(What's the meaning of the new paintings?)

Season 3 kicked off with a bang and definitely did not disappoint. We had back-to-back episodes: "The Second Coming" and "The Butterfly Effect". Last season now looks like a mere blur on the roadmap to great stories, special effects, drama and action. They've done a good job at throwing all kinds of twists and turns into just 2 episodes, giving us plenty of room to speculate. Here's some thoughts on the first two episodes and what we might expect this season.

The future "Peter" definitely gives us the display of powers (and special efx) we've been waiting for. I had been contemplating the idea that maybe this badass future Peter we were seeing was really Sylar coming back in time (after killing Hiro). It may make sense after seeing what Mrs. Petrelli said to Sylar, making him into her son.

So what's up with Mrs. Petrelli? She told Sylar he's her son, but I'm not sure she meant it literally. She's got some sort of mind manipulation powers and may be convincing Sylar to do her bidding. The bidding would be having Sylar go out to stop the future Peter, or even worse to destroy the world.

The fact that Sylar can morph into different people makes him deadlier than ever, but we didn't really see it displayed yet. It would make sense if "future Peter" is Sylar and he made "present day Peter" look like the inmate Jesse. You'll remember Candice had that ability to change the way things looked, but I'm not sure she could change something and leave it looking like that for an extended time period.

And how about the joke from Sylar when Claire asked if he was going to eat her brain now - "No Claire that's gross" - great stuff from the writers. It seems all Sylar needs to do is touch a certain part of a Heroe's brain to gain their powers, sorta like how Micah touched electronics and got a feel to make it work. I can't recall exactly, but weren't some of the brains removed from various dead people with powers? Where did those go? Also let's add to the list of new powers for Sylar: ability to heal, ability to create his own gold items- so he has a solid source of income in these rough economic times.

It's great to see Linderman back. Well he's not really back, just an apparition that Nathan sees. Or is it a mind trick? If Linderman were truly back, the creators could then bring back just about anyone they chose to. Or maybe it's possible now. Also, did Linderman have a hand in bringing someone else back to life..say Jessica/Nikki as Tracy Strauss? Interesting that she has a different power now to freeze people, and Suresh had the super strength.

We saw Electrocution-expert Elle as a guest star in Episode 2, and she almost was destroyed by Sylar. Her electric outburst saved her, but I'm not expecting her to last through the entire season. Most likely one of the new bad guys destroys her, possibly the one with the powerful force he emits that looks like some sort of radiation blast.

As for the new villains, they really haven't given us much insight beyond: a guy who absorbs fear to turn it into super-strength, a guy who controls magnetic forces (like X-Men's Magneto), and Jesse, who HRG has no clue about. Let's hope Jesse has a power, and it's not just to be the "cool guy who rolls with the villains". Also, it seems like Peter in a roundabout way is back where he was last season, rolling with a crew of bad guys while trying to save the world.

Are Micah and Monica no longer part of the Heroes crew? It's strange how they would not survive an exploding building which they weren't even in, but Nikki is back. Wouldn't that make Monica's role in last season basically useless in terms of overall story development? Well, at least she has her own comic book now.

Hiro vs. Ando was also an interesting story turn. Ando may have hit the nail on the head when he speculated "maybe it was someone who looked like me" that killed Hiro in the future. That could mean Sylar or Peter had changed their appearance in an attempt to steal that 1/2 formula from Hiro. But we also have that "power syringe" Suresh made and who knows, maybe Ando got power-hungry. Daphne's power is interesting so far, and she's stated she has a "boss". Is it Mrs. Petrelli or someone new?

The Suresh-Maya pairing makes for a steamy romantic couple for this season. Maya is looking better than ever, most likely due to the fact that she's not on the run, sweating and crying. Suresh made a cool power-giving syringe, until he discovered it gave him skin lesions and seemed to take his power away. Is Suresh dying now, or will he find a cure? Will a villain steal the power syringe? How bout giving HRG some kind of cool power? We still need someone who can stretch themselves out like Mr. Fantastic.

Is Claire the one who has the "purity of blood" needed for the second half of "The Formula"? HRG is setting out alone to track down the missing villains now. Will we see a return of his sidekick, The Haitian? Is Mrs. Petrelli now running The Company? Who's working for her? (possibilities: Daphne, Sylar, Haitian)

Speaking of powers, it seems that Matt Parkman and Nathan should be on the "Most Expendible List". Smart money is on Parkman to bite the bullet out of any of the main heroes, and possibly Nathan, although he's got a Senate role now which plays an important part in the story. Peter has Parkman's power now, but realistically Parkman is just a detective in the show who can give HRG backup.

Parkman's interaction with the turtle was funny, and it would have been interesting if there was a hero who could turn into animals. Possibly a joke from the creators there. Matt met up with a man who seems to have the power that Isaac had in Season 1. He can foretell future events by paintings. He's painted what looks like an exploding earth, see picture above. This must be some sort of warning sign for others, and we've seen it twice now. So possibly Peter or Sylar painted the other, but what does it mean?

It's gonna be a great season from the looks of these first two episodes. We have all sorts of bad guys out and about and the Heroes will need to find ways to stop them. Peter has the trump card, as does Sylar. Is it possible we see Sylar play the role of "good guy" trying to stop the villains?

Claire, HRG, Bob, Elle

Claire and her mother discuss the loss of HRG. Claire says she needs to go public with the info about The Company and save her family from harm. Meanwhile Bob tells Elle she is benched from field assignments due to her provoking Claire. Elle is visibly upset and begs to stay on. She goes to talk to HRG in his cell and ask what her "dad" and the Company did to her as a child. HRG tells her they tested her power to see how much wattage she could generate as a child. HRG says at age 7 her father told them to keep testing her to go farther and she'd pass out from it. Just then Bob shows up, and Elle leaves. Bob tells HRG that Claire is a problem and she needs to be prevented from going public.

