'Heroes' S03E07: 'Eris Quod Sum'

A pair of beautiful blondes and a devilish daddy supply the best moments in this average Heroes episode, although one can't help but feel that it's hit a slight stumbling block in terms of momentum.

The casting of Robert Forster could not have been bettered as the sinister patriarchal Petrelli. He's believably chilling yet funny at the same time. His "you're grounded" quip to Peter certainly raises a few chuckles, while also highlighting his son's transformation from the all-powerful hero to effectively an impotent child.

The new dynamic between Claire and Elle is brief but fittingly electric. The cheerleader yearns for a pain that she's used to, while her fellow blonde has had enough of suffering. It's all very Depeche Mode in terms of its S&M tone, with a thrilling scene set on board a plane and rounded off by a nice sting in the tail as Elle jumps ship.

Away from this new character and relationship, events are becoming slightly stale and repetitive. Just how many times can the likes of Sylar and Daphne change allegiances? Similarly frustrating is the increasingly gimmicky fake deaths. The staged Hiro-Ando murder worked well, Claire's 'death' at the hands of Doyle was fairly predictable, but this week it's the turn of Matt and Daphne to fake their own downfalls. Come on writers - at least give the concept some breathing space.

Fortunately, Heroes is still keeping its head well above water and the poorer aspects of the show do not significantly detract from what has been an excellent season to date, despite the largely unjustified criticism levelled towards the series in America.

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