Heroes Review: "Shadowboxing"

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Heroes has had a few bright spots this season, but we've finally determined the reason why it still lacks drama and suspense:

There's no flow to episodes.

Each week, the series focuses on various characters and storylines (last night, it was Peter, Parkman and Claire), but none of them seem remotely related. Sure, Samuel shows up occasionally and makes a pitch to different heroes. But does anything come of that?

Tracy seemed to be considering the carnival a couple episodes ago and we haven't seen her since. Hiro was blackmailed into assisting Samuel last week, and he wasn't mentioned last night.

Read our detailed recap of "Shadowboxing" and see what we mean.

Parkman and Sylar

Heroes is at its best when there's a clear storyline, one that gives the characters purpose and builds momentum each week. Think the season one showdown in Kirby Plaza. Think the Shanti Virus; remember Arthur Petrelli.

With almost half of its fourth season complete - and cancellation staring the show in the face - something major has to take place shortly or else the series is doomed.

We've also been critical of the show for years for never taking death seriously. Last night was another example. Wouldn't the Parkman/Sylar scene (pictured above) have been a lot more suspenseful if a single viewer believed that Sylar might actually be dead?

There were a few quotes we enjoyed from the hour at least. For example:

Peter: Earlier I saw you with, the uh, suture. Where'd you learn how to do that?
Emma: Clown college. | permalink
Sylar: The world is my hostage, Matt. Anybody. Anytime. | permalink
Sylar: I don't get to fly very often, you know. Especially not first class.
Matt: Well, I'm glad my life savings could broaden your horizons. | permalink
Lydia: It sounds like the Claire Bennet recruitment is a lost cause.
Samuel: You know me. I'm the patron saint of lost causes. | permalink

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.

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Heroes Season 4 Episode 8 Quotes

Lydia: It sounds like the Claire Bennet recruitment is a lost cause.
Samuel: You know me. I'm the patron saint of lost causes.

Sylar: I don't get to fly very often, you know. Especially not first class.
Matt: Well, I'm glad my life savings could broaden your horizons.