West shows up and tells Claire not to leave town. Claire says they need to show everyone what they can do so people can listen to them. West says if they go public everything will be gone. West says exposing them won't bring HRG back. Claire gives West his file and tells him to leave. Right after West has flown away, HRG enters through the front door and startles Claire as if she was seeing a ghost.

HRG tells his family that he had to make a deal to go back with the Company to protect them all. He tells Claire not to go forth with her plans to expose the Company. HRG walks out the front door where Bob is waiting and tells him "it's done".

---

Micah, Niki, Monica

A visibly shaken Micah arrives home to tell his mom about how Monica was taken captive. Micah asks Niki to come help him save Monica. Niki says due to her virus she doesn't have use of her power. Niki and Micah drive to find Monica.

A young gang member who had kidnapped Monica begins to pour gasoline all over a basement where she is tied up. He says she's going to be burned in a fire for trying to interfere with them. Meanwhile as Niki drives, Micah uses his electronics powers to get cell phone GPS location for Monica.

Micah and Niki arrive to the destination just as the young man has lit the comic book on fire and the building. Micah notices him get into the van and start driving off, but Niki pulls her car into his path. Niki gets out and the man is angrily yelling at her. She draws a gun and hits him with it. She asks him where Monica is but he won't answer so she knocks him out. Niki rushes to the building to save Monica. The two are escaping but just then a large wood pillar falls into their path. Niki grabs a rag to hold the post up and tells Monica to run for it. Monica escapes but Niki is stuck in the burning building. Monica gets out and sees Micah and the two run off just as the building blows up. Micah screams "Mom!" realizing Niki didn't return.

---

Suresh, Sylar, Maya & Molly

Suresh finds Sylar in his apartment with Molly and Maya. Maya prepares breakfast and tells Suresh she has so many questions for him. Maya tells Suresh about her sickness that poisons everyone around her. Sylar said the Shanti virus has taken his powers and Suresh grabs a knife. Sylar pulls a gun on Suresh and tells Maya to stay calm. Suresh tells Sylar there are different strains of the virus and Sylar says he realizes that when mixed with Claire's blood it will cure him. Maya becomes upset at Sylar and everyone starts to fall ill. Sylar tells Maya to control her power and she spares Suresh, Sylar and Molly. Suresh takes Sylar to his lab to help him.

Sylar takes Suresh, Molly and Maya to the laboratory. Sylar realizes this is where he killed Isaac Mendez. Suresh tells Sylar he needs a blood sample to determine what strain of the virus he has. Sylar begins to talk about the murder of Suresh's father and Suresh realizes they are being taped by a Company security cam. Elle who is in her father's office notices the security feed and sees Sylar. She leaves the office to make her father proud.

While Maya is with Molly, she tells her of her brother Alejandro. Molly says she can find where her brother is and Molly gives her a picture. Molly tries to locate him several times then says "he's not anywhere" indicating he's dead. Maya becomes very upset and goes to confront Sylar over it. Suresh realizes that Sylar was injected by The Company with the virus. Just then Maya comes out and screams at him for killing her brother. Suresh shoots Maya and she falls to the floor dead. Sylar with the gun on Suresh says to use the blood cure to bring Maya back to life first as proof it works.

Suresh injects Maya with the cure and awaits its results. Just then Sylar is preparing to shoot Suresh from behind, but Elle shows up. She yells at Sylar and he shoots in her direction causing her to fall. Elle gets up and begins casting lightning at Sylar. One bolt blasts him in the back but he is able to escape. Elle goes after him and then comes back to say how she failed to catch him. Maya has come back to life. Suresh tells Elle she saved them all.

---

Peter, Adam & Hiro

Peter and Adam have just entered the warehouse area of Primatech. All of a sudden everything and everyone are frozen except Peter. Hiro shows up and tells Peter he is there to avenge the murder of his father committed by Adam. Hiro teleports to try to strike Adam with the blade, but Peter uses telekinesis to freeze him. They discuss the past and future which involved Adam and the virus. Peter says he is going to help Adam stop it. Hiro teleports behind Peter and puts his sword to his neck, but Peter grabs it and shocks Hiro causing him to fall to the ground. Time is unfrozen and Adam recognizes Hiro. He takes Hiro's sword and Peter and Adam go to find the virus.

Adam and Peter wipe out Primatech security guards en route to the safe where the virus is kept. Peter confronts Adam about murdering Hiro's father and Adam admits to it. Adam works Peter again telling him he needs to open the safe with his powers to save the world and the woman (Kaitlyn) who he loves. Peter eventually begins to use all his might to work on opening the huge safe door.

---

Nathan, Angela, Matt, Hiro, Peter & Adam

Angela is meeting with Nathan and Matt. Matt reveals that Adam murdered Victoria Pratt recently. Angela reveals that Adam is seeking revenge on those who betrayed him. Matt and Nathan reveal that Peter is still alive and working with Adam. Angela tells them 30 years a group formed to "change the world" but Adam defied their goals for his own purposes. Angela says Adam decided he wanted to wipe out the world with an unstoppable virus. Angela tells them to go to Primatech in Odessa, Texas to stop Peter and Adam. She speaks to Matt mentally and tells him if they can't stop Peter they will have to shoot him with a bullet through his head.

Matt and Nathan fly to Primatech, literally with Nathan carrying Matt on his back. As they go to enter Matt tells Nathan what Angela said about killing Peter. Nathan says he will handle Peter and just then Hiro shows up outside, excited to see Nathan.

Peter finally opens the door and just then Hiro teleports in front of Adam. Adam goes to slice Hiro with his blade but Peter tosses Hiro to the wall out of the way. Adam tells Peter to take care of Hiro and he begins to choke him up against the wall. Just then Matt steps into the corridor and begins to use his mental suggestion to tell Peter that Adam is the one to go after. Peter refuses to believe it and uses telekinesis to toss Matt down the hall. Peter tells Matt he's on the wrong side. Just then, Nathan steps into the hall and talks to Peter about how Adam has manipulated him. Hiro teleports himself into the safe and confronts Adam. He tells Adam he should kill him for the murder of his father.

