US TV

'Heroes' S03E09: 'It's Coming'

Published Thursday, Nov 20 2008, 14:02 GMT | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 3 comments

Unsurprisingly given its title, 'It's Coming' feels very much like a holding episode with the mission of putting various plotlines and character developments in place before the 'it' in question arrives. As such, much of the events are underwhelming but certainly not without artistic merit.

In particular, the prison cell scenes between Elle and Sylar are beautifully filmed, with a real cinematic quality that ramps up the dark tone, occasionally pierced by the light of the electric bolts. Their blossoming relations reek of emotional earnestness due to the fine performances from Zachary Quinto and Kristen Bell and the theme of empathy is fascinatingly brought out.

This narrative strand works well alongside the tangled love between Matt and Daphne. Just like Elle has to overcome her desire for vengeance, the Speedster has to conquer her inclination to obey Arthur's orders and kill the former cop. The nightmarish scenes in the hospital are reminiscent of David Lynch's work, which can only be a good thing. At one stage, it wouldn't have been a surprise if a backwards-speaking dwarf turned up.

Away from the captivating coupling though, there is a distinct lack of meat on the bones of the plot. Peter and Claire's plot is the televisual equivalent of a dog chasing its own tail, while the ongoing attempts to create intrigue between Nathan and Tracy yet again fail to arouse interest. Finally, Hiro's reduction to a 10-year-old never really delivers the goods, and simply isn't diverting enough despite his bowling alley naughtiness.

This episode of Heroes only delivers a half strike, but the mystery surrounding the solar flares is highlighted well and provides another reason to remain glued to the series.

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Jay, London, on November 26th, 2008
Three things made this episode: 1) I have to agree that the Sylar and Elle scenes were the best of the episode, containing an intense range of emotions as they both come to terms with and overcome each of their respective issues. In each other it seems portrayed they have perhaps found a kindred spirits. It also helps that Zachary and Kristen are best friends in real life, creating some amazing chemistry. 2) Arthur Petrelli. He is just an amazing character, greatly played. He's able to be completely ruthless but you also get the sense that he is very compassionate to those who allign with him, especially if they remain loyal (and even in the case with Angela, with whom he should share more scenes, you are unloyal to him) - evidence in his seen in his exchange with Sylar and the fact he let Angela free from the dream. You get a sense they he will eventually be pushed as misunderstand and, like most others, just obsessed with the greater good. 3) The ending. Now finally knowing who is who who's side, we can start to see the developing war between them and, in my case at least, begin predicting who will be squaring off with who over the coming episodes.

Amy, Exeter, on November 21st, 2008
I thought that the scenes between Elle and Sylar really were beautiful, it was so full of emotion! Kristen Bell and Zachary Quinto really showed how talented they are in this episode.

Mark Anthony Craig, Wirral, UK, on November 20th, 2008
I agree with Ben's comments. This episode clearly was used to redefine the two opposing "teams" before the big event. There has been so much side-swapping going on in recent episodes, that it probably made sense to make sense out of it all so that viewers know just exactly who is going to be fighting who over the coming weeks. And now we finally know - Sylar has gone soft, doesn't want to kill any more, but has allied himself to Arthur Petrelli - the father figure he has always craved; Elle has sorted her differences with Sylar and the two of them look like being a couple. Scheming Tracy offered to become Arthur's PA, so looks set to do the dirty on Nathan. Meanwhile, on the good side, Daphne's finally made up her mind after flitting between Arthur and Matt that she does indeed love Matt after all. And with her husband now clearly established as the arch-villain, Angela seems almost saintly despite the previous flaws in her abilities as a mother we have previously witnessed. Yes, this episode didn't pack as much punch as previous weeks, but as Ben said, it has served to set the scene for next week.

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