'Heroes' S03E13: 'Dual'

Sylar is suitably menacing in this dark conclusion to the 'Villains' chapter, which is high on brooding atmosphere but low on adrenalin-fuelled thrills.

The watchmaker stalking his prey in the Primatech building contains some of the darkest scenes in the show yet, both on visual and thematic levels. The departure of Meredith is particularly gruesome and inventive. However, the whole exercise effectively uses Sylar as a dogmatic mouthpiece for one attempt to explain the nature of the chapter, concerning the fine line between good and evil. Is there anyone that hasn't noticed this yet?

It's a mixed bag elsewhere too. Ando's sudden discovery of powers certainly feels overly convenient for the plot, but it does give us some fun time-jumping japes with the Speedster. Similarly, the sibling rivalry with Nathan and Peter does provide tension, but again doesn't ring true. As for Hiro walking up to Tracy and punching her in the face – very out of character indeed.

Nonetheless, 'Villains' as a whole contained much excellence along the way, and the next 'Fugitives' chapter is nicely teased at the end of the episode. It'll be intriguing to see how the super-powered people cope with being on the run – and whether it entails the settling of any differences.

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