[Sam]

Here’s an old interview with “Heroes” producer Tim Kring, most famous for the NBC forensics/cop show “Crossing Jordan”, at TV Guide from way back in March. (Well, not that long ago, actually.) It was originally part of Michael Ausiello’s “Ausiello Report”.

Here’s the article/interview with Tim Kring, which originally showed up here:

The difference is - no campy hero stuff. “I kind of want to stay away from the superhero aspect,” says the shows creator Tim Kring. “It’s about very ordinary people all over the world who literally discover that they have special powers, and it’s their dealing with that.”

Heroes isn’t a show about crusaders, caped or otherwise. It’s about people — albeit ones with extraordinary quirks.

Kring points out, “It’s pretty grounded in reality. Part of what makes it really feel very real is that these people’s lives should mirror your own; you should be able to see your ordinary life reflected on screen.”

“It’s a big interconnected saga,” says Kring. “They’re all drawn together towards a destiny of saving the world.” And not to OD on the Lost parallels, but Kring adds, “It’s extremely serialized.”

What would an extremely serialized show about superheroes, er, ordinary people (I have to stop doing that!) be without a creepy antagonist? Heroes’ big baddie is described as a “Max Von Sydow-type” whose trademark accessory is a pair of horned rimmed glasses. And although his intentions aren’t made crystal clear in the pilot, one thing is certain: He wants to get his hands on some of that super DNA.

Provided Kring doesn’t tinker too much with the script — I can’t stress enough that I read an early draft — the climactic sequence, as inevitable as it may seem, will make you stand up and shout, “It’s my new Lost!” And the next words out of your mouth better be: “Ausiello was right!”

I have to say, Ausiello has been hyping the show since the very beginning, so you can’t say he’s jumping on the bandwagon. This guy’s got taste!

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Ausiello/AusielloReport

[Slashmire]

Interesting; the only thing that I wouldn't have said is comparing it to another existing TV show; when people or producers say that, they define competition...interesting nonetheless

[Super Ordinary Guy]

Originally Posted by Slashmire

Interesting; the only thing that I wouldn't have said is comparing it to another existing TV show; when people or producers say that, they define competition...interesting nonetheless

Good point. Another thing it does is limit the show. If you keep mentioning Lost with Heroes, there is a good chance that people will become dissapointed because it isn't Lost. If you make a TV show that too closely resembles Lost (format, serialized, flashbacks, interconnectedness) then it will look like a cheap rip-off of Lost. Now, Lost should be emulized but it really is a fine line to walk. My biggest fear is that NBC is trying to cash in on the Lost concept and are blatently copying it. The show HAS to be unique in some way, or the comparisons could define Heroes.

I am reminded of D Wade of the Miami Heat. He shies away from comparisons to Jordan, and for good reason. To be constantly compared to Jordan would stifle the truth, that Wade is a unique talent of basketball. He has his own strengths and weaknesses, and if he were to try to be Jordan he wouldn't completely be able to use his strengths and diminish his weaknesses.

[PeterPorker]

Well comparing it to Lost is not all bad. It gives people who have never heard of the show something to "recognize" too, and since everyone has heard of Lost, even those who have never seen it, it's like, "Oh, okay, so it's like that show, and since that one's pretty popular, it has to be good". or least that's how I look at it.

[Super Ordinary Guy]

Originally Posted by PeterPorker

Well comparing it to Lost is not all bad.

You're absolutely right. It isn't all that bad. It raises expectations and hypes up the show so that people will watch it out of curiosity. Considering that this is a serialized sci-fi (but not heavy sci-fi) show, it is important to hook your audience because if people don't start watching it early it may be confusing to attempt jumping into the middle of the season and therefore the story. Since "Lost" is the most popular show in this category, "Heroes" is using "Lost" to garner interest early.

I see unbelievable potential in "Heroes". I have very high expectations for the show, as will anyone participating in a forum about a TV show 3 months away from being shown. But with the limited knowledge available to me, I can't confirm my hopes. Therefore, I shall remain cautiously optimistic until I am able to enjoy the first few episodes. So far, none of us have seen an episode so right now it is impossible to know with absolute certainty the quality of the series. I am simply exercising my right to be uncertain. The reference to "Lost" is just an example to be cautious. It could mean something good, or bad, or a little of both. I was merely hoping to be cautious in comparing it to "Lost", because it could then be defined as a "Lost" rip-off by some. "Heroes" has its own destiny, leading us down a different path of experience. The paths can be somewhat similar, but the destinations must be different or else why tread upon an unproven path?

[FromHero2Zero]

The power of positive thinking will carry us through!

[The_Heroic_Loser]

i'm really glad that ausiello is excited about this show and comparing it to Lost. he obviously knows what he's talking about when it comes to tv so i definitely expect his predictions for Heroes to be right on the money.

[theultimatehero]

Originally Posted by The_Heroic_Loser

i'm really glad that ausiello is excited about this show and comparing it to Lost. he obviously knows what he's talking about when it comes to tv so i definitely expect his predictions for Heroes to be right on the money.

The major plus with Ausiello is that his column gets a lot of attention and he has tons of readers. If he's hyping it as the next Lost, his readers will surely check in, and that should translates into big ratings for the pilot.