Adam has his blade to Hiro's throat as Hiro touches him and teleports them both out. Unfortunately, Adam was holding a vile of the virus and lets it fall before he is teleported away. Peter rushes into the safe and is able to use telekinesis to stop the falling vile of the virus in mid air. Nathan and Matt rush in and Peter takes the vile in hand using his powers to destroy it. Matt, Peter and Nathan discuss having a press conference. Nathan tells Matt he needs to use his power to make everyone listen to him.

Hiro shows up back at his workplace in Japan to see Ando. He tells Ando he went to avenge his father's death and has put the murderer in a place he will never escape. Just then Adam is shown buried alive at the same grave site as Hiro's father.

Meanwhile, Nathan holds a press conference after telling Peter he shouldn't let guilt eat him up inside. Nathan talks about all he lost but how it humbled him and he saw the world differently due to that. Nathan speaks of those with extraordinary abilities and the organizations aiming to stop them. Nathan is about to reveal his power to everyone at the press conference, but ust then two gun shots blast into Nathan's chest and he falls down dead. Peter clutches his brother in vain as Matt looks to the back of the crowd to see a man walking away. Angela Petrelli is seen on a cell phone and tells the caller she knows it needed to be done, but they should realize they've opened Pandora's box now.

---

We see the end of Chapter 2, and the start of Chapter 3 "Villains". Sylar is seated against a wall in an alley way where he starts to heal from the blood injection. He sees a can across from him and raises his hand, then uses telekinesis to bring the can to his hand. Sylar exclaims "I'm back" as the show comes to a close.

Peter & Adam

Peter has a vision of himself in the future in New York City where he sees himself and Kaitlyn being taken away by the virus decontamination team. He wakes from it and is in Adam's presence, then tells him about losing Kaitlyn in the future. Adam mentions The Company worked named Victoria Pratt, a biological engineer, who recovered the virus from Shanti in 1977. Adam tells Peter the woman tried to turn the virus into a weapon and unleash it. Adam shows Peter a picture of the Company founders and tells him they are responsible for the future virus outbreak. Peter tells Adam they need to find Victoria Pratt and make her tell them everything.

Peter and Adam arrived at Victoria Pratt's home and Peter goes in to talk to her. Peter finds her gardening and tells her about the Shanti virus and how it kills 93% of the population in a year. Victoria pulls a rifle on Peter as he claims she created a virus that kills millions. Victoria orders Peter to go inside her home at gunpoint. Peter tells Victoria about losing Kaitlyn in the future. Peter asks where to find the virus so he can save her. Victoria mentions mutated strain of the virus #138 and said if released it would kill everyone. Peter goes out to meet Adam so they can leave and tells him Victoria said the virus is in New Mexico at the company facility. Adam says there's no facilities there and just then he gets blasted by Victoria's rifle. She turns the rifle on Peter and says he's working with Adam so she shoots him. She goes to shoot Adam in the head and Peter intervenes to knock her out.

Peter and Adam bring Victoria into her home and tie her up. Victoria tells Peter she was responsible for stopping Adam from unleashing the virus. She asks Adam if he killed Kaito and now plans to kill her. Peter demands Victoria tell her where the virus is and is able to hear her thoughts of Primatech Paper Company in Texas. Adam unties Victoria so she can be free and she grabs her rifle to point it at Peter. Adam pulls his gun and shoots Victoria dead telling Peter she was about to shoot his head off.

---

Claire, Bob, Elle, HRG

Bob is staring at a gun held by Mrs. Bennet as he brings the ashes of HRG in an urn to the family. He says he is honoring Noah's wishes and they will leave Claire alone to live her life. Bob apologizes for their loss before leaving. Mrs. Bennet tells Claire and her brother they are leaving town. Bob gets into a car with Elle telling her to keep an eye on Claire. Elle has a sling on from her gun shot. Bob tells Elle to accept responsibility for messing up and to regain his trust. Elle promises to watch Claire.

West goes to see Claire and asks her if she's leaving town. Claire says everything happening now hurts more than any of the injuries shes sustained. Claire tells West about The Haitian and his ability to erase people's memories. Claire pulls out the windchimes and West tells her she doesn't want to forget her father.

HRG is shown laying on an operating style table as his eye magically heals thanks to Claire's blood. HRG wakes up and Suresh is there telling him he saved him with Claire's blood. Suresh said he had no choice but to shoot him and his family is at home grieving. Suresh says he will use Claire's blood to save an innocent woman from a deadly virus. Suresh says The Company saves lives and HRG tells Suresh the Company has been making the virus for 30 years now and he can't trust them.

Suresh talks to Bob about the virus cure from Claire's blood. Suresh talks about Strain 138 and how it could wipe out all of civilization. Bob tells Suresh the Company is vigilant and Suresh says it doesn't seem it if he could operate as a spy for as long as he did. Suresh asks Bob to help him hunt down every strain of the virus and destroy them. Suresh then calls Niki to tell her he has the cure and says he will bring it to New Orleans.

Claire tosses the ashes of her father out into the ocean/beachfront area and apologizes for not listening to him more as her family looks on. Claire's mother says for Claire to tell West goodbye so they can head to Salt Lake. Claire spots Elle in a nearby vehicle and goes to confront her. Claire tells Elle she will tell the world what they did by kidnapping her and killing her father. Elle says nobody will believe her and Claire says she will show everyone exactly what they can do. Claire says once the secret is out Elle and the Company will be the ones running.

