Hiro Nakamura

Is the show really in danger?

Yesterday I mentioned the firing of exec-producers Jeph Loeb and Jesse Alexander.  Part of the reason for that was to cut on costs.  It seems that because there is such a huge cast and all the special FXs used, Heroes has become a costly show.  Each episode is costing the network over $4 million.  Since Loeb and Alexander have been with the show since the first season, you can imagine what their salaries must have been.

As far as the ratings go, each episode seems to be getting just over 10 million viewers each week.  Variety reports that this is down 21%.  Someone mentioned in the forums that maybe this drop is because some people like to wait until the DVDs to watch the episodes in one sitting.  This could be a factor.  I also say that because the last season ended in December, some viewers might have lost interest in the nine months in between.

Some insiders feel that Tim Kring gave too much responsiblity to other writers (like Loeb and Alexander) but he plans on dealing with that.

Kring has assured NBC and Universal Media Studios brass that he intends to focus on simplifying what's been criticized, even by ardent fans, as an overly complex storytelling structure to get back to the show's comicbookish good vs. evil themes and to emphasize character development more than plot twists.

I've been liking this season for the most part.  I do agree that there are a couple storylines that could be tweaked out.  It sometimes feel things are dragging on just a little bit.  Where as I find it a little interesting seeing Claire trying to take on the baddies on her own, do we really need long drawn out sequences dealing with it?  That could be an example of a subplot that isn't really necessary.  Plus, she should still be in school.  It's cool seeing the different powered bad guys but that's probably adding to the budget for each episode.

What do you think?  Is the show in danger?  Could this lead into Heroes getting canceled after this season?  I guess you better make sure you and your friends are watching.

Can You Resist The SPOILERS?

Eonline.com has posted 10 spoilers with some details/guesses dealing with them.  It does feel like it's been forever since Heroes was last on.

As I mentioned before, the first episode makes up for the abrupt ending of season 2.  Also the new direction season 3 is going in seems better than what was revealed on the season 2 dvd.

The question is, can you resist reading the 'secrets'?  I'm not normally a big fan of spoilers.  I'd rather see it first hand and be surprised.  But I know there are those that enjoy them so...

1. Good Is Going Evil, and Evil Is Going Good
2. Linderman Is Back and Recruiting Villains
3. Hiro Has His Mind Wiped
4. Peter and Sylar Will Be Working Together
5. Alert Child Services: Sylar's Going to Have a Baby!
6. Noah Bennett Is Still a Bad Guy
7. Another Eclipse Is Coming
8. The Speedster Has a Husband and a Child in the Future
9. Maya Changes the World
10. The Haitian Has a Family...and Secrets

If you want to read more on these 'secrets,' click on the link above.

Don't forget to watch Heroes on Monday.  After watching you can discuss the show here.

Out This Week

I have to admit that this isn't what I'd expect for a soundtrack from Heroes.  I don't mind the "Inspired By..." soundtracks if they have cool songs.  Sometimes it's just silly if the songs or artists have never been featured in the show.  We don't really need the music incorporated into the show.  This isn't The Hills, after all. 

Here's the track listing:

1) Heroes Theme - Wendy & Lisa
2) Fire And Regeneration - Wendy & Lisa featuring Shankar
3) He's Frank - Brighton Port Authority featuring Iggy Pop
4) All For Swinging You Around - The New Pornographers
5) Glad It's Over - Wilco
6) Nine In The Afternoon - Panic At The Disco
7) Weightless - Nada Surf
8) Natural Selection - Wendy & Lisa
9) Abonecronedrone 3 (Excerpt) - Sheila Chandra
10) Chills - My Morning Jacket
11) Jealousy Rides With Me - Death Cab For Cutie
12) Not Now But Soon - Imogen Heap
13) Homecoming - Wendy & Lisa
14) All Things Must Pass - The Jesus & Mary Chain
15) Main In The Long Black Coat - Bob Dylan
16) Maya's Theme - Cucu Diamantes & Yerba Buena
17) Keep My Composure - The Chemical Brothers featuring Spank Rock
18) Heroes - David Bowie

Who's Getting Excited?

