IC following TV shows? The last TV show that I followed religiously was the cartoon series called Transformers. (24 does not count because I watch it on DVD). But after NBC's aggressive oft-advertised campaigned called Heroes, I decided to give this TV show a shot.

I was assuming that “Heroes” would follow a similar pattern, like the “X-Men” I used to read, but after watching the show, I realized that I was wrong on virtually every account.

Don't get me wrong this show starts with the biggest stereotype of them all: a hot hooker (Niki) with a heart of gold with powers aren’t discovered by her nor the audience. Neither is the idea of a super powered cheerleader (Claire) very original either. And of course a dorky Asian guy (Hiro) that can bend time and space. how come I am not surprised? Every Asian dude on TV is

A. Geek
B. Kung fu guy
C. Sexually Inactive
D. Doctor, which implies you are A. (sorry Dave)

Back to the show, along with Claire and Niki other individuals find themselves with emerging ability. A nurse named Peter, brother of political candidate dreams of flying. And artist paints events before they happen - and some of these events are looking pretty darn apocalyptic. All the while, an Indian geneticist-turned-taxi driver Mohinder Suresh which struggles to understand an unfolding conspiracy surrounding his late father’s research on genetic mutation.

What makes “Heroes” interesting isn’t the powers, or else I would have been watching Smallville, which BTW puts me to sleep. But what makes “Heroes” intriguing, instead, is the thin line of fate which connects our “heroes”. The daughter of one of Peter’s patients is Isaac’s girlfriend. Hiro’s co-worker watches Niki online. And Claire’s father is the mystery man stalking Mohinder, as the taxi driver discovers after sharing a cab with Peter.

Like good shows on TV, the show puts itself into a position that places character before superpowers and allows the characters to grow. To me that is a winning formula in place, a greater rush of excitement is generated not when the “Heroes” use their powers, but instead, when the heroes are together, even in life’s most mundane situation. Character interaction is the true hallmark this this show so far.

As well as a dedication to character interaction, “Heroes” looks to be among one of the more developed story line I've seen on TV thus far. I hope the show is more like reading a book insread of watching a movie.