Theory:D.L. Hawkins

Main Article Theories about D.L. Hawkins Main Discussion

The following fan theories are about D.L. Hawkins.

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Theories

Theory	Citations	Notes
D.L.'s power may involve more ways of manipulating the molecules of his body than just phasing.	None.	+ At the end of the video about Niki and D.L. on the official NBC site, D.L. is called a "shape-shifter." - In the same video, they also refer to Niki's power being "Good and Evil", which seems unlikely; Niki Sanders has thus far not revealed any indication that her powers have something to do with the divide between ultimate good and ultimate evil. Therefore, it is possible that the editors simply made an error, since he hasn't displayed any other power than phasing to date. - Mr. Bennet says to Sylar that so far he is the only individual to display more than one power - and in comic books there have only been one or two instances where shape-shifting has also granted the person the power of phasing. - This show is popular amongst people who do not have previous experiences with super-heroes, so the editors made the choice to put him down as a shape shifter instead of a phaser - seeing as that would be easier for people to understand. + Theoretically, D.L.'s phasing should allow him to phase into a liquid and therefore shapeshift because of its liquid properties.
D.L.'s power of phasing involves the ability to phase other objects, not necessarily himself.	None.	Whenever D.L. phases through something, it is shown with a rippling effect. This could be that he causes a slight instability (not like Zane Taylor's ability of liquefaction). This can explain how the bullet caused D.L.'s head to ripple when Jessica shot him. + Whenever D.L. phases through something like a wall, his clothes and any other items he may be carrying phase with him. In later episodes, he is shown bringing Niki through walls with him.
The fact that D.L. goes by his first two initials could be significant.	None.	• Or it could just be a nickname.
D.L. is not really dead.	Micah says "We're a family. We're supposed to stay together." Then he asks why the family would have a fresh start "without Dad." Niki tells Micah,"Hey! I promise you. Whenever you want to see your father, I will make sure that happens." (Kindred)	+ It doesn't make sense for Micah to oppose the family getting "a fresh start" without D.L. if he believes D.L. to be dead. + It doesn't make sense for Niki to promise that Micah can see D.L. whenever he wants if they are leaving his body 1750 miles behind and going to New Orleans. - Niki could just be referring to D.L.'s grave. - Niki breaks promises to Micah all the time, so making a promise she can't keep is in line with her character traits. - Niki could have been speaking figuratively. Maybe she is leaving Micah with a family photo that he can see whenever he wants. + D.L. has no death scene. - He has an apparent death scene and a funeral in Four Months Ago - It is unknown what transpired in the four months between the time D.L. was seriously wounded and hospitalized and Four Months Later. • Events regarding D.L were more or less covered in Four Months Ago - It is blatantly obvious Niki is referring to D.L's gravesite, as in "Hey, Micah! Whenever you want to go see your dead father's resting place then I'll make sure that happens!" + You can see what looks like DL in the background when Niki talks to Bob on the phone in Kindred. + This also explains why Bob didn't know that Niki was in his office in Kindred. (D.L. helped Niki to walk into Bob's office.)
There is a significance to why you weren't shown D.L being shot, or where the blood came from in Four Months Ago.	None.	+ Events surrounding D.L's death have always been shrouded in mystery since the episode which first revealed his 'death' (Kindred) - The look on Niki's face suggested it was D.L that was shot + Niki's facial expressions did not really resemble anything like a loved one being shot in front of her. She seemed more distant and looked at the killer. It is possible that the killer accidentally (or purposefully) shot Niki instead of D.L. • Niki (as Gina) did just do a line of coke, or some other drug, just before this scene. This could be why she had that distant look on her face. Also, that blood spatter pattern could not have happened on her face, from that angle, if she had been the one shot.
D.L. will come back somehow, possibly only to Niki.	None.	+ D.L. stated many times during Four Months Ago that Niki cannot "get rid of him". This seems to be a form of foreshadowing.