Level 5 escapees
| Level 5 escapees | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location: | formerly Level 5 |
| Purpose: | Unknown |
| First appearance | The Second Coming |
| Known members: | Noah Bennet Eric Doyle Flint (recaptured) The German (deceased) Jesse Murphy (deceased) Benjamin "Knox" Washington |
| Equipment used: | Their abilities |
The Level 5 escapees are a group of prisoners, categorized as "villains" by the Company, which were held in level 5 of Primatech Research. They escaped after a showdown between Elle and Sylar. Most of the escapees are evolved humans, yet one of them is former Company agent Noah Bennet, who returned to temporary service for the Company after his escape.
History
The Second Coming
Some of the prisoners are seen walking in their cells.
The Butterfly Effect
During a showdown between Elle Bishop and Sylar on Level 5 of Primatech Research, Elle unleashes a massive discharge, which blows out Level 5's power grid, releasing a dozen prisoners.
Shortly after their escape, some of the escapees make their way to a gas station, where the German and Flint terrorize several customers, beating them to death and burning them alive. Peter Petrelli, stuck in Jesse's body, calls his brother, informing him of his future-self's presence. However, Knox abruptly ends the call and informs "Jesse" that it's time to go. They flee in a stolen vehicle.
One of Us, One of Them
Four of the escapees, under the assumed leadership of Knox, arrive at the First Federal Bank of New York in Poughkeepsie. As they are entering, Knox feels Peter's fear, who claims it is nothing. After Flint threatens the costumers with his ability, the German breaks into the safe, and empties it of all its money. Shortly after, the police arrive, and Knox announces the robbery is not just about the money. The German threatens Knox, yet Knox senses his fear and punches his hand through the German's body, killing him.
Knox later reveals they robbed the bank to attract the man in the horn-rimmed glasses. He asks Jesse questions about his past life, and realizes that it is not Jesse who is answering the questions. Once Noah enters the bank, the hostages are released, and Knox takes Noah aside. He confronts him about his confinement in Level 5, and claims it is his turn now to punish Noah. Peter, using Jesse's ability, sends Knox flying across the room. Soon thereafter, Sylar enters the bank. He stops Knox from punching Noah, and kills Jesse, stealing his ability. While Knox escapes, Flint is captured again.