2009-2010 New Series Preview, Part 5
First off, forgive me for not updating sooner. My laptop computer apparently aired its series finale, so to speak, and my internet access has been limited. But TV shows go on, blog or no blog, so this show must go on!
In a little over an hour, the final show to make a fall premiere will make its debut: V on ABC. Just another example in the everything-old-is-new-again trend, V is a reimagined version of a miniseries-turned-sequel-miniseries-turned-series that NBC aired 25 years ago. In those productions, the “Visitors” were reptilian aliens who made camp above the world’s major cities and attempted a hostile takeover. And, by all reports, the shows were campy fun with an emphasis on the campy. (I hear the aliens ate guinea pigs…?)
The remake seems pretty similar, if perhaps a bit more serious. The motherships swoop in and play videos on huge jumbotrons in which a pleasant spokesperson (Firefly’s Morena Baccarin) tells humanity, “Do not be afraid,” and, “We are of peace.” Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet from Lost) plays an FBI agent who, with the help of a rogue Visitor agent (Morris Chestnut, Boyz N the Hood), discovers that the aliens have been here for quite some time, priming the pump for a takeover. But her son is one of scores of people swayed to the “dark side” by the seemingly-benevolent beings. (That dupe!) So a debate arises between the people impressed by pretty faces and cool technology and the small faction of people who know better.
I wonder how this story will fare riding, as it does, on the coattails of this summer’s District 9, which explored similar themes. I don’t think that will make or break the