Review: Heroes Reborn (Season 1, Episode 7)

This episode of Heroes Reborn begins with Noah and Hiro travelling back in time to June 13th, the fateful day that started all the chaos we have see in the show thus far. The producers waste no time in grabbing the audience’s attention, shocking them with the revelation that Claire was at the bomb-site the day of the explosion. This decision to surprise the audience is maintained throughout, as we are not only reunited with Hiro Nokamura, but also with Mohinder Suresh and Angela Petrelli. As such, this episode feels the closest to its predecessor, as they at combine the old with the new in a refreshing twist.

It is unusual to see Angela play the good guy, as she tries to warn Mohinder of the danger that they face, although it is competitively less surprising to see him doubting her, especially considering their history. With these two characters back in the mix, it seems that viewers can hope for the return of other favourites. However, fans should bear in mind that life has not been good to evos and the characters of the past might not be the same anymore.

In a strangely humanising move, the audience is presented with Luke and Joanne’s happy family life prior to the bomb. Seeing Joanne act like a doting mother is an odd contrast to what we have witnessed so far, yet it has the desired effect, as it highlights how much she lost that day, making the audience sympathise with her more. While I would not go as far as to say that this backstory makes the viewer love (or even forgive) Joanne, it does make them hate her a little less.

Aside from the return of original favourites, what is most enjoyable about this episode is how it reveals the links between the old and new. As it turns out, the mysterious large man who helps Tommy was a friend of Noah’s and even saved his life. Meanwhile, Molly was actually Mohinder’s girlfriend and Tommy’s mum was the nurse who delivered Claire’s babies. As such, this episode makes clear the connections between our characters and sets up the stage for even more interesting surprises to unfold.

Despite the sense of hope that this episode started with, the ultimate goals of Hiro and Noah fail, as the bomb still goes off and Claire dies. Yet something even more important is revealed. It seems that Noah was not aiming to save Claire, but her children. In one final surprise, it is also unveiled that the audience has already met one of these children, yet the other is still a mystery, one which viewers will wait anxiously to uncover.

This episode was simultaneously one of the slowest and fastest paced instalments so far, leaving the audience with the strange sensation of being both exhilarated and exhausted by the end. With so many reveals and fan favourite appearances, no one could argue that they were bored. In fact, for the first time ever, Heroes Reborn seems to have truly captured the flavour of its predecessor, giving fans hope for the future.

Heroes Reborn airs on Tuesdays at 9pm on 5STAR.