One of the great things to look forward to this fall is the renewal of the great geek debate between Heroes worshippers and Lost apologists. When Heroes debuted last year a large number of geeks and non geeks quickly discovered a show that as time went on became known as the anti-Lost thanks to its willingness to share “secrets” and resolve dangling plot threads in weeks not years. Heroes worshippers quickly declared it the best show ever and pointed at the stalled first six episodes of season 3 of Lost as a failure. Meanwhile the Lost geeks were quick to point out that Heroes lacked substance and that in the end that would be its undoing. During this debate last year I tried to stay above the fray as I loved both shows but after going through a few episodes of season one of Heroes on DVD, I gotta say I think the Lost folk had it right. Heroes is an amazing show and very entertaining but much like the equally excellent 24, three quarters of the joy in watching Heroes come from the twists, turns, and surprise reveals. Unfortunately that leaves only a quarter for character and storytelling and upon repeat viewing those deficiencies become more apparent. Not a single character has any real depth not even Ali Landry’s super strong woman who’s got two characters inside her. The storytelling can become lax and lazy and nowhere was that more apparent then in the rushed season finale. Still when the show does take the time to pause and capture personal moments it does so with great effectiveness in large part due to the excellent cast.
Of course despite the fact that many of the season 1 eps don’t have repeat viewing potential, that doesn’t mean the DVD isn’t worth it. A gaggle of extras are on display here including the original cut of the pilot. My personal favorite is the behind the scenes bit with composers Wendy and Lisa and yes they are that Wendy and Lisa of Purple Rain fame. The commentaries that I listened to last night are worth a listen to especially on the finale and the original pilot. Speaking of which, the original pilot is almost like seeing a new episode and you learn how things might have been a lot different. Watching it reminded me of that previously mentioned joy one gets out of a new episode of Heroes and got me six ways of excited for that approaching Monday in September when Hiro and the gang return to save the world.
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