TV Review: Heroes 3.3 – One of Us, One of Them

Posted by Adam Sweeney (adam@filmschoolrejects.com) on September 30, 2008

Heroes, NBC, Airs Monday 9/8c

Episode: “One of Us, One of Them” (Season 3, Episode 3)

Synopsis: An unlikely pair, Sylar (Zachary Quinto) and H.R.G. (Jack Coleman) are sent to capture the villains who escaped from Level 5. Hiro (Masi Oka) and Ando (James Kyson Lee) try to get a formula back from the speedster Daphne (Brea Grant). Future Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) continues his quest to find Present Peter, Claire (Hayden Panettiere) learns how to defend herself, and Tracy Strauss (Ali Larter) uncovers a connection between her and Niki Sanders.

Review: I enjoyed the first two episodes of season three but “One of Us, One of Them” was a superior episode, in my opinion, because it offered much tighter storytelling. The back to back premiere episodes before it were the equivalent of a stew. Throw in a ton of random ingredients and hope that the overall taste is enough to keep us from saying “What the hell did you put in this?” This one, on the other hand, felt more like a thought out meal at an upscale restaurant. It had method, it had something to satisfy those who like sweet or sour, and you knew what to expect when the next course came.

Most fans love Claire but the girl on the show that interests me is Daphne Middlebrook. Her interaction with Hiro is the one area of comic relief in the story, which in turn makes it continuously watchable. IMDB has her slated for only 5 episodes. If that’s the case then be prepared to hear me shout at NBC for knocking off one of the most entertaining characters on the show. Not everyone wants to see characters offer cryptic messages about a doomed future. Don’t be afraid to mix it up. I also loved the fact that a Buster Keaton film played in the background as Daphne and Hiro bickered. Props to Heroes for being in on the joke and honoring one of the greatest physical comedians ever.

There were a few moments in the episode that reminded me a lot of Star Wars. Claire has her Luke stuck on Tatooine moment when all she wants is to fight the evil empire. And we also found out that a certain Dr. Zimmerman created Tracy Strauss, who apparently isn’t Niki after all. Could they be clones? Will we see Jango Fett show up and play patty cake like he did with a young Boba Fett? Is it me or does Niki’s son, Micah (Noah Gray-Cabey), have an ability that would have made him the logical culprit in Eagle Eye? And even the pain that Meredith (Jessalyn Gilsig) put Claire through had a hint of Dagobah to it. She isn’t quite ready to face off against her nemesis, just like Luke wasn’t ready to face off against Vader. Now if only Claire had an X-Wing…

I am very happy to see Sylar continue to embrace “the hunger.” Season three promised us villains. So why is it over half of the escapees from Level 5 were so weak that they got their heads lobbed off less than halfway into the season? Let’s pray that Sylar keeps on terrorizing everyone around him. And I can not wait to see the showdown between H.R.G. and Sylar. They’re “The Odd Couple” meets “X-Men” pairing was fantastic.

‘One of Us, One of Them” was all about the heroes and villains looking for answers to what their purpose in the world is. It’s nice to finally get some of answers of our own and know that “Heroes” is making it clear what ours is as well.

Up Next Week: Tasked to save a world destined for destruction, Peter embraces a wild, dangerous ability to prepare for the struggle ahead.

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Did you watch Heroes this week? If so, feel free to discuss below.

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