How does the opening three minutes of 'Heroes' compare to typical TV title sequences?

I will be looking at the TV Series 'Heroes' Episode 2 and looking at how the opening three minutes compares to typical TV title sequences.

At the beginning of the series, there is a logo shown which is known as the 'Heroes' logo. This is quite unique as not many TV programmes have there own logo as they are not really common within TV programmes. The logo includes a eclipse with the word 'Heroes' written on it. This shows that the series have there own logo to look unique and attractive. Also, the affect of the eclipse shows a sort of insight to the genre as it is not a image with light colours but it uses dark colours and is sort of dull which connotes that the series is not a comedy or romance but is a different genre.

As the episode begins, there is immediately a re-cap of the previous episode as there is a voice over of a man speaking and saying the main parts of the previous episode. This would be a quick reminder to the audience about what happened previously. This would also help the audience who missed the previous episode and would help them catch up. This is a similar method used with a few TV programmes but not many TV programmes use this method on their opening title sequence. A re-cap would be mainly found in Indian Dramas which is quite common in their opening title sequences. However, not many English TV Programmes use this method in there opening title sequence. For example, Hollyoaks and Eastenders do not use these methods which is why it is not at much common. This shows that the re-cap does not compare to typical TV title sequences but is unique to keep the audience aware of what happened previously.

However, as the series begins the title of the episode "Chapter Two: Don't look back" is shown on the building in capitals. This shows the difference in 'Heroes' opening sequence than other programmes as the episode name is usually written in the middle once the episode starts whereas the title of the episode in 'Heroes' is written on a building. This signifies that the buildings in the programme have an importance as one of the males is always dreaming about jumping of the building. This is always shows the unique way of putting the title on the building as it first is a close up and then after if zooms out to show that it is on the building.

The scene then changes in to birds eye view of the male standing on the building. This shot shows the male from the top and the high building which he is standing on. This connotes that the male may have some sort of importance or may be superior within the series or may even want to commit suicide. This would be the ideas in the audience's mind if they have not seen the series before, this shows that the opening title sequence creates many ideas in the audiences mind especially if they have not seen the programme before. This would cause the audience to think and will create mystery in their mind which would want them to watch more. This is quite different to other TV programmes as the opening title sequence is creating suspense and mystery to get the audience to view the programme.

Also, the use of lighting in the opening title sequence so far is very dull and dark colours used. This suggests that the programme does not involve any fun and enjoyable scenes but is a serious programme based people and their lives. The use of lighting would also give an insight to the audience about the genre as the audience will now be aware that the programme will not involve any comedy.

The scene then goes on to showing the male walk off the building and falling down but then someone catches him and flies. This would now give the audience the impression that the programme involves super powers. This may get the audiences attention and will want to watch more to find out what is happening. As the male realises he was just dreaming, the audience would get confused again as to is it a super powers programme or not. This would also get the audience interested as they will want to know more about the programme. This shows that the programme uses a scene at the beginning which would be attractive to ensure the audience gets involved and it creates an effect on the audience as there is a man falling off a building. This shows the difference in the opening title sequence as most programmes such as 'My Wife & Kids' start the programme with something normal whereas this creates an affect on the audience.

Overall, the opening sequence of the programme 'Heroes' shows the different unique things used to make the programme seem interesting. The opening title sequence also creates an affect on the audience in many ways which shows the opening title sequence is not similar to other TV programmes opening title sequences.