The Cockroach

[Ma1o]

Anyone know or think whats the meaning of the cockroach that they show sometimes trhoughout the season? Im guessing it some kind of god like figure because re wacthing the first episode Mohinder mentions it.

 

[Halcohol]

Some kind of god like figure? Doubtful.

A cockroach is the evolutionary pinnacle for a creature occupying that specific niche in the food chain. It's a symbol for the kind of staying power that mutants could have.

 

[Mysterio]

it's used as a metaphor for the mutants. in the first episode, Mohinder suggests that since the cockroach is the pinnacle of evolution, that perhaps God is a cockroach. in the last episode, i think they used the cockroach crawling over the manhole cover for two reasons: 1) to suggest that Sylar is still alive, and 2) to provide a bookend for volume 1.

 

[Caliber]

It was a way to connect what Mohinder said in the first episode and to end it with that same kind of thing. We know Sylar is alive because his body isn't there at all.

 

[Avalanche]

It has special significance for Sylar. We've seen a cockroach used in relation to Sylar before, when he was captured.

 

[Superfreak]

it's used as a metaphor for the mutants. in the first episode, Mohinder suggests that since the cockroach is the pinnacle of evolution, that perhaps God is a cockroach. in the last episode, i think they used the cockroach crawling over the manhole cover for two reasons: 1) to suggest that Sylar is still alive, and 2) to provide a bookend for volume 1.

unless there's a guy out there, who can communicate, and use cockroaches as his minions. The ability to see everywhere all the time. Pretty cool. Not to mention having an army of roachs to back you up when you need it

 

[Mr.Webs]

It has special significance for Sylar. We've seen a cockroach used in relation to Sylar before, when he was captured.

Exactly. Mohinder mentioned how the cockroach can survive when it faces even the most grandiose of danger. Now, when have we seen the cockroach? Both in Sylar's cell, and on the manhole cover, two instances when it seemed that Sylar was dead, or close to death.

Yet the bastard keeps on living, much like his counterpart, the cockroach.

 

[Gilpesh]

Might be a little out there but... shape shifting?

Sylar seems to pop up sometimes...

 

[union_jak]

Cockroaches can survive nuclear bombs apparantely.

 

[Prolific]

my theory is its this new character named Kane some spoilers say hes the one with cockroaches and has a special interest in sylar. He also the one that helped sylar escape after the final battle and the last part of the theory kane is the character that one chick cant find and if she does he will see her

 

[irapogi]

dude, thatd be awesome...

 

[rubinator]

any pics of these roaches, i have seen them put can i have pics please

 

[Spidey Rules 2]

it's used as a metaphor for the mutants. in the first episode, Mohinder suggests that since the cockroach is the pinnacle of evolution, that perhaps God is a cockroach. in the last episode, i think they used the cockroach crawling over the manhole cover for two reasons: 1) to suggest that Sylar is still alive, and 2) to provide a bookend for volume 1.

This was brought up during the Comic Con. You pretty much said what the writers said.

 

[SolidSnakeMGS]

Ok, so don't we see a cockroach when Matt is captured, like in his prison cell? And then we saw a cockroach crawling on the dude who Sylar killed. We hear cockroaches mentioned in the early episodes of S1. What's the connection?

 

[He-Man]

http://heroeswiki.com/Cockroach

Genesis
While speaking to his class at Chennai University, Dr. Mohinder Suresh cites the cockroach as the pinnacle of evolution, and lists several of its advanced attributes. Later on, Mohinder arrives at his father's apartment, and is disgusted when he steps on a cockroach that he sees on the floor.

Don't Look Back
The exterminator tells Mohinder that cockroaches have infested the floorboards of his apartment. After they scuffle, Mohinder says that cockroaches are the least of his problems.

Godsend
At Primatech Paper Co., Sylar watches a cockroach roam the floor of his cell.

The Fix
Sylar remains on the floor of his cell and watches the cockroach walking next to his head.

Unexpected
Dale notes that when she first realized her powers, the sound of a cockroach's footsteps in her neighbor's home sounded like a marching band.

.07%
While Matt is unconscious in his cell, a cockroach crawls across Matt's meal.

How to Stop an Exploding Man
At Kirby Plaza, a cockroach crawls over an open manhole cover near a trail of Sylar's blood.

The Kindness of Strangers
A cockroach is seen crawling over the brick which Sylar has used to kill Derek in the Mexican gas station.

Notes
In an inteview, Tim Kring said he became fascinated with the idea of cockroaches possibly being "the pinnacle of evolution because they were so capable of adapting and existing in really troubled times." He continued, "They are so perfectly genetically engineered. So, for me, it became the embodiment of this idea of evolution."

In a Q&A session, writers Joe Pokaski and Aron Coleite said emphatically that "Sylar did not turn into a cockroach" at the end of the season finale. They also suggested that it was symbolism that Sylar is like a human cockroach —- he's darn near impossible to completely get rid of.

 

[SolidSnakeMGS]

^ Good info, thanks!