Ep 18. Parasite

Mohinder and Sylar are back, and more intense than ever. The episode starts with a flashback showing Sylar's father creating a parasite to help them extract abilities from other people. Present-day Sylar uses the same parasite to extract Ted's explosive power and control it. Meanwhile, Matt and Audrey investigate a murder in which the victim was drained of his fluids, leaving him looking like a mummy. They team up with Mohinder who they need to figure out what they are dealing with and how to stop it.

Niki struggles with her alter ego, Jessica but resists getting help, straining her relationship with her son Micah and her husband D.L. The episode adds depth to the characters and shows Niki's vulnerability effectively. She also begins to understand more about her condition and why it is happening to her. The episode also has a lot of intense action scenes, including one where Sylar tries to take Matt's power. It's a tense moment that shows how vulnerable Matt is despite having a powerful ability.

The episode's writing is top-notch, as always, and the plot is exciting. The Parasite is a terrifying villain, one that leaves its victims looking like zombies, and draining them of all their fluids. The episode also features some heartwarming moments, such as Claire's mother apologizing to her daughter for keeping her father's secrets. The moment is touching and shows how much their relationship has grown.

Overall, the episode is a must-watch with enough action, drama, and emotion to keep viewers hooked. The characters all have their unique stories, and the Parasite adds a new layer to the mythology of the show. It's not only a tale of saving the world but a story about understanding yourself and others.

In the end, the heroes succeed in stopping the Parasite, but not before it takes another victim. The episode sets up the show for the rest of the season and is a great example of how a well-executed standalone episode can add depth to a story's overall arc. The Parasite is never seen again in the later episodes, leaving viewers to wonder what could have been if the villain stuck around. Regardless, this episode is a gem, and one of the best of the season.