"Heroes" creator Tim Kring is out picketing, like every Hollywood writer, but he did a quick interview discussing the season so far and basically admitting that huge portions of it have been a disaster. Now, a lot of show creators wouldn't ever be able to swallow their egos and do that, especially midseason, but I'm not complaining. "Heroes" has been a mess this season, and it's thrilling to see that the powers in charge have noticed and are doing something about it.
Writers naturally worry that speaking out like this would cause damage to the show, or tear down confidence in the creative team behind it, especially with a drama, but I think the opposite is true. Whenever I hear a higher-up talk like this, it usually makes me feel more confident in the show's direction. Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse are endlessly self-deprecating and willing to tear apart "Lost" on their weekly podcast, and yet it's only further convinced me that the show is in good hands. Bad writing on television comes from building pressure tearing down the creative impetus that started the show, and I'm always glad to see writers free from that sort of strain. It tells me that "the big picture is never in question, we're willing to admit that sometimes we mess up on the details, though." A lot of show creators aren't willing to make a statement against any element of the show because they feel that might give some sign that the big picture might actually be in question. And when you've reached that point, you've stopped paying to win, you're playing not to lose.
So, bravo Mr. Kring and a bright new direction for "Heroes!" And here's hoping that we lose Claire's lame new boyfriend West and his crappy dialogue and lame-ass flying stunts and his whining about being kidnapped that one time, and focus more on letting Peter start blowing things up so he can get his hot new Irish girlfriend back, whats-her-name. And, Lord almighty, thanks for finally getting us out of that field with seven tents set up that was supposed to be feudal Japan. When you get budget cutbacks, Timmy, sometimes it's just best to give up.