Another slightly pared-down episode of Heroes -- we were Claire- and Sylar-free and Hiro- and HRG-light this week -- made for another pretty satisfying hour of TV on Monday. I'm liking where this is starting to go.

(Electrifying spoilers on their way.)

The headline this week was the debut of Kristen Bell on the show, and the erstwhile Veronica Mars made quite an impression. Bell is a fine actress, and she makes the most of the pulpy dialogue that's so often a part of the show. More on her character, Elle, in a bit.

For me, though, it was the introduction of another new character who made the most impact. Parkman's dad demonstrated some pretty serious power with his ability to trap people within a dream, which he did after lulling Matt and Nathan into a sense of security (even if millions of living rooms echoed with the cries of "Bad idea, guys"). And that's an interesting ability, but what really works is the fact that, since Parkman Sr. is a con man, we can't assume anything he told them is true.

There's a chance he really does think someone's out to get him, I guess -- hence the shotgun greeting he gave his son. But the rest? I'm skeptical. He doesn't seem the kind of guy who'd stand up to the likes of Linderman, so his "I did what I could to stop them" line rings pretty false. I also wonder a little if his power is just a step up from what Matt does, or whether he just said that to get some sympathy and get out of the handcuffs.

His reasons for taking Molly out are fuzzy as well. It's obvious he doesn't want the little girl knowing where he is and potentially telling Matt or someone else. But just who is he hiding from?

By the way, the final dream sequence, where Parkman was tussling with the guard and Nathan with his burned-up self but really they were beating the hell out of each other, was really nicely put together. Kudos to director Lesli Glatter and the editors on that scene.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Bell's Elle came looking for Peter (who, by the way, finally opened his bloody box, finding a passport, a picture of his brother and a plane ticket to Montreal inside. Ooh!) and made life very short for Ricky, the leader of the Irish Spring gang and Caitlin's older brother. So, voila, instant stakes for Peter, who went all Isaac and painted a Montreal street scene around the time Elle showed up at the pub. Which is all well and good, but why couldn't we have dispatched with that in, say, two episodes instead of four?

Elle can shoot electricity from her hands, which makes me wonder: Have she and Peter crossed paths before? I'm not sure the stuff that emanated from his hands earlier this season was the same thing, but it's an intriguing thought, anyway.

Bell's most interesting scene, though, was her phone conversation with "Daddy" after she killed Ricky. Of course, we want to know who Daddy is -- Bob? Parkman Sr.? Someone else? -- but Bell communicated a ton of information in those few sentence fragments: Elle has little compunction about killing people ("It was just some guy"), she chafes at authority ("This is my assignment"), and she's not all that remorseful (the look in her eyes as she said "It won't happen again"). Can't wait to see her again.

Other business from "Fight or Flight":

• Niki says she's come to the Company willingly in hopes of having her condition taken care of. So was that Jessica we saw trying to choke the life out of Bob?
• I still don't know how I feel about the addition of Monica, but I do kind of like the bond she and Micah are forming. His joy at seeing her pick up a new skill at the playground was pretty cute -- and if you're going to mimic someone's moves, you could do a heck of a lot worse than Bruce Lee.
• Normally I'm happy for any scene with HRG or Hiro, but their appearances tonight felt a little superfluous. Hiro basically gave Ando a status report, and HRG's lone scene felt like it was there solely to justify the (less than convincing) CGI backdrop.
• David Anders and Kristen Bell were listed with the regulars in the opening credits. Bell will be around for 13 episodes, but might this mean we'll be seeing more of Kensei once we leave feudal Japan?
• Alan Blumenfeld, the actor guest-starring as Parkman Sr., has some experience playing Greg Grunberg's father. He guested in a 2001 episode of Felicity as Sean's dad.

The slightly stripped-down storytelling is serving Heroes well. I think the audience knows the show well enough now to accept the absence of a few characters from each episode, and as a result the pacing and flow have improved over the scene-setting of the season's first couple of episodes. Let's hope it continues.

Your thoughts on this week's Heroes? Why is Nathan so afraid of his burned-up self? And how much are you liking the addition of Kristen Bell?

