S02E04: 'The Kindness of Strangers'

Fantastic direction and building tension help to keep this Heroes episode afloat, despite a mixed bag of subplots.

In a kind of narrative tag team, out go the dire dealings of Hiro and Peter abroad, and in comes the equally tedious burger bar adventures of Monica Dawson. Why should we care about her not getting promoted to chief flame griller? We've only just met her - and a lasting first impression is definitely lacking.

Heroes can often impress on a visual level and director Adam Kane ensures that this episode is a visceral treat. The swooping camerawork as Sylar's ravaged body lies on the road gives the scene an air of foreboding menace, while the depiction of Claire and West's Hollywood date immerses the viewer in the intimacy of the couple and makes for several touching moments.

Still, it's a bit of a shame that Sylar didn't suck out the brains of Maja and Alejandro. Now that's worth paying to see on television - no need for Micah to do any 'hot wiring'.


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