Official "Heroes" discussion thread - Caution: Speculation and Potential Spoilers

[TurboKitty]

Did anyone notice the squiggly F looking thing that kept popping up? I wonder if they're putting in easter eggs like they did in Lost the first season when no one knew to look for them.

I saw it on a couple of the paintings when Hiro went into Isaac's studio, and then when the guy was looking at the code on the computer, you could sorta see it in the pattern, and then (this might be stretching a little, but I saw it because I was fixated) when it switches to the crime scene, the thing in the pool has, like, a similar symbol.

I actually posted this on another forum I'm at, and someone mentioned that it sort of looked like a lizard...I wonder if Lizard Mohinder has more meaning than we thought, or if he's just a mascot for things.

Ooooor, I'm just nuts and have been watching too much Lost.

Oh, and also, I just thought to wonder this...do we have any idea what the timeline was for Claire's dad being in NY (where we saw his glasses) and then being in Texas at the end of episode 1? Does he have the ability to teleport himself too? Or fly really fast? Or was he just coming home from a business trip and it was a few hours or days later??

I only really noticed it in the lines of code and thought it did look like the lizard. I'll be watching for it next week, though!

They haven't given us a timeline for Claire's adoptive fathers travel. My DH has a theory that he committed the murders, because really...How do you kill your invincible daughter? Freeze her and cut out her brain, maybe? So, with this theory, the little girl who the cop saved, her father also had powers, as did the artist Hiro discovered.

We're watching. My DH really likes this show. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out. (Anyone else wondering if Nikki is old enough to possibly be Claire's bio-mom, or could be in some other way related to Claire?)

 

[Crankyshank]

My DH has a theory that he committed the murders, because really...How do you kill your invincible daughter? Freeze her and cut out her brain, maybe? So, with this theory, the little girl who the cop saved, her father also had powers, as did the artist Hiro discovered.

My Father and I have the same theory. It would make sense that we all ready know the person committing those murders. And when they played the tape of the Father prof speaking to the murderer it sounded like claire's father.

still debating with DH as to whether or not Niki's mirror image is a separate identity or her "Hulk". The keys left out for her, the note, and the map kind of made it seem like it was a separate identity to DH and he argues that Hulk never went around and left deliberate information for David Banner, but the blackouts make me think they are the same person.

 

[mmouse37]

I also thought the pool hose was the shape of the squiqley symbol....also saw it in the code on the computer screen and in 2 paintings in the loft....was that the heroin addict with his head sawed off??? Did they kill off one of the heroes already (I know it was in the future)?

DD who's friends with "Claire" flew out to LA and is with Hayden now (comes home tonight)...I told my DD to tell Hayden that everyone is really getting into the show....

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

My assumption is that Hiro's segment was 5 weeks ahead and the others were in current time. I just wonder if current time in terms of the show will equal real time. Will we see what Hiro saw happen on Nov 8 in 5 weeks, or will the show go at its own pace a la "Lost", and everything will build to preventing this catastrophe in the season finale?

If Hiro learns to control his abilities better, he could be the most powerful. Able to teleport through time and space to that degree?? The potential is enormous, especially for abuse.

I'd say there's at least one bad guy with powers running around -- this Siler person the detective mentioned. At least I'm assuming that the killer has some sort of freezing ability. I'm still curious to see exactly what Niki's abilities are.

Revy, I think it's a careful balancing act with the gore factor. It has to be graphic enough that it sets a certain mood without turning people off, but without it the potential adult audience may think it's a comic book knockoff show for kids. As long as it isn't gratuitous and fits with certain scenes -- what is Niki's other personality capable of? what is this serial killer doing? -- I don't have a problem with it. The scene last week with Claire's hand? Very graphic, yes, but does demonstrate the extent of her abilities.

Crankyshank, the Hulk has typically been portrayed in the comics as a mindless beast compared to Banner the scientist, but the portrayal of the Hulk's intelligence level has changed many times over the years. With Niki, if it is different personalities, they are at least equal in intelligence.

 

[Crankyshank]

Crankyshank, the Hulk has typically been portrayed in the comics as a mindless beast compared to Banner the scientist, but the portrayal of the Hulk's intelligence level has changed many times over the years. With Niki, if it is different personalities, they are at least equal in intelligence.

I don't mean the other self is "mindless". More that if she's still coming into her abilities, it would be a bit strange that the "beast" aspect of her self is conscious that the regular self isn't aware of the abilities since it's a manifestation of her anger and rage.

According to Watch with Kristen, the confusion about Niki is deliberate and something that will be explained over time.

