"Fixing" Heroes

Much is being made online of this EW article on how to save the TV show HEROES. HEROES is struggling to regain audience after a lackluster second season and a writers strike which left us with something like 8 months with no episodes. The article has some decent ideas, but I think it misses the central need of the show.

BRING BACK HOPE AND JOY. The first season was not only special for its cliff-hanger endings, mysterious backstory, and strong ensemble. It was also special in being one of the few shows out there that really centered on a Hopeful vision with Joyous characters. Sure, there was plenty of darkness. But amidst that darkness, we had Hiro basking in the joy of newfound abilities and significance. We had Peter showing boundless optimism as he sought his place in the wold. We saw Claire move from hating her abilities to seeing them as a real beacon of hope for others. We even saw the bad guy - HRG, now named Noah Bennett - find hope in his love for his daughter, despite his darker nature.

This season seems to have lost that thread. Hiro fears his powers, and is driven by boredom. Peter is bitter and cynical after being used by both of his parents. Claire is alienated by her abilities and loss of a sense of normality. And HRG/Noah is embracing his darker instincts in the pursuit of Sylar (who is the ONLY character showing hope and joy these days).

The fix is simple. Forget the "Dark Knight" and the fear of the moment in the economy and the world. Instead, give us hope, show us glimpses of joy, and remind us that in the darkest moment there is always hope for redemption and triumph of our best selves.