m obviously an emotional sap, because this really got to me. It was sweet and heartfelt and genuinely moving, and it bookended an episode that began with secrets and lies and ended with honesty and trust.
Doyle lives? Well done, show! Now bring back Micah, Monica, Molly and Adam, ditch Hiro, and I promise you the ratings will skyrocket. Or, at the very least, you’ll be guaranteed a consistent string of glowing reviews from this site.
I’m docking half a point for a Sylar storyline that, while excellently written and executed, felt like it was rammed into an episode where it didn’t belong. Besides that, perfect. Heartwarming, funny, romantic, grotesque, suspenseful, thought-provoking, and above all a triumph for the dog-obsessed mom.
4.5 out of 5
Great review. Not much to add except Matt and Peter’s Jedi-mind tricks were awesome.
Great review!
If they’re going to go with a Bennet divorce, Muggles had better visit a lot, or Sandra had better leave a Muggles puppy with Claire. We must not be deprived of the cuteness!
The Alex dynamic would have been better served if they’d remembered an S1 detail (courtesy of Brody Mitchum). Claire drew mermaids in the margins of her notebooks. Alex therefore represents ties both to specialness and her pre-special normacy and daydreaming.
Great review, Otto! Now you’ve got me wanting to give the episode a re-watch.
Another great review like always, Otto
The problem was that ’cause I had a headache on Monday I didn’t watch the episode entirely. But like Craig says, the review now makes me want to watch it again. Bless Hulu :P.
Always continue your great reviews. But I tell you, I would love read another Hiro rant like in your review of “Building 26″, your best review to date for me. Keep going
Yours are better than the ones from this idiot http://tv.ign.com/articles/958/958600p1.html
As for the website I gave you, you can really see how much a very viewed page can kill a show, ’cause the reviews there come from such a hater and nitpicker. Glad you’re always in neutral position and with a better and more detailed opinion than that reviewer.
And this is just me asking. I love your reviews. That website is visited frequently. Do you think you could even start a blog there and put these amazing reviews so that many people can enjoy reviews from someone who’s not a hater? The comments section had one asking for a non-hater review. I truly think this would help streamline your reviews Otto
as I would love for millions of people to read the funny,well-written, descriptive, non-bashing reviews you give. That’s just my suggestion 
Angela: “Of course not. First of all, I don’t know the first thing about computers …”
But wait! Nathan didn’t mention that Rebel was using computers! This (along with everything else) screams that Angela is involved with Rebel. And I’m so glad that my original theory that Micah is Rebel is coming through, although I guess Rebel could be considered to be Angela and Micah collectively. And who knows, maybe another person or two is involved?
And here I was hoping for a Hana Gitelman comeback, despite her bizarre “death” in the web-comic.
“Doyle lives? Well done, show! Now bring back Micah, Monica, Molly and Adam, ditch Hiro, and I promise you the ratings will skyrocket. Or, at the very least, you’ll be guaranteed a consistent string of glowing reviews from this site.”
YES. YES. A MILLION TIMES YES, ESPECIALLY FOR ADAM.
Good review. I agree with almost everything, but about Parkman’s new weakness: I did feel it was contrived, but I think it made sense. Mind reading is only the most basic form of telepathy, so mind-control and other facets require more energy and concentration. Thus, when he was mind-reading, loud noises didn’t bother him. But when using more powerful abilities, he’s more susceptible. And I don’t think there’s been an instance of Matt using the full extent of his powers while against really loud background noise.
However, this does make me wonder why Bob didn’t think to just use a loud noise against Maury, but I suppose that with 30 years of experience, Maury can’t really be affected by such weaknesses.
Ah, the fun never ends. First the episode and then your review.
I hope the show continues this streak of amazing, fun episodes.
Mr. Muggles was adorable! Loved seeing him have a bit part in the episode, him holding that sandwich and then Sandra removing it was hilarious.
Poor, neglected Lyle. Mr. Muggles gets more to do than him.
Of course, Sandra was awesome. It was great to see that.
As for Peter getting shot and then flying away, I couldn’t tell from what they showed, but had just figured it was Nathan rescuing him again. Also? Now Danko has his payback … Peter shot him in the arm and he returned the favor. They’re even now. lol Although I doubt it’s enough for Danko.
