A series that started strong, Heroes seemed in big danger of jumping the shark after the Writer’s Strike of 2007-2008. Anticipation was high for season 3, especially as the show’s creator, Tim Kring, openly admitted and – gasp – apologized for the show’s sub-par performance during season 2.

And, up to now, Season 3 is definitely delivering. It is as exciting, annoyingly confusing, thrilling and delightfully frustrating as Season 1, and I can’t wait for next Monday (never thought I’d say that!).

But the highlight of yesterday’s episode didn’t have much to do with the plot line. It was one of those absolutely wonderful moments that thrill you to the core for no other reason than it has something to do with something that is close to your heart. It was a gentle tap on the fingers as an unfortunate stigma was approached with a particularly efficient brand of serious humor.

Remember when The Native (why doesn’t he have a name?) tells Matt Parkman that he must continue on his spirit walk, find his guide and see where the guide will take him? Parkman, still unsettled by the future that he ‘saw’, snaps: “Is this some kind of African voodoo?” (or rather, something very close to that). Calm, dignified yet a little puzzled, The Native replies: “No. Carl Jung, analytical psychology. You don’t read much, do you?”

At the risk of sounding terribly childish…. BOOYA!

And now, if only they would give The Native a name…