Comments

re: Anders sticking around - Didn't Kring or someone else involved with the show mention that Kensei will live for a long, long time? I suspect that his invulnerability may translate into immortality as well, and we'll see him pop up in the present once Hiro returns (assuming he does, of course).

GC | Oct 22, 2007 9:05:21 PM | #

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Best episode of the season. Not having Claire and the twins made it so much better. Good to see Kristen Bell, but I don't know if I like the character... she seems like a petulant teenager. Regarding the Hiro storyline, how does Ando know which order the scraps should be read in?

AC | Oct 22, 2007 9:12:23 PM | #

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You know what bugs me? Ando and Hiro's ridiculous storyline. I mean come on ando is getting all riled up as he is not getting the ending to what happened with Kenisei but he easily go and read a book or legend on Kensei, that would tell him the whole story of what has happened if Hiro changed that particular event.

Part with Nathan and Parkman was the coolest. When Nathan is looking into a destroyed NYC that was probably the coolest scene the show has pulled off.

Micah's storyline was boring.

youknowwho | Oct 22, 2007 9:28:42 PM | #

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Am I the only one who finds that Parkman's dad has an ability incredibly similar to Candice/Michelle/Betty (illusion girl)? That kinda sucked for me. I'm finding a lot of the new powers introduced are just slight modifications of ones we've seen before. Be creative guys!

Speaking of new power... Finally some Veronica Mars! I was extremely happy to see her again. And it only made it better seeing as how she was trying to find someone, something she usually does in Veronica Mars. It brought back a lot of great memories. Someone else mentioned the connection of the Irish gang the Fitzpatricks with the Irish group in Heroes!

Rick: Last episode when the previews came out speculating what Veronica Mars' power was going to be, I thought it would have been Peter's blue lightning. I commented it last week (go me!). I still think it's the same. Catherine kept mentioning Peter being able to create lightning. And in the comics online he even talks about being able to produce lightning. So I really feel they've met once before.

Really happy to see the "Who's Veronica Mars' daddy?" twist! I also liked the part where Veronica said "I'm looking for a man," and the Irish dude told her to look for one when a football game was over.

gus | Oct 22, 2007 9:59:37 PM | #

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gus -- There's a difference between warping reality (what Candice could do) and tapping into somebody's sub-conscious, finding out the thing that scares them most, their deepest most personal insecurities and trapping them inside of those fears. If I can warp reality, I might be able to take a stab at what reality would work the best or worst for you, but if I knew you better than you might be willing to admit your know yourself... I might be able to really mess things up in your head.

And that's why their powers really aren't all that similar at all and why what Parkman's dad can do is probably a lot scarier...

-Gavin

Gavin | Oct 22, 2007 10:37:52 PM | #

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I know I loved Kbell here on Heroes I loved her On Veronica Mars since its still one of my fave shows next to Lost and Heroes when she was talking too that man It felt like VM Days. I like Monica alot like Clarie except for the secrets. Cant wait for the Hiro stuff since IVe never been intrigued so far this season.

Tyson | Oct 22, 2007 11:29:43 PM | #

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I liked the way that Elle for part of the phone conversation with her 'daddy' started to whine like an adolescent.

I like that Claire missed an ep - her first of the series (she was only character to appear in every ep last season) so now she is tied for appearing in the most eps with HRG - which is funny since he only started out as a guest star and has appeared in more eps than all others (other than the above mentioned Claire).

W/o the twins the ep felt a lot better. Although it appears that the twins and Claire (and Wes) will all return in next week's ep.

I wonder if Micah will see Dr. Suresh talking to Monica?

Rishi | Oct 23, 2007 12:26:51 AM | #

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I'm probably in the minority again (it seems like people are bagging on all the shows I like this season), but I'm loving the new characters on Heroes. I actually like West and the Twins, but Monica is just my favorite. Maybe I'm just a sucker for the whole "I know I'm meant to do something" feeling that she has...it kind of reminds me of Peter from last season. Plus, Dana Davis is uber-cute.

On a different note, did anyone else see Adrian Pasdar's face hit the wall at the end of the Petrelli-Parkman fight? Greg Grunberg pushed Pasdar off of him when the illusion ended and Pasdar rolled right into the wall face first. Don't know if that was choreographed or planned, but it looked like it hurt.

