{alltv} The Truth About Nathan

Spoiler Alert!
Warning: This story includes major spoilers about upcoming episodes ofHeroes!

Word that actor Adrian Pasdar is being written off Heroes has spread like wildfire over the Internet, but it really shouldn't have come as a shock. His character, Sen. Nathan Petrelli, was killed last spring, and it was just a matter of time before he was gone for good.

Nathan has been seen sporadically this season, but it's not really Nathan—it's the shape-shifting Sylar (Zachary Quinto), who has been brainwashed into thinking and looking like Nathan. Once Sylar regains control of his mind and body, Pasdar is no longer needed, and his final episode will air November 30. (Pasdar has declined comment on his exit.) As for an Internet report that the actor was so coldly treated that he learned about his exit by reading his script? Heroes creator/exec producer Tim Kring says it's pure baloney.

"We talked openly with Adrian about [his departure] several months ago and have kept him abreast of where his arc was headed—he always knew what was going on," Kring says. "This is a guy who is much loved by us all, and these disparaging reports about the way things were handled couldn't be further from the truth. Adrian is a leader among the cast, a true friend and a real gentleman."

Thus, he'll be given a gentleman's farewell. In the November 23 episode, monster mommy Angela (Cristine Rose) will be forced to admit she was behind the Nathan switch. But the cover-up must continue. "There will need to be a staged death for the real Nathan," says Kring. "He'll be given a big funeral for the world to see."