Sorry, I'm not sure of we're talking at cross-purposes here. I think we're in agreement: The System was a good piece of TV. I'm just saying that I think he also bent the rules a bit in that one, as I really do doubt it's possible to actually pull off. In that instance I think it's okay though, because ultimately it doesn't really matter that much either way. IMO the show still works on the same level it was meant to.
When the whole basis of the show relies on him saying "I've hypnotised someone to do this, and forget this, and..." I can't think anything other than ".... no, you haven't." As I say, I haven't seen Hero yet, but it sounRAB like it's along these lines. There's no entertainment for me in watching some willing volunteer doing what Derren wants him to, essentially just because it's Derren and he's going to get on TV and might get something out of it.