Any truth to the rumors about Heroes’ Claire becoming a lesbian? -Norm, Escondido, Cal.[/b]
Well, Norm, according to Hayden Panettiere (Claire), the persistence of fans like you has paid off. “I think the writers are feeling a lot of pressure now to do it, because everyone’s talking about it,” she says. “And I certainly wouldn’t complain.” The non-alcohol induced action (”just a kiss,” says creator Tim Kring) will happen in Episode 5 between Claire and her new college roomie, Gretchen (Madeline Zima). Hayden describes Gretchen as “an odd duck who’s obsessed with death and shows like CSI.” “They’re really cute together,” Kring says. “If Gretchen reveals her sexual orientation to Claire, Claire might want to reveal her own secret.” In addition to fighting evil (more Heroes on page 33), Claire will also pledge Alpha Chi Delta, where preppy pledge master Becky is guarding a secret of her own. Hayden’s only edict for college: “I’ll never wear a cheerleading outfit again!” [TV Guide Magazine Issue July 26-August 9]

Well just a kiss, no big deal. If it turns into something then it will be. I hope this quick kiss is not enough to jump the shark or cause more ratings drops. It's a shame her cheerleading days are officially behind her, but everyone has to move on. I wonder if this means she's going to focus on being a "family" company agent while in college?

"In addition to fighting evil (more Heroes on page 33), Claire will also pledge Alpha Chi Delta, where preppy pledge master Becky is guarding a secret of her own."

It pretty much is jumping the shark.

How obvious is it that this stunt is only because they want to up their ratings? I don't mind having a lesbian or gay relationship on the show, but seriously, this is so stupid. So what, some extra people might tune in to see Hayden kiss another girl, but there's no substance to it. This is even more apparent if the kiss is "just a quick one".

Sadly, I don't really have any hope that Heroes will be good this season. Sounds like a load of crap made only to boost the ratings temporarily, when what they should be doing is repairing the trust they lost with their dedicated fans.

Have to agree with you on this one. It does sound like a stunt...unfortunately it also sounds like they are giving into certain fan demands rather than telling their own story. That's the a bad sign. When the writers start doing stuff like that shows usually don't last long.

Lost never gave into fans to keep their favorite characters around even when they rallied with huge petitions. The writing always revolved around the telling of their story and not giving into fans demands. That's one of the main reasons their show remains interesting.

Personally I don't care what their sexuality is and I don't mind gay characters(Torchwood is one of my favorites)...just give me an interesting storyline that has mystery to it like the first season. If they have that they don't have to use gimmicks.

I don't know where the writers got the idea that this is what the fans wanted because a lot of said they did not want this to happen, so why are they saying they do? I of course don't really care, but if they set it up for a ratings desperation it won't work.

Ask for Hiro, from the sounds of things he may die

Nathan dies and Sylar raises from the grave...I just hope he doesn't go back to "serial killer" Sylar. I hope that the fusion of Nathan/Sylar is enough to change Sylar to a degree. I don't think I'd like it if they went back to him killing someone new every week to get an ability...that stuff gets boring real quick.

I don't know about you guys but I think we should just move Claire to 90210. Her teen drama would be perfect for that show not Heroes LOL.

I just found this first screenshot of Claire that we saw in the trailer. It's looks awesome. Here's the shot:

http://www.herosite.net/gallery/displayima...um=94&pos=0