Heroes Episode Review: Chapter 17 (2.17) Company Man

Hapless Matt Parkman and his new partner-in-crime, Ted Sprague (aka The Radioactive Man, or to be more precise, the very unstable Radioactive Man), have just busted into HRG’s house in search of evidence of HRG’s nefarious deeds. (Curiously, Hana the Wireless girl is nowhere in sight.) They find Mr. Muggles and, moments later, the entire Bennet clan. Oops. Sprague is determined to get answers, while Matt just wants to keep everyone alive as long as possible, even if he has to “kill” Claire to do it. Back in — Oh wait, there is no “meanwhile” storyline. “Company Man” is all about Matt, HRG, Ted, and Claire coming to terms with their past, their present, and their very murky futures.

As well as finally bringing the foursome together, “Company Man” also delves into the burgeoning careers of HRG, who we see in flashback (in black and white, of course) about to launch his career with The Company 15 years ago. His boss, played by the less famous of the Roberts siblings, Eric Roberts, introduces HRG to his then-partner, who happens to be no other than Claude, the Invisible Man. When we see how Claude and HRG part companies, we understand Claude’s fearful nature of being found again. Two bullets and a fall off a bridge will do it every time.

Back in the volatile (and colored) present, Claire finally confronts HRG about his lengthy brainwashing of his family via the Haitian, who himself comes clean to HRG, revealing himself to be working for someone besides The Company. Could it be the ubiquitous Mr. Linderman, who will be seen in next week’s Chapter 18? We’ll just have to wait and see. And yes, if you were wondering, the Haitian has always been creepy, even as a kid.

“Company Man” is a stellar episode, the kind that “Heroes” has become known for — intense interpersonal conflicts, unpredictable characters with unpredictable personalities, and, oh yeah, superpowers on show. Most notably, Ted’s impatience finally gets the better of him, leading to a spectacular finish. I won’t spoil it, of course, but it gives you a small indication of what could happen if and when Peter eventually “goes nuclear” on New York as promised. It’s not gonna be pretty. Well, actually, it will be, given “Heroes’” budget for special effects, but you know what I mean.

Notable cameos in the episode include a young Hiro, his father, and the first appearance of Candice Wilmer, played by Missy Peregrym, who seems to have something of an interest in HRG. Speaking of which, “Company Man” adds even deeper shades of gray to the life and times of HRG. If you thought you had him figured out, you will have discovered that you are very much mistaken. HRG is as hard to read or predict as the levels of doofusness Matt Parkman is capable of. (Sorry, Matt, but you’re just such a doofus.)

Next week expectations: The (finally) first appearance of Linderman! Nathan smacks Niki! Simone returns! “This is gonna hurt”!