BEEMAN’S BLOG – SEASON 3 EPISODE 1

“THE SECOND COMING”
(WARNING! –AS ALWAYS – SPOILERS ARE CONTAINED WITHIN)

Okay fans! Tonight’s the night! Episode One Of Season Three – which will be immediately followed by episode Two of Season Three. Which means to me that I gotta write two blogs on one day!!!!! AAAAAARGGHHHH!!!

(And I’m right in the middle of prepping to direct episode 13!!!!)

For tonight’s festivities I thought I’d interview Allan Arkush. Allan, besides me, is the other producer/frequent director on HEROES – and he is the auteur behind tonight’s gem. I know I’m sometimes accused of hyping the show – (which is really just my innate enthusiasm) – but tonight it will be no hype when I tell you that the episode is really really good and that you will like it! (Unless you are a real sourpuss – or especially squeamish)

It was written by Tim Kring and Directed by my interviewee, Allan Arkush.


Greg Beeman: So, Allan, how would you compare HEROES to other shows that you’ve been involved with?

Allan Arkush: There is no point of comparison.

GB: (laughs) Why not?

AA: If you took everything that was the hardest thing in any other TV show, and I’ve worked on thirty different shows, the kind of thing that was so hard they only did it for their season opener or season closer – and that would be one day on HEROES.

In fact, I would say, HEROES is the decathlon of television directing.

GB: What does that mean?

AA: It has a lot of action, a lot of special effects, a visual style that’s hard to achieve. Complex shots. Complex emotion. It has a big cast. And, every episode has four “A” stories.

GB: What is an “A” story?

AA: Most television shows have stories in them with three degrees of intensity. The “A” story is the titular story – usually involving the series’ lead, which would have the most depth of character and complexity of plot and in general is the most important. On my last series CROSSING JORDAN, this would usually be a story about Jordan – in which she was solving a case and also having a development in her personal life.

The “B” story is a secondary story, usually involving one of the shows secondary characters. This story would take place over five or six scenes in which, generally, a secondary case would be solved that relates thematically to the “A” story.

The “C” story might be a comedy runner – a story that completes itself in three scenes and is very slight.

Well, on HEROES, it’s all “A” stories all the time.

GB: So, every story is equally important?

AA: Correct. AND… Every story has a different tone, a different visual style and different actors – which requires you to work in a different style. Also, and this is no small thing, it all takes place in different locations. There is no police station or hospital or law firm where the majority of your scenes can take place.

GB: Yes. Now that you mention it, all that is hard.

AA: Which means that we spend more time in scout vans than on any other show I’ve ever done.

GB: A scout van is literally a van where the key crew members and the director drive around looking for potential locations to film in.

AA: Right. But the upside of this is that we get more scout lunches than on any show I’ve worked on as well. We have a lot of people on this show who like to eat well and we go to some great restaurants for lunch.

GB: So, the first episode of the season is an important one isn’t it?

AA: (laughs) Yes.. It’s important to get off to a good start.

GB: So what burdens did you feel directing the season three opener?

AA: The trick is to get all the stories in motion for the season, and at the same time not to burden the audience with spoon-fed exposition. You have to create the feeling that you’re already in mid-stream even though you’re just starting.

GB: What scenes are you particularly happy with from this one?

AA: I am very happy with the scenes of Sylar stalking Claire. Especially the scene where Sylar explores Claire’s brain. That may be one of the favorite scenes I’ve ever done.

GB: Why?

AA: Because it’s very tense and also funny and horrific in a way that’s intellectually satisfying – and all at once!

GB: I heard that when they screened the episode at Comic-Con a fan or two fainted during that scene and had to be taken away.

AA: I heard that too. And as a director, that’s a good feeling.

GB: When Tim first presented this scene to you, he talked a lot about it being done in the style of a teen horror movie.

AA: He sure did.

GB: But you’ve never worked in that genre before.

AA: No. And whenever I’ve attempted it it usually comes out kind of goofy and funny rather than scary. That’s just how my mind works.

GB: So what did you do to prepare for this unfamiliar genre?

AA: I watched a lot of movies. That’s what I do. I watched HALLOWEEN and BLOOD AND BLACK LACE and WHIP AND THE BODY by Mario Bava, and ALIEN and SORRY WRONG NUMBER and WAIT UNTIL DARK.

GB: And what did you learn from those classics?

AA: Tension and release! Make them wait – then let them see something the main character’s about to see, but hasn’t – and then when the action finally happens it happens fast, in a rush.

What was interesting about this scene was that, usually in these movies, the main character has to do something very stupid in order for the story to progress. I wanted Claire not to do anything stupid and to stay aggressive. That is our twist on the genre.

The other scene I am very happy with is the scene with Nathan and Peter in the hospital room.

GB: Really? That is a smaller scene than so many others in the episode. Why are you so happy with that one?