HRG’s slight smile at Peter getting away (whether he knew/saw/figured Nathan helped him or not) was a nice touch too.
I got my Peter and Angela scene with a bonus of Nathan sooner than expected!
I love those Petrellis. I just wish they would have shown Angela’s reaction to seeing Peter. Oh well, her brushing the hair away from his face was a nice moment.
It seems to me that Angela may have told Nathan something about Peter. What leads me to that is the way he looks back toward the direction Peter left and just something about the look on his face. Or maybe it’s just my one-track mind and bias toward Peter. lol
Thank you for the enjoyable review and I can’t wait until next week.
Your review was spot-on! I agree with just about everything. I’m really please, and honestly relieved, by how well this volume is going. It’s extremely character driven, which makes for much better stories. The only real disappointment as far as characters go is Hiro. He was such a great character in the first season, but since then, especially in Season Three, they’ve completely ignored any maturation or character development. Hiro is a stunted character; he has a serious case of arrested development, to the point where he’s just annoying. I used to love him; now not having him around is a relief. (Speaking of Hiro, shouldn’t they be showing up soon to rescue Parkman?)
Have you noticed how relatively effects-light this volume has been? It’s not a problem, because I’m enjoying the storyline and character development but we really aren’t seeing much rapid healing, flung lighting, fireballs, invisibilty and such this volume. Is this deliberate? And if so, is it a story or budget issue, or both?
I’m pleased to see both Matt and Peter demonstrating better facility with their powers, especially Matt. I’m as curious as everyone else about the mechanics of Pete’s powers, though. Do you think he took Matt’s precog as well as telepathy? It’s similar to the whole “what would happen if he absorbed Sylar’s power” question. I’m actually more curious about whether Peter could absorb more than one person’s power if he touched them simultaneously.
I’m with you on Nathan’s remorse; I think it’s sincere, but it’s sincere crap. He really regrets the outcome of his actions, as you said, but not the actions themselves. It’s like a kid who gets caught shoplifting; he’s remorseful, certainly. Because he got caught. Nathan’s regrets are more tied to his plans falling apart than anything else. Still, I think they are trying to set him up for redemption by making Danko the real villain of the piece. But who could trust him after this?
The Rebel mystery is driving me crazy. I was originally on the Micah team, then was leaning more towards Angela. Now, like many others, I think it may be Angela and Micah working together, probably with others. We’ve seen Rebel pull of stunts that just scream technopathy. On the other hand, we’ve seen evidence of precognition as well. (”Hiro go rescue Parkman”.) I’m reluctant to commit to a theory, though, because it’s starting to look too obvious. Won’t we all be disappointed when it turns out to be West and Maya after all?
The Bennett storyline was full of the awesome! I think you’re a little hard on Claire, but then I’ve always been softer on her than you. Ashley totally rocks this episode. I think Sandra is one of the most genuine, human characters on the show. I just knew she was going to be “disappointed” with Claire. It was a perfect line with perfect delivery. Simply terrific.
Do you think there is a possibility that Rachel is playing both sides? I thought for sure she was going to find Alex when she actually discovered his hiding place. Not sure about her…
I enjoyed the Sylar stuff, but as you noted, it’s so disconnected to the rest of that it’s hard to get too involved. It did give us some excellent insight into the soul of the psycho killer.
Finally, poor poor Lyle.
Good review Otto. I liked this episode as well, and agreed with a lot of what you said. The poll and the Rebel texting were hilarious.
What made this episode for me was Sandra and Peter (and Matt, too, I guess). Since when did they get brains? Peter pulling the Petrelli Hug of Manipulation? Awesome. Now let Hiro grow a brain himself, and we have a show. And keep the whammying, too - that was just too cool.
Excellent review Otto!
I agree, give Ashley Crowe the series regular promotion already… she’s a great character, who has come just as long a way as her onscreen husband, Noah, has. I recently re-watched Season 1 (from ‘Homecoming’ through the finale) and Im still amazed at how far this family has come as characters, especially Sandra. I adore her, and look forward to seeing her in more episodes.