---

Niki, Monica & Micah

Micah discusses a $600 comic book with his cousin and Monica. Niki shows up in New Orleans to surprise Micah. Niki tells Micah that she has a virus, but that Dr. Suresh is working on a cure for it. Niki promises Micah a normal life. Micah tells Niki he has the medal of honor that DL won for saving a girl from the fire. Micah goes to get it from his backup and discovers his backup was taken.

Micah's cousin admits to getting jacked for Micah's backpack with the comics when he took them to find their value. Micah gets angry and attacks him, and Niki pulls Micah off him. Nana says she will call the police and Micah says they need to be heroes and get the backpack back. Niki tells Micah that being a hero is what got DL killed. Micah looks at Monica who looks determined.

Monica and Micah sneak out of the home late at night to go recover his backpack. Monica is dressed just like the comic book hero Micah talked about, Saint Joan. She watches a video of a girl scaling up a home to break in and Micha shuts down the street light. Monica gets into the home and finds the medal and backpack but just then a gang shows up in 2 cars. They go into the home and Monica tries to keep herself up on the ceiling similar to a ninja. Monica accidentally drops a comic book and the gang pulls their guns on her on the stairs. The gang members bring Monica outside and toss her into a van, then drive off. Micah takes off running.

---

Sylar, Maya & Alejandro

Gabriel aka Sylar wines and dines Maya in Virginia, en route to visit Dr. Suresh. Sylar talks about Maya letting her brother go and learning to control her own power. Sylar talks about Maya killing Alejandro's wife and begins to make her upset. Sylar tells Maya her brother hates her for it and she starts to unleash the plague causing Sylar to crash to the ground dying. Sylar tells Maya she is killing him and Maya is able to stop herself from unleashing it fully. Sylar and Maya hug as she learns she can control the power.

Maya goes to tell Alejandro about her ability to control her power now. Alejandro shows his sister news about how Sylar murdered his own mother. Sylar enters the hotel room and asks if Maya told Alejandro her news. Maya confronts Sylar over the murder news. Sylar tells Maya his mother didn't understand his aiblities and called him a monster. Sylar claims his mother tried to kill him and he was defending himself. Maya falls for it and Alejandro yells at her to not trust him. Maya tells her brother that Gabriel understands what she is going through and they will go see Dr. Suresh, but without Alejandro. Maya claims she intentionally killed Alejandro's bride. Alejandro storms out and Sylar comforts Maya.

Alejandro goes to confront Sylar over what he's made Maya believe. As the two fight, Sylar knocks Alejandro to the ground and grabs a blade to stab Alejandro. Sylar kills him just as Maya knocks on the door. Sylar goes out to see her half naked pretending he was in the shower. Maya tells Sylar they will leave Alejandro behind and go find Suresh. Maya claims Sylar has helped her and the two embrace as the dead body of Alejandro is shown.

Suresh is heading in a taxi with the virus cure when he gets a call from Sylar. Sylar tells Suresh he's at the apartment watching Molly. Sylar says he has someone with him that needs Suresh's help and he should get there soon.

---

Hiro & Ando

Hiro and Ando discuss how Kensei was the killer of Hiro's dad. They look at various files and Primatech info to find out what he has been up to. Hiro finds a 1977 photo of his father with Kensei, but on back Kensei is listed as Adam Monroe. Ando remembers seeing a paper about Adam, and Hiro discovers his father locked up Adam back in 1977, so he time travels to Primatech at that date. Hiro oversees Adam being taken away at the orders of his father who says Adam betrayed the Company. Adam had tried to unleash the virus to wipe out the population. Kaito talks to Victoria Pratt who tells him to shut down the program and he claims things will be safe. Kaito refuses to destroy the virus and Victoria quits due to this.

Ando teleports beack to see Ando and tells him about the virus at Primatech in Texas. Hiro says he must go to stop Adam from releasing the virus. Ando says Adam is invincible but Hiro grabs his sword and teleports away to Primatech.

Adam and Peter enter Primatech and are walking to find the virus when all of a sudden everything freezes but Peter. Hiro says he is there to avenge Adam killing his father. Peter says he can't let Hiro hurt him. The show ends with Hiro drawing his sword and charging at Peter who begins to generate electricity from his hand as they prepare to do battle.

Monica, Dr. Suresh, Molly & Niki

Monica Dawson is watching gymnastics on a TV and mimicking the moves. Suresh comes in and talks to her about her powers, saying she is there for observation in New York. Bob comes in and introduces himself to her as "in charge of operations", then asks to speak to Suresh alone. Suresh notices a file folder with "Adam Monroe" on the file tab. Bob takes out a syringe with the Shanti virus, saying they will test it on Monica to see if they can take away her ability without harming her. Suresh warns against using this and creating a strain that could wipe out the entire population. Bob tells Suresh this is "for the greater good" and tells Suresh he must inject Monica.

Suresh calls HRG about what he's been asked to do, and HRG tells Suresh to go through with it and not to disappoint him. Later, Suresh is about to administer the shot to Monica, then tells her he can't do it. Suresh leaves the room and tells Bob he refuses to give the shot. Bob says someone else will. Suresh takes a chair and tosses it at the glass cabinet full of the virus viles, smashing it all. Suresh tells Bob he is going to take Molly and leave so someone else can do this research.

Bob later speaks to Suresh and says he is under a tremendous of pressure to stop a force going after them that is very dangerous. Suresh asks if it's "Adam Monroe" and Bob says yes. Bob tells Suresh he has someone else at his disposal to make sure there's no further problems, so Suresh agrees to continue helping him.

Bob delivers Monica back home and tells her she has a Burger Bonanza management training session. He hands her a folder of info and an iPod video she can learn "any skill she wants from". Monica is amazed by the support, advice and gifts. Bob tells her she has an amazing gift and that the town she's in could use some "amazing".

Niki/Jessica Sanders comes in to visit Suresh at the lab. Niki tells Sures she is going to be his new partner working with the Company for a while now. Niki tells Suresh she found out from Bob they are having some trust issues and she will make sure there's no more understandings.

