Heroic
Now, I'm going to be a bit wary of gushing overmuch here; I did after all watch the pilot of Lost and think it was great, then watched half of episode two before losing interest and never watched another minute of it again.
But with the proviso that I might do likewise, I have a good feeling about Heroes, which started its UK terrestrial run last night with the first two episodes. Structurally I got annoyed by the catch up with each character at the start of episode 2, and I seriously hope that's not an ongoing feature, but otherwise I liked its slightly slow pace and the careful creation of layer upon layer of plot. Based on what I've seen, the (inevitable) uncovering of the mostly hidden links between the heroes should be enthralling, and several of the characters have real potential (I'll single out Hiro, because everyone singles out Hiro (and with good reason), but I like indestructible cheerleader, telepathic cop and split personality killer internet stripper - I'm usually very good with names, but they just weren't sticking last night).
I've rarely seen a pilot that worked so well in placing the pieces on the board and laying out the broad parameters and objectives of the game, and while I was willing to give it a further go anyway, the last ten seconds of episode 2 locked it for me. I absolutely did not see that coming.
Looking forward to the next twenty-odd.
July 26th, 2007 - 23:35
I didn’t hesitate to gush: I thought it was a fantastic start.
It looks as if BBC2 have a proper SF show at last, a worthy successor to Buffy and Farscape. (I know, they had Torchwood. But let’s draw a veil over that mess and hope that they’ve learned a few things by the time season 2 comes round.)
What’s really pleasing is that they’re scheduling Heroes properly, at a time when you’re allowed to broadcast a sawed-open skull and a girl pushing her ribs back in. Perhaps whoever was insisting on gutting imported SF shows for a 6.45 broadcast has moved on to bigger and better things within the Corporation; whatever the reason, it’s a welcome development.
I think we’re in for a fun ride. I can’t wait to see where the writers are taking us.
July 27th, 2007 - 08:24
Heroes is absolutely stonking – and does manage to tell one full story over the curve of Season One, which is more than I can say for bloody Lost.
I’ve just finished watching it on sci-fi, and thoroughly enjoyed the entire thing. It’s not fast, but it makes you think, and the sheer number of “Oh!” or “Ahhh!” moments was impressive too.
July 27th, 2007 - 09:53
I watched the first 11 epsiodes in one sitting, it’s corking.
July 27th, 2007 - 10:33
I LOVED Heroes (watched it all on Sci Fi) and can’t wait for more! Stay tuned Jon.