‘The game has changed… I’ve seen it.’ line makes me wonder if Angela saw Sylar’s possible future as ‘President Petrelli’? After all, this would be the ultimate *%@# up for Nathan’s operation. “One of them” rises to the highest lengths of power… the one who has no problem killing supers OR regulars. We’ll just have to wait and see.
I really hope the confrontation between John Glover’s Samson and Sylar is done well. Im wondering if this appearance will be a one episode deal like Ellen Greene as Sylar’s adoptive mother in season 1. I hope not as Glover is a great actor, and I’d love to see him recur.
Overall this episode, IMO, is the best this Volume, and one of the best this whole season.
Great review
and very good episode 
Peter and Matt using their brains wasn’t too bad for a change. I think the first security guy’s reaction to the jedi-whammy sums up mine. I just wish Matt’s motivation were more than DAPHNE sometimes.
I don’t remember any scene where Ashley Crow has not made Sandra awesome. Probably one of the few actors (Jack Coleman, Christine Rose and Kristen Bell)’s scenes I’ve always been looking forward to no matter what the heck they say. Mr. Muggles was awesome, as always (There are some things that they can’t mess with). I thought Claire was surprisingly not irritating, and for the little time he was on the show, I liked Alex. Since they can’t kill the girl/woman in this relationship, his writing-off isn’t that bad (though it’s right he can’t stay under the radar really long…).
“Goodbye, Nuke! I never liked you, I won’t miss you …” - exactly my thoughts (nothing against the actor) though. I don’t remember finding a character that annoying with so little screen time. I don’t mind he didn’t kill him; it just prooves how useless he’s been ^^ (harsh sorry, but just my personal opinion). Personnaly, I didn’t really like the “road trip” part of Sylar’s storyline, but the revelations more or less compensated it. Dunno what to say about “I need to express my feeling” (okay) and I thought the ‘”mommy” was between hilarious (because it’s Sylar) and creepy (dunno how it’s possible). The only thing I was waiting for in this storyline was Lionel Luthor - err… - John Glover as PapaGray, and seems we’re seeying him soon so.
“How to Stop an Exploding Parkman.” - nice one. Actually it would have been priceless as a caption ^^
For Rebel, I just don’t think it’s Micah ALONE. Angela working with him would be nice, but they could use the help of Molly (like how the hell do Rebel locate everyone) or someone like Hana (I know Micah’s power is technopaty, but can he really control every technology everywhere?). Just waiting to see how it plays out.
To answer a question earlier on the comment (relatively effect-light volume), If I read correctly the budget has been harshly cut (which I think include the effects, “letting go” writers and I think asking to get rid of some of the regular cast - correct me if I’m wrong). I don’t actually mind seeing less KABOOM, but I’m getting worried for the show’s and some character’s fate if it’s true (nothing official about a 4th season yet if I’m correct).
Well, until next week
Sorry I missed comments last week, Otto. I couldn’t leave this one alone, though.
Yes, the volume has been generally awesome, and yes, the reviewer on ign is a moron. His comments on the Claire/Alex arc show just what a fool he actually is. I guess he never saw the West arc.
I don’t even think the show is trying to conceal at all that Rebel is Micah. Noah G-C’s return has been confirmed. Let’s not forget that Tracy is his aunt. He has a vested interest here.
A couple of things you missed, Otto. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but did Peter have a slight look of guilt/regret while Matt was going on about his obsessive motivation to save Daphne? Like, yeah, I was motivated to save the world once because of a girl, but then once the world was saved, I forgot all about my motivation…until now, Matt, why’d you have to remind me!!??
Or, along the same lines, something you did mention. Where the hell is West, anyway? I know that they didn’t leave his thread hanging like they did Caitlin’s, but surely he must still be in Costa Verde. Surely he’d be one of the targets of goon squad central. Surely Claire would alert him to the danger?! Or maybe he just moved somewhere and Claire has no idea how to contact him.
Ah, Season 2, you did exist, no matter how much the writers may try to deny it in order to serve their current needs. Call out the witnesses! We must testify to Mr. Kring that those 11 episodes did, in fact air in late 2007! Oh, yeah, Elle and Adam came back and we still have the Mohinder/Noah tension, and Sylar “spent some time south of the border,” but I get the distinct impression that any reminiscences or mentions or acknowledgements of “those 11 episodes” are done forever. We know that they’re very keen on flashbacks and fond hat-tips to Season 1, so it’s not just them being consistent and moving forward with stories. It amounts to burying a year of the show because they just don’t like it anymore. Surely at least Monica was likable enough to get a shout-out or a one-off appearance? Micah’s coming back, so maybe we’ll at least get the shout-out. Oh, well. Season 2, I will never forget that you happened. Don’t worry.