AA: Because there are lots of levels to that scene. You’re not sure whether future Peter will kill Nathan. I like to direct scenes where the characters have hidden agendas. Where two people are playing different levels at the same time. Also, those two actors, Milo and Adrian, just have a great chemistry together. It’s fun to watch them.

GB: Anything you’re disappointed with?

AA: That we had to lose the Sylar/Mr. Muggles scene. The big growl down.

GB: Could you explain what that was?

AA; I came up with a scene for the moment when Claire was in the closet and Sylar was outside the door, where Mr. Muggles shows up and growls at Sylar barring the path – he’s trying to protect Claire. Sylar raises his finger, the way he always does when he’s going to take off the top of someone’s head. So, you started to get worried if Mr. Muggles is going to be Okay. And then, Sylar flicks his finger – and Mr. Muggles shoots backwards out the doggie door. Oh well, it’ll be a great DVD extra.

GB: I know… I loved that scene. Why did it go?

AA: Partly for time – the show was long. And partly because some people thought it was too goofy and funny... Story of my life.

GB: Well, take it from me, I think they were wrong!

AA: Thank you. I think so too.


SCOUT LUNCH #1 - DIM SUM


SCOUT LUNCH #2 - DELI


SCOUT LUNCH #3 – IN WHICH THE RULE “”NEVER EAT ANYTHING BIGGER THAN YOUR HEAD COMES INTO PLAY”


A LOT OF TIMES WE ACT OUT THE SCENES ON SCOUT – HERE CO-EXEC PRODUCER JIM CHORY AND I AND LOCATION/PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR ALEX REID ACT OUT A SHOOT OUT FROM THE FUTURE (FROM AN EARLIER SCRIPTED VERSION WHICH HAD HIRO AND FUTURE PETER TOGETHER)


LOCATION MANAGER STEVE HASSON AND ALEX REID ACT OUT CLAIRE SHOOTING PETER IN THE FUTURE


ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ANNE BERGER ACTS OUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE SHOT DEAD IN THE FUTURE


SCOUTING IN TOKYO – LED BY EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DENNIS HAMMER THE CREW ACTS OUT WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO BE A BUNCH OF FROZEN-TIME TOKYO OFFICE WORKERS (AND HE’S THE SERIOUS ONE!!!)


SCOUTING IN TOKYO – PRODUCTION DESIGNER RUTH AMMON ACTS OUT WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO BE A FROZEN-TIME TOKYO OFFICE WORKER


SCOUTING IN TOKYO – IN WHICH I ACT OUT WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO BE A FROZEN-TIME FEMALE OFFICE WORKER WITH A LOT OF HAIR (DON’T ASK)


DO I LOOK GOOD IN THIS? (HAYDEN MODELS THE LATEST IN LADIES’ HEADWEAR)


MMMMMM…. BRAAAAAIIINS!!!


JACK COLEMAN LOOKS LIKE A BADASS EVEN IN HIS PAJAMAS


DANIA AND SENDHIL…QUIEN ES MAS SEXY?


TIM KRING, DANIA, ALLAN ARKUSH AND SENDHIL


TINY GREG GRUNBERG AND A TECHNO CRANE IN AFRICA


GREG GRUNBERG – LOOKIN’ GOOD IN AFRICA


THOSE WACKY PETRELLI BOYS


ALI LARTER ON A DAY WITHOUT SUNBLOCK


ALLAN ARKUSH AND MASI – “HEY, I KNOW, LET’S GO BLOW UP THE WORLD”


THE DESTRUCTION OF TOKYO BY DIGITAL TSUNAMI


HIRO AND ANDO IN FRONT OF GREEN SCREEN


HIRO AND ANDO AFTER BEING COMPED TOGETHER – IN TOKYO!


DIRECTOR ALLAN ARKUSH DEEP IN THOUGH ON A SCOUT

Comments

Anonymous said…
greg,

thanks for the pics...did zach ever show up in spock ears?

again, gl on this season
Anonymous said…
btw,

will you guys be explaining why sylar first had to remove the brains in order to gain the persons power, and now doesnt have to?
Serena said…
Thanks for the photos! Three more hours for the West Coast to watch the countdown show!
Jay said…
Greg,
I'm watching episode 2 right now. Awesome directing job! Liking the continuing plot twists, turns, etc. AWESOME!
Break a leg!
Norman said…
Gotta say, great way to start off the season! Mohinder was kind of annoying, but here's hoping that improves. Great setup for the season, by the way!

How is it that Peter is always the bad guy? And keeps losing his powers?
Doop said…
What's the Ali Larter picture from? A deleted scene?
Anonymous said…
One word: Fantastic! I'd be more specific but I'm still reeling.
Navarro Parker said…
The season premiere left me with a big "meh". You've created a huuuuge problem with Peter. He can teleport, time travel, become invisible, shoot lightning, fly, has invincibility, telepathy... did I miss any? There's no reason he couldn't stop time, fly to get Claire, come back and heal his brother with her blood.