---

Claire & West

Claire is trying out with several other girls for cheerleading at her new school. The head cheerleader, Debbie votes "No" to all 3 girls, but one girl stands up for Claire. Debbie asks if anyone else wants to vote for Claire, and no other girl comes forward. Debbie says Claire isn't "exiraordinary".

Claire talks to West about lying to her dad, saying she made the cheerleading team. Claire also talks about not making the team, and her and West talk about publicly humiliating the head cheerleader to bring her down a notch.

Late night at Claire's school, Claire asks the head cheerleader for another shot to be on the team. The cheerleader is getting drunk off a bottle in her hand and tells Claire no again. Just then someone in a dark ski mask comes up behind Claire and grabs her. The figure rises up into the air, flying, indicating it's West. West then drops a screaming Claire down onto a set of stone steps. The hooded figure flies after the head cheerleader, as she runs screaming.

Later Debbie is interviewed bya police officer and she describes what sounds like a crazy incident. Claire comes up saying she was never chased by a "flying hooded figure" and the police officers determine that the head cheerleader has been drinking. Later, the cheerleader who voted for Claire comes running up to West and Claire and tells them Debbie was suspended and kicked off the team for drinking. The girl tells Claire she's now officially on the cheerleading team.

---

Sylar, Alejandro & Maya

Sylar is traveling with Maya and Alejandro through Mexico to get to the US border. Sylar tells Maya how he used to have extraordinary powers and wants them back because he wants to be "special and unique". Sylar charms Maya a bit and starts to brush his hand against Maya's face as her brother wakes up in the back seat. Alejandro tells Maya he doesn't trust Sylar and wants to find someone else to take them across their border so they can ditch Sylar. Maya disagrees and says they will go with Gabriel because he can help them find Dr. Suresh.

Maya, Alejandro and Sylar make it to the border for the United States, but just as they cross the border, trucks come out and they are surrounded by men with guns claiming to be "Border Control". Sylar tells Maya they are fakes and to just drive around them, and Maya becomes upset. Sylar convinces Maya to use her gift to help them get past the men. Alejandro yells for Maya to take his hand, but Sylar says no and pushes his hand away. Maya becomes upset and the border patrol men all fall to the ground. Sylar begins to get sick too and tells Maya to "drive".

Later Sylar has been cured of the sickenss Maya caused. Alejandro starts to beat up Sylar for allowing Maya to wipe out the men she did. Maya tells him to stop because she had to do it to help them all. Maya pleads with Alejandro to let Sylar continue with them. Alejandro agrees but tells her next time her eyes go black he won't offer his hand and will let Sylar die. Maya goes to the car trunk and then Sylar tells Alejandro how he will kill them both once he gains his powers back. Sylar says even if he doesn't Maya is developing nicely and is a "shiny toy" that is all his.

---

Hiro, Kensei, Princess, Ando

Ando continues to look at the scroll message that Hiro sent. A scientist helps him read the ancient parchment, which discusses the attack in 1671 Kiso Mountain, Japan. Hiro remarks how he fears for the lives of Kensei and the princess in this battle to save her father. Hiro points out "the tent that smolders" on a map which is the one the princess' father is in. The princess asks Hiro why he has stayed back with them, but Hiro is unable to answer as Takezo comes up. Takezo says they must go to the "smoldering tent" and Hiro pretends it was Kensei who knew this all along.

Kensei, Hiro, the princess and her father begin to escape from the heavily guarded army camp of tents. Kensei fights off soldiers with his sword. One warrior emerges from behind them and fires a rifle towards Hiro and the princess, and Hiro quickly uses his power to teleport them out of harm's way. The princess asks Hiro how they got to an empty forest. Hiro pretends not to know, but the princess says he held her and they moved to a new location. The princess then realizes Hiro can do amazing things, and he tells her he wants to fix history. The princess asks Hiro if he loves her and Hiro says yes, very much. The princess goes to kiss Hiro but he stops time and thinks twice about the "space time continuum". Hiro kisses her anyways and Kensei is seen looking on at them. According to the scroll Ando is reading Hiro's kiss screwed up the space-time continuum. Ando asks where the rest of the story is and the scientist says there isn't more.

Kensei, Hiro and the princess plot their attack at night time. Kensei goes up to the main warrior guarding the princess' father's tent. The man stabs Kensei with a samurai sword. Kensei doesn't die due to his ability to heal/regenerate. Kensei knocks the man out, then he Hiro and the princess rescue the princess' father. The princess' father discusses that the army holding him there has a large arsenal of guns. Hiro tells Kensei he must destroy all the guns to keep the way of the Samurai going.

Kensei confronts Hiro about kissing the princess. Hiro says he accidentally fell in love with the princess, and Kensei says Hiro has cut him deeper than any blade could. Hiro swears to Kensei that that will be his last kiss and the fate of the world still lies in Kensei's hands. Kensei ends up knocking Hiro out from behind, then the enemy warriors come in, holding the princess and her father prisoner. Kensei has made a deal with the enemy, and steps over Hiro who is face first on the ground.

---

HRG & The Haitian

HRG pays a visit to Ukraine to see his Russian Mentor, Ivan. After knocking him out and restraining Ivan in a chair, HRG threatens to have Haitian wipe out treasured memories in Ivan's head if he doesn't give them info. HRG instructs Haitian to start with the day Ivan met his wife and Haitian puts his head over Ivan's forehead. Ivan tells HRG he should be tired of running and hiding his family from The Company. HRG tells Haitian to wipe out all his memories of Claire and HRG's family. Ivan suggest that they make a deal and asks HRG to come back to work with him and he'll be safe. HRG says forget it, after noticing a picture of Ivan's family up on a mantel. Ivan says he will give HRG the paintings and his life back if HRG "trusts him".

