Alphas: Heroes 2.0

Heroes came in with a big bang. Everyone was talking about it like it was the best thing on TV and for a lot of people, it was. But then the writer's strike threw a wrench into Heroes' perfect clockwork and delivered a disastrous season 2. Everything was just downhill from there until it was cancelled two unbearable seasons later. Now, a new superpower-based ensemble comes in the form of Alphas.

Alphas has a lot of work cut out for them considering they are on a cable network on the summer season. Heroes had a relatively bigger budget even after the cuts and it was showing on Monday nights in the stellar fall season. But what they lack in backing they make up with a more concise plot and lots of potential for character development. Here's why.



Reason 1: Procedural Format
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love procedurals. It still has a central theme and each episode is a part of the complete story but you can skip an episode and you'd still have a rough idea what is going on.

You'll always be Vincent Nigel Murray (Bones) to me.

Reason 2: Concise Plot
Even in its first and only decent season, the plot of Heroes was all over the place. You would have to follow several, separate story lines that will all eventually reach the explosive finale. In Alphas, you have one story... a group of misfits banding together for a common goal. The simplicity of it all is a very endearing factor for someone who doesn't really want to delve into the meaning of every microscopic detail.

Reason 3: Good Characterization
I wouldn't say the characters are relatable... mostly because I'm pretty sure I don't have super powers. I would say the characters are quite real (super powers aside). Each character has his or her strengths but their strength automatically comes with a weakness that they must deal with at all times. To put things into perspective, here's a comparison.

In Heroes, Peter Petrelli (for the most part) could basically have any power of any person he comes into contact with. He's basically Superman without the Kryptonite. Some would argue that he has a hard time controlling those powers but that's not really a flaw. That's just a minor hiccup.

In Alphas, their super powers come with draw backs that could put their very lives in danger. If Bill Harken uses his super strength for far too long, he could have a heart attack from all the excess adrenaline he pumps across his body. Rachel Pirzad's super senses leave her vulnerable to physical danger.

Areas of Improvement:
The only thing missing from Alphas was a strong villainous figure. If there was anything consistent in Heroes, it was Zachary Quinto's Sylar. Even in the times when he was temporarily a good guy, you knew there was still evil in him. He helped move multiple stories along and is easily the string that ties the whole show together.

It's too early to tell if it's actually better than Heroes but it has the potential to do so. It's all up to the writers and cast to bring it all out and share it with their viewers.