What I’m Watching: Heroes

Heroes: Season 4, Episode 15 “Close to You” (F)

I wasn’t quite sure who the supposed leader of the carnival was supposed to be, and for a while I worried that it might be either Matt or Hiro, two choices which would both have resulted in complete disaster. Fortunately, it’s an only slightly less idiotic character, Peter, who seems to have the most sense out of anyone, even if he’s a bit quick to break cellos at the first sign of suspicion. The presence of some of the recurring characters on this show is becoming terribly distracting. Even though she is a credited series regular, Angela Petrelli has never felt like a legitimate personage for the show, and her cold greeting of Emma felt very off. Lauren’s continued involvement in Noah’s off-the-books, completely unsponsored one-man battle against the carnival doesn’t make much sense, though it’s good to have someone around as a sounding board for him, and it really shouldn’t be Matt, especially given his uselessness in this episode. Hiro talking in garbled comic book speak went on way too long, and the notion that the institution medication affects the strength of powers isn’t terribly exciting. At least Ando, who finally gets a chance to use his own powers and be cool too, was able to rescue both Hiro and Suresh from their various predicaments. Their arrival at Noah’s apartment was very comic, and both frustrating and satisfying. It was always my belief that this show could succeed if it assembled its heroes together like the X-Men. With a thrilling five characters in the same room at one time and the likely cooperation of Matt, Peter, and maybe even Emma, this show could well become a little less awful. But then there’s Claire, who still hasn’t been knocked off her high horse and isn’t doing anyone any good. Maybe Sylar will just kill her. That would be fine.