HRG asks Ivan about the daughter in his family picture who must have died and remarks how painful it must have been for Ivan. HRG tells Haitian to wipe out Ivan's memories of the daughter and Ivan finally gives in, telling HRG where the other paintings are located. Ivan asks if now the Haitian will wipe out all his memories of their visit. HRG says no instead they will make it look like a home invasion and murder, because otherwise the Company would discover Ivan's memory loss and trace it to the Haitian. HRG pulls a gun and Ivan pleads with him to stop or he'll "condemn himself to Hell". HRG shoots Ivan anyways and says "I know".

HRG and Haitian open a crate to discover the other paintings Isaac Mendez drew in the series of 8. A visible painting shows a vile of some liquid from a laboratory. HRG looks at paintings of a blond female banging her hands on a door, Hiro having a samurai sword fight with Takezo Kensei (painting 6), a man holding a smoking gun (painting 7), and then HRG laying dead on the ground, shot in the eye (painting 8). HRG asks "what does it mean?"

---

Peter and Kaitlyn

Peter and Kaitlynn decide to head to Monetreal in search of Ricky's killer. Kaitlynn says she wants to go, but Peter says its too dangerous. However, Kaitlynn says she needs to be there to "kill the bitch" for what she did to her brother.

Peter and Kaitlyn arrive in Montreal, Canada where they look at Peter's painting he drew and find the location it depicts. They come to a door which has the helix symbol carved above it. Peter and Kaitlyn enter the dark room. Peter finds a note on a mirror left with his name on it. The note reads "We were right about The Company. The World is in danger. It's up to Us. -Adam" Peter asks Kaitlyn what he's supposed to do and she says "he'll figure it out" then they hug. Peter says "tell me who I am and what the future holds". Just then, Kaitlyn and Peter are teleported to New York City which is completely empty of people, traffic and seems full of trash. Peter finds an "Evacuation Notice" paper laying on the ground which is dated "June 14th, 2008", making Peter realize he and Kaitlyn are one year into the future.

The episode closes with "In Memory of Tim Susco". Susco worked as key assistant location manager for the episode "Four Months Later. His IMDB profile reads that he died on August 15, 2007 at the young age of 25.

As Season 2 of Heroes continues to progress, here's some of the questions I'm working with. Also includes my speculation for what could easily happen this season. These aren't spoilers, just my ideas of what may happen.

1) Who is the Hero killer? My best guess is the "hooded hero killer" is either Nathan, Claude (the invisible man who trained Peter, season 1), or the Petrelli father. Nathan, Claude and Mr. Petrelli seem to have motives as they may not like "The Company" agenda or what was being planned for the city of New York. It would not be surprising if Parkman's dad is using mind tricks to involve Nathan or make it look like Nathan is involved. Takezo Kensei would make for a great twist in the plot, as we are watching him as a hero in the past and he's a killer in the present (it may even relate to #5 below).

2) Is West someone HRG sent to watch Claire? This is one that came up recently, in that maybe West is a trusted friend HRG met and helped via the Company. HRG asked West to watch over Claire. That might seem way off base though as the whole Claire-West relationship seems very well hidden from HRG. If not that, then possibly West is really a part of the current Company sent to gain Claire's trust so they can bring her in.

3) Who will Sylar's shiny new toy be? In the very first episode this season we were shown a bunch of intro scenes, including one which had Sylar saying "she's like a shiny toy for me to play with". This would seem to indicate Molly Walker. My guess is Sylar kidnaps her as bait to get Suresh to cure him. However Sylar could have been speaking about a few other characters such as Monica, Niki or even Maya.

4) Will Sylar kill Maya? If that happens, people are really in trouble, especially if Sylar gets upset. It would also mean that either Peter or Hiro need to be with Alejandro so they can freeze Sylar to "reverse the curse". Then Alejandro can work his magic to bring Sylar's victims back to life.

5) How is Hiro going to screw up the past/present/future? I just see it coming that Hiro will do something back in time with Kensei that isn't for the best or wasn't supposed to be done. It may possibly be a theory/motive as to why Kensei is in the present killing elder heroes. The question is what will Hiro mess up and what will it set off for the present day/future?

6) What is Monica Dawson's involvement? I can see it coming now, something involving Niki vs Elle or Monica vs Elle in some interesting female fight scenes. Maybe even a handicap match with Monica and Niki having a showdown with Elle. It's hard to figure out Monica's involvement in the story/plot so far and this makes some sense. It could also be she's just someone to give a new power to Peter and Sylar.

7) Does HRG get shot according to painting #8? - A friend of mine suggested that it is Sylar who is shot, not HRG, and it seems to make sense. Last season we all struggled with the "who's the bomb" question and who the "exploding man painting" depicted (Peter, Sylar, Ted Sprague). I believe we are being lead to think HRG is going to get shot, when in fact it is Sylar posing as him. West is with Claire and sees the guy who tried to abduct him and "bang". Best guess is the rest of those paintings HRG is looking for will show the other "elder hero murders" 1 by 1. Then HRG and whoever will be in a race to stop the next murders from going down.

8) How does Peter recall certain powers? This isn't a huge deal, the guy has amnesia. He knew to phase through ropes that were binding his hands, and was able to hear a suspicious thug's thoughts. So wouldn't he recall teleportation and just teleport himself back home to New York? I guess that's just a bit too easy and might ruin the story though...

Even though some fans of the hit NBC series "Heroes" have been disappointed this season and the show saw its worst ratings so far this past Monday, some of its newest stars are giving the show a new fanbase. Nicholas D'Agosto, Kirsten Bell, Monica Davis and Dania Ramirez are the new hero stars on the show, each possibly bringing new fans. A few articles and interviews take a look at the recent character additions to the show.