 

[wvrevy]

Revy, I think it's a careful balancing act with the gore factor. It has to be graphic enough that it sets a certain mood without turning people off, but without it the potential adult audience may think it's a comic book knockoff show for kids. As long as it isn't gratuitous and fits with certain scenes -- what is Niki's other personality capable of? what is this serial killer doing? -- I don't have a problem with it. The scene last week with Claire's hand? Very graphic, yes, but does demonstrate the extent of her abilities.

Um, I'm starting to wonder what you would think constitutes "gratuitous", Matt. I mean...a stab-wound or bullet-ridden body nailed to a wall? Mangled bodies stuffed into a trunk? People with their heads cut in half and their brains removed? No, I don't think the scene where Niki wakes up to find the bodies was too graphic...it was part of the story. (and as for Claire's hand...well, they kinda proved their point with the jumping off the bridge and running through fire thing. If viewers couldn't get the picture from that, they probably should be watching "Fear Factor" or something less intellectually challenging, anyway.) But as I said, all you have to do is watch Lost, X-Files, or ANY episode of the old Twilight Zone to know that it doesn't take gore to set a dark mood. It just strikes me as lazy to go for "shock" value over content.

Like I said, I will certainly continue to watch the show. But I wouldn't recommend it to ANYONE with kids that are prone to nightmares, and if they are going to continue with that level of graphic violence, I'd like to see the show moved back to 10:00PM. And believe me, I'm usually the LAST person to say something like that. But after watching how disturbed DW got during the show last night (DW, whose sister was brutally murdered close to a decade ago), I will likely be watching it by myself unless they start focusing on the story more and the blood and guts less. You can portray a serial killer - or any "bad guy" - without showing every gorey detail.

 

[palmtreegirl]

Like I said, I will certainly continue to watch the show. But I wouldn't recommend it to ANYONE with kids that are prone to nightmares, and if they are going to continue with that level of graphic violence, I'd like to see the show moved back to 10:00PM. And believe me, I'm usually the LAST person to say something like that. But after watching how disturbed DW got during the show last night (DW, whose sister was brutally murdered close to a decade ago), I will likely be watching it by myself unless they start focusing on the story more and the blood and guts less. You can portray a serial killer - or any "bad guy" - without showing every gorey detail.

 

[Rajah]

My thoughts on the show.

I think that all that happened *except* Hiro's segment happened now. So, the cop who could read minds was the first (or even second? Weren't they saying something about this being like the something-or-other case?) killing.

Hiro seeing the future knows that there's a killer after people with powers, he knows the artist has powers, and he knows the bomb is going to destroy NYC. With this knowledge, he can travel to NYC himself in realtime and track down the artist hopefully *before* he gets killed. I think he's going to be very key in getting the storyline rolling and gathering up the other heroes.

I do think that we'll find out on Nov 8 realtime. Remember, Hiro was saying today was October 2. Which just happens to be the real air-date of the episode. Coincidence? I think not.

I think Claire's dad is at least involved in the brain thefts, but whether he's doing the actual killing or he has this Sirus / Sillus / whatever guy doing it for him... I'm betting Sirus/Sillus/etc.

I also noticed that squigly line that showed up in the paintings and in the code and in the pool. I didn't catch them until in the loft in the paintings, so I don't know if they came any earlier in the ep or not.

But, I can say... I'm hooked. I just won't be eating during this show thanks to the gore factor. *shudder*

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Um, I'm starting to wonder what you would think constitutes "gratuitous", Matt. I mean...a stab-wound or bullet-ridden body nailed to a wall? Mangled bodies stuffed into a trunk? People with their heads cut in half and their brains removed? No, I don't think the scene where Niki wakes up to find the bodies was too graphic...it was part of the story.

To me, "gratuitous" means it's there just for the sake of being there and doesn't really add anything to the story. As long as it's (a) part of the story and not just there for shock value, (b) isn't too over the top (yeah, pretty subjective, I know) and (c) isn't something we see over and over and over, then I don't think it's gratuitious.

Ever see "Kill Bill?" That I would consider gratuitous. WAY over the top and way excessive.

Claire's hand ... I dunno. We learned early on that she can heal fast, but regenerate mangled body parts?? A little hard to see that without seeing a mangled body part. Only thing I can think is that they're trying to add some realism to a show based on a very unrealistic premise, in hopes that this show will succeed where others similar to it have failed.

Eric, I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your DW's sister And I agree, a mood can be set without the goriness. I'll be disappointed if the show becomes a "what will they shock us with next" type of show. If the producers can give us realistic characters, I think the audience will accept the unrealistic aspects of the show.

On another subject ... I was reading a post on a comic book website and someone speculated that Peter (the younger brother) might become a villain. Younger brother jealous of his popular and more accomplished older brother, has a desire to be something special, angry that he has sacrificed but never recognized. Just wondered what others here thought of that possibility.