Dennis | Oct 23, 2007 1:07:45 AM | #

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Best paced ep so far this season. For once the multiple storylines seemed complete and unhurried ... and each story was interesting for the most part. Monica might have been a weak point, but I like her power so I'll cut her some slack. Enjoyed the Parkman/Nathan team-up ... I thought they had a good chemistry together. Their sequence played like a creepy Twilight Zone episode (and the editing was indeed praise worthy). Have to admit I didn't miss Claire too much, and on a nitpicky note I was put off by the weird process shot with HRG and the Haitian in Odessa. Budgetary contraints I imagine. Elle's dad ... What about Bob?

Z-Wolf | Oct 23, 2007 1:10:32 AM | #

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Nathan and Matt's story is the best one so far. It's engaging and the pace is just right. It helps that Adrian is a good actor. His delivery of "I am not a cargo jet, Parkman" made me laughed out loud.

I'm glad that Peter's plot start moving. But seriously, as someone who wants to know his identity, would you just toss out the item in the box carelessly? I would look at each of them closely and carefully in case something sparks my mind.

I'm still not keen on the new characters. I think the writers made a mistake in introducing too many new regulars when most viewers just want to see the further development of existing characters. Monica is okay but the rest, I could do without.

Valhalla | Oct 23, 2007 1:26:10 AM | #

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I loved Kristen Bell's character Ellie! they should make her a regular!!!

Peter's just driving me crazy. He should have stayed dead. His powers are over the top....it kind of makes the show a tad bit silly and boring...who wants to watch someone who has unbeatable gifts? snore...

Now, the only reason i watch heroes is because of ellie, kensai, hiro, nathan and niki.

yipeeyayay | Oct 23, 2007 2:49:33 AM | #

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Peter and Elle's powers are most likely the same- she probably came in contact with him when he was a prisoner/guinea pig of the Company.

Beth | Oct 23, 2007 6:04:34 AM | #

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I read somewhere that Anders is part of the original 12 (or 9 is it?). I guess the photograph has a blurry picture of a guy that looks like him with glasses. Makes sense if he's sticking around . . .

Wags | Oct 23, 2007 6:14:41 AM | #

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I like how Elle wasn't in the show a lot last night. I like how they are slowly introducing her just like the other new characters.

I like that she acts like a teenager or a young woman who's trying to be independent. We know she works for the Company (interviews and all) but the who's her daddy is a nice twist.

I'm sorry to see Ricky die but now we'll get "action" Peter instead of "poor me" Peter.

So are we supposed to assume that Nathan was burned and then healed somehow?

Julie | Oct 23, 2007 6:15:42 AM | #

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Did everyone watch Veronica Mars? Really? She's good, but not the second coming or anything. Hiro's story is draggggging things down, just like it did with the finale. A big 'huh'? If there's any relevance, they need to reveal it soon. And I thought Niki went to the Company because she was sick, not to 'have her condition taken care of'? Loved the fight scene and Monica's story!

Ron | Oct 23, 2007 6:20:11 AM | #

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Peter's "lightning" is most likely from his contact from Nuclear Ted last season. As he's starting to dabble in his various powers at the start of this season.

Lance | Oct 23, 2007 6:24:31 AM | #

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The "regular" cast credits at the top of the show vary from week to week. (No Hayden P yesterday, for instance.) It is curious that Anders and Bell should have been listed as not-guests, but I'm not enough of a Kremlinologist to believe that they're here for the long term.

Jon88 | Oct 23, 2007 6:34:24 AM | #

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I like Monica. I enjoyed her exploring her new powers. I just dont like her Southern Accent. I think shes pushing it a bit.

Ray | Oct 23, 2007 6:36:57 AM | #

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Could be that Peter encountered Elle between seasons considering his amnesia covers a pretty broad timespan.

Outside of the wonky CGI, Heroes had my attention the entire episode and didn't out-pace itself. Interested in how the rest of the season will turn out.

pakopako | Oct 23, 2007 6:59:51 AM | #

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I loved the episode, especially with Niki/Jessica going psycho and Suresh asking what the hell was going on.
But Hiro's storyline was unnecessary, it's more like two minutes of 'in case you forget Hiro's in the past...' I love Hiro, but he's story's getting a little boring. Maybe it'll pick up whenever he gets back to the present.

eva | Oct 23, 2007 7:16:19 AM | #

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Lance - Peter's lightning is not from Nuclear Ted last season. That is a completely different power where he is glowing and the radiation comes from all over. It is from earlier contact with Elle.

