This unaired pilot, a full 72 minutes as shown at Comic-Con in 2006, was later cut to a shorter version, simply titled In His Own Image. That version would eventually be trimmed to become what is now Genesis.

The original intent of the unaired pilot was to have multiple chapters per episode, hence the actual episode itself does not have a formal name.

As a total eclipse casts its shadow across the globe, a genetics professor in India is led by his father's disappearance to uncover a secret theory -- there are people with super powers living among us. A young dreamer tries to convince his politician brother that he can fly. A high school cheerleader learns that she is totally indestructible. A single mother struggles to make ends meet to support her young son and discovers that her mirror image has a secret. A gifted artist, whose drug addiction is destroying his life and relationship with his girlfriend, can paint the future. And in Japan, a young man develops a way to stop time through sheer will power. Yet, unbeknownst to them all, their ultimate destiny is nothing less than saving the world...

Outside a bizarre, gruesome crime scene, Los Angeles beat cop Matt Parkman is the only one who can hear the cries of a missing little girl. Claire almost reveals her secret ability to the entire school after learning that her injury attempt tape has disappeared. Thinking she's going crazy, Niki loses another block of time after waking to find some brutally murdered thugs in her garage, only to be confronted by Social Services about son Micah. While office drone Hiro investigates New York, Nathan confronts Peter following his plunge off a building.

Back in India to mourn the passing of his father, Suresh encounters mysterious dreams of the past that force him to question what path to take next. Continuing their journey to New York, Hiro and Ando stop at a diner and meet someone interesting. In crisis, Niki comes to a personal understanding. Determined to see one of Isaac's paintings that Simone recently sold, Peter asks Nathan for help in finding a key to the future. Intent on getting back to her normal life, Claire focuses on Homecoming preparations, unaware of what's to come.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bennett and a surprising associate focus their attentions on another "hero."

Matt reveals his abilities to his wife. HRG confers with Mohinder. Now that she knows the truth, Claire tries to make sense of her life. Hiro seeks the sword that he is destined to own. Niki must face the consequences of her decision to turn herself in to the police. Simone and Nathan are worried about Peter, who has been in a coma for two weeks. Peter meets a new hero. Micah visits his mother.

Can Sylar be stopped? Will Linderman's vision live on with Nathan? What will it take for Peter to save the world, what sacrifices will be made? With all the horrible predictions unfolding before them the heroes face moments of pain and peril in Kirby Plaza.

Four months after the events of the showdown between Sylar and Peter, new Heroes emerge. These include brother and sister Alejandro and Maya. Hiro remains in the past, but what will come of this? Someone dies and someone isn't dead. Claire and her father and the rest of their family get a new life.

Monica starts to exhibit new abilities while working with Micah, Nana, and Damon. Nana is the grandmother of Micah, Monica, and Damon. They all currently reside in New Orleans. Matt asks Molly to locate the man in her dreams. He may be the newest threat to the Heroes. Maya and Alejandro continue their trek to the U.S. Both Claire and her father are suspicious of one another. Angela reveals a lot of her secrets.

Peter goes on a search. West convinces Claire to stand up to someone. Hiro struggles with his feelings for Yaeko. Suresh has more problems with the Company. HRG tries to locate more of Isaac's paintings. Alejandro doesn't trust Sylar.

The events of the "missing four months" are explored. Maya and Alejandro must go on the run, it is explained how Peter ended up in Ireland and what happened to Nathan, Nikki, and D.L.

After a look into the future, Nathan's shooter is revealed. Matt chases him and winds up in a desert. Hiro receives an important message from his father. Sylar visits Claire. Maya gives Mohinder an idea for his research. Nathan recovers and gets a visit from Linderman.

Sylar goes to the Company and inadvertently releases 12 super-powered criminals in a fight with Elle. Future Peter tries to fix his mistake. Angela takes over the company. Claire learns more about her powers. Hiro and Ando travel to Paris to track down the speedster who robbed them. Maya discovers that Mohinder's injection has changed him. Matt meats Usutu, an African with a familiar power.

Nathan learns of his father's plans, while Flint and Knox launch attacks on Hiro, Ando, Peter, and Claire. Meanwhile, Matt tries to revive Angela, Sylar meets with Elle, and Mohinder begins testing of his newest superpower formula.

Three weeks after the destruction of both Primatech and Pinehearst, and the death of Arthur Petrelli, the now-villainous Nathan returns with a vengeance by persuading the U.S. President and the government to round up all people with abilities, leading to Claire, Ando, Hiro, Matt, Peter, as well as Tracy to become fugitives from the people who were their former allies.

Nathan faces off against Sylar to keep him from meeting the President. Sylar has his own plans for his new partner. Meanwhile, Hiro learns that there are repercussions to regaining his ability. Elsewhere, Matt is forced to go to extraordinary lengths to protect his future with his family.

Claire, back home in California, begins attending college, but is having difficulty adjusting when a mysterious death of a student during the orientation puts her back in the spotlight. In Japan, Hiro and Ando continue their quest to help people with abilities and go so much as to advertise themselves. Meanwhile, Angela fears Nathan/Syler will discover his true identity. Matt tries to settle down back in Los Angeles and raise his son and not worry about unexpected visitors. Elsewhere, Peter is using his ability for good when a mysterious carnival clan, led by Samuel Sullivan, arrives in town which could spell trouble for him and everyone else.

Unexpected visitors greet H.R.G.; Samuel's plan starts to come to fruition; struggling to accept the truth, Peter takes extreme measures to get what he wants; Claire's journey leads her to an unexpected destination.

Everyone bands together to try to stop Samuel from taking the lives of thousands. Peter joins forces with his most unexpected ally to save Emma. Meanwhile, H.R.G.'s life hangs in the balance as he and Claire find themselves trapped underground with oxygen quickly running out. Elsewhere, Hiro starts to come to grips with the decisions he has made and is called into action to help stop a disaster.