Bring it on, Heroes lovers!

You may not like what we're about to say, but like a loyal patriot that questions his country, we're too dedicated to Heroes to blindly watch it throw away its likely final season.

It's one's duty as a TV show fan to question the direction of one's favorite series when it's on the verge of completely falling off the rails. With that in mind, there are two issues that Heroes writers have dropped the ball on: continuity and direction. Let's start with the first...

From week to week - and certainly volume to volume - Heroes contradicts itself and/or ignores previous storylines. Take this exchange between HRG and Tracy last night, after Jeremy was killed:

Tracy: “Do we have to be invisible? You ever think we could just live, Noah? Out in the open.”
HRG: “After today? No.”

Excuse us? After today?!? The entire arc of last season was focused on a government-led round up of everyone with abilities. HRG himself led the charge!

Then there's Hiro's arc this season. He gave a passionate speech during the premiere about why it's never a good idea to go back and mess with time. What did his storyline quickly become? Going back and messing with time.

Finally, there's the issue of Parkman/Sylar/Nathan. At the conclusion of season three, Parkman used his powers to override Sylar's personality with Nathan's. It made sense, based on what we know about him. But now... Sylar's body has returned because Nathan got shot, and Sylar has somehow infiltrated Parkman's mind?!? How is that remotely consistent with what took place last season?

We're not purposely trying to rile up Heroes supporters. We've included ourselves in that group for years.

But we do wish to stir up some debate and, hopefully, cause the writers to realize how many holes are in their plots on a weekly basis.

Comment on this issue in our Heroes forum - and check out PART TWO OF THIS ANALYSIS AFTER THE JUMP.

As for the direction of season four, let's take a look at the progress made - or not made - for various characters so far...

Peter: Started the season as a paramedic, using his ability to save people. Currently: a paramedic, using his ability to save people.

Samuel: Started the season as the mysterious leader of a carnival, whose mission appeared to be gathering up the Heroes. Currently: the mysterious leader of a carnival, whose mission appears to be gathering up the Heroes.

Claire: Started the season as a freshman at college, trying to fit in and make friends. Currently: a freshman at college, trying to fit in and make friends.

Hiro: Started the season with a terminal illness and dedicated himself to time traveling in order to change lives. Currently: has a terminal illness and has dedicated himself to time traveling in order to change lives.

Have there been slight advances to these storylines? Of course. But you get the point.

The season is over a third of the way complete. Can anyone say there's been significant progress on the main plot so far?

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.