This week's Heroes Redux

Heroes Redux: "November Sweeps, Yo!"

"Oh my God!"

"No f--king way!"

"November sweeps, yo!"

"Wooooooo-hooooo!"

This is what the crowd sounded like at a live screening party last night for Heroes hosted by TV Guide (whose four collectible Heroes covers come out this Thursday). Now, I'm not one to say what a Heroes screening party normally sounds like, but by the sounds of the general ape-dookie nuttery that was going down in the room as (don't read if you haven't seen it) West encountered HRG, Kensei was revealed as Adam, Matt pulled one over on his evil Dad and Hiro and Ando were reunited, I think at least a few fans in Hollywood last night felt this series is back on track and kicking booty once more. Woo-hoo, indeed!

Agree? Yes? No? Feel free to comment below, then keep on reading for what you may have missed and what lies ahead. Plus, we'll clear up that ugly rumor about Tim Kring's status on the show...

WHAT WE LEARNED

Bennet's Got Problems: This was not a good week to be Noah Bennet. His daughter's dating one of his former victims, he left fingerprints all over the Ukraine, Mohinder's gone AWOL, and he apparently gets shot through the eyeball in the not too distant future. Can Clairebear save her daddy? And/or 93 percent of the human race? Or will the premonition painting of his death come true? I have a bad feeling...

Holy Muscle Definition, Batman! We learned, first and foremost, that the only thing hotter than shirtless Peter being tortured is shirtless Peter being hosed down. Hot dayum. Also, did anyone else tend to believe Mama Petrelli when she said Peter was the most powerful of them all? I think the woman knows of what she speaks...

Character Growth: So, it seems Matt Parkman inherited his father's abilities wholesale, which is somewhat different than the genetic downloads we've seen in the past. No matter, as it stands now, Matt has outgrown his father and overthrown him, which any bard will tell you is an essential part of the hero's journey. Hopefully this we'll see much more from Parkman in episodes to come. Grunny, bless his heart, joins Adrian Pasdar, Jack Coleman and Jimmy-Jean Louis as one of the strong and sensible actors on this show in whom it is easy to put faith. More, please.

Kensei Is an Immortal! Can there be only one? As we teased previously, Kensei is alive and well, 400 years in the future. Adam Monroe is very very old and very very mean. And I am very very much loving David Anders as the villain we so love him to play! I mean, come on, Linderman was his flunky?! That's awesome! Delving into the Generations is definitely a worthwhile pursuit, for us as viewers and for the characters in the show.

Green Piece: If you plant a tree, it helps the planet. So sayeth Jeph Loeb, Zachary Quinto, James Kyson Lee and Dania Ramirez!

WHAT LIES AHEAD

Or Rather, What Lies Behind? This is the big question that is answered in the next episode, which flashes back four months to the night of the big boom. In this episode, you fall head over heels for Kristen Bell as Elle, because she's hilarious and mischievous and just all-around awesome. And, oh yeah, did I mention she and Milo kiss?! Gaaaah! Sign me up for freeze frame on that one. We also learn that D.L. did not die when we thought he did but rather indirectly at the hands of Niki's new alter ego: a naughty school girl. (I know. Sign you fellas up for freeze frame on that!)

Bloody Good Twist: Claire's got some serious mojo (read: blood) that can indeed save the world. You didn't think that good ol' slogan of yesterseason was already played out, didya? Long live the bloody good cheerleader who can save the world! And in fact, I'm told she'll rescue at least two main characters in the coming month. Righteous.

West Gets Beheaded! Just kidding. But I hope so.

Maya Is Worse than Sylar: As least as far as body count. You'll see!!

RUMOR OF THE WEEK

In addition to all the strike news flying around the Industry last night, there was also a Heroes rumor that spread through town like wildfire. It seems to have started with an ArtfulWriter.com commenter who posted:

"On another front, I have been advised by a source on Heroes that Tim Kring has quit the series. Apparently the network was making him remove storylines that could not be wrapped up in the existing episodes that are now being finished. This caused wholesale rewrites of three episodes over the past week and weekend."

WHAT? That's insane! It can't be true...right?

Right. Just wanted to help squash this rumor before it gets any farther. According to an NBC spokesperson, "This is completely untrue." So, there you have it folks. Don't believe everything you read on the Internets (see West rumor above).

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Paola in Chino, California: Writing from the prison here. Don't say you never receive prison mail. Just kidding...I have to say I really want Kristen Bell to hook up with Milo in Heroes. I know you hinted at baggage, but this show can change a character in one episode.
Hey, Paola! Say hi to Michael Scofield for me, will ya? And thanks for your letter. I think the chances of Elle and Peter hooking up are slim to none at this point, given the way she treats him in the next ep (that kiss is a means to an end for him). But you're right, there's always a chance for redemption on this show, so here's hoping Elle sees the light and Kristen and Milo get hot and heavy and make lots of yummy little superbabies to rule the world.