Heroes on NBC

10 Things to Know About 'Heroes'

These 'Heroes' have not been forgotten. After a six-week absence, the hit first-year show returns for its final, climactic five episodes. Need a refresher course? We count down the 10 things to know about the show that has everyone buzzing.

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10. Every 'Hero' Has an Origin Story

Ranging from somewhat recognized to completely unknown, the ensemble cast had lives as interesting and diverse as their actual characters. One worked for George Lucas, another was a master pianist. before they were 'Heroes.'

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9. There's a Real Isaac Mendez

All the paintings and comic book images created by Isaac Mendez (Santiago Cabrera) are actually the work of real-life artist Tim Sale. His favorite pieces so far are the "Train Wreck" from the first episode and the "Shadow Chasing the Cheerleader." Read an interview with Sale.

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8. The Creator Crossed Over From 'Jordan'

Before 'Heroes,' there was ... 'Crossing Jordan'? However different those two shows are, they came from the same man: creator Tim Kring. He was actually not a comic book geek; he said in an interview that his inspiration for the show came from watching 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'The Incredibles' back to back.

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7. Save the Cheerleader, Save the World

Claire Bennet must be the key to everything 'Heroes': Hayden Panettiere has appeared in every episode so far this season. Hiro has also shown up every week, but not since the character was a baby in 'Company Man.'

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6. Someone's Watching Over Them

Some of the 'Heroes' bear a scar, which looks like an extended equal sign, after being injected with a trackable radioisotope by "The Company." The tagged include Matt Parkman, Ted Sprague, Claude, Isaac Mendez and Hana Gitelman.

5. Nobody Is Invincible

The characters with superpowers on the show only seem immortal. Unfortunately, they can die like anybody else, especially if they have revealed themselves to Sylar, who has a nasty habit of killing off other 'Heroes' to steal their powers.

4. Call It 'The Nine'

The show seems to have a special place in its heart for the number nine. There are nine main characters with super powers. Hiro's comic book is titled '9 Wonders!' The suicide-bomb bus in Isaac's painting is number 009. And the explosion in New York will occur Nov. 8, with a "new era" dawning on Nov. 9.

3. Everyone Can Join the 'Heroes' Universe

Taking from a page from 'Lost,' the show has launched a "digital extension called "Heroes 360." Fans can check out blogs by Hana Gitelman and Hiro, as well as the websites for Primatech Paper and Linderman's Corinthian casino.

2. A Superhero's Symbol

Batman has the bat, Superman as the "S." The 'Heroes' have a helix. It's everywhere -- on Isaac Mendez's paintings, Jessica's shoulder and the hilt of Hiro's sword. In one episode, Ando noted the symbol looked like the combination of two characters that meant "Great Talent" and "Godsend."

1. There's a Five-Year Plan

The producers of 'Heroes' are learning from the missteps of shows like 'Twin Peaks,' 'The X-Files' and 'Lost,' which frustrated viewers who wanted answers to long-simmering mysteries. Creator Tim Kring said, "We have the first season mapped out in detail. Less so in the second season, but we have talked about where the show goes up to five seasons."