I disagree with you on Danko, Otto (I have to use the lame character name out of respect to the actor at this point because of what I’m about to say). He’s the most despicable bastard the show has come up with yet. By far the scariest, most awe-inspiring villain in the show’s history. Yes, I’m including Linderman, Sylar, Adam, and even Arthur. I guess Linderman, Adam and Arthur were zealots, but Danko is a zealot with an unfounded (I’m guessing it’s unfounded) prejudice, fear, and absolute hatred toward a class of people, regardless of context or individual consideration. I can’t say that about ANY of the previous villains, Sylar included. This makes Danko more reminiscent of Adolf Hitler or Osama Bin Laden than any of them. Those kind of zealots are the ones who can inflict the most damage. I’m sure that the writers want to make digs at the Bush administration with this entire volume, but the nice thing is that you don’t have to see it that way if you don’t want to. And I may be sterotyping or profiling here, but what a stroke of genius it was to have the character played by an Eastern European. I have friends from East Germany and the Czech Republic who lived in the last years of communism, and they have a distinct knowledge of the face of zealotry. Željko must have a distinct understanding of how to play this single-minded, brutally effective resolve. My props to the actor, as he is nothing short of brilliant here, and dare I say Emmy-worthy if anyone is considering “Heroes” for Emmy anymore?
Anyway…thanks for all the food for thought that you give us every week, Otto.
Regarding “Rebel”:
Who says it’s one person? A small group of people with a communal and meaningful alias would give them the kind of resources and array of abilities needed to covertly oppose Nathan’s Government Conspiracy without being detected…
Otto, you nailed it with this review. This episode was awesome, and after the tepid Cold Wars, this was a great surprise.
Definitely agree with Sylar’s plot going on too long. Didn’t they learn anything from Hiro’s arc in Japan? Sylar is such a great character, but for God’s sake’s let him find his freaking father already so he can join up with the others!!
Yeah, that “eats away at your soul” line made me cringe. Even Quinto couldn’t sell that one.
Another thing was the music. I like Fleetwood Mac, but it felt kinda tacked on and forced. And I have to say: none of the diners saw Samson kill his wife and just dump her body on the street? I can suspend belief, but seriously? Maybe if they were in the desert, but they were in a parking lot of a restaurant! And what happens when people come outside and find a dead woman just lying there?
What did work: the grainy look of the restaurant, lil Sylar playing with the toy car (you can tell he really liked that thing) but the ultimate was the casual pat on his back his father gave him before taking off. That was cold. Basically “See ya, kid, and have fun with your nutty new parents!” Ouch.
Also liked Sylar throwing the chair. Very organic.
However, I did not like Sylar saying “Mommy.” I know he was caught up in the moment, but I just couldn’t buy it. It was unintentionally funny.
I felt bad for Luke at the end. Even if he did have murderous intentions, he’s still just a kid didn’t think that Sylar would bail on him. You could tell he was genuinely terrified; like he finally realized just who he was hanging with. But it’s proof that Sylar has changed…he didn’t kill him. Which leaves me with a bad feeling that the jilted Luke will try to mess up Sylar’s Daddy reunion somehow. I’m just saying.
Sandra is gangsta. That’s all I can say. She just blew me away with her awesomeness.
Loved Matt & Peter smirking to the camera. I cheered on the inside. Actually laughed at the dangerous Petrelli Hug. Had no idea what was going to happen with Matt & Danko re: the bomb, but I’m glad they’re getting it out of the way.
Although I like Alex & Claire together, I’m glad that for now, this storyline is wrapped up. They focused too much on Claire & West, and now we have an incentive to bring Alex back. They did have good chemistry, and the pool kiss was very sweet. And I was personally glad to see Alex without a shirt on.
Rebel is Micah. I didn’t doubt it before, and I don’t doubt it now. I just wonder why he’s doing it. Revenge? Helping his friends?