NBC just released a bunch of promo images for the cast members.  I have to admit, they're pretty cool.  The funny thing is they look kind of like trading cards.  I'm sure a series of cards will be released for this season.  I think I may have heard about a card set for the past seasons.  Are people still buying trading cards these days?

The new season is almost upon us.  As I've mentioned before, the first episode alone makes up for last season.  It's a good one.

The preview for the new season is up.  I was surprised by how much was shown.  Maybe it's just because I've seen the entire first episode so the little clips all make sense.  I know some people like the spoilers.  So if you do, remember I gave a full description of that first episode here.

Official descriptions:

EPISODE 301

“THE SECOND COMING” – Sept. 22

“VOLUME 3: VILLAINS” MAKES A TWO-HOUR SPECIAL DEBUT WITH REVELATIONS THAT WILL REDEFINE FAMILIAR CHARACTERS AND SHAKE THE SERIES TO ITS CORE -- The first chapter of “Volume 3: Villains” kicks off moments after shots rang out, as the shocking identity of Nathan’s (Adrian Pasdar) assassin and the reasons why the Texas press conference had to be cut short are revealed -- immediately throwing Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) and Matt (Greg Grunberg) into unexpected, uncharted territory. With his powers partially restored, Sylar (Zachary Quinto) decides a visit to Claire (Hayden Panettiere) could give him a boost. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Hiro (Masi Oka) and Ando (James Kyson Lee) are charged with safeguarding a family secret that could split the planet apart, and discover that the path to a grim future starts with shady speedster, Daphne (guest star Brea Grant). In New York City, thanks to Maya (Dania Ramirez), Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy) makes a startling breakthrough that could change the world -- or just destroy his. And who is Tracy Strauss? Ali Larter, Cristine Rose and Jack Coleman star. Noah Gray-Cabey, Ashley Crow, Randall Bentley, Jimmy Jean-Louis, George Takei, Malcolm McDowell, Carlon Jeffery, Jamie Hector, Bruce Boxleitner, Francis Capra and Blake Shields guest star.

EPISODE 302

 “THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT” – Sept. 22

A DOZEN VILLAINS WITH UNIMAGINABLE POWER ARE UNLEASHED AFTER THE COMPANY IS ATTACKED -- SYLAR VS. ELLE (KRISTEN BELL) -- ANGELA PETRELLI (CRISTINE ROSE) TAKES CONTROL AND REVEALS A JAW-DROPPING SECRET -- WRITTEN BY CREATOR TIM KRING AND DIRECTED BY EXECUTIVE PRODUCER GREG BEEMAN -- In the shocking second chapter of “Volume 3: Villains,” Angela (Cristine Rose) clashes with her much-changed son, Peter (Milo Ventimiglia), over how best to avert a seemingly inevitable worldwide catastrophe. First, Sylar (Zachary Quinto) declares war on the Company by attacking their main facility, and finds even more than he bargained for on Level 5. During a devastating battle with Elle (guest star Kristen Bell), a dozen savage criminals -- all with terrible abilities -- escape. Meanwhile, Claire (Hayden Panettiere) discovers something new and unexpected about her abilities. Determined to reclaim his family’s terrible secret, Hiro (Masi Oka) and Ando (James Kyson Lee) track Daphne (guest star Brea Grant) to Paris. After a fateful night, Suresh (Sendhil Ramamurthy) is thrilled to find his research, his life and his relationship with Maya (Dania Ramirez) evolving in leaps and bounds. Stuck in unfamiliar territory, Matt (Greg Grunberg) finds a guide (guest star Ntare Mwine) to help him. Ali Larter, Adrian Pasdar and Jack Coleman star. Ashley Crow, Jessalyn Gilsig, Malcolm McDowell, Stephen Tobolowsky, Bruce Boxleitner, Francis Capra, Blake Shields, William Katt, Ken Lally, David H. Lawrence XVII, Andre Royo and Kiko Ellsworth guest star.