While some see Heroes' Masi Oka as the impish fanboy whose dream has come true, Oka himself has a very different perspective of his character, Hiro.  In a recent press conference, Oka mused over his character's oddball status amongst the atypical dark and brooding type.  There's no doubt that Oka plays Hiro as possessing a sometimes annoying level of enthusiasm where his power is concerned, but his occasional glimpses into the Hiro's encounter with darker emotions, and even a much darker future persona, have resulted in a well deserved Emmy nomination.

Oka draws Hiro from what he perceives to be “the everyman” character.  In writing nomenclature that simply means he represents the most basic human qualities.  He's not the outstanding jock, or executive, he's someone that anybody – hence everyman – within reason, can be.  The fact that Hiro also happens to be a comic freak, of course, is just the icing on the cake.

“When I read the first draft of the script, the character didn't actually exist. There were a preponderance of characters that felt these powers were an affliction. The character was created to lighten up the initial script.”  Tim Kring explained. 

Since Heroes humble beginnings, though, it seems Hiro has become less about comic relief and more a symbol of how a real person would manage their gift, with or without a comic book affection. “He embodies the sense of the Everyman. He kept his dream. To be able to live vicariously, to live my dreams through his dreams, is fantastic.”  Oka said regarding his onscreen alter ego.

During Heroes first season, Hiro did eventually enter darker territory.  It is in these darker shades that likely earned Oka his Emmy nomination.  What remains to be seen is how much darkness remains to be seen as Hiro's journey takes a leap into the distant past in Heroes season 2.


- Jon Lachonis, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of NBC)