‘Heroes Reborn’ gets slower but more interesting in its third episode.

Image via NBC

“IT’S GOOD TO DO GOOD BUSINESS.”

Note: The following review goes into detail about the episode. SPOILER ALERT!

With the one-two punch of “Brave New World” and “Odessa” behind it, Heroes Reborn gave the first glimpse of what it’ll be like week-to-week with “Under the Mask.” It isn’t half bad. Tim Kring and his team have obviously not forgotten how to structure an episode of Heroes, and beyond that, they’ve gotten it down to a science, pacing the episode just right to give updates on everyone as the plot as a whole moves forward. Not to mention the entire package is still very slickly presented, with vibrant colors and great use of titles and lettering.

“Under the Mask” picks up right where the premiere left off, with Molly Walker (remember her from Season 1?) in the hands of the Renautis corporation and HRG hot on their trail. These segments worked well not only as an introduction to a fully-grown Molly, but as a great way to tie Reborn in with the original series without making newcomers feel left out. While the whole “Evil Corporation is exploiting EVOs” thing has been done before (even by Heroes itself), the emotional stakes for the characters fighting Renautis remain interesting, even when the plot itself isn’t.

Image via NBC

The new characters got more time to shine this week as well, with Carlos finally suiting up in his brother’s costume and finding it’s a pretty hard job. Miko’s story began to get some context as well, as her sword was revealed to be the property of one Hiro Nakamura. The show’s most interesting newcomer, however, remains Zachary Levi’s Luke. While he was plenty good as an EVO-hating vigilante, the new twist of him developing powers himself looks to push the character in a very intriguing direction. And of course, all the proceedings were tied together by the both likeable and threatening HGR, who uncovers the event that killed his daughter.

THE BREAKDOWN

“Under the Mask” did a fine job of carrying the Heroes torch, offering some slickly presented storylines and boasting a lot of fine performances. Zachary Levi is shaping up to be a fine addition to the show, and HRG remains the glue that ties it all together. While the series still isn’t anything remarkable, “Under the Mask” proved that week-to-week, it can still at least by enjoyable.

What do you think of ‘Reborn’’s new direction? Tweet me @MaxMielecki. And be sure to follow us @YouNerded.

*We do not comment on anything relating to previews for the next episode and beyond.