In theory, this season of Heroes was supposed to achieve greatness when the two factions of heroes and villains formed. While that happened in last night's episode, it was far from the epic moment fans would've expected a few short months ago.

The problem isn't that the sides are uneven (which they are) or that the alleged “heroes” team isn't the best one (which it isn't), but that one key ingredient is missing: Hiro Nakamura. If there's one fan favorite character, one Hero who makes all fans smile at his witty and upbeat attitude, it's Hiro. We know and love Hiro, and we want him to save the day. It's therefore inconceivable that, when the lines have been drawn and the heroes prepare to do battle with the villains, Hiro is stuck with the brain of a 10-year-old boy.

It's a stupid subplot in any circumstance, but when the epic battle is drawing nigh, leaving Hiro off the lineup is a bit like the U.S. relay team not including Michael Phelps. It's like making smores without chocolate. It's like writing a major story arc for your TV show but leaving out the best character. Wait, I guess that last one's not really a simile.

Without Hiro, it's hard to care who wins. On the one hand, I love Angela, Parkman and Daphne. But that team is drowned in self-righteousness and self-importance by Peter, Nathan and Claire. On the other hand, Sylar and Elle make a formidable pair. But Tracy is useless, and Knox, Flint and Arthur are still too new for us to really care about them.  But in terms of powers, flying, mind control and super speed don't really compare with electricity, fire hands, and Sylar and Arthur's power to do whatever they want.


Best in Show

Best Quote: “That's the stupidest thing I've ever seen,” - Hiro, commenting on Ando's impression of Hiro's time-stopping face, though he might also be talking about this storyline

Best Moment: Parkman in Angela's Mind. I suppose being the best scene in an episode of Heroes these days is a bit like being the least slutty member of the Pussycat Dolls. Still, the surreal jump cuts and camera angles of Parkman's journey into Angela Petrelli's subconscious was a bright spot in a mostly dreary episode.

Best User Comment: "Wow, just when I thought this show couldn't get any worse..." from littleshortdude16.  There were a few users who tried to defend last night's episode, but they're sadly mistaken.  I don't hate this show because it's fashionable, I hate this show because past seasons and episodes proved it can be so much better.  Heroes set its own bar back in the first season with compelling episodes like "Company Man," which explored the show's deeper mythology while providing a compelling emotional connection to the characters.

Now the writers are randomly taking away people's powers (Peter and Hiro) or randomly shifting alliances (why did Tracy suddenly become a villain) for no real reason.  I want Heroes to be the great show I know it can be, but happily accepting the awful storylines they're feeding us is not the way to do it.


-John Kubicek, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image courtesy of NBC)