Joe's TV List Saves the World

#42: Heroes
(NBC, 2006-present)

Sort of like X-Men without a training school, Heroes posits a similar next-step-in-evolution concept, tossing a bunch of engaging-but-clueless folks into a brave new world of genetic hardwiring, and stirring in a supervillian who collects powers by mentally sawing off people’s scalps. And you know what? Despite its occasional pretentiousness, it’s great TV. (Extra points for being the only serialized show that foresaw the writer’s strike by shortening and wrapping up its plot in season 2.) But when it comes to powers, why stop at flying, teleportation, regeneration, invisibility, walking through walls, and the like? How about some powers for us everyday shmoes? Super line-cutting would be awesome at the DMV. And what about super metabolism? All the burgers and nachos you want, and never gain a pound! Of course, you might eventually need a super stent followed by a regimen of super statins, but hey, you’d look great on the gurney! Complacent Heroes, we’d call this brand-new cast. But the kid who talks to machines can stay -- because there’s no friend like an obedient ATM.