David Anders’ Takezo Kensei Emerging in ‘Heroes’ Mythology
Fans Will Get Answers to Basic Questions Soon
There’s been a lot of activity of late in the Heroes universe revolving around the Season Two regular character Takezo Kensei. Briefly spotted at the end of the first season’s finale when Hiro (Masi Oka) somehow wound up in 17th-century feudal Japan, the legendary warrior and continual Hiro obsession will be portrayed, of course, by Alias alum David Anders. And if it strikes you as kind of odd that clearly not Japanese Anders is assuming a clearly Japanese role, series creator and executive producer Tim Kring assures you there’s a forthcoming rhyme to his currently puzzling reason. In a recent TV Guide article, Kring states, “I promise you’ll get the scoop behind this in the season premiere. We’re going to reveal why—contrary to legend—Kensei is not Japanese.” I’m certain I speak for the legions of baffled devotees when I say, “Thanks, Tim, for resolving that mystery quickly!”
For now, fans can get a load of some of the first video footage showcasing Anders as Kensei, dressed in fitting garb and getting thrown by his horse (Ouch!). Continuing its dominance over the other broadcast networks in terms of creating an imaginative and engaging Web presence for its TV series, NBC has also put together a very aesthetically pleasing, Japanese-themed site for the fictional Yamagoto Fellowship, purportedly founded by Hiro’s father Kaito Nakamura (Star Trek icon George Takei). The organization focuses on studying legendary heroes, such as the Norse god Thor, the Native American warrior Crazy Horse, and swordsman Kensei, of course.
While only basic background information on the various iconic figures is live now, in the near future, the Yamagoto site will introduce a five-part fake documentary exploring the man that is supposed to be Takezo Kensei (others are reporting that the series is already available, but I haven’t been able to find it on the site) In addition to the basic background information on the various iconic figures, the Yamagoto site will also feature a five-part fake documentary exploring the man that is supposed to be Takezo Kensei. The first chapter of Takezo Kensei: Sword Saint is now live in the Videos/Events section. As with the online graphic novels at the main NBC Heroes site, the streaming videos will likely provide ardent fans with more essential historical details in the Heroes mythology.
Take a first look at Anders as Takezo Kensei in the footage below from an Entertainment Tonight segment (many thanks to heroestheseries.com), or jump to the video if you can’t see it.*
*This video does not include closed captions or subtitles for the deaf, hard of hearing, or non-fluent in English.
Related Posts: ‘Heroes’ Trumps ‘Lost’ and Adds Kristen Bell | The ‘Heroes’ DVD Contests and Extras Just Keep Coming
Heroes currently airs Monday-night repeats on NBC at 9pm EST, and the second season premieres Monday, September 24, at 9pm EST
David Anders photo courtesy of ABC
