NBC’s HEROES an Old Tale with a New Face

Heroes, the latest new Monday night series from NBC aired its second episode on October 2nd. The brainchild, of writer Tim Kring, is a story of ordinary people who were born with extraordinary abilities. The catch - they live in a world where having a special power puts you on the outskirts of society. Does this Darwinian tale of evolution sound familiar? Well it should. Moviegoers and comic lovers around the world will find this story vaguely reminiscent of X-men, a comic book where evolved humans called mutants are ostracized from society. And when you work with comic books - who do you call but none other than living comic legend Jeph Loeb to come on board as Co-Executive Producer.

The story does have its unique qualities. Though Heroes come from not only America, but Japan and India as well they all somehow share a connection. Holy smokes Batman, isn’t that also the premise of Six Degrees, the new Wednesday night show on ABC? Well yes and no, but that’s a story for another time.

Originality aside, one thing the Bag Man will say is that this show is entertaining. That’s what TV is about after all isn’t it? Entertainment. And that’s not just because quintessential nerd boy star Noah Gray-Cabey stars alongside Ali Larter.

Kring has established a brilliant team to complement his writing. I found myself drawn to each character’s unique story and obsessed with how one character’s actions would intertwine with another. The concept may not be new, but Kring has created a suspenseful enjoyable show. Not only dramatic but HEROES ‘watchers will also enjoy some excellent comedic moments as certain characters discover their powers in very inopportune fashion.