As for David Anders and Kristen Bell being listed as stars, I say kudos. Kristen has talked about that she might be open to stay after her thirteen episode commitment assuming there is still room for her character, which hopefully there will be. An evil Veronica Mars is still better than no Veronica at all.

As for Anders being listed, this confirms to me what I have been posting for the past few weeks (yay me) and that is that Kensei is likely the one that is killing all the original heroes. I think Matt's dad really was scared (but he is not a good guy) because Kensei is eliminating them one by one. Need more proof that Kensei is evil...why else would they cast Anders? He is best known as Sark from Alias who was a big time bad guy. Case closed.

Travis | Oct 23, 2007 7:30:39 AM | #

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The thing I am liking about Monica is the way she's responding to her new power; the only person we've seen have a more positive response to learning about their powers is Hiro, and it will be interesting to see how she uses it to "make something of herself," or whatever she keeps saying.

@ Travis: I'd hardly say "case closed," but I really like your theory.

Shell | Oct 23, 2007 8:08:28 AM | #

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Monica was watching a movie called "Dragon - the Bruce Lee Story" not an actual Bruce Lee movie. Still, her power is pretty cool.

Donald | Oct 23, 2007 8:49:40 AM | #

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I was confused about Peter Petrelli needing a plane ticket to Montreal-- I'm assuming the box stuff was from when he knew who he was and what his powers were, so couldn't he just have flown there himself from having Nathan's ability? Any ideas?

Jessica | Oct 23, 2007 10:31:01 AM | #

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heroes is no longer the # 1 show among 18-49ers. Its also dropped another 500,000 viewers. Its a all-time low. This show is starting a bad sophmore slump. I hope with all the changes, it was worth it to NBC. It looks like its going to end soon. Not even Veronica Mars can help. Maybe they should hire Issaiah Washington!

ralph | Oct 23, 2007 10:38:54 AM | #

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Finally-- 'Heroes' hit its stride this season. Enough of the exposition crap-- onward with the story!!!

Parkman and Nathan's storyline was REALLY good. It's great to see characters who didn't interact with each other last season mix it up so well this season.

Hiro and HRG's filler scenes were needed this week to setup next week's episodes.

The Twins storyline is sooo *YAWN*--- boring.. hurry the hell up and get to the US already!...besides, how did Sylar get from the middle nowhere to some abandon road-- face down/passed out?

Is anyone else waiting to see what Gramma Uhura's powers are? .. and really, can't the writers give her MORE than just ONE LINE per episode!?!?

Sid | Oct 23, 2007 10:57:57 AM | #

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Sid: I had the same exact question about Sylar's appearance in the middle of the road. Word is he just simply walked there and passed out. I'm told he mentioned this exact thing to the twins. So I guess we are led to believe that Sylar's appearance was indeed a coincidence.

Unlike you though, I enjoy the Twins storyline. Especially after seeing how next week Sylar flat out tells Alejandro that he will kill Alejandro once Sylar gets his power back. I'm dying to see what Alejandro says/does in return!!

I'm thinking Hiro's storyline turns dark pretty soon. He kept mentioning how things were going smoothly until...... Did anyone get that feeling?

I also liked the part where Ando asked the scientist to read the scroll. Seeing the scientist's face when he said "Dear Ando," with Ando replying, "Ando is a common name" was hilarious.

gus | Oct 23, 2007 11:10:42 AM | #

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Anyone think that the taser gun is what has left marks on the heroes necks?
So that would mean The Company tasered people. Remember Bob to Suresh, "Sometimes you need help" or something like that.
I like to think, since the powers are obviously generational now, that Elle (Kristen Bell) is Claires sister. They could definitely pass looks-wise.
Could Elle's "daddy" be HRG? If Peter, Elle have electrical / lightning abilities they could be related, right?

