If the formula worked to give people abilities in the 70s, then why does Arthur need to improve it?

Because it can take up to 38 years to manifest, it works too naturally.Mohinder's works right away - together they can make a better formula.

Of course, why didn't I think of that?

This thread is now about formula confusion.

Citizen,

It must be flawed somehow, possibly unstable. Most likely, dangerous to the patient. Most therapy's which are deemed problematic are so because of their dangerous side effect profiles. And, whatever those flaws/challenges are, it is hoped that Mohinder will be able to correct it. With a correction, it could represent a cure for Mohinder. Hopefully, we'll get more information about the serum's problems soon.

Creator

I think something got lost in the rip, or it is otherwise incomplete.

Because if it didn't need improving Mohinder would have nothing to do.

The current formula takes too long to manifest. So far we know that Nathan and Tracy were injected, and their both in their 30's. At the same time they may have not been in a stressful enough situation for their powers to start until that age.

aulduron,

There was nothing lost ("...in the rip...") It, the formula, is imperfect. It remains a mystery to me why they had the two parts to the formula separated once it was recovered. Seemed rather silly, actually. And, who "rips" a valuable sheet of paper like that anyway?

Creator

People who want to take precautions? If somebody ever wanted to find the formula, they'd need to find both halves, as opposed to the whole thing, making it more difficult to continue with the formula's development, something the founders didn't want.

Citizen,

I was referring to the manner in which it was so carelessly torn. Wouldn't you at least fold in half and carefully separate the two halves? That was my point. I apologize if my post was confusing.

Creator

I don't know, but I' rather see it torn like that than just cut in halves

Well, who torned it in half, that's the thing! I'm guessing Angela, as I think she didn't liked the idea of this formula (thanks to her dreams), yet didn't want it destroyed. Adam said that even him wanted the paper destroyed, and assume, when he is unburied, that the villain is Angela Petrelli, so I guess she was one of those who didn't wanted the formula to fall in wrong hands, but still wanted it to be available just in case... I assume something like she saw Arthur getting something ready about the formula, working on it, and when she sees it she tore it apart, out of anger, but stop right after that because she may need the formula in the future, and ask Kaito (who she trusts) to keep one half, just in case...

I don't think Kaito was really happy to do so, as he really didn't seem to trust the formula being available to maybe anyone, but out of care for Angela, he may have accepted...

Of course, this is just one out of many possibilities about the toring apart. We'd have to know who wanted the formula still in the Company's hand, who wanted it completely destroyed, and those who wanted it archived in two faraway places simultaneously... Maybe we'll know that next Monday...

From what we've been told, the founders wanted to stop playing God and hid the halves so that nobody would continue their work.

Citizen,

The dramatic effect of it being ripped apart like that is unmistakable. I grant you that. To do so would suggest an emotional upset was at play at the time of its tearing and not a carefully planned separation for the purpose of safekeeping (that seems to be an afterthought). I agree with you, it adds to the overall effect.

Do you think that Kaito's father held only half of the formula or the whole thing?

Creator

Barf. Ripping something in half? That's the worst type of precaution ever. The information wasn't even encrypted. I have to go with the others and say that the specific precautions/safekeeping was more of an afterthought. (If it wasn't an afterthought, then the Company founders are stupider than the average Heroes Universe person, who is already a moron).

Consider this scenerio- Angela and Kaito accidentally rip the formula getting it away from Adam. They lock Adam up. Kaito keeps one half for safe-keeping. She keeps the other. Or how about this:

Angela: "I'll keep the formula safe."
Kaito:"No! I trust you. I do not trust Arthur. I'll keep the formula."
Rip.
Angela:"Fine, you keep your half. I'll keep mine."

My point is the tear doesn't have to be as premeditated as some are suggesting. Things happen. Then you try to make the best of the situation.

Besarien,

I like your story (captured by the suggested dialogue between Kaito and Angela). Very cool. I just ask you to place yourself in either of their places. You're about to divide the paper on which is written this very precious formula. Can you really see yourself ripping just it apart so haphazardly? Or, like most, would you simply fold it in half and tear along the fold...something even a child might do?

Creator

For all we know it was the formula that put Arthur in the vulnerable position he was in when we first saw him. (unless this got explained, in which case I must suddenly have lost all perception of the universe 'cos i don't remember it)

If this is the case then I doubt Arthur sees much profit in a formula that puts people on life support

He had some problems with his throat, which is why he had to be bedridden all the time and connected to A SERIES OF TUBES. Nothing to do with the FORMULA.

Citizen,

Arthur is on a respirator (life support). The P-serum, I would agree, played no direct part in his compromised state-of-health as presented. Plus, his son Nathan and the triplets (Niki, Tracy and Barbara) are products of the P-serum (and thus, the syn-Formula).

The part the syn-Formula most likely played in contributing to his compromised condition could have been a failed attempt on his life (prompted by and resulting from his plans and intended use of the modified P-serum).

Creator

u know that paste that the african isaac gave matt and hiro to eat? i wonder if they could use that and run experiments on it to change what kind of powers u can temporarly get from it. after they perfect those changes..they could work on a permanent one.