I think the thing about the first group of "heroes" - the one that included Lindermann and Mama Petrelli - is that they've become embittered. Plus, for all we know, Mama Petrelli shares Lindermann's view that Nathan needs to be in a seat of power to make things ultimately come out right.

I honestly think we're being set up to see someone *else* explode - or attempt to explode - NYC. Ted has been taught to burn "bright" rather than "hot" by a very cagey Mr. Bennet - so I think he is eliminated as the exploding man. It might be nice to see what happens when the 'old' heroes begin to reconnect. Mr. Nakamura, Mr. Lindermann, Mama Petrelli, possibly Claude...and watch their fatalistic world view as it compares to the less jaded point of view as the 'new' heroes we are seeing.

I think Issac has seen (and sent off) a newer vision of the future - perhaps one that we don't get to see until the end. He very ominously (and happily) tells Sylar that eventually even with all the collected skills, Sylar won't win. I took Issac giving himself over as a very clear and rational thing to do. Peter has had visions of the future as well, and two of those people are now not there to witness or participate in that future. Does their absence change things? Possibly. The most compelling aspect of this show is that the pieces are constantly falling into place and then changing.

I'm kind of interested in how it is Mohinder is so easily manipulated, though. For a supposedly intelligent and intellectual creature, Mohinder is so quick to accept what is shown to him as fact.

I do have to admit that I don't see a lot of the incestuous energy other people do (other than Peter/Claire, but I really don't find that fairly incest, since the show gave us that energy between them before the big reveal), but the concept of the family relationships being toyed with in the ways you outline, Nora? I find that totally fascinating. :)