S01E14: 'Distractions' Review

Filled with foreboding menace, ‘Distractions’ is dominated by a handful of stunning sequences that appeal on both a visual and cerebral level. Peter’s rooftop plunge courtesy of Claude stands out, given that it subverts our expectations as we’re assuming the young man will somehow acquire the ability to fly whilst plunging through the air.

Sylar’s vicious attack on Mr Bennet’s wife is particularly nasty, but more in terms of the power of suggestion rather than anything visually explicit. As for the scene near the end with Niki trapped in the mirror as Jessica takes over in her household, we’re gripped and fearful of what might lie in store for Micah and Hawkins.

The revelation that Nathan is Claire’s natural father takes us by surprise and, looking back, is rather ironic given that the politician was so against Peter pursuing his quest to save the cheerleader earlier in the series. It also shows how intricately everything is interwoven within Heroes and painstakingly assembled, with no doubt a few more plot twists yet to come.

Disappointingly, the clash between Hiro and Mr Sulu (aka his father) didn’t live up to the promise generated in last week’s episode. That segment of the plot felt a little flat and lacking in energy or drama. Then again, you could argue that it in fact cleverly subverted our expectations and avoided a predictable type of showdown.

Nonetheless, this episode kept up the recent run of absorbing episodes of late. It still feels like the series is back to the brewing stage, and we wait anxiously for what promises to be an eventful climax to the various interwoven strands of plot. Bring on Linderman!