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...

Facing a crisis involving her son Micah, a distraught Niki reveals her recent personal struggles to a friend. Pushing aside his own issues at home, Matt assists Audrey's investigation into another bizarre murder, but their pursuit of mysterious serial killer Sylar takes an unexpected turn. After failing to act like a "superhero" when faced with danger, Hiro questions his heroism. Nathan and his wife Heidi strategize how to win the congressional election. Claire is shocked to learn where her missing tape wound up.

Meanwhile, her father is disturbed by news from one of his associates.

Poised to become a member of Congress and maybe more, Nathan considers the cost to those he loves, along with his mother's advice and Linderman's prophecy. As he prepares to face Sylar to the death, Hiro learns of his lineage from his father. While various "heroes" fatefully arrive in New York City, Peter and Claire attempt to leave the city before the foretold explosion. H.R.G.

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.

Mr. Bennet prepares to move his family when he thinks the Company has found them, but Claire doesn't like the idea. Hiro returns to the present and upon discovering his father's death, travels back in time to stop it. Meanwhile, Matt works to master his new mental abilities.