Wednesday, November 26, 2008

CHAPTER TEN “THE ECLIPSE – PART 1”


Air Date
Monday, November 24th, 2008 7/8c

Late breaking news…

ABILITIES GONE DURING SOLAR ECLIPSE!

Reports of the mass elimination of abilities among those with special powers rocked the Heroes world today. It appears that the eclipse has somehow blocked the use of all powers! It is uncertain at this time if the abilities will be restored when the eclipse is complete. Stay tuned for additional information.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled broadcast.


Synopsis:

Arthur Petrelli, in a white-eyed induced trance, sketches the future and his is not at all happy. (And we know what happens when Arthur is pissed.)

Sylar and Elle practice the art of electrocution from a distance when Arthur shows up and asks Sylar to find Claire and bring her back to him. Elle decides to partner up with Sylar and together they head off to find Claire.

Angela tells Claire that she believes she is the catalyst and that she must be hidden and safeguarded for her own protection. She also tells her that Nathan has gone off to find the Haitian and Matt to find Hiro. It appears she is amassing the Heroes together for a reason.

At Primatech Nathan decides to head to Haiti and Peter convinces him to take him along. In a flash Nathan and Peter disappear with a contrail.

In the meantime, Mohinder dissects his failed experiment and finds that he is quickly turning into… something else (spiderman, lizardman, mothman? We’re not quite sure.)
Arthur shows him the sketches he’s made and tells him the “everthing is going to change today!”

At the Suresh apartment in Brooklyn, New York Matt and Daphne discuss what to do next. Daphne is afraid of Arthur and believes that he will take her powers if she does not do what he says. Daphne calls herself “a betrayer” but Matt tells her that he trusts her. Matt wants Daphne’s help finding Hiro when he and Ando conveniently show up at the apartment. Matt is told that Hiro has lost his memory and Daphne declares… “we’re all going to die!”

Noah Bennet brings Claire to Steven Canfield’s house (where he unleashed a black hole). He tells Claire that it is a safehouse and that he wants to keep her safe.

Back in Brooklyn Matt cannot read Hiro’s thoughts because he is thinking in Japaneses and Matt does not understand him. Daphne tells him that they’ve lost their “re-set button” and leaves in a flash because she feels that Matt doesn’t trust her.

Sylar and Elle arrive at the Hotspur Car Rental Agency. Elle tells the ‘rental car guy’ that Sylar is a serial killer and that he has kidnapped Elle. When Sylar asks why Elle tells him that he is chained by his father and that they should be allowed to do and take anything they want. The rental car guy shows up brandishing a shotgun and Sylar gets smacked with the butt of the gun. During the dialogue the rental guy thinks he can become a hero if he captures Sylar. Sylar’s response? “I hat heroes!”

Mohinder studies the total solar eclipse and finds that he is changing into… something else and he can’t control it. He is leaking goo from his hands.

Noah teaches Claire self defense with a board from the broken floor at Steven Canfield’s place. When Claire asks if he’s trying to teach her Tai Kwon Do he says, “No, baseball!”

Tracy calls Arthur to report and tells him that Nathan went to get the Haitian. Arthur tells her that it was a smart move on Nathan’s part and then he orders her to go to Paris Island. When she questions him about the Marine training facility at Paris Island he responds, “Every war needs an army!” Angela hears part of their conversation and in a forshadow Tracy clichés, “No rest for the wicked!”

Matt tells Hiro and Ando that they must go to Lawrence, Kansas to find Daphne and Hiro teleports them to Kansas. As they head to Daphne’s house the eclipse begins.

In a montage we see the following:
- Arthur throws the sketches off his desk.
- Mohinder cocoons himself against the wall of the lab.
- Angela reminisces over a family photograph.
- Nathan and Peter are falling from the sky.
- Sylar and Ells steal a car from the rental agency.
- Clair practices “baseball.”
- Close-up of the sketch of a bleeding Claire in Noah’s arms.

