Company Man Heroes

"Company Man," the seventeenth episode of *Heroes* first season, aired on February 25, 2007, written by Bryan Fuller and directed by Allan Arkush. The episode centers around Matt Parkman and Ted Sprague breaking into the Bennet house to seek information about Primatech Paper Company and Noah Bennet's involvement in abductions of people with powers. During their hostage situation, Claire reveals her father isn't a paper salesman and confesses she has powers.

Ted suggests Matt take Bennet to Primatech for evidence while Ted remains with Sandra and Lyle as hostages. At Primatech, the Haitian confronts Bennet about failing to erase Claire's memory. They return with evidence, leading to the release of Claire and Sandra. However, Thompson, Bennet's boss, shoots Ted, causing him to lose control and set the house on fire. Thompson discusses testing Ted and then killing him, while Bennet praises Matt as a potential partner.

In the car, Claire asks where she is going, but her father isn't sure. They meet the Haitian at a bridge, where Bennet instructs him to shoot him in the stomach to make it appear Claire was taken by force and erase any memories linking to her location.

The episode received critical acclaim, with Lynette Rice praising its focused narrative. It ranked #68 on TV Guide’s "TV's Top 100 Episodes." Fuller later described it as his best script. Jack Coleman, Greg Grunberg, Hayden Panettiere, and recurring guest stars Ashley Crow and Matthew John Armstrong submitted the episode for Emmy consideration in various categories.