 

[TurboKitty]

I just came across a find. NBC has been putting up comics on their site.

Go here

As for the gylphs, the lizard-y almost "f" shapes, could they symbolize a line of broken DNA code?

 

[cardaway]

Way to early for me to even try and guess on what is coming next but we are both huge fans of the show so far.

I love that they are making this as real as possbile. My biggest problem with all the super hero genre stuff coming out these days is they make them too light. The reality of this unreal wolrd would not be G rated.

 

[Kycha]

For the poster that was disturbed by the garbage disposal scene in the premiere episode. You will be happy to know that NBC has decided to cut that scene from future airings, but not because it is gruesome. Apparently, NBC was threatened with a lawsuit from the disposal manufacturer. Their name was clearly visible during the show.

 

[wvrevy]

For the poster that was disturbed by the garbage disposal scene in the premiere episode. You will be happy to know that NBC has decided to cut that scene from future airings, but not because it is gruesome. Apparently, NBC was threatened with a lawsuit from the disposal manufacturer. Their name was clearly visible during the show.

Again, I just thought that the scene was a waste...nothing more than voyeuristic filler for lazy writers. They'd already well established her invulnerability, up to and including showing her pushing broken ribs back under her skin. It was gratuitous and unneccessary.

But hey...gotta watch out for those lawsuits.

The funny thing is, if it had been graphic sex instead of graphic violence, it never would have made the air. Yet we're all ok with showing mangled dead bodies and extremely graphic violence in the 9:00 timeslot on a major network.

But ooohhh....lookout...here comes Janet Jackson's breast.



What kind of world are we living in?

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

The funny thing is, if it had been graphic sex instead of graphic violence, it never would have made the air. Yet we're all ok with showing mangled dead bodies and extremely graphic violence in the 9:00 timeslot on a major network.

But ooohhh....lookout...here comes Janet Jackson's breast.



What kind of world are we living in?

That was the roughest hour of network TV I have ever seen. But then again I don't watch CSI and the other the procedurals (just find them incredibly boring). I liked the first hour of Heroes, but hour #2 was a bit much, what with all the sawn off heads and such. Maybe this show would have been better suited for HBO. I know when I tune in there (Sopranos, Deadwood, Dexter, etc) that I mighty see that sort of thing.

wvrevy, you are on the money about the twisted American sensibilities dealing with broadcast sex vs. violence.

I probably will wind up not watching this show simply because I watch too much already. Between Lost, AR, Survivor, Desperate Housewives, Weeds, and football... that's about all teh TV I can handle. Maybe I'll watch next week, and maybe I'll give my recliner a rest and do something else instead.

 

[Zandy595]

Someone asked this before, but I didn't see it answered...

Was that Issac that Hiro found dead?

 

[TurboKitty]

Someone asked this before, but I didn't see it answered...

Was that Issac that Hiro found dead?

I thought it was Issac, but Hiro had traveled forward in time, so next week I expect to see Issac alive.

 

[txSleepingBeauty]

ok, I know I'm a little behind, I just found time to watch last weeks episode.....was Hiro the only one whose story was in the future? and who did Ali Larter's character say she owed money to in the 1st episode? was it the Sawyer/Slayer/syler guy? (sorry forgot his name)

I REALLY like this show so far and think I'll stick with it

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Well, I'd say Claire's life has definitely changed. What are her choices now? Leave town because everyone thinks she's dead, or go public? I don't think daddy is a bad guy; I'm beginning to think he's with a government agency charged with finding those with powers.

I do think this show should have had some sort of "viewer discretion is advised" announcement. Not just because of that last shot, but also the attempted rape.

Now, about Syler. He may be the first we've seen with multiple powers. He's obviously telekinetic, but can he also freeze people and things? Of course, telekinesis could be a pretty versatile power. Was he the guy that Matt saw in the bar? The one whose thoughts he couldn't read? Or does Syler have a group he's working with?

Gotta love the scenes with Hiro. He may be a bit of a comics fanboy stereotype, but his storyline is fun to watch. Loved the line his friend had: "if you put on tights and a cape, I'm going home." Man, I hope Hiro doesn't end up being a bad guy.

Has anyone been reading the online graphic novels? What he did to that Action Comics #1!! That's enough to freak out any comics geek for life!

 

[txSleepingBeauty]

this is teh best new show since Lost...it's freaking mind boggling

I'm curious to see how they're going to get all the characters together eventually, like when are ali larter and claire going to get to new york? and if Syler was in LA with the cop, who cleaned out "his" apartment in NYC?

 

[Charade]

Who pulled the stick out of Claires neck and why wouldn't they have pulled it out before an autopsy?

I kinda saw the scene with Hiro and his friend coming. They put the events in motion but were still able to intervene.