Reese | Oct 23, 2007 11:13:17 AM | #

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I think the episodes are getting better as the season goes along. (There were a few of you out there that thought this season was going to suck, but like a bunch of people stated Season one started off the same way and it only got better) It's also funny to read the characters everyone loves and hates. I guess it's fair to say there is a character for everyone. I must admit until the twins met Sylar I thought their characters were a waste of time. With Sylar introduced into the twins storyline things becomes much more interesting. Up to this point I'm enjoying everyones storyline except Hiro's. I think the writers need to move his story along. I have to say to Yipeeyayay that although Peter may seem to be the most powerful hero there is always someone out there that seems like a match for him. Sylar, "the Boogieman" maybe even Hiro if he learns to master his power.

Craig C | Oct 23, 2007 11:18:32 AM | #

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My bad, Donald. Didn't catch that.

So, she's copying a copy, which means her skills would be slightly diminished from Bruce Lee's, I guess?

Rick | Oct 23, 2007 11:43:06 AM | #

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what happen to the in future Hiro who had the plot lines all drawn out

| Oct 23, 2007 11:58:18 AM | #

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Boring. Let's move on with this show. Sophomore or not it's time to end the show.

Heroish | Oct 23, 2007 12:24:12 PM | #

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Nice to see that a Claire-free episode wouldn't totally suck (although I've been kind of weary of her character for some time now). As for the comment that Ellie is a petulant teenager (as AC put it several posts up), well yeah, she is...the only difference being that she's both bratty and has the ability to fry your eyeballs in your sockets if you call her on it . I read somewhere that there is supposed to be an Ellie/Claire showdown at some point, which filled my head with all kind of silly dialogue and one-upwomanship (something along the lines of, "Take that, bitch!" "Oh, that hurt, but I'm already healing up, tramp!" Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera...) I'm thinking that a well-placed mirror would effectively cancel out Ellie's power, though. Anyway, better episode than last, although if they're going to keep Hiro in the past, I hope they wrap up the storyline in a hurry, instead of every other episode being Ando reading the 17th century version of a blog on the end of the sword.

Dark Disciple | Oct 23, 2007 12:25:15 PM | #

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Is it just me or did Hiro say they were going to fight white beard's army... Linderman? he was at the center of everything last season and his "death" was too quick

zeroes from youtube | Oct 23, 2007 1:02:29 PM | #

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Travis - I completely agree with you theory on Sark being the one killing all the heroes in the present. I've been feeling that way myself.. Matt's dad might be the "nightmare man" but he's just a read herring. Plus, this would give Hiro a major arc for the season. He finally meets his hero and helps to guide him into becoming a great and powerful man, only to return home to the present and find his father and many other heros have been murdered. By whom? The same man he looked up to, now twisted and corrupted over the centuries into an evil man. And of course Hiro will have to confront him and stop him.. but how do you stop someone who can't be killed?

Sounds about right to me :o)

Ryan | Oct 23, 2007 1:11:27 PM | #

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This might just be my old "Alias" fandom coming out, but here's what I want to see happen. I'd love to see Kensei come back to the future with Hiro and turning evil, ala Sark. This new evil Kensei can then hook up with Kristen Bell's Elle, and the two of them go on a rampage and become the big bads of the season. Think about - David Anders and Kristen Bell as an evil couple would be the hottest, best-looking pair of baddies since since Spike & Drusilla on Buffy.

Dana | Oct 23, 2007 1:40:10 PM | #

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To paraphrase writer Brian Clevinger, "go hot black Taskmaster!" (Marvel comics character with copycat abilities)

pakopako | Oct 23, 2007 1:53:53 PM | #

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I am SO GLAD to see this lame show get the cumuppance it so richly deserves. Last night HEROES hit a series low in the ratings, the same week Entertainment Weekly gave the show a well deserved C-. I've said it all along...paper thin characters can only propel a series for so long. This is not BUFFY or LOST or ALIAS or BATTLESTAR or VERONICA MARS or any of the other far better series this overhyped hour has been compared to. Those genre shows rely/relied on a central core of TALENTED actors who, along with the writers, created vivid chacaters we tune/tuned into week after week. HEROES offers the likes of Hayden Panittiere and the shrill Masi Oka (for the love of God, shut him up) and makes up for a lack of any real depth in the characters and script by routinely flooding the show with new heroes...each with powers more boring than the last. When the amazing Kristin Bell looks lost and bored (and apes a power we saw eons ago from the Emperor in JEDI)...well, enough said.

