Kirsty Walker reflects on the controversial loss of Jeph Loeb and Jesse Alexander as ‘Heroes’ producers.

In a world where ratings mean all, television as an art form cannot flourish. As a commodity, as a distraction or as a snare for advertising revenue, television exists without purpose, and viewers are short-changed.

In firing Jeph Loeb and Jesse Alexander, NBC have clinically removed the heart of Heroes. That their demise came from the pursuit of the almighty dollar is even more depressing. The show’s unique transparency for viewers has given us a insider’s view of how well-respected Loeb and Alexander were amongst the cast and crew. Watch the Alexander-shot video from behind the scenes at this year’s triumphant Comic-Con panel and you will see the faces of cast members light up as they see him behind the camera. Nathan Petrelli’s kids are named after Alexander’s sons, and Jeph Loeb’s comic book credentials gave Heroes that elusive mix of the comedic and tragic which made it a worldwide hit. Their involvement in the show was more than work, and more than money, it was passion for a subject, and belief in good television.

Jeph Loeb penned three Heroes episodes, and Jesse Alexander three. In One Giant Leap (Episode 1.3) Loeb handled the attempted rape and murder of Claire Bennett with sensitivity and a convincing voice, contributing to her becoming one of the series’ most loved characters. In Unexpected (Episode 1.16) he gave a hitherto unseen sensitivity to serial killer Sylar as he connects with Mohinder Suresh, in one of the character’s most important developments. The beleaguered Season 2 was given a shot in the arm by his tense and fast-moving finale, Powerless (Episode 2.11).

Loeb’s work with artist Tim Sale and his considerable pedigree in comic books gave Heroes a unique storytelling style and a whole raft of additional character information in the form of its graphic novels and the related novella ‘Saving Charlie’. The tireless exploration of character origins and canonical history informed the broadcast material and ensured that fans of the series were given so much more than their allotted 40 minutes per week to enjoy the Heroes universe. Much of what makes Heroes a worldwide phenomenon and not just another sci-fi potboiler is down to Jeph Loeb’s dedication to the idea that popular media can explore and evoke the most complex of human emotions.

Jesse Alexander’s Eris Quod Sum was the last aired episode before the election week hiatus. Its satisfying acceleration of events arguably delivered the season’s highlight so far. Despite Heroes losing viewers, it is still rated in the top five broadcast programmes, and still a favourite with the coveted 18-34 demographic. Plus, once DVR ratings are released the show was revealed to be gaining viewers. Only a week ago, Jesse commented on his blog that Advertising Age magazine had declared the TAMI index which measures live ratings redundant as so many more viewers were watching online and at their leisure through technology such as the BBC iPlayer.

In a show of real heroics, both men have asked fans to stick with the show. Without the heart of Loeb and Alexander to enrich the text, it remains to be seen whether the franchise can keep its viewers and its position as one of the best loved and most watched shows worldwide. It would be a testament to the dedication of the producers to see Heroes keep its heart, its idiosyncrasies and its distinctive style, all facets of the show which were the domain of Jeph and Jesse.

Keep watching Heroes, because everything you love it about it is the legacy of these two creatives. Loeb and Alexander, we salute you!