Still “meh” on Danko. He’s just not that scary to me.
Honestly, I could care less if Matt saves Daphne; I was more surprised that no one mentioned Mohinder. I know he’s not a fave, but come on; he was captured, too!
On the FYI front, the new word is that NBC will renew “Heroes” next season, but only for 18-20 episodes (and I think it should be one volume). If it were on ABC or CBS, the ax would have already fallen, they say (I find that hard to believe, really). There is, however, a huge chance that Season 4 will be the last.
I heard the same thing, but not the bit about the huge chance that season 4 would be the last. Where did you hear that part, Kelly? I did hear that they didn’t want to impose a definite end date ala Battlestar or Lost.
Guys, here’s the source:
http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/03/nbc-to-renew-heroes.html
And here’s the quote I think we’re thinking of:
“The network has privately discussed setting a series end date for “Heroes,” [my emphasis] which would followed the creative model used with critical success by ABC’s “Lost,” Sci Fi’s ”Battlestar Galactica” and FX’s “The Shield.” But even if NBC ever made such a move, Bromstad said, they wouldn’t want to make next season the conclusion [my emphasis].”
Micah being Rebel would also fit in with Micah’s love of comics. He was always trying to convince his parents to be heroes just like the ones he reads about (that sure worked out well). It fits in with his character that he’d want to give himself a cool sounding codename like “Rebel”.
Ian, thank you. I agree, the Jedi mind tricks were very cool.
Raissa, I really hope you’re right about Mr. Muggles. He needs to remain a staple part of the show. I have this awful feeling, though. If they wanted to shrink the budget, the animal trainer and the pet food would probably be the first things to go. Let’s hope not.
I love the mermaid reference. Very clever. Do you think Claire realized it, if only subconsciously?
Craig, thank you.
Alfredo, thanks so much for the kind words, and for the endorsement. I don’t know how often I take a “neutral position,” but honestly, I think it’s really cool that there are differing viewpoints from different sites on the web. That way, whether you loved or hated an episode, there’s always a review or a commentary that voices your reaction. I feel like we — as a site — have been very fortunate in bringing together intelligent and like-minded fans such as yourself. Creating a small community where we can constructively criticize the show is the most amazing thing we ever could have asked for. I personally feel very fortunate to be working for a webmaster who — within reason — pretty much lets me praise or bash the show as I see fit. I can’t imagine a dual review gig at the moment (not unless I either give up my day job or stop sleeping altogether), but I very much appreciate the referral, so, again, thank you.
Will H., this:
“But wait! Nathan didn’t mention that Rebel was using computers!”
Wow. Very good catch. I didn’t spot that. Well done.
Daniel P, thanks. I definitely agree about Matt’s weakness making sense. In a way, I thought this expanded on how his abilities work. I would have assumed the Parkman Whammy consisted of a one-off instruction that took care of itself, as in, “Think this, do that, off you go…” The way it’s portrayed here, with a jammed signal breaking the Whammy, it seems like it’s more of an open-line, always-on connection. I wonder if that means Matt’s always having to concentrate and maintain the Whammy while someone’s under it.
Bob playing heavy metal through the loudspeakers at Primatech to drive Maury away? That’s an image that can never be unseen. I love it.
Susan,
“I hope the show continues this streak of amazing, fun episodes.”
Me too.
Great point about the Peter/Danko payback. Did anyone else notice how quickly Danko seems to have healed from his gunshot wound? At least enough to be out of the sling, aiming sniper rifles and packing explosives onto Matt. Continuity gaffe or super-fast healing?
Loved all the details you mention: HRG’s little smile on the rooftop, Angela putting her hand to Peter’s face, Nathan looking up to where Peter flew off. Well spotted. With Nathan’s glance at Peter, I’m with you: it seems like Angela’s dream involves Nathan *and* Peter in some way. If it isn’t just about maternal instincts and unconditional love and forgiveness, I wonder if that’s why Angela’s underhandedly helping both of them.
Kevin, great post.
“I’m really please, and honestly relieved, by how well this volume is going.”
My thoughts exactly.
“The only real disappointment as far as characters go is Hiro.”