Mohinder extricates himself from the cocoon and finds that he has changed back to his old self. The lesions, sticky goo and sores have all disappeared.

Nathan and Peter get lost in the jungle of Haiti and find messenger/prayer dolls.

Back in Lawrence, Kansas Matt meets Daphne’s dad but he won’t let Matt in to talk to Daphne. Matt tries his mind trick on him but it does not work. Daphne tells her dad that she wanted to come home because “it’s happening again!”

Nathan and Peter are still lost in the jungle and are fighting. Nathan yells at Peter and tells him that all he’s ever done is save his life. Peter calls his brother a puppet. While they fight the Haitian appears and cautions them to be quite.

Claire is still breaking boards and tells her dad that she is mad at him for always leaving. Elle appears at the front door and tries to use her electrical power on Claire but her powers fail her. Sylar tries to use his ability on Noah but he too cannot force his powers to work. A fight ensues and Noah cracks Sylar’s arm (it sounded like he broke it). Elle grabs the gun and shoots Claire who does not heal. Noah leaves carrying Claire out of the house.

Noah brings Claire home and tells Sandra that they cannot call 911 or they’ll report it to the police. He tells her that they will take care of her themselves.

Hiro, Matt and Ando cannot use their powers and Hiro tells Matt he must save Daphne with a Hero’s Quest (sans powers). Throwing ears of corn at Matt Hiro tells Matt he’ll continue throwing corn until he can stop him.

When Matt leaves to see Daphne Hiro and Ando go off on a task of their own. They’ve reached the end of the comic book and they must find the next issue.

Mohinder is in complete remission of his changing symptoms and he decides to go and find Maya. But before he can leave Arthur and Flint confront him and tell him that he needs to get people their abilities back.

Hiro and Ando find Sam’s Comics in Lawrence.

Nathan, Peter and the Haitian are moving through the jungle. The Haitian tells them that he must find his brother who is an evil man and his power is that his skin is impenetrable. He also tells them that he must stop him again. Peter wants to help but before they can decide what to do the jungle erupts in gunfire. They run but Nathan is captured. When he tells who he is the Haitian’s brother tells him that his father warned him that he’d come!

Back at the Bennett house Claire seems to be healing (like normal people do) and Noah intends to leave. Sandra tells him that he can’t go because Claire needs him but he tells her that he has unfinished business to attend to.

Daphne’s dad leaves and Matt comes back. He tells Daphne that he loves her and she tells him to come in. He does and finds that Daphne has not only lost her ability but has lost motor function also. She is in leg braces and using crutches.

Sandra finds Claire bleeding out and calls and ambulance.

Elle fixes Sylar’s separated shoulder and they are both panicked by the loss of their abilities. Sylar tells her that the loss of power is a relief and that the hunger is gone. Elle and Sylar kiss and the camera pulls back to reveal… Sylar’s face in the sights of a sniper rifle aimed by Noah Bennett!

To be continued…

The Alternative Takes Note:

Arthur Petrrili’s Sketches:
1. Noah holding a bleeding, seemingly dead, Claire.
2. The Eclipse
3. Matt, Hiro and Ando at Daphne’s house in Lawrence, Kansas.
4. Sylar kissing Elle
5. Peter and Nathan falling out of the sky.
6. Mohinder dead (or just cocooned?)

People who have painted the future (so far):
1. Isaac Mendez (the first and original)
2. Peter Petrelli (temporarily)
3. Unturu (the African tribesman)
4. Arthur Petrelli
(also, Hiro and Matt have both gone eye-white in visions but did not paint or sketch.)

The Haitians:
(Dichotomies of power)
- The Haitian can cancel all abilities just by being present.
- His brother, Baron Samdi (sp), has the ability to withstand anything penetrating his skin.

New Ability:
The Haitians brother has the ability to withstand bullets, knives or fire from penetrating his skin and is impervious to their effects.