New York Post's article "Hero Worship" celebrates the fact that everyone's favorite indestructible cheerleader, Claire, now has a boyfriend in West. NY Post interviews Nicholas D'Agosto (West) about the relationship and also has cast photos.

Bell goes bad in new Heroes role - Discusses Kirsten Bell, the new bad girl, "Elle" on Heroes. She has the power to cast lightning bolts from her hands and previously starred on the hit show "Veronica Mars". Discusses her other TV role as well as a little insight into her Heroes character.

BuddyTV Interviews Dana Davis - Davis is the interesting new "muscle mimic" who is Micah's cousin. Her ability so far has involved her mentally TIVOing things she's seen on TV or in the streets, and then duplicating those actions exactly. She's done everything from intricate tomato carving to wrestling moves to double dutch jump roping.

EW has interviews with each of the "Wonder Twins". EW talks to Shalim Ortiz who plays Alejandro and talks to Dania Ramirez who plays Maya. The brother-sister duo can unleash and undo a terrible plague, as long as they stay together.

These new characters and powers do give some extra life to the show, which many have criticized for poor story and plot development so far. Many fans who returned from season 1, are not happy with how Peter, Hiro and Sylar are being developed. Hopefully the creative writers and Tim Kring can zap some excitement in, bring Hiro back to present day, bring Peter back to his real life and bring Sylar back to his bad self soon.

Also see Heroes at Spike TV's Scream 07'

Heroes Season 2, Episode #205 recap

---

Nathan and Matt Parkman

Molly Walker is in a coma with a serious fever at the start of the show, and Suresh is looking after her.. Mohinder convinces Parkman he must go confront his fear and find his father at the apartment Molly specified. Parkman says Angela Petrelli used to know his father, so he takes off as Suresh watches Molly. Later on Matt is having Angela Petrelli interrogated again at the police station. Nathan is at the station and convinces Parkman to take him along to Philadelphia.

Matt and Nathan go to Philadelphia to apartment 9 looking for Parkman's father. Matt is hesitant because he hasn't seen his father since age 13. Matt and Nathan enter the apartment where his father is aiming a rifle. Once Matt identifies himself and restrains his father, Matt and Nathan begin to ask him questions. Matt asks what he is doing to Molly, what he knows of the Kaito murder and Angela Petrelli being attacked. Matt's dad shows them a picture of himself with the red helix mark over it. He says he's trying to protect himself. Nathan tells Matt to "just read his mind". Matt tries to but is locked out and experiences a pain in his head. Matt's father reveals he has similar powers and tells Matt they become so much more later on in life.

Matt's father tells Matt he has some things to show him in another room that might shed some light. Matt's dad leads him into the room then a door shuts and Parkman is locked in. Nathan knocks on the door yelling for Matt but gets no response. Matt finds himself inside a prison cell, and a guard shoves him up against the wall. Nathan breaks through the door, and finds himself standing on the Pigeon coop outside Isaac Mendez' loft. Nathan overlooks a burned up version of New York City, after the explosion. Nathan is puzzled about what's going on.

Nathan and Matt are confronted by fears put into their minds by Parkman's dad. Nathan faces the burned up version of himself which tells him he is the reason the city has exploded. Matt faces his ex-wife with child who makes him feel guilty and inadequate, telling Matt he left them just like his own father left. As Matt's ex walks out of the cell, the guard returns and Matt gets into a fight with him. Nathan gets into a fight with his altered self up on the pigeon coop. It ends up being Matt and Nathan choking each other on the floor of the apartment. Matt starts yelling in his thoughts, telling Nathan to "wake up" as Nathan is choking him. Nathan wakes out of it. Matt and Nathan search the apartment for clues as to where Matt's dad went or what he's up to. Nathan finds a picture of "Bob" with the red helix mark over him and Matt decides Bob must be next on the killer's list, indicating his father may be responsible.

---

Mohinder Suresh, HRG, Niki Sanders

Mohinder calls HRG who is in Russia with the Haitian to tell him he's bringing Molly to the Company to get help. HRG says that once they have something Suresh cares about, they will have him where they want him. HRG warns Suresh, but Suresh brings Molly in for help anyways. While Suresh is monitoring Molly at the Company, his boss "Bob" comes in and hands Suresh a file folder of a new hero to track. Bob also gives Suresh a tazer just to keep safe and subdue any people he might need to. As they are talking, all of a sudden alarms start going off. Niki/Jessica Sanders bursts through a door. She pushes Suresh aside causing him to fly into a door. Niki then holds Bob up in a chokehold but Suresh is able to tazer her down.

Later, Bob and Suresh look after Niki who is recovering in a bed at the Company. Niki apologizes for earlier and Bob tells her she has multiple personality disorder which is a troublesome thing. As Bob leaves, Suresh tells Niki he can help her escape. Niki tells Suresh she came of her own will because she is sick and needs help. She says she gave up her son to be there and that the Company can help.

---

Ando, Hiro, Takezo Kensei

Ando brings the note written by Hiro on old parchment to a translator who is amazed at how aged the paper is. The scroll has a note written by Hiro, and talks about the various Kensei stories that Hiro is a part of back in time, with Hiro saying "it's like living in a storybook". Feudal Japan 1671 is shown with Kensei, Hiro and the princess planning to save the princess' father. Ando reads more and finds out that Hiro is planning to face an army with Takezo Kensei. Just then the ancient parchment becomes illegible and Ando is unable to read what happens next to Hiro. The man at the science lab helping Ando says he will need more time to read it before they know what happens next.

---

Peter Petrelli & Elle

In Ireland, Peter is still with his new girlfriend, Mickey's sister, Kaitlyn. She discusses him looking into the box to find his identity, but Peter says whoever is looking for him to "let them look". A new blonde woman, Elle is shown looking for Peter at the docks in Ireland. She tells the man she works for a company to help keep Peter out of trouble. He asks how she can handle him if Peter's so dangerous. Elle walks off around a corner and says "I can handle myself" as she emits electricity from her hand.