Same here, although I hope the show will do a little more with Mohinder as the volume goes on. I don’t think the character’s arc is unsalvagable.
“Have you noticed how relatively effects-light this volume has been? … is it a story or budget issue, or both?”
Yeah, I’ve noticed this too. I’m speculating, but I’d say it’s both. The show obviously planned to tell a more intimate, small-scale story, but it’s probably a happy coincidence that the big-budget requirements went down at the same time as the ratings.
“Do you think [Peter] took Matt’s precog as well as telepathy?”
Interesting point. I’d say yes, but I guess it depends on whether Matt’s precognition was activated or facilitated by Usutu’s mystery goop. Peter was painting the future before he absorbed Matt’s ability, so it would make sense if his brain was wired to do it again. But if Matt’s only painting the future because of the goop, would Peter need to eat it too? No idea.
“I’m actually more curious about whether Peter could absorb more than one person’s power if he touched them simultaneously.”
There’s a question I’d love to see answered over at CBR.
Nathan as the unrepentant juvenile shoplifter. Great image, and so true.
“Do you think there is a possibility that Rachel is playing both sides?”
Anyone else have any thoughts on this? I’m thinking the show kept the character around for a reason. They could have cast a new actress in the same role, and they specifically brought in a webisode character for the part. I’m guessing she’s either working for Angela — as in, she’s the new Bennet watchdog — or she’s being coerced by Angela.
Pete, thanks. I think Sandra’s had brains since “Company Man.” That moment when she repeated Claire’s “I walked through fire” line back to her strikes me as the turning point. Peter? No idea. Mid-volume brain transplant.
John, thank you.
Re: Sandra: “I adore her, and look forward to seeing her in more episodes.”
Me too, although the way this storyline’s headed, I hope we won’t have to say goodbye to her anytime soon. No way I’m pulling that whole “we hope to see you in many flashbacks” gag with her…
Great point about “one of them” rising to political power. My guess is that’s why Danko set up a scenario where Nathan needs to use his ability in front of the media. If a news network captures him flying Matt into the sky, Danko proves to the world that people with abilities have “infiltrated” the government at all levels and control every decision being made.
“Overall this episode, IMO, is the best this Volume, and one of the best this whole season.”
Respect to that. For me, it’s still “Our Father.” I’m very, very excited about the “1961″ episode, though. That one looks like it’ll be a field day for continuity nerds.
Pas, thank you. I really like the point you make here:
“I just wish Matt’s motivation were more than DAPHNE sometimes.”
KellyH brings this same point up, and I’m surprised I didn’t notice it sooner. Why does this seem so much less absurd than Peter obsessing over Caitlin? I think it has something to do with the focus of the volume. Peter was desperate to save Caitlin, and it almost seemed like he was ignoring the fate of the rest of the population. Here, the stakes are lower, in the sense that although fundamental principles and basic human rights are being violated, billions of lives aren’t hanging in the balance. To me, the fact that we aren’t ridiculing Matt’s mission to save Daphne above and beyond everything else is a sign of a smarter and more coherent narrative.
Re: the budget constraints: yeah, your take on it sounds about right. I don’t miss the pyrotechnics much either, but I think the show deserves to have the option to go big if it wants to. If the show comes up with a huge concept, I think it’d suck if it didn’t happen simply because the show couldn’t afford to make it happen. That said, you hear about crazy ideas like the Hiro/Ando train storyline in 3.03, and you wonder if scrapping stuff like that because of budget limitations is a blessing in disguise.
KellyH, amazing post.
“Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but did Peter have a slight look of guilt/regret while Matt was going on about his obsessive motivation to save Daphne?”
I didn’t spot that myself, but even if it isn’t there, I’d like to think you’re right and that it could be there.
On West and the agents at Building 26 knowing about him: dude, check out a screencap of the Wall of Fugitives early on in the review for 3.16. There’s a profile shot of a super in the center bottom row that looks a LOT like West to me. It also looks like Monica in the bottom left. But, yeah, chances of the Goon Squad mentioning them specifically are slim to none, and it’s sad that the characters are apparently doomed to never be spoken of again.