Ron H | Oct 23, 2007 2:10:00 PM | #

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I, too, would love to see more of "Gramma Uhura" in future episodes! Does anyone else think she was one of the originals? I'll bet she knows what Micah & Monica can do.

Very interesting thoughts on Kensai turning into a "bad guy." I could see that as a possibility (seeing how he's really Sark!) I'd like to see a little more of Hiro & Kensai and then get Hiro back to the present.

OK, people, get over Veronica Mars, already! Let's just get this part of the storyline moving. I do like the world-view take the show has, but let's get Peter & Irish girl to Montreal and then see what happens there. (Maybe he can fly and she can use the plane ticket!)

Glad to see things are finally picking up the pace. The first episodes last year spent the opening 5-10 minutes with review. I like this year's faster pace.

Joan | Oct 23, 2007 2:23:13 PM | #

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Drusilla? She was heinous looking and not at all a beauty. I know this is a Heroes post, but I am stunned with all of the Veronica Mars fans? If there were that many fans, the show wouldnt have ended. I like most of the heroes, but there is no doubt there are far too many..Hiro in Japan is a bad storyline, and the twins are not interesting either as of now.

Dr Kennedy | Oct 23, 2007 4:50:24 PM | #

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To kill Kensai - take his head off.

Jake | Oct 23, 2007 5:33:19 PM | #

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When Mr.nakamura's assassin came to get him, she sparked sparks along the wall before launching herself off the roof with Mr. Nakamura. He died and she did not get hurt. She apparently had some safe way down. Last night was not the first episode with Kristen Bell.

Dean L. Kaufman | Oct 23, 2007 6:44:01 PM | #

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QUESTION: if Hiro placed his notes in the sword for Ando to read, wouldn't those notes be intercepted when the sword was in the museum or analyzed by historians? Some point in the 20th century SOMEBODY would have found those notes.

chris | Oct 23, 2007 6:46:43 PM | #

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Eh, knock off the Veronica Mars bashing. The reason it no longer is on has little to do with its fanbase and everything to do with the CW "network."

VM Forever | Oct 23, 2007 8:55:36 PM | #

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I have come across a lot of people that have questioned the sword's scrolls (tongue twister!). Yes, it's a big thing that the writers missed, but let's just assume that everyone prior to that missed it. Some people said that the sword was missing until Linderman found it. So perhaps Linderman himself just never realized it...I imagine it was important for Ando to know the real story about Hiro and Kensei because it might help further other characters' plots....at least I hope :)

Is anyone still trying to figure out why we saw the killer's hand before it killed Kaito?? I really really feel there's something there. I swear it was a man's hand.

I am still going to believe there are 2 killers because of the different ways Kaito and Angela were attacked.

To all: I'm sooooo confused on this virus thing. Wasn't Molly already cured? And what does it actually do to the heroes? Just make them sick? Does Niki have the virus, or is she trying to get rid of her super strength? I think I missed something there.

gus | Oct 23, 2007 9:07:25 PM | #

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Hiro's story line is SO boring! Why hasn't he returned to the present? His storyline better have a BIG pay-off for all the waiting they're making us do for something to happen!

eahilbert | Oct 24, 2007 1:48:22 AM | #

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Spoilers? There were no spoilers. Know why? THE SHOW HAPPENED LAST NIGHT, as in, IN THE PAST.

Carrie | Oct 24, 2007 12:25:40 PM | #

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um carrie.... what's up with your little comment.... it doesn't even make sense.... we're commenting on the show not giving empty answers...

Anyway, i like monica a lot and find her character very appealing and of course i love Kristen Bell as well. Her negative vibe is a great twist to the show. We're starting to get some great villians besides sylar.

I think Hiro's storyline is pretty good but I would like a little more devotion to him.

Sadly enough I do think it's great they killed off the older brother, Ricky. It added some great panache to the show and the actress who played the sister did a great job acting at the end when she discovered the body. The killing gave Kristen Bell a great twist and it makes you think more about the morality of certain heroes.

Overall each episode gets better and better. And November is coming up... it's going to be awesome.

leslie | Oct 25, 2007 8:15:41 AM | #

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