I have been watching NBC’s new hit action drama Heroes since it started, and have been continually entertained by the show. It’s got a lot of interesting characters, some good action, and pushes everyone’s fantasy buttons with the heroes’ superhuman abilities. While I consider it a “good” show, it did have its weak points — like questionable dialog at times (can you say “dumb it down for the lowest common denominator network viewer”?) and horrible, horrible acting by a couple guest actors (like the FBI agent that Parkman was hanging out with for awhile; I’ve heard more believable lines delivered at a 6th-grade play). And while the writing is usually pretty decent, there’s been nothing that really stands out.

Until now.

I just watched episode 17, “Company Man.” Wow. Wow, wow, wow…some of the most amazing writing for television I have ever seen. Great story, great acting, wonderful emotion brought upon you, the viewer, throughout the episode. By the end of the episode I knew I had seen something extraordinary — I can count on one hand the number of things I’ve seen in my life that were that good. My opinion of the show has changed dramatically. I don’t want to ruin anything for you, but I will say that I now strongly recommend this show. Superb episode; it gives the story so far a whole new depth.

Which brings me to my note of caution: if you do decide to start watching Heroes, you really have to see it from the beginning. Like most new television dramas (Battlestar Galactica, Lost, etc), Heroes is highly serial — you have to see it in order to appreciate the story. Some of the episodes can be viewed right on NBC’s web site. If that doesn’t work for you and you need help figuring out how to get ahold of them, let me know.