I’m really interested in everyone’s take on this backstory/continuity issue, so feel free to weigh in. I agree that the way the show’s basically ignoring elements of Season Two sucks, but in a way, I also see it as the show trying to write a standalone volume that doesn’t require encyclopedic knowledge of every previous episode. For once, the show really is accessible to new viewers. It’s not intentional on my part, but so far there’ve been far fewer backlinks in the reviews for this volume, and I think that’s a sign that the key components of the plot aren’t relying too heavily on previous events or plot developments. The little details and nods to continuity are there, but the big stuff seems to be limiting itself to events in this volume. I don’t think that necessarily means there’s nothing of substance in Volumes Two or Three to refer to, or that the show wants to pretend that parts of its backstory never happened; just that this volume is operating in its own universe and limiting the relevance of the backstory.
Totally agree with your evaluation of Danko and his lack of rational motive. I’d say the historical connotations are very much intentional, but I’d still say that even if his irrational hatred towards supers lacks any foundation, we need to know that. We need to know that he despised people with abilities from the moment he met them. If there’s going to be a flashback or a storyline to embellish that, I almost wish it could have gone in this episode in place of the Sylar flashback.
On Ivanek earning himself another Emmy: yes, absolutely yes.
Nathan Dowdell, great point about Rebel being a group of people. If Angela’s leading the resistance, my guess would be she’s keeping the group small. She’s one for control, and the larger the group gets, the more risk there is of someone defecting and selling them out. I think Angela’s only working with the few supers she knows she can trust.
B., thank you. I don’t know about the Fleetwood Mac song; I liked it. I liked that the show went for kind of an upbeat song to accompany a morbid event in a decadent setting. That contrast really worked for me, but YMMV.
With Samson dumping his wife’s body, I’m thinking it could just be because he was angry and wasn’t thinking straight, but it could also be that he really doesn’t care if anyone finds her and comes after him. Powers or no powers, it doesn’t seem like much bothers him or scares him. I guess we’ll get a better sense of that next week.
Sylar throwing the chair felt like a very real response, I agree. Cool detail.
Did you think Luke was terrified of Sylar in that last scene? I saw it as Luke being strangely disappointed that Sylar didn’t kill him. The way Luke idolizes Sylar, I think he would have considered it a privilege to be killed by him. My God, how sick was this storyline?
i think that rebel is micah
“I love the mermaid reference. Very clever. Do you think Claire realized it, if only subconsciously?”
Yes, I do.
“Anyone else have any thoughts on this? I’m thinking the show kept the character around for a reason. They could have cast a new actress in the same role, and they specifically brought in a webisode character for the part. I’m guessing she’s either working for Angela — as in, she’s the new Bennet watchdog — or she’s being coerced by Angela.”
See the current iStory, The Agent, for more on this:
http://www.nbc.com/Heroes/iStory/recap/
… I’m a little mystified by how the agents are tracking him in the first place. Is he emitting some kind of psycho-killer signal? Are the agents using a tag which The Company implanted into him while he was working for Angela in the previous volume? It’s never explained.
If anything, Sylar would have been tagged in Season 1 the first time HRG got him.
Which reminds me, if that’s true and they could track Sylar that way, they should also be able to track Matt.
Yeah, this occurred to me too. If it’s true, though, how do we reconcile The Company failing to think of it for the whole of the back half of Season One? If HRG had known how to track Sylar all along, wouldn’t he have used the option before now? I guess Angela could have called off the attempt to track Sylar if she knew he needed to stay on the loose, but after Sylar attacked Sandra in 1.14, I can’t believe HRG would have gone along with it.
On the plus side, if Nathan’s commandos can track anyone with Company injection marks, Claude fans have another reason to be hopeful…
They wouldn’t be able to track Sylar without Molly, or a new satellite, as the first one was destroyed in S1.
“Alfredo, thanks so much for the kind words, and for the endorsement. I don’t know how often I take a “neutral position,” but honestly, I think it’s really cool that there are differing viewpoints from different sites on the web. That way, whether you loved or hated an episode, there’s always a review or a commentary that voices your reaction. I feel like we — as a site — have been very fortunate in bringing together intelligent and like-minded fans such as yourself. Creating a small community where we can constructively criticize the show is the most amazing thing we ever could have asked for. I personally feel very fortunate to be working for a webmaster who — within reason — pretty much lets me praise or bash the show as I see fit. I can’t imagine a dual review gig at the moment (not unless I either give up my day job or stop sleeping altogether), but I very much appreciate the referral, so, again, thank you.”