Level 5 detainees:
There are still a number of Villains detained at level five:
1. The Puppeteer
2. Danny Pine (the metal-handed guy)

Sam’s Comics:
1. Sam’s Comics in Tokyo (Hiro and Ando visited there last week)
2. Sam’s Comics in Lawrence, Kansas (Hiro and Ando again visit in search of the new issue of 9th Wonders). Incidentally, both Seth Green and Brecken Meyers are employees at the Sam’s in Kansas! Are they the wise men of which Hiro speaks? Cool!

Hiro’s places where wise men gather:
1. Greek Oracle at Delphi
2. The Library at Alexandria
3. The Hall of Justice
4. Sam’s Comics

9th Wonders comic:
The new issue had an advertisement for a Tit-Tat Kandy Bar on the back page.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

VILLAINS - CHAPTER NINE - IT'S COMING

Air Date
Monday, November 17th, 2008 7/8c

It’s Coming...

The Eclipse is back….
(And very much at the forefront of the story)

Three minute re-cap:
- Arthur has “mind-washed” Hiro who believes that he is once again ten years old.
- Arthur tells Sylar that his “hunger is not about killing but about power” (I begin to see exactly which son is the favorite – Gabriel Petrelli is leading this week…)
- Elle has been captured by Arthur who leaves Sylar alone with her. Elle, in anger at her father’s death, turns Sylar into a piece of “Burnt Toast” (Pun intended!)
- Knox and Flint attempt to kidnap Claire but she swan-dives out the window into the alley below. A familiar alley, BTW, as this is the place we see: a) Usutu’s painting of the world cracking w/ symbol embedded, and b) where Future Claire shoots Peter.
- Arthur reveals to Mohinder that there is a part of the formula missing and tells him that the “catalyst” it is not a something but a “someone”.
- Deep fried Sylar heals himself after Elle’s electric onslaught.
- Matt and Daphne are on a mission to find Angela Petrelli and find her lost in Arthur’s imposed mind-prison. Daphne reports it to Arthur.
- Peter tells Claire that in the future she becomes a killer and that she shoots him in the alley they’ve just vacated escaping from Flint and Knox. Hmmm… Future Claire shoots Peter and Future Peter shoots Nathan… you’ve got to wonder when Future Nathan gets his chance!
- Hiro begins to re-visit his powers and, as a typical ten year old, commits a number of pranks at the bowling alley. (Ketchup on a chair, salt lid removed, bowling balls moved and spit-balls redirected.)What fun! Yatta… and Waffles too!
- Matt delves into the fragmented world of Angela’s head.
- Elle continues to pummel Sylar with bolts of blue-hot electricity. After one huge discharge, in which Sylar again heals himself, she asks him to kill her.
- Nathan and Tracy go to Pinehurst to find Papa Petrelli. Arthur tells Nathan that his role was never explained and that the assassination attempt, Linderman, and his Senate seat are all part of a bigger plan. Nathan tells his dad that his plan destroys everything and Arthur tells him that with the formula they can save the world.
- Sylar looks like he’s going to buzz-cut Elle but instead frees her from her chains. They begin to bond and in a moment of pure empathy Sylar forgives Elle and her powers are mysteriously transferred to him. Sylar begins to understand that he no longer needs to “free a brain” to gain an ability.
- Knox and Flint attempt to kidnap Claire again but Peter (without using any powers except thought, for a change) outwits the captors.
- In a poignant moment Sylar tells Elle “we are all at war with ourselves” and she begins to teach him how to use the power of Tesla!
- Hiro begins to re-learn his power and transports himself and Ando to the Mecca of all knowledge. The mystical and spiritual… Comic Book Store!
- Nathan flies away in a supersonic cloud as he heads off to Primatech looking for answers to his questions. Tracy returns to Arthur and using her charms and experience in Marketing and P.R. convinces him that she can make Nathan the face of Pinehurst.
- Matt walks the halls of Angela’s mind and Daphne shows up. I’m not sure if this is metaphoric or literal… but she stabs him in the back!
- Angela finds a way to suck Arthur into her world and convinces him to let her go. With this task accomplished she is released from her coma. Matt and Daphne find themselves committed to each other and in love!
- Ando shows Hiro the 9th Wonders Comic and the return of the eclipse.
- In the finale, Peter, Claire and Nathan are reunited at Angela’s bedside with Matt and Daphne. Angela tells them that the third part of the formula, hidden by Hiro’s father can be found in the blood of the host. Claire, who remembers Sylar telling her that she is different from everyone else, is convinced that she is the catalyst! (I, however, am not as sure about this as she seems to be!)

