and to be cynical, I think the main distinction is that S2's flaws are affecting beloved S1 characters (Peter, Claire, and Hiro in particular), whereas its strengths aren't catering to them nearly as much. Leading to loooooots of rather undeserved backlash.
That's what I suspect as well.
I'm actually beginning to think that rather than being motivated by Claire, Noah is merely using her as an excuse.
I think it's a bit more complicated than that, though I agree that Claire isn't in danger for her life (though she might well be for her freedom; we simply don't know whether they'd handle her like Matt or Monica - i.e. release - or like Adam (because we don't know yet who was telling the truth there)) from the Company, whereas Noah most definitely was from the moment he decided not to report on Claire manifesting. (Also, in fairness to Noah, he doesn't seem to have known about either her Petrelli connection or the implication re: how the Company would handle her. I mean, his attempted bagging and tagging of Nathan proves that he wasn't informed Petrellis were off-limits, he didn't know about Linderman; he was, as Matt once put it, middle management. *veg*)
What I think is the case: Claire replaces the "for the greater good" purpose he originally joined the Company for. Now you can argue that considering in his "audition" with Thompson, he says he's comfortable with the morally grey (i.e. he knew this about himself before ever joining the Company, and you usually find out by practice, it's not a self realisation that comes in theory alone), he was looking for something to contain and justify the ruthlessness he knows himself capable of. Working for the greater good is one idea that does; "saving my daughter" is another. But it can't ever be "saving myself" because admitting that would destroy any justifications whatsoever.
there have to be serious consequences to the dangerous, selfish mistakes both Noah and Claire have been making
Well, considering that the Company has found them in Costa Verde thanks to the Claire/West "prank" with Debbie (the article is in Bob's hands when he talks to Mohinder), and that Bob knew it was Noah in Odessa, Ukraine (where Noah went after the paintings, when said paintings have nothing to do with the purpose he originally sold Mohinder, on, bringing the Company down, and everything with his own life) because of Noah's mistakes, the next episode is already bringing consequences home to them, literary.
(I do want some follow-up from Sandra on the fact that Noah has been lying to her again, but I'm afraid that will get swallowed by the larger crisis again. Once, just once I want Sandra NOT forgive Noah because the family is in danger right now and they need to act together.)
no subject
That's what I suspect as well.
I'm actually beginning to think that rather than being motivated by Claire, Noah is merely using her as an excuse.
I think it's a bit more complicated than that, though I agree that Claire isn't in danger for her life (though she might well be for her freedom; we simply don't know whether they'd handle her like Matt or Monica - i.e. release - or like Adam (because we don't know yet who was telling the truth there)) from the Company, whereas Noah most definitely was from the moment he decided not to report on Claire manifesting. (Also, in fairness to Noah, he doesn't seem to have known about either her Petrelli connection or the implication re: how the Company would handle her. I mean, his attempted bagging and tagging of Nathan proves that he wasn't informed Petrellis were off-limits, he didn't know about Linderman; he was, as Matt once put it, middle management. *veg*)
What I think is the case: Claire replaces the "for the greater good" purpose he originally joined the Company for. Now you can argue that considering in his "audition" with Thompson, he says he's comfortable with the morally grey (i.e. he knew this about himself before ever joining the Company, and you usually find out by practice, it's not a self realisation that comes in theory alone), he was looking for something to contain and justify the ruthlessness he knows himself capable of. Working for the greater good is one idea that does; "saving my daughter" is another. But it can't ever be "saving myself" because admitting that would destroy any justifications whatsoever.
there have to be serious consequences to the dangerous, selfish mistakes both Noah and Claire have been making
Well, considering that the Company has found them in Costa Verde thanks to the Claire/West "prank" with Debbie (the article is in Bob's hands when he talks to Mohinder), and that Bob knew it was Noah in Odessa, Ukraine (where Noah went after the paintings, when said paintings have nothing to do with the purpose he originally sold Mohinder, on, bringing the Company down, and everything with his own life) because of Noah's mistakes, the next episode is already bringing consequences home to them, literary.
(I do want some follow-up from Sandra on the fact that Noah has been lying to her again, but I'm afraid that will get swallowed by the larger crisis again. Once, just once I want Sandra NOT forgive Noah because the family is in danger right now and they need to act together.)