“Save the cheerleader, save the world”
That was the tagline that defined “Heroes” when NBC opened its first chapter on Monday, September 25, 2006. Created by Tim Kring, the series followed the lives, trials, and tribulations of ordinary people who are blessed – and cursed – with extraordinary abilities. For instance, pragmatic politician Nathan Petrelli (Adrian Pasdar) has the ability to fly. His idealist brother Peter, a nurse, has the ability to mimic the powers of others. Claire Bennet (Hayden Panettiere), a high-school cheerleader, has the ability to heal herself. Hiro Nakamura (Masi Oka) has the ability to not only time travel but also freeze time, as well. With police officer Matt Parkman (Greg Grunberg) having the power to read minds, they are on the list of individuals with special powers: individuals like the serial killer Sylar (Zachary Quinto).
What these individuals will soon realize, though, is that they will play a pivotal role in the battle between good and evil, for the fate of the world is in their hands: giving them the potential to become heroes.
“Heroes” lasted five volumes until its cancellation in the spring of 2010 after four seasons. Throughout those five volumes, the heroes discovered the “Genesis” of their abilities, as they uncovered secrets from the “Generations” of their past. While some of the heroes fought “Villains”, others who are morally gray became ‘villains’ in a morally gray world where the heroes became “Fugitives” of the U.S. government. In the end, though, the heroes sought and found “Redemption” in a brave new world that finally knows they exist.
Last fall, it was indeed a brave new world with the 13-episode “event miniseries” entitled “Heroes Reborn” with original cast member Jack Coleman reprising his role as former Company Man Noah Bennet, aka H.R.G. (Horn-Rimmed Glasses) – and Claire’s father. “Heroes Reborn” featured new characters with abilities, as well as the return of fan favorites such as Hiro Nakamura. Known as “Evos” (evolutionary humans), they slowly yet gradually must come together to save the world.
In doing so, they have the potential to become heroes.