Heroes

Heroes has had its ups and downs over the years, but it's hard to deny just how great it is when it hits the mark. The series chronicles the lives of regular people who discover incredible innate abilities, from self-healing, to flying, time-travel, and mind readings. It's clear that the show's creators were greatly inspired by early American comic books. There's the sense of an epic, interweaving tale, each character's story told separately but ultimately intertwining. Every superhero story has a villain, though, and the series shines in that respect too. While there are humans who use their powers for good, others aren't so inclined. Sylar seeks to steal others' powers by removing their brain, feeding his serial killer urges and fuelling his need for recognition. Hiro, contrastingly, travels to the future and witnesses a nuclear explosion, and the cast must band together to prevent it. This sense of time running out gives Heroes a steady build-up of drama, while its cast provides a source of entertainment and growth. Stellar performances by Hayden Panettiere, Zachary Quinto, and Jack Coleman create a real sense of connection between the heroes, while special effects remain one of the best of the time.