Still heroic

I gave a positive review to "Heroes" (NBC, 9 p.m.) a couple of weeks ago, so I wanted to post a reminder to people that the pilot airs tonight.

Some critics complained the pilot took too long to get into the main story, but I disagree. The pilot ends with a neat twist that you don't see coming.

Since the review, I've seen episodes 2 and 3, and I am happy to tell you the pace picks up dramatically. We are introduced to a cop with the ability to read minds while the other characters' storylines are advanced in interesting ways. Hiro, the Japanese accountant, helps end the second episode with an absolutely inspired plot twist, while episode 3 ends with one of the neatest visuals you will see on TV for a while.

If there is one show worth comparing it to, it's "Lost" in its ability to interwine the lives of seemingly regular people, yet have a bigger story playing out in the background that will affect everyone. What's also neat is that every one of the featured characters ends up with a sidekick, all of whom playing key roles in advancing the characters' stories.

While "Studio 60" (NBC, 10 p.m.) may be the best-acted and best-written new show of the season, I actually have higher hopes in the potential of "Heroes." With "Prison Break" (Fox, 8 p.m.) going through an excellent sophomore season, Monday's may be the best night of the week for TV.

MONDAY'S BEST BET: I'm not sure this is the "best" viewing option, but "The Class" (CBS, 8 p.m.) is an interesting leadoff hitter for CBS' Monday comedy lineup.

I watched the pilot last week, and considering it came from the same people who created "Friends," it was a little uneven. It did, however, show enough potential to give it a second chance. It's not nearly as good as "How I Met Your Mother," which follows it, but "Class" may end up as a solid companion show.