Heroes: Origins Spin-Off in the Works

May 14th, 2007

I guess in a lot of ways this makes sense. Heroes is a show built on comic book logic, so why not treat the show like a real comic book, and spin it off into additional titles? The first on the block for NBC is “Heroes: Origins”, which according to Newsmax.com will add an additional 8 episodes (not a full season) to the 22 episodes of Heroes Season 2: Generations, for a combined 30 episode of Heroes. So what is “Heroes: Origins” about?

Apparently it’s a way to keep viewers hooked onto the show, American Idol style. The premise is that a new, previously unseen Hero will be introduced in each episode of “Origins”, and the viewer (that is, YOU) will select (by voting at NBC.com, according to this) which one stays in the Heroes universe, and which one disappears, never to be seen again. There are also possibilities that Heroes regulars might show up in the Origins episodes, though that remains to be seen.

(Note: Some reports say Heroes Season 2 will have 22 episodes, while others claim 24.)

Good idea? Bad idea? Is one successful season really enough to spin off another show? Time will tell.

Added: More info on Heroes: Origins via Variety:

“Heroes” creator Tim Kring will oversee a second crew on the new show, which will explore the origins of various characters, some of whom could be added to the main show’s cast. The new series will air in the original’s Monday timeslot, most likely after the current season ends or during another hiatus as part of NBC’s efforts to reduce the number of repeats, for which viewership has steadily dropped off in recent years. “Heroes” itself was picked up for a full 24-episode second season.

Added: E! Online has more information about how the voting would work:

In an American Idol-esque twist, viewers will get a chance to pick their favorite new superhero during the spinoff’s six-episode run, with the character tallying the most votes moving up to the big leagues, becoming a full-time cast member on Heroes during the 2008-09 season.

Make room for more Heroes, guys.

Heroes TV Show News . Heroes: Origins Spin-Off News

Courtney

Baaaaaad idea. I wish the NBC staff would realize that the average Heroes fan has a much bigger IQ than the average american idol fan.

Andyman

Thank you, Courtney. Could'nt of said it better. Simon is the ANTI-CHRIST!!!!!

Gabi

NOOOO!!
They're playing with fire! I really hope they dont ruin the original concept of Heroes.

I've seen great shows get ruined because someone has this "fabulous idea" that backfires.

Someone please stop this.

Nell

I'm ok with AS LONG AS it doesn't affect the original series.

Finnape

Very bad idea

J Walker

DON"T DO IT!!!!!!

blakboy98

Drop the voting and just give us great content.

J. Linderman

One of the main reasons they are doing this is so that they can keep up ratings during the otherwise-empty mid-season hiatus (between Fallout and Godsend, as well as between Parasite and .07%). Besides, this will act merely as a way to introduce new characters into the world of Heroes who weren't around originally (think Hana, Ted, Candice) in a much more interactive way then the Web Comics. Plus, the prospect of being able to influence a show of this magnitude is sure to be a beacon to many viewers. It's all about the perspective; you're too busy comparing it to American Idol instead of admiring the fact that the crew wish to hear the voices of the fans, who they aim to please in making the show in the first place. Such is the nature of art. Of course, I do recognize the irony in it, that some complain because they are displeased at attempts to please them. You can't please everyone, after all. And you do need to break a few eggs (.07% of them) to make a very good (and relatively big) omelette.

Renan

It's more like X-men comics. X-men, Uncanny X-men, The New X-men, etc...

Efrain

I think it'll be fine. Won't really do anything to the season, it'll just introduce a new character. Plus hopefully give us something to watch on the off season. They have already proven themselves with the specials effects so we know it'll be good in that area. All that they need is to stay in tact in the story-line and to this point they have been really good in that area too.

Go for it!

CockRobin

Sadly NBC execs have a poor rating in my book of anything that is out of the norm - drama, reality tv, etc. - they've continually shown that they run one season then screw it up and can it.

If they need to create something new, then do that. While Heroes most certainly IS comic book based, transferring that sort of genre to television has not won out in previous renditions at least for the long term.

SuziQ

Its a fantastic idea!! Its not like they haven't been doing it already in the series it self,...Not ever character was introduced in the pilot episodes, they continuously add characters as the plot thicckened,..not affecting the concept and/or the originality of the series or any of the characters.

ella

VERY BAD IDEA :S
DON'T DO IT. IT WILL RUIN THE QUALITY OF THE SHOW.

ella

A very pathetic attempt to raise up ratings =/

lorien10

i really hope they dont do this whole voting thing. They have a strong show, with an amazing story , history and characters. the average viewer and fan wants to be suprised and wants to be able to develop a love/hate for the characters due to the character actions/inactions and not the constant fear that some freak of statistics will take away a much beloved character. I love this show because it so very unlike most other shows out there. they have a style that works, please i hope they dont fall into the trap of conforming to an overdone and tired gimimick.

Mal Bourne

#
ella, on May 19th, 2007 at 11:21 am Said:

A very pathetic attempt to raise up ratings =/

And an obvious revenue raiser. I will not vote!

Waltz1144

ack.. we'll see what it's like.. Can do that much harm eh.. I think ya'all are getting wee bit to freaked out, at the end of the day the there gonna be making more episodes in the same sorta style, the way they do Heroes, surely that aint a bad thing?......

Mr. StepheN

This is a new way to market to the 'Lowest
Common Denomenator'. It gives the artist(s)/writer(s) less range, and only ends up giving art an undeserved price tag. There is a new voice that 'seeks to sell out'. Let the writers speak their story. It's their art. The stidio is merely the distributor. The public should stand back and let the writer speak her/his own voice through the characters.

A friend

when is heroes coming back out it's been to long and to Tim Kring don't let them vote for who leaves use your mind create a way for them to die email me i have idea's

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