As a total eclipse casts its shadow across the globe, a genetics professor in India is led by his father's disappearance to uncover a secret theory -- there are people with super powers living among us. A young dreamer tries to convince his politician brother that he can fly. A high school cheerleader learns that she is totally indestructible. A single mother struggles to make ends meet to support her young son and discovers that her mirror image has a secret. A gifted artist, whose drug addiction is destroying his life and relationship with his girlfriend, can paint the future. And in Japan, a young man develops a way to stop time through sheer will power. Yet, unbeknownst to them all, their ultimate destiny is nothing less than saving the world...

Outside a bizarre, gruesome crime scene, Los Angeles beat cop Matt Parkman is the only one who can hear the cries of a missing little girl. Claire almost reveals her secret ability to the entire school after learning that her injury attempt tape has disappeared. Thinking she's going crazy, Niki loses another block of time after waking to find some brutally murdered thugs in her garage, only to be confronted by Social Services about son Micah. While office drone Hiro investigates New York, Nathan confronts Peter following his plunge off a building.

As the "Heroes" continue to test their newfound extraordinary abilities, Claire tries to maintain a normal social life when a romance with the football quarterback takes a tragic turn. While Hiro convinces his friend that they are destined to travel to America to save the world, a frightened Niki follows instructions from a mysterious, unknown source that directs her to the middle of the desert. Meanwhile, Nathan uses Peter's accident to propel his political campaign. The elusive Sylar is being hunted by both Matt and the FBI, as well as Suresh, whose father's journal leads to potential clues.

Suresh finally tracks down one of his father's fabled genetically advanced "supermen." In Las Vegas, Hiro's plan backfires when he cautiously turns time to his advantage at the gambling tables. Niki's mafia debtors use their leverage to their benefit in a more elaborate scheme, while Nathan pays a personal visit to a wealthy Vegas contributor to raise additional campaign funds. Following a tragic turn at a bonfire, Claire's uncanny healing abilities are put to the ultimate test, but according to Issac's paintings, her future could be fraught with even more peril Meanwhile, Matt's abilities are gauged by a pair of men who seem to know a great deal about people with special gifts.

Confused after losing track of another block of time, Niki finds the police on her doorstep, searching for her fugitive husband D.L. Hawkins. Claire confesses to her father. Hiro and his friend get jumped by some Vegas high-rollers. Peter receives a life-changing message from an unlikely source. Meanwhile, Matt secretly uses his mind-reading ability to anticipate his wife's needs. Dismayed by recent events, Suresh makes plans to return to India to lay both his father's remains and his research to rest.