Another GREAT episode of "M.A.N.T.I.S.". This time focusing on a troubled kid from the projects with pyrokinetic abilities being manipulated by a greedy corporate exec (played by Erik King aka Sgt. James Doakes from Showtime series "Dexter".)

Although many are disappointed in the show I can understand because there is a stigmata that most want to associate with heroes his/her ability to be loved by an adoring city and like batman to be feared and be in charge. Mantis was not the typical heroic standard he used technology, wealth for good, stealth and he gave three things that were inspirational. He set the idea that disability does not make one useless, it was an encouragement: to have a black hero, and it showed philosophical prowess. We may see stereotypes and if that is your purpose then you will find them in most any show... this show merged obstacles to overcome obstacles and that even heroes need help. Growing up in this era and being disabled the show was very inspiring and for those born after its production or during will likely get what they've been shown to believe but let us remember that although this was basically, (as are most fantasized hero movies) going to have fantastic storyline that are unbelievable and even cheesy . I was a teenager at the time and it was kinda cool to have a hero whom it was impossible to figure his identity and not just be deceptively masked by a pair of glasses which kinda insults intelligence. While the show may not have been in the top 10 but then again neither was Roots when it first came out. I liked the show and hated that it ended but as I stated our perceptions heroes was not Mantis... he used mind over muscle, there were no real fancy tricks or imagery and violence was to a minimal. The show warranted a change in our conceptualization and people resist that.