|
Heroes 2.7: "Out of Time" |
|
Tuesday, 06 November 2007 |
By John Keegan
Visit Critical Myth for an archive of John's TV Review archives, with more than 1100 entries.
This week has been difficult for fans of “Heroes”. The writers’ strike has finally come to pass, and the effects are these: the likelihood of a shortened season covering only the first of the two planned arcs for the second season, utilizing a newly written and filmed ending for episode 2-11. This may actually be a good thing. Several other shows will find their season arcs cut short or mangled beyond repair should the strike become protracted; “Heroes” is in a far better position, story-wise.
In fact, this episode propels the story arc forward quite nicely, bringing several plot threads together. Some of the elements were somewhat predictable, but that took very little away from the enjoyment of the episode. For example, it was increasingly obvious that Hiro’s actions would become the basis for the Kensei legends, and that Kensei himself would survive to the present. It’s a small leap from there to make Kensei and Adam the same man, and a man with quite a personal grudge.
Other plot threads progressed in a satisfying manner. Bob and the Company continue to operate in some questionable areas, and they’ve apparently unleashed a modified version of the Shanti virus. It’s easy to assume that this is the beginning of the plague that eventually creates the situation seen in Peter’s future jaunt, but there are a number of small links missing in that chain. Mohinder’s decision to come clean makes a certain amount of sense as a result; he has always been honest about wanting to resolve the viral threat.
While the process of getting Mohinder, Matt, and Nathan on the side of the Company has been annoying and often sloppy, it’s always fun to see “strange bedfellows” (and no, I’m not talking about Matt and Mohinder). The Company was the enemy in the first season, and their methods have not changed much. Watching the apparent good guys reconcile the methods of the Company, particularly in terms of Peter and Elle, should be interesting.
This episode also brings Claire’s situation to a head. As anticipated, the Bennetts have been exposed on several fronts, but their exact location is available thanks to Claire’s impulsive decision to join West in his antics. For that matter, Claire is incredibly short-sighted in this episode, making it hard to understand her point of view. Considering what she’s been through, one would think that she’d see the benefit of Mr. Bennett’s advice.
This is a much better episode for Matt, who finally gets to face down his father and end Molly’s nightmare. This particular plot thread could have used a little more attention (something that could be said for most of the material this season), but it was still satisfying. This subplot also has the benefit of expanding Matt’s power, reinforcing the idea that the new generation is coming into its own.
There is a lot of progress in this episode, and it feels like the arc is sliding into the resolution phase. The trick will be bringing the various plot threads into some sense of completion within the next four episodes, considering how much the story has expanded. The writers will also need to demonstrate how this arc is significantly different from the first season arc, or why the similarities are so striking. It would be unfortunate for this series to fall into retreads this early in the run.
|
