I think I might be pushing it reviewing two shows about superheroes back-to-back, but where Smallville fails, HEROES succeeds.



Are you stuck in a joyless, dead-end job? Do you strive for something more but keep running into obstacles? Did you ever think you were meant for something more in this world? Meet the wonderful world of HEROES where ordinary people from around the globe experience extraordinary abilities. Before their powers, they too shared these same sentiments.
Every few millennia, evolution evokes new traits and features in a species making it more adaptable to its environment. Some are gifts. Some are curses. Just be thankful it's the human species. Superpowered manatees wouldn't be so good.



This is a great show that plays on such a simple concept. What would happen in our world today if people discovered they had super-strength, could fly or read minds? How would they react? Would they use these powers to help others or themselves? Some risk their lives. Some go gambling! Like you wouldn't do the same.
The best part about the concept: no capes, no costumes. Let's be honest, the last thing you're going to do is sew yourself a red and blue costume to go out and fight crime. (Sorry, Spidey. You're still my favourite!) The concept is similar to RISING STARS, a comic book series by J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5), but because it's still a superhero comic, capes and costumes are mandatory. Definitely check it out.



The show is much more character-driven than action-driven. Don't expect too much SLAP, BANG, BOOM! The pacing and mysterious reveals more than make up for it. The characters are so interesting, it's hard to find one you really hate. Okay, so Niki's super-split personality seems more like super-whining most of the time - MORE JESSICA SMASH!! - but it is Ali Larter's best role in recent memory. And no, "Final Destination" does not count.



Scanning the cast, you'll definitely get a "Where do I know him/her from?" feeling. Among the familiar faces are Greg Grunberg (Alias), Zachary Quinto (24), Masi Oka (Scrubs) and Hayden Panettiere who, incidentally, I became mental over when I couldn't place her face. This lasted SIX WEEKS. A friend recently called her "the Neutrogena girl" and it hit me like a telekinetic dropkick to the forehead. Actually, I just hit my head on a table. It really hurt.
But while Larter might have the star power, it's Oka's Hiro Nakamura that is the real series ... hero. The Japanese character is a walking, talking personification of geekdom - flashing Star Trek's Vulcan "live long and prosper" sign to new friends - but believes in his time-traveling gift, accepting it so readily, he's an inspiration for all the characters that struggle with theirs. His free-floating subtitles - think word balloons without the balloon - also add a nice comic book-y feel to the series.



Comic books have always been an enduring part of pop culture, despite being recognized mostly as a fringe phenomenon. However, when WWE creates a superhero persona, namely The Hurricane, you know you've left your mark on pop culture. On top of that, comics have been more cinematic in their storytelling for years now. Thus, it was only a matter of time before someone, specifically Tim Kring (Crossing Jordan), came up with the idea of integrating comics and television. To be honest, I'm glad it took this long. At least now NBC will know how to take care of a series like this. And give it the HEROES welcome it deserves.

The TV Guyde