TV Jumping the Shark: Heroes Edition

in TV by negrostotle — October 7, 2009 at 5:18 pm | 2 comments

Sigh.

You know, I knew it was a matter of time before my favorite TV show, Heroes, would completely “jump the shark” in order to try to increase its ratings.  Heroes, NBC’s hour long drama about “people with abilities”, had an intriguing first season that garnered impressive ratings and great reviews from critics.  Then? Season 2 started, and it looked like the writers had never expected the show to go beyond season 1 cause it sucked…big time.  I personally thought that season 3 did a decent job at redeeming the show, but its hard to get viewers back once you lose them (especially with the borderline atrocity that was season 2).

That brings us to season 4.  As we entered the season, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.  One of the main characters had been killed off, (kind of, anyway), but besides that, there was probably only one open ended plot point (Hiro’s nose bleeds).  So, the writers decided to send everyone’s favorite cheerleader, Clair Bennett (played by Hayden Panettiere) off to college.  I had already heard that Madeline Zima, of Californication fame, would be playing Claire’s roommate, so my “jump the shark” meter was already beginning to tingle.  Then, two episodes ago, the two inexplicably ended up in their room wearing booty shorts and wife beaters surrounded by candles; the set up was on.  Lets Jump The Shark, shall we? (Spoilers ahead)

Yep, Hayden Panettiere locks lips with a girl this coming Monday on Heroes. Claire Bennet and her roommate Gretchen (Californication’s Madeline Zima) share a semiromantic first kiss, but what you don’t know about their sapphic drama is that there’s a third party involved. Read on to find out if college-girl Claire is getting kinky, or if there is something more significant going on…

Here’s the deal: Gretchen loves Claire. Claire likes Gretchen, but doesn’t like-like her. Such awkward scenarios have been worked out before, with a little honesty and upfront communication, but unfortunately that’s not possible in this case.

See, Claire starts feeling a little threatened by Gretchen after a series of odd happenstances make it appear like Gretchen is stalking Claire. But is Gretchen really responsible? As it turns out, she might not be, because there’s a third person in the mix who also has her eye on Claire, and that person’s intentions are none-too-good. And maybe, just maybe, that third party is setting up Gretchen as the fall girl.

Who is this wicked woman? You’ll probably be able to sniff out the suspect as soon as you see her, but just in case there’s any doubt, here’s a hint: You hated her guts on another series we love, and you rejoiced mightily when she was written off at the end of the season. Any guesses? (via EOnline)

Ugh.  Its not like I’m not going to watch.  Its not like I’m not going to like it.  Its just…I had hopes that were so much higher for this show…even with it being in its 4th season.  The lesbian kiss seems like such an over-used plot device to get shock value.  It always seems to imply that a show isn’t doing that well (see: the now defunct Dirt or Grey’s Anatomy…yeah, argue with me that Grey’s is going well.  Then we will revisit it when its off the air after next year.)

So…Heroes. Lesbian kiss. Monday. 8pm. NBC.  They’re hoping that your special ability isn’t the ability to change the channel.  I just wish they had a more convincing way of convincing you not to use your gift.

Related posts:

1. American Idol jumps the shark…Ellen DeGeneres is new host
2. New on DVD – August 11th
3. Southland lands on TNT while NBC continues to suck
4. Smallville Season 9 Trailer

Tags: Hayden Panettiere jump the shark lesbian kiss Madeline Zima