Well, it seemed like a good idea on paper, but a new ratings plan announced by Nielsen Media Research earlier this week could get an early death after critics complained it could give some networks an unfair advantage.

Nielsen said it would begin grouping ratings together for encore broadcasts of shows, known in many circles as "instant reruns," that if shown within the same week and with the same commercials, could be included in the final rating of the program's original run. NBC was the first (and so far only) network to take advantage of the new system, looking to put together its Monday airings of "Heroes" along with a Saturday encore.

But not everyone was pleased. Other networks claimed that by combining the two ratings, not only would "Heroes" get its final ratings delayed several days, but it would also remove an hour of what is typically low-rated programming on Saturday, that could essentially effect NBC's overall numbers.

"We are certainly listening to all of the feedback we've gotten from our clients, and we will review that information and determine whether or not we should change out policy," Anne Elliott, a spokeswoman for Nielsen, told Broadcasting & Cable. Elliott did stress, however, that NBC did nothing wrong in taking advantage of the new program.

It is not clear when or if Nielsen may change the system back, but the ratings company is currently re-reviewing its new policy.