Mickey and his friend tell Peter that an American woman was looking for him on the docks. Mickey tells Peter he needs to go hideout while he takes care of things. Peter says he can take care of himself, but Mickey says he needs to stay safe so they head to Kaitlyn's loft. Peter notices that Kaitlyn paints and has several paintings around. Peter decides that Kaitlyn was right earlier about checking his identity out. Peter opens the box containing his possessions, telling Kaitlyn he wants to stay with her regardless of what he finds. Peter finds a passport giving his name, a plane ticket for Montreal and and a photo of him with Nathan but he is unable to identify him. As Peter ponders things he notices a blank canvas in the loft. He walks over to it and his eyes gloss over white as he begins painting frantically.

Elle goes to the Irish Pub and asks Mickey if he knows Peter's whereabouts. Mickey pretends he never saw Peter before, and despite Elle's repeated questioning, sticks to his story. Elle locks up the pub and then blasts Mickey with a bolt of lightning. Later, Elle talks via cell phone to her employer about how she had to use "persuasion" and killed someone while looking for Peter. Her boss tells her to return home, and an angry Elle says she almost has Peter. Despite this, her boss tells her to return, and she says "sorry daddy it won't happen again", driving off.

Peter and Kaitlyn analyze the painting Peter has quickly created, noticing two individuals in the picture, as well as a large church-like building and street signs that are in French. Kaitlyn says it may be Montreal like the plane ticket Peter found in his box of personal items. Just then Kaitlyn receives a call on her cell phone that Mickey has been murdered. Peter and Kaitlyn rush to the Pub to find Mickey dead. Peter tells Kaitlyn it is all his fault so he has to find who was looking for him and can't hide anymore.

---

Monica and Micah

Monica is confronted by a police officer who asks her to ID the guy who tried to rob their fast food restaurant. He shows her a picture and says the guy is a gang banger, so he needs Monica's help to get this guy off the street. Monica says she can't help. Monica's coworker asks Monica about how she did the karate kick and Monica says she "saw it on TV" and doesn't know what is happening with her lately. Later on, Monica sees Micah playing the piano at their home. Since she witnesses this, she is able to recreate Micah's playing of the piano herself. Micah asks her if she plays piano and just then Monica notices she's able to play. Micah and Monica are both shocked.

Micah tells Monica he thinks he knows what is going on with her. Micah reveals his power to manipulate electronics to her and tells her he thinks her ability and his must run in the family. Micah tells Monica that DL could walk through walls and that his mom also has abilities. Micah shows Monica the 9th Wonders comic book which features "St Joan", a "muscle mimic". Micah says the girl's power is to that whatever she sees she can do. Micah tells Monica she should test this power out. They head over to a rec area where Monica witnesses skateboarders, basketball and double dutch jump roping. Monica steps in and shows off her abilities to double dutch, impressing everyone including Micah.

Later on, Monica watches a Bruce Lee movie on TV and Micah sees her mimicking the various moves. They discuss how their powers must be related and maybe they are supposed to help someone. Micah goes to bed, just as a knock comes at the door. It's Dr. Mohinder Suresh and he tells Monica he has some answers for all the questions she's been having.

---

Thoughts on "Kindness of Strangers"

The fourth episode of Heroes brought us a few new characters including Monica Dawson, the young woman who is Micah's cousin and has a cool power. She sees something on TV, absorbs it into her mind, and then can mimic or recreate the actions she saw. Comes in handy for food preparation and wrestling moves as seen at her work at the restaurant. Question becomes how will she come into play for the new season? Possibly a new power Peter absorbs from her, or Sylar steals.

Another question is how will Peter be found? Best guess is that he will realize he has Molly Walker's power and start locating various heroes in his mind. Or somehow down the road Molly finds him. He seems too needed by the other heroes not to come back into the picture in New York and have another showdown with Sylar.

We also find out that Matt Parkman's father was one of the "original 12" Heroes, amongst the elders being picked off 1 by 1. Molly Walker indicates he's the "nightmare man" who is able to find her. Then again, she may have seen someone else in the picture who is haunting her (maybe Bob or Mr. Petrelli). Nonetheless, at the end of this episode we are left with Molly in a coma but her thoughts screaming out for help to Matt Parkman.

It's hard to rule out Nathan as the killer of the elder heroes. It seems to be a male who can fly. After seeing Nathan see the ugly, burnt up reflection in the mirror (probably himself of Peter), it raises an interesting theory. When a hero loses a sibling they feel a sense of loss and guilt and take on the sibling as an alter-ego with an evil twist to it. Niki Sanders has/had the same deal with the whole Jessica thing. So possibly Nathan is flying into Jessica type rages where he goes on killing sprees. A very plausible theory, but Mr. Arthur Petrelli (Peter and Nathan's dad and Angela's "late" husband makes sense too).

Some far fetched theories about the killer are that it's a future version of Hiro or Peter. Both would be able to do the flight, the teleporting, etc. Another possible suspect is Takezo Kensei, but I won't get too carried away here. It seems to be a male and someone that both Kaito and Angela Petrelli know of. Peter and Nathan's father still makes sense too, because nobody has really seen him dead and no mention was made of his powers.

That brings us to Sylar. My speculation is Sylar will accompany Maya and Alejandro to Suresh's to get help, but then he will do something such as take Maya hostage or kidnap Molly Walker. He'll discover or already knows that Suresh' blood is the cure for heroes' becoming sick and having problem with their powers. Basically he needs Suresh' blood so he will find a way to get it, one way or the other, then the question becomes who does Sylar kill next?

On a final note, my friend gave an interesting theory that possibly the painting we see of the "dead HRG" is actually Sylar posing as HRG and shot by West or HRG himself. After all, Sylar killed Candice and stole her ability to look like other people. Great theory, thanks to Birdeena for suggesting this..