DVDs in Review

Heroes Season Three

Title: Heroes Season Three (2009)

Release date: October 12 2009

Certificate: 15

Format: Reviewed on DVD, available on Blu-ray

DVD RRP: £49.99

Rating: 3/5

What is evident going into season three is that while 'Heroes' hasn't lost much of its originality or energy, it has lost its way. This is confusing, muddled and generally quite sloppy in construction.

The characterisations have been cut down. While season one focussed on the stars' back stories, intriguingly unravelling the heroes (much like 'Lost' kept doing), this tends to think the audience must know everything and only shows action instead of build up.

In short, it's not the friendliest of entry points to the show for new viewers, nor is it one of the most engaging.

Windswept actors are an integral part of Heroes' success

Season threes of any show are usually flagging somewhat - the first season blows every one away but the budget is minimal, the second ups the production values and fills in the gaps of the first but by the third, shows like this are often bloated and simply plot driven.

They're lazy because they can depend on their popularity. While 'Heroes' is certainly not a bad show, it does fall victim to this TV drama trend. Initial fans will lap it up, but at the end of the day, there's no danger to this show, no risks, no pay-offs.

They're superheroes - they'll either get out of their predicaments or they won't, but there will always be plenty more to replace them.

The more interesting characters actually don't have superpowers

'Heroes' is fun and makes for brilliant escapist thrills but if it's going to continue, the characters need much stronger arcs. A superhero power is a tool, not a character trait, but it's still, granted, a spectacularly easy one to watch.