Reliable sources close to Heroes tell me someone--a certain heroic someone--will indeed bite the dust in the next episode, which airs this very Monday. But, hmmm, wait a minute, come to think of it, I'm pretty dang sure two Heroes actually will die within the next few episodes. And producers are even planning a third! Talk about a body count. At this rate, the only character left at the end of the season will be Mr. Muggles, the Bennetts' dog.

Anyway, here's a juicy morsel of exclusive scoop that you can keep in mind when you discover which Heroes bite the dust in the next few eps: One of the deceased was supposed to be on the show a while longer, but he or she ran into a few problems with his or her contract, and this particular Hero is getting killed off six episodes earlier than originally planned. The storyline of this insta-ousted character got a wee bit of a jump-start, if you will, so buckle up and hold on to your couch cushions, 'cause things are whipping into fast-foward. Believe you me.

Here's a Bit of What Lies Ahead (Yes, It's Spoilery)

-Peter won't be in jail for long. (A shame, really. I was hoping for a Michael Scofield crossover, with him being in Texas and all!)

-There's going to be a hostage situation?of a family. And just who is doing the holding in this sitch will surprise you.

-Someone will be killed. And someone will be sacrificed.