Many great works of art have dealt with the question, “What does it mean to be human?” I wouldn’t exactly put Heroes in the upper echelon of art, but I give it props for at least trying to apply the question to its own universe. The result? As with almost everything Heroes, a mixed bag. Furthermore, tonight’s episode was little more than a long setup for next week’s payoffs, so those looking for answers were left in the cold. Those looking to explore age-old questions? Well, they found quite a bit to chew on.

First off: the eclipse seen in the pilot episode did NOT activate their powers. I don’t know why the show wants us to believe this. It’s patently untrue. So to hear Peter Petrelli talk about Nathan’s first flight during that last eclipse really irks me, and should irk anyone who cares about long-term continuity. If you recall, the show devoted an entire episode (the seminal “Six Months Ago”) in which they showed how many powers were already exhibiting well before that eclipse. While the last eclipse may have augmented various abilities, it did not create them. Also? There’s an entire generation of superpowered people that were doing their thing well before that eclipse!  We good? Good. Moon and stars above, I need a drink.

All of that continuity critique aside, the impending eclipse both lent an urgency to the proceedings at hand and gave our main cast of characters time to recognize just how much their powers factor into their sense of self. To hear Gabriel say, “We’re just human,” one recognizes that those on both sides of the fence–heroes and villains–see themselves as fundamentally different than their counterparts on this planet. That might sounds like an obvious point to make, but the difference seems to lie not so much in what they can do as much as how their abilities shape their self-identification. These people simply do not know who they are without their powers.

To some, this return to humanity is paralyzing. To yet others, liberating. But the eclipse forces everyone to step outside of themselves in order to evaluate what these powers mean, and what they are truly meant to achieve. Take Parkman, for instance. Without his power, he feels like a hollow shell of doughy man, unable to provide Daphne with any comfort or protection. For her part, Daphne is now the show’s resident John Locke, running away from her crippled past, yet unable to sprint fast enough to avoid the eclipse. Both view themselves as fundamentally flawed as “just human,” unworthy of any type of respect, admiration, or love from each other.

In Claire’s case, her loss of power transformed her from an unkillable entity back into someone’s daughter. That might sound like a step back to some, but provided the necessary bridge to reconnect with her estranged adoptive father. I couldn’t have been the only Heroes fan to see glimpses of “Company Man” in this episode. HRG’s relationship with Claire was one of Season 1’s strongest components, and it’s been sorely wasted over the past two years. I loved watching Claire’s combo agony/elation at realizing she can once again feel something, even if it’s pain. And I loved hearing the words “Claire Bear” again. Yea, I’m a sap. Sue me.

In some cases, the eclipse not only removed powers, but altered moods. How else to explain the Petrelli Brothers’ Fightin’ Hour, or Elle’s sudden “kill ‘em all” attitude towards Sylar? Both came pretty far out of left field, even for Heroes. I know the show likes to choose the dramatic importance of a scene over consistent characterization. But I’m getting whiplash trying to decide if Elle wants to save Gabriel or re-ignite Sylar, or why Nathan’s fraternal relationship with Peter suddenly took a turn for the worse in Haiti. These reactions have nearly nothing to do with what’s come before it, and gives the show the dreaded “we’re totally winging this” vibe thats death to shows like this.

A few other tidbits from tonight’s episode:

1. Not sure why the show kept on upping the gross quotient on Mohinder’s appearance, but by the time he was “birthed” from his webbed cocoon I cursed the heavens for making me look at things that nasty. And just when Dr. D’oh looked normal, he threatened to bring back Maya to the show. The eclipse is an unjust and merciless god.
2. Loved the montage in which Arthur’s drawings paralleled events around the globe. Really strong mixture of music and imagery there.
3. Was I supposed to shout out, “Hey, it’s the Robot Chicken guys!” when Seth Green and Breckin Meyer popped up onscreen? Because I did. Sure, it took me completely out of the show’s universe and called attention to its very artifice, but hey, least it was a cheap gag. So there’s there.
4. What does it say about Arthur Petrelli’s status as a criminal mastermind that he couldn’t wait until after the eclipse’s end to start freaking out about the superpower outage? Also? He’s relying on Mohinder! The man’s unwittingly undone two world-ending plots already, Arthur. If anything, you want him working for the good guys. That would almost guarantee your success.

While walking with the Petrellis through the jungle, the Haitian casually notes, ““The universe has decided our fate.” I’m not entirely sure this true. If anything, the universe has afforded everyone time to basically stop, inhale, and truly think about the choices to come. These people are not mere puppets; if anything, there heroism comes from facing the inevitable and fighting anyways. After all, Heroes consistently shows how one person can alter the course of future events. While certain things are destined to happen, there are still things not written in stone. And while they may be scribbled upon a sheet of paper, it’s still within the power of the parties involved to change things. Maybe they can’t change them drastically, but even a small amount might be the difference between life and death.

After all, an eclipse covers the majority of the sun, but light still manages to escape along the edges.

What did you make of the eclipse’s arrival: strong plot point, or unnecessary pause in the action? Which powerless hero interested you the most? And what burning questions to you have as this volume nears its conclusion?

Ryan still manages to post during eclipses over at Boob Tube Dude .