One of the most frustrating flaws with Heroes is how the show absolutely refuses to kill its characters off, resuscitating them again and again and robbing the series of its already sapped stakes. (Sure, there have been some supporting characters who disappeared, but it's more due to the show's own inattention than any grand plan.) However, according to Airlock Alpha, NBC may be planning to do to Heroes what Heroes hasn't been able to do with its cast: pull the plug, permanently.
According to the site, NBC sources are indicating that the show may not receive a season five order so that producers can work to create a buzz-generating final stretch of episodes this year. As a heavily serialized genre show, it's unlikely that Heroes can experience a ratings turnaround, and the show's expense coupled with the network's misfortunes make it an increasing liability. However, I'd be surprised if NBC made a decision this early in the game -- not only will the network want to factor in spring development, but the original cast members are surely signed until at least a fifth year, so if NBC wanted to cancel the show, it'd make better sense to wring out of it a full, final season before contract renegotiations would begin. Then again, we're talking about NBC, so who knows?
NBC To Heroes: Think About That Final Chapter [Airlock Alpha]