But didn't we learn in "5 Years Gone" that Peter survived the explosion?

He did, but he probably didn't explode in the stratosphere during explosion Take 1. Now he's gotta deal with regenerating after the bomb AND falling from how many thousands of feet up in the air.

So the only person who died for sure is Nathan, right?

Maybe I've seen one too many soap operas, but unless I see it on the screen, I ain't believin' it.

I thought he turned invisible long enough to toss Claude off the roof and jump after him, but then when he flew he was visible again. Am I misremembering?

You're right. Noah Bennett (hee! I just wanna say it) and the Haitian watched him fly off with Claude.

Here's the thing, though: If Nathan survives, his heroic sacrifice meant nothing (narratively speaking). Conversely, if Peter *doesn't* survive, then Nathan's heroic sacrifice, again, meant nothing, because it just meant that both Petrellis died instead of just one. So while I'm sad to see Nathan go, I expect I'll be somewhat irritated if he turns up alive next season after all.

Kate, your recollection of the flying is the same as mine.

I would have liked that moment with the Petrelli brothers more if I hadn't been saying, "Wait. Wait, what? No, that's dumb! And where are you going to take him, and that doesn't make sense." It was a nice wrap up, but largely "as expected", to me (insert comment about SPN. Left vague for spoilyness).

Peter's so back. If you have Sylar, you must have Peter. The Haitian was my first thought for the big bad, but I'm willing to be wrong, especially if we get an "annying one" moment.

More of my thoughts:

I < heart > Ando. He started off the season a cynical horndog, and he ended it a man -- just a man -- who was willing to do what it took to save the world. I love that Hiro didn't just save him, he also teleported his friend back to Yamagato Industries, on the other side of the world, tucking him away where he knew Ando would definitely be safe.

And I love that Ando not only tells his friend how proud he is, but also has the presence of mind to tell him he looks "bad ass." It's undoubtedly the first time Hiro has ever heard that, and it probably served to inspire him just as much as Ando's earlier heartfelt words of meaning did. Because it's one thing to be prepared to do what must be done. But I like to think that being told that he looked like a bad ass helped him believe that maybe -- just maybe, he could be a bad ass.

And as much as I won't believe Nathan's dead until season two wraps and I haven't seen Adrian's razor-sharp cheekbones on-screen all season? That was just a beautiful ending to the season-long story of the love and faith of two brothers.

Ever since we've known them, Peter has found his strength in his big brother, and Nathan has looked to his little brother for hope and light. In the end, with some help from Claire, they came together -- literally -- to face their fate. I liked how Nathan, who earlier this season lamented to Peter that he didn't know what he was without him, acknowledged that Peter had saved the cheerleader -- his daughter -- so they could save the world.

Although, I still wanna see Adrian back next year. He purty.

Looks like it was Nathan who loved unconditionally.

not!Shaft said "in the end, all that really matters is love". And it was Nathan's love that saved him, but also I think Nathan knowing that Peter would have done the same for him, would have loved him no matter what.

Here's the thing, though: If Nathan survives, his heroic sacrifice meant nothing (narratively speaking).

doesn't it mean something that he thought that he would die, even if he survives?

So the only person who died for sure is Nathan, right?

I'm with Monique on the Soap Opera School -- don't believe it unless you see a body. And even then, plastic surgery can do wonders when the character fakes their death and comes back with a new actor face. (and let's not forget the Days of Our Lives classic when a new actor came back with amnesia, realized he was Roman Brady, then the original actor wanted to come back so substitute actor was revealed to not actually be Roman Brady, but the original character from the amnesia, and behold, the orginal actor came back as Roman Brady. but, I digress)

Just rewatched, and again, I really was not feeling Nathan's speech. It just felt contrived to me. Was it the writing or the delivery?

Here's the thing, though: If Nathan survives, his heroic sacrifice meant nothing (narratively speaking).

Except that he was on a path to being a bad guy and that by going to his death (even if it didn't take) he's a good guy.

Definitely some kick-ass moments: Claire jumping out of the window; Micah n' Molly - so cute; anything with Ando; D.L., Nikki, Micah and Molly forming the perfect Brangelina multi-culti family. But the Broyay, good heavens the broyay conquers all. It would've been perfect if Matt had really croaked. Stupider than Mohinder and not even half the pretty.

Was that Hiro's dad on that horse in 16th century Japan? Because that would be a rockin' S2 set up.

It would've been perfect if Matt had really croaked. Stupider than Mohinder and not even half the pretty.

yeah, but he has a heart like a lion. Knowing what Sylar was capable of, he still went after him. Not smart, but sweet.

I have to rewatch, because I was somewhat distracted by school stuff tonight, but I hate to admit I was sort of dissappointed by this episode. There were some great little moments, but some things to be wrapped up a little better. I hate still having more questions after a season finale. It also makes no sense to me that Nathan would have to fly Peter off like that. What happened to shooting him dead and then removing the bullet, so he could use his Claire healing power? That plan made a lot more sense to me than what Nathan did. Also, what was the whole point of Peter learning to start controlling his powers with Claude if it didn't even matter in the end? If Peter and Nathan are both dead, the show isn't going to be as interesting for me next season.

How come Peter could pick up Niki's power five seconds after he met her, but he couldn't fly himself away?

He was preoccupied with controlling the uncontrollable. It was taking all of his concentration to hold back what he already held back. Focusing on flying would be kinda hard.