From 2006 – 2010, the TV series Heroes blazed its own trail over 4 seasons. Created by Tim Kring and charting the lives of a group of people with special abilities, it had a good mix of comic-book flair and involving drama.
Whilst it didn’t always work, Kring’s stories adhered to the series’ mythology in ways not many shows of the era did. In an age where everything old is new again, it returned in 2015 as Heroes Reborn. Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD after its 13 episode run, this event series maintained the show’s unique style whilst effectively updating it for new audiences.
A year after a terrorist attack for which Evos – evolved humans – are blamed, most go into hiding. One of their supporters is Noah Bennett (Jack Coleman) who tries to uncover the attack’s real perpetrators. Amassing a small army of new and old Evos, Noah’s quest takes him from Tokyo to New York. Along the way he uncovers a deadly plot threatening the world order where Evos are needed to save the day once more.
A brief plot synopsis can’t do justice to the myriad of storylines Heroes Reborn has. Although having several characters from the original series, it wisely starts afresh with a new and more compelling plot. Heroes Reborn packs a lot in its episodes, requiring the same concentration level as previous series. That isn’t a bad thing as there are hardly any dull moments as each character adds to the broad canvas in which Kring has crafted. It’s obvious he is a keen observer of comic books because Heroes Reborn has the same colourful intensity that makes the genre so popular.
In some respects perhaps, the over-abundance of characters in Heroes Reborn is a drawback. Occasionally it’s difficult working out what’s happening although all is explained by the conclusion with the jigsaw puzzle-like narrative adding to the viewing fun. The CGI sometimes looks a bit cheap but it’s the characters and stories that matter with the acting being of a high standard. Judged on its own merits, Heroes Reborn is more successful than the later seasons of its previous incarnation with Kring’s economical writing style ensuring no frame is wasted.
Fantasy and action fans should get a lot out of Heroes Reborn. It has a good mix of thrills and spills making for entertaining viewing. With a glut of sci-fi/fantasy shows to currently choose from, Heroes Reborn is worth watching amongst a crowded field, owing much to the path Heroes helped create.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 10: 8
Heroes Reborn Season 1 will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on 21 April 2016.
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