The Alternative Takes Note:

And speaking of the eclipse (or solar flare depending on who you listen to), why is Arthur Petrelli so fascinated with it?
Speculations include:
1. Those with abilities loose their powers during the eclipse
2. Something extraordinary takes place during the eclipse
3. The “catalyst” is more powerful during the eclipse
4. The eclipse enhances abilities in those who have power (and this is a bit frightening because of Arthur Petrelli and his “gift”!)

Trivia:
Hiro, in the comic book store, references three shocking superhero comic plots because of his recent memory loss due to Arthur Petrelli’s mind-washing:
1. “Spider-Man reveals his secret identity to the world” – In what is quite possibly the most shocking and historical event in the Marvel legacy, Spider-man reveals his secret identity to the world as part of the Civil War storyline. In the Civil War Series [Civil War #2 (June 2006)] Peter Parker, dressed as Spider-Man, holds a press conference and reveals his secret identity to the world.
2. “Captain America died” - Daily Bugle: Captain America shot and killed
Living legend assassinated on steps of Federal Courthouse
By The Daily Bugle Staff
Earlier today, we reported on the attempted assassination of a former superhero. We can now confirm that the victim has been identified as Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America. Rogers was pronounced dead at Mercy Hospital due to injuries suffered from multiple gunshot wounds to the shoulder, chest and stomach.
Eyewitness reports claim that the initial bullet, tagging Rogers in the shoulder, came from a sniper perched atop or in one of the buildings adjacent to the Federal Courthouse. Several other shots were fired during the ensuing commotion--hitting Rogers in the chest and stomach--but witnesses fleeing the scene, as well as the U.S. Marshals who were escorting Rogers, have stated there was only one sniper shot fired. ["Captain America Vol. 5, No. 25." The "Sentinel of Liberty"]
3. “The Hulk is red” - Red Hulk, referred to as Rulk in comic narration, is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Hulk #1 (January 2008) and was created by writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuiness.

The inevitable questions, questions, questions:
1. Why was Arthur distracted from Hiro by the painting of the eclipse?
2. Who is the “creature” that Mohinder is testing? It reminded me of Danny Pine (the metal-handed guy captured by Thompson and Claire’s mom during her training.)
3. Why is there a picture on an eclipse on Mohinder’s screen that is labeled “Solar Flare”? This doesn’t make much sense to me.
4. Why did Arthur take Hiro’s memories? What is he afraid Hiro will do?
5. Why have Sylar and Elle bonded?
6. What is the significance of the eclipse?
7. Who is the catalyst?
8. Why does Elle have a sudden change of opinion about Sylar? And where is this story-line (love story?) leading?

The Eclipse: An eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when one celestial object moves into the shadow of another. The term is derived from the ancient Greek ekleipsis, which means, "I cease to exist." This gives me the impression that all abilities will be dampened or suspended during the phenomenon.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

VILLAINS - CHAPTER EIGHT "VILLAINS"











Air Date
Monday, November 11th, 2008 7/8c

IT'S ALL CONNECTED!!!

No synopsis or re-cap tonight - instead let's play spot the connections!!

