Heroes

Heroes: Origins, the Heroes spin-off set for a mid-to-late season premiere, has been indefinitely postponed by NBC.  Heroes: Origins was planned as six stand-alone episodes, all taking place within the Heroes universe, but focusing on characters previously unknown to the Heroes audience.  Producers of Heroes had said it was possible for future Heroes characters to be introduced via Heroes: Origins.  However, with the writers strike looming, NBC executives decided to halt production rather than go full-bore with so much uncertainty. 

NBC has been careful not to use the word “canceled” regarding Heroes: Origins.  The spin-off could go into production next year, or sooner if the writers strike is quickly resolved.  Big names had already been tabbed to direct episodes of Heroes: Origins, including Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy) and Eli Roth (Hostel, Cabin Fever).  While the writers strike might be the publicly used reason by NBC for killing Heroes: Origins, it might not be the real reason.

So far, the second season of Heroes has been a major disappointment, both in creative direction and ratings.  For the most part, fans of the show have been upset with where Heroes has gone early in its second season.  The sprawling plot and lack of screen time for favorite cast members hasn't sat well with fans.  The ratings have suffered as a result.  The series ratings have been decreasing steadily and on Monday, Heroes received its lowest ratings in series history.  It's possible that NBC is simply losing faith in the Heroes franchise and doesn't want to push all their chips into the middle with what might be a sinking ship. 

Regardless, the possible writers strike could signal dark times for network television, creating a landscape of insufferable reality shows.  Hollywood, figure it out. No one wants a strike.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
Source: Variety
(Image Courtesy of NBC)