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Network: NBC

Premiere: Monday, September 22, 9pm

Cast: Jack Coleman, Dana Davis, Noah Gray-Cabey, Greg Grunberg, Ali Larter, James Kyson Lee, Masi Oka, Hayden Panettiere, Adrian Pasdar, Zachary Quinto, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Dania Ramirez, Milo Ventimiglia

Previously on Heroes: Hiro (Masi Oka) and Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) prevented the outbreak of the Shanti virus, Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) was shot just before revealing his powers to the world, and Niki (Ali Larter) was trapped in a burning building after rescuing Monica (Dana Davis) from a street gang.

Anticipation ran high when Heroes returned in 2007 for its second season, but as the series gets ready to launch its third year the anticipation has been mixed with trepidation.  Many fans and critics weren't pleased with the twists and turns found in season 2, and they were so vocal with their complaints that creator Tim Kring apologized for the missteps and promised that chapter 3 of the Heroes saga, entitled "Villains," would recapture that season 1 magic.  Can Heroes learn to fly again after a shaky sophomore season?

Season 3 of the NBC series promises to deliver more action and excitement than last year, as well as a higher number of villains.  Sylar (Zachary Quinto) will be back to cause trouble, but this time he'll be joined by numerous baddies from a supervillain prison known as Level 5.  Angela Petrelli will also have an increased role now that actress Cristine Rose is a series regular.  As usual, viewers will be left to wonder where her character's loyalties lie.

In addition to the return of many familiar faces, including Elle (Kristen Bell) and Adam Monroe (David Anders), viewers can look forward to meeting some new characters.  Daphne, played by Brea Grant (Friday Night Lights), is a super speedy girl who will give Hiro a run for his money.  There are also two comic book geeks being introduced to the show, and it's rumored they might be played by real life friends Seth Green and Breckin Meyer.

By focusing on good versus evil and ramping up the action, Heroes will likely have no problem rebounding from its sophomore slump.  The characters have already saved the world twice, so winning over a few nervous critics should be no problem.


- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of NBC)