(Note: I'll start and you see if you can add any others - Leave a comment or e-mail me if you found one I haven’t listed.

The Connections:

1. Hiro eats Usutu’s (the African Tribesman) concoction of hallucinogenic herbs and donkey poo and takes a spirit walk into the past as he follows the underworld in which Arthur Petrelli travels. Hiro is now connected to Matt Parkman who ate the same poo-goo. The difference? Matt walked into the future while Hiro stalked the past.

2. Arthur Petrelli and Linderman are in league and plot Nathan’s death. Nathan’s work as an assistant D.A. threatens to uncover their deceit and their, what else, connection. Also, we find that Linderman is aware of Arthur’s ability.

3. Thompson (Season 2 Primatech Company operative played by Eric Roberts) is trailing those with abilities and in Memphis, Tennessee he finds Meredith and Flint. We find out that Meredith and Flint are brother and sister, making flint Claire’s uncle. Another connection!

4. After Sylar’s first kill (Brian Davis who can move objects with his mind) guilt sets in and he attempts suicide. Fortunately, for fans of Zachary Quinto, Elle enters the watch shop and finds Sylar swinging from his noose. Using her ability she cuts him down before he can kill himself. Elle and Sylar are now, once again, connected! (Yes, you’ll get sick of hearing it after this post!)

5. Elle and Bennett (HRG) are working together for the Company and following Sylar’s every move. Bennett, who calls Sylar Mr. Gray (because this is in the past) is driving a Primatech Paper van. Elle, Sylar AND Bennett are connected.

6. Thompson captures Meredith in a convenient store hold up in Memphis and enlists her into the Company as an agent. Thompson and Meredith and by extension Claire are now… connected!

7. The attempt on Nathan’s life (with his wife Heidi in the car) on the highway is engineered by Linderman. Now we find out who was behind the attempted murder from Season 1.

8. Nathan tells his father that Linderman’s men caused the accident that paralyzed his wife and that he will do anything to put him behind bars, thus establishing the hatred and link between Linderman and Nathan. But why does Linderman haunt future Nathan?

9. Meredith and Thompson (A.K.A. Jim Farrell of the V.A.) begin working together in the field. Their first assignment? A bum named Danny Pine who has a unique ability (more details on this later in the trivia section). Meredith and Thompson are now linked via their partnership.

10. Sylar has a duplicate map (or a reasonable facsimile) to that of Chandra Suresh’s in his apartment. This is a convoluted connection in some ways and not of people but circumstance and the links on the maps are the numerous connections to many of the people in the world with abilities. BTW, these connections were established in the very first few episodes of Season 1 and solidified in this episode.

11. Sylar’s list of others with abilities shows five names; three of which become his future victims (Davis, Trevor and Charlene), Molly, who he attempts to capture but is saved by Matt Parkman and Sparrow Redhouse (whose past role eludes me at the moment.) Sylar is connected to four of the five people on the list. (More about the list can be found in the trivia section below.)

12, Flint is captured by Thompson and held in Cell 8 at Primatech. This is the second time that Flint has been caught and incarcerated at Primatech. Flint is then connected to a place – Level 5.

13. Angela finds out that her husband and Linderman are planning Nathan’s death. Arthur wipes her mind. Linderman mentions a guy in Montreal who worked for him in Vegas. Angela is now aware of the fact that the two are in league and are up to no good. Linderman is connected back to Vegas (and his Niki using days.)

14. Meredith releases her brother, Flint from his cell and tells him that “Daddy used to say, God gave you a big sister instead of a brain.” We might consider the parentage here for a moment: Just who IS Meredith and Flint’s Daddy? If Peter and Nathan, the children of those with abilities, both have powers then it follows suit that Meredith’s parents also have abilities and are somehow… connected!

15. Thompson catches Meredith and Flint on a train in Texas as they head for freedom in Mexico. This establishes a re-connection between the three of them. The ensuing battle that takes place causes a fire to erupt. What else when Flint and Meredith are involved?

