khaosworks | Heroes 1x04: Collision

Seriously, this show is getting better and better, especially now we've gotten a chance to start getting invested in the characters. This episode was originally called "Come Together", and renamed "Collision" for some reason (maybe because of the last scene with Claire) — either way, the title fits, because man, shit starts whacking together in this one. The cliffhangers have been consistently awesome since episode two, and this one is no exception. And although it's moving a bit slowly; unlike, say, Lost, there's at least a ticking bomb in the storyline that's propelling things forward.

If you'll allow me a little fanboy speculation, although I'm sure someone's noticed before, the irony fairy seems to be working overtime when it comes to their powers. It's sort of like Wild Cards, where the person's subconscious desires and character influence the powers they get. For example:

Claire Bennet - high school cheerleader, protective parents, everyone thinks she's fragile and airheaded... and she's actually indestructible.

Niki Sanders - single mother trying to get buy in a society whose mores paint her as immoral and unfit... and she has an alter ego that does whatever the hell she wants.

Nathan Petrelli - a politician trying just as hard to conform, always restricted by his family, his position, his ambition... and he just wants to fly.

Hiro Nakamura - a salaryman, a Japanese worker stuck in a job and a society that puts insane demands on his time... and he can bend it to his will.

Matt Parkman - an ambitious cop who thinks he's good enough to be detective, but really isn't all that bright or smart enough, except he'd make the perfect detective because... he can read minds.

Isaac Mendez - an artist whose heroin addiction would destroy any other person, but when he's actually high... he can paint the future.

Peter Petrelli - a doormat who has lived his life for other people, who wishes that he could make a mark for himself, that he's destined for greater things... and he can only be powerful when other people with powers are around.

This is probably what the writers intended, of course.