You are welcome, Otto. I gave you the referral so a lot of people could see that there is someone out there that REALLY loves the show and is a truly great reviewer that does not bashes every single tiny little detail in his weekly reviews as much as that hater in IGN.com. And the reason I hate those review is that the guy TRULLY nitpicks the show to the point of trashing it and doesn’t analyze the good or important stuff like you do, like performances, camera shots and stuff the eye can’t see (ex. the beach ball in Sylar ’s storyline in “Building 26″). It also turns me off because it is a frequently visite site and it turns off a lot people. It’s that the reason your reviews are such a relief after the bashing marathon of that reviewer, so always keep up with this amazing work.
As for the dual review gig, I really understand you
I’ve made some reader reviews in that site and I wouldn’t imagine a double gig in a day, specially well crafted reviews like yours. I’m glad you took it into consideration 
So always keep up :P:P
What I will better do is promote your reviews in the comment section of that site. Like I said, there were comments that asked for a better reviewer for the show. Yours are the reviews those people want. By promoting the site, I’ll make sure that the people will finally get the reviews they deserve. I’ve found them here. I know they will find them here, too
I agree on your point. Matt obsessing over Daphne seems more justificated to me than Peter over Caitlin. Like you pointed out, not the fate of the entire population is at stake this time; and it’s not either like they knew every single superpowered person so they can’t really do much more at this point.
I’m also curious about what Rachel will be doing. I saw the webisodes, and having just read a summary of the istories so far, it should be getting interesting by now (at least I hope). I wonder if the remaining vial will show up, maybe to give Hiro his powers back at some point (my guess would be end of the volume/next one if there is one).
You pointed it out, and I’m pretty sure I saw West and Monica on the boards; dunno if that means anything though, since they keep dead people on it (pretty sure I saw Knox). About the non-references (to season 2), I’d say the best one to be made are linked to season 1 so it doesn’t bother me that much. I don’t think they’re ignoring the existence of season 2 : Actually took me a while to see how fast Peter got over Caitlin, but seeing how Bob/Maury/Adam/Elle (Maybe more I can’t remember) ended up, maybe it’s better for Monica not to show up for the moment, though I wouldn’t mind if they made West come back to get rid of him ^^
About the reviews, I agree with you that it’s nice to have different opinions, though the only one I read are yours and TWoP ones. And I think you do a pretty good job at being neutral. You point good stuffs ouf (plot, but also acting, shooting, which isn’t the case of most of other reviews) but it’s not like you ignore the crappy stuff (India and some case of wooded acting comes up to my mind). It just seems that some people have enough time to spare to watch the show just to bash it…
Personnaly, I liked most of the show even if it’s true season 1 was the best. Volume 2 started slowly but was really getting better after they moved Peter from Ireland; Volume 3 had a good start (1-7 seemed pretty good to me) and Our Father wasn’t bad at all. And so far, India and some of the road trip a part, Volume 4 is rangeing from good to awesome. I’ll admit I’m not the hardest one to please so I’m not imposing my opinion to anyone (which some people think they’re allowed to unfortunately).
Anyways, keep up the good work, it’s awesome
If they just ditched Hiro alone, the ratings would still skyrocket.
That might prove difficult, considering Masi Oka’s connection to the show.
Bring back Micah, Monica, Molly and Adam, ditch Hiro?! The only part of that I can agree with is Adam. The rest?! Molly, Micah, and Monica?! Really? The show has lost enough credibility as is. Those three dragged the story down.
The bit that I like is how, when references are made, they aren’t shoe-horned in. Peter and Nathan’s relationship is closely tied to Volume III, but we’re not being beaten over the head with it. Same with Primatech and Angela. We can get the gist of what happened, without a six line exchange like:
Mohinder
Primatech was shut down?
Angela
Yes.
Mohinder
Why?
Angela
Because I saw what my husband was doing.
You know, Otto, Luke being disappointed in Sylar was the last thing I would have thought of. Talk about masochistic! That kid has some serious problems.
I had to look up YMMV, though. Never heard it before.