16. Linderman tells Angela that Arthur is messing with her thoughts and that he has wiped her mind numerous times. A hint of subterfuge crosses her mind as she makes a lentil soup. Also, Linderman mentions his pot pies, which brings us back to the kitchen sequence in Vegas during Season 2 where he is cooking.

17. The fire on the train causes an explosion which derails the train. As Meredith and Thompson walk away from the scene they discuss Meredith’s long dead daughter. Thompson informs her that she is not dead. Enter Claire in her cheerleader uniform as she scampers into the train wreck to test her ability and unintentionally saves a man. We can now connect an event, the train wreck caused by Claire’s mother, to Claire, Meredith, Flint and Thompson.

18. We find that Elle has invited Trevor Zatslan (a name from Sylar’s list) to dinner and we find out the identity of Sylar’s second victim. Sylar and a name on his list are immediately connected. Of course, the connection is broken when Sylar saws his skull open.

19. Angella poisons Arthur’s soup which causes him a heart attack. Angela has invited the Haitian to ward off Arthur’s powers and making it impossible for him to change her mind. Note: We find that the Haitian is working for Angela Petrelli and by logic then we must conclude that Bennett is also working for her.

20. The mysterious bloody handprints on the door to Sylar’s inner sanctum (found by Mohinder in Season 1) are from Sylar’s be-skulling of Trevor. A visual from Season 1 is connected with this episode.

21. Angela and the Haitian plan the removal of Arthur Pettrelli’s body but Nathan finds his father on the floor and calls 9-1-1. This does two things: 1. It prevents Angella from completing her task and removing Arthur and 2. Sends Arthur to the hospital and within range of people he can manipulate with his mind.

22. Bennett leaves Texas on another mission. He catches a taxi which has just been vacated by Peter Petrelli and which is driven by Mohinder Suresh. The three are now connected in the past before they have ever actually met!

23. The doctor at the hospital tells Nathan and Angela that Arthur has passed away. (I got the feeling that she didn’t believe a word of it!) The poison has rendered Arthur incapable of movement but he controls the doctor’s mind and he agrees to provide another body to use for his cremation. This initiates the genesis of the Pinehurst Corporation!

24. Arthur Petrelli kills Usutu (presumable by thinking his head off?? I’m still shaking my head in wonder at this one folks…) and grabs Hiro by the head… (To be continued)

Trivia Section:

1. Early in the program Linderman refers to Arthur and Angela as “my King and King” inferring some type of royalty. I wonder what he knows?

2. Two new abilities were revealed tonight: 1. Danny Pine who has the ability to create a metal hand (didn’t Tycho Brahe do something similar in the mid-1500’s?) and 2. Trevor Zetslan who can shoot invisible energy bullets from his fingertips.

3. Usutu’s Paintings (as I saw them):
a. Arthur Petrelli
b. The symbol
c. A man in a red haz-met suit?
d. A woman in a blue dress (Tracy maybe?)
e. Dead man in a large pool of blood
f. Flint with hands ablaze
g. Sylar cutting a skull open
h. Benjamin Knox punching someone or something
i. Matt Parkman holding Daphne in his arms

4. Sylar’s list:



“Brian Davis
14 Berman St. NY NY

Trevor Zetslan
212-555-0142

Janis Walker (Molly)
Los Angeles

Charlene Andrews
Burnt Toast Diner Midland, TX

Sparrow Redhouse
New Mexico”

Note: The list is written on “Gray and Sons” stationary and has “No. 611936” printed in the lower right hand corner of the sheet. All the names on the list are connected to Sylar, who is in my estimation, PATIENT ZERO!!!

Due to a death in the family the last two episode of Heroes will not be reviewed on this blog. I apologize for it but some things cannot be helped. The Alternative.

MOM

1928-2008