It looks like NBC's plan to try to make HEROES better is to shorten the season. Are they trying to save us from having to sit through a bunch of bad episodes? What they are really looking at is taking the approach that ABC and Fox have done with LOST and 24. Less episodes run closer together, with less gaps. With 24, you get a new episode for twenty-four weeks straight (actually it's less since they sometimes show two episodes back-to-back). According to Advertising Age, NBC is thinking about cutting the season down to 18 to 20 episodes compared to the 25 this season. With LOST, it's hard for me to wait over six months for the next season. On the other hand, it is nice not watching a couple episodes only to have the momentum interrupted with 2 - 3 weeks of repeats.
I think the real question is, why has HEROES slipped in the ratings. I don't think you can pin it on the number of episodes in the season. HEROES has lost some its charm for me. This season seemed like it could've been a return to greatness but for me personally, it's almost a chore to force myself to watch it. I am interested in the characters but I've become less focused on the storylines and find myself not really caring. Rather than look at the number of episodes, I think they really need to focus on the story and writing. There are still people digging the show. That's great. But obviously I'm not the only one disappointed since the ratings keep slipping.
What do you think the answer is? Would a tighter, shorter season keep the action fast paced? Are you willing to wait longer in between seasons in order to get more new episodes in a row? Are you still watching the show and will you watch next season?