Fuller's Return Equals Heroes Renaissance
Writer's return triggers a retooling of the popular prime time drama
Feb 10, 2009
The sci-fi/ fantasy/drama about regular people with superpowers saw its ratings decline thanks in large part the writer’s strike and Fuller’s departure.
The Appeal OF NBC's Heroes:
In its first season the concept was fresh; regular people from all walks of life finding out they had special abilities; flying, reading minds, time travel, super strength, and the ability to heal. The show was structured around the smaller storylines of characters figuring out their powers and capabilities as well as being chased by a mysterious ‘company’. Those smaller storylines intersected when the new heroes banded together to stop New York City from exploding. It caused fans to imagine what kinds of superpowers they’d like to have and how they could save the world.
Hollywood Writer’s strike Impact on Heroes:
The second season according to the show’s official wikipedia site was originally planned to be 30 episodes. The first 24 episodes were supposed to air in three 8episode volumes entitled: Generations, Exodus, and Villains. The other 6 were supposed to air as a miniseries called Heroes: Origins.
The shortened third volume, which, aired last fall and ended in December focused on a formula that all hoped would enable them to grant powers, and take them away.
Bryan Fuller’s Role in Heroes:
Fuller’s work with Heroes began in its first season as a writer and consulting producer. Eight episodes into the first season he was promoted to co-executive producer. At the end of the season he left the show to pursue Pushing Daisies for ABC.
In his absence the show became less dramatic, and took on more aspects of science fiction. In an interview with Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly Fuller commented on what the show did wrong, specifically focusing on Villains: “When you talk about formulas and catalysts, it takes the face of the drama.”
His return to the show signals changes to the cast and storylines. Fuller stated later in the interview: “People will die, and some will return… We’re also going to tell fewer stories per episode.” He later elaborated on the changes: “We’re going to limit it to three or four stories, with one big one to wrap all the other ones around.”
Even the show’s cast is even excited. Masi Oka (Hiro Nakumura) told TV Guide he thought Fuller brought a new dynamic to the show: “It’s such a big morale boost to everybody.” He was vague on what the plans were for his character Hiro, the resident time traveler who currently finds himself powerless, but did give away one detail on his character’s romantic prospects saying his character does ‘interact’ with someone.
Volume #4 of Heroes: Fugitives airs Mondays at 9 on NBC. Check local listings.
