As the BBC’s screening of the First Season of “Heroes” draws to a close, I was saddened to discover that the future of this imaginative series might be in jeopardy. Firstly, the writers’ strike in America may cause the next run to be cut short. Whereas the First Season is comprised solely of Volume One, the Second is supposed to include both Volumes Two and Three. I believe work is completed on the first eleven episodes, that comprise Volume Two, whereas work has yet to start on the next eleven or twelve “chapters”, that make up Volume Three and the second half of the Second Season. Creator Tim Kring is considering shooting a new ending to episode eleven, “Powerless” (pictured), which may yet turn out to be the Season cliff-hanger if the strike is protracted. Secondly, Season Two has seen a massive decline in ratings in the States, accompanied by poor reviews, and the strike may just provide NBC with a convenient opportunity to “pull the plug” on a show now perceived to be performing badly.
I think it would be a shame to lose “Heroes” after such a short run. A similar fate befell “Twin Peaks”, cancelled after a brief opening Season followed by a much longer meandering Second, whereas “The X-Files” went on and on interminably, well after it had run out of ideas! “Heroes” has definitely not run out of ideas. It is “Peyton Place” for the 21st Century, post 9/11. The relationships are infinitely better-handled than in 21st Century “Doctor Who”, and this comes from someone who, these days, dislikes most American drama. The central relationship between Claire (Hayden Panettiere) and her Dad, H.R.G. (Jack Coleman), is one of the most affecting I’ve seen in a long while and superior in every way to that of Rose (Billie Piper) and her Mum (Camille Coduri) in the British show. “Heroes”, for the most part, treats its audience as intelligent. It resists the easy opportunism of inserting obvious pop songs into the melodrama. “Heroes” by David Bowie and “No More Heroes” by The Stranglers would’ve been on the soundtrack in the hands of a lesser Executive Producer! However, word has it that the Season One Finale, “How to Stop an Exploding Man”, is a bit of an anti-climax, after so much expectation, and it may well be this that proves to be the series’ ultimate downfall.
I think it would be a shame to lose “Heroes” after such a short run. A similar fate befell “Twin Peaks”, cancelled after a brief opening Season followed by a much longer meandering Second, whereas “The X-Files” went on and on interminably, well after it had run out of ideas! “Heroes” has definitely not run out of ideas. It is “Peyton Place” for the 21st Century, post 9/11. The relationships are infinitely better-handled than in 21st Century “Doctor Who”, and this comes from someone who, these days, dislikes most American drama. The central relationship between Claire (Hayden Panettiere) and her Dad, H.R.G. (Jack Coleman), is one of the most affecting I’ve seen in a long while and superior in every way to that of Rose (Billie Piper) and her Mum (Camille Coduri) in the British show. “Heroes”, for the most part, treats its audience as intelligent. It resists the easy opportunism of inserting obvious pop songs into the melodrama. “Heroes” by David Bowie and “No More Heroes” by The Stranglers would’ve been on the soundtrack in the hands of a lesser Executive Producer! However, word has it that the Season One Finale, “How to Stop an Exploding Man”, is a bit of an anti-climax, after so much expectation, and it may well be this that proves to be the series’ ultimate downfall.
11 comments:
Karen and I have really been enjoying Heroes and although we've heard disappointed reviews of Series 2 we're still up for giving it a go. As you say there's enough creativity and potential in the way the show is set up that to cut it short would be a terrible waste. Although I support the writer's strike in the US I think to lose Heroes would be rather cutting of their own noses to spite their faces...!
I have a love-hate relationship with the show, based up on the feeling that so much of it is nicked from comics I read growing up (though Tim Kring always claims he's never read comics!). Still, though I've heard similar grumblings about the first half of season two, I still think it'd be a shame if it died now. It has the potential to rise above its derivative roots... given more time.
I'm looking forward to the Second Series of "Heroes" too, Steve, so much so that I've downloaded the first two episodes. I'm holding off watching them, though, until the BBC has finished broadcasting Series One!
I agree with you, Rol, that "Heroes" should be given the time to grow. It does have the potential to be even better than it already is provided NBC is willing to invest with both money and patience!
You've been TAGGED, Tim!
And meanwhile - where are you?! Have you disappeared into the time vortex?!
What happened to your updates !? :(
Have a great Holiday period and all the best for the New Year !
Merry Christmas Tim - hope all is well.
Apologies, Simon, Andrew, Steve, and all readers of this blog, for the lack of new posts but since my Mum had her stroke, in November, there hasn't really been time for writing. She was in hospital for four weeks and, since leaving, has spent the last two in a stroke rehabilitation centre, where you can recuperate for up to six weeks, maybe longer if necessary. I spend most afternoons with her and the evening cooking my Dad's dinner while he visits her!
Naturally, I would like to return to blogging at some point; especially since I haven't missed reviewing an episode of "Doctor Who" since Tennant took on the role! I had many ideas for posts, for the lead up to Christmas, which have sadly fallen by the wayside... Meanwhile, I'd like to take the opportunity to wish everyone both a very Merry Christmas and highly-productive New Year!
Good to hear from you Tim. Our thoughts are with you. Look forward to seeing you back in 2008. Hope your mum makes a speedy recovery.
Hey Tim, all the best to you and your family for Christmas and I hope things are better in 2008 !! Look forward to seeing you post about the Doctor Who Christmas special !!
Very sorry to hear about your Mum but glad she is on the road to recovery.
Hope you have an excellent Xmas and New Year too and look forward (as always!) to reading your thoughts on the imminent Xmas special!!
Best wishes and big hugs
Simon xx
Many thanks for all your good wishes. Hope you all had a good Christmas and are enjoying the break!
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