So you booted Molly and kept Maya?? Boo. Mohinder solves his father's life work in 15 minutes? Really convenient.

"I came all the way from South America!" Who wrote THAT line? It's like saying, "I came from the southern hemisphere!". The same goes for "Africa is a big place." Africa! Are these people unable to tell what country they are from? They can only identify continents?? Way to be ethnically vague.

And what was up with the stream of cotton candy the Speedster left behind her? Pointless fx, really. The whole thing of Hiro opening the safe and having it stolen 5 seconds later was really poor writing. And yet ANOTHER future apocalypse. Is this the third of forth one? ugh.

I did like Nikki's new freeze power. Too bad it was on William Katt! Would have liked to see more of him. But I was completely confused on future Nathan implanting present Nathan into a known psychopath. huh??

I'm sounding bitchy, aren't I? I just expected more. This isn't season 3... it's season 2.1.
Ok, I know I commented on the above post, but I wanted to drop a line here too, to say that I thought the scene with Sylar and Claire was classic Heroes and one of the best scenes in the show. Great stuff.
Anonymous said…
Oy, Steve Hasson is sexy. whoever he's dating is extremely lucky lol.
Blade said…
Sorry, but this show has gone WAY off the track (everyone I know commented on Hiro's new "jumping the shark" super power..)

I, and everyone I know that watched it, am/is done with it.

This is now just a retarded vehicle for a bunch of immortals to fight with each other, exceptapparently they can't even be killed Highlander style.
Anonymous said…
Wow. I'm a little appalled at the candor in which others have voiced their discontent here, but I guess, to each their own.

Personally, I was very enthused with the start of this season. I will however concede that some elements felt slightly odd if not completely bizarre, including Maya's "came all the way from South America" line (she was laying emphasis on her journey; for her to name her specific country would have made it sound real), Meredith's completely uncalled for display of power, and Mohinder's frame of mind throughout the entire first episode.

But I'm keeping the faith, possibly now more than ever. If anything, Heroes has always been a bold show that hasn't shied away from going in directions others might not even ever consider. Sometimes, that goes wrong, and everybody learns what works or doesn't work, and hopefully the series is better for it in the end.

Greg - it's probably bad form for me to mention it here, but it's faster than writing a letter through the studio. Every week after the new episodes, I poll a bunch of my Heroes-watching buddies and a bunch of our collective acquaintances about how they reacted to some of the goings-on that just unfolded on our screens. Two things I endeavor to ask respondents about are the dialogue and greater arcs. There's also the more shallow concerns such as prettiest member of the male cast or most pairable twosome, which are like tradition by now, but it's all in good fun.

It's definitely biased (only so many questions I can ask), mostly intended to be light-hearted (hence, heaps of silliness), at times cynical and probably not exactly representative of the larger audience, but I think it might be interesting for anyone involved in the production (on the writing staff especially) to have a peek at once in a while. Hopefully it'll provide yet another perspective on what makes this random group from your fan population tick.

Here's the link to my poll on "The Second Coming": On a scale from 1 to 10, how creepy, gross, and BADASS was Sylar's attack on Claire?

And here is the one for "The Butterfly Effect": Holy last scene, Batman! Who should next be revealed as a ~sekrit Petrelli~?

I hope I've not overstepped any boundaries by calling your attention to them; if so, please ignore me entirely. Either way, I'm very excited for this season and wish you and everyone the best of times making the show.
Anonymous said…
I don't think Sylar is a real Petrelli. It's been hinted that Mama Petrelli has the power of suggestion when she touches people. (Similar to Eve?)

I think she's working her mojo to get Sylar to believe he's family.
Anonymous said…
Greg, thank you so much for keeping up the fantastic blog. And the season opener was unbelievable! I watched it with a big group of friends (sigh, I just outed us all as nerds, right...wait a minute, I'm posting on an internet forum, I'm already a nerd) and everyone had a great time. Thanks for creating such an enjoyable roller-coaster ride of a show!
Anonymous said…
I would just say the "mmm brains!" picture is hilarious!
Unknown said…
Empress Pavilion is an AWESOME dim sum place.

Too bad I didn't go that day.
Anonymous said…
Loved the episode - and the pics are great! Zach "licking" Claire's brain, lol! That scene was amazing, and the "Claire...that's disgusting" was perfect. Can't wait to see more :)

PS. If Sylar doesn't eat the brain, then how does he get the powers? Does he just see the part and "know" how it works?
Anonymous said…
DANIA AND SENDHIL…QUIEN ES MAS SEXY?

DANIA ES MAS SEXY :D

SENDHIL EMM SOY HOMBRE ASI QUE NO PUEDO OPINAR :D

SALUDOS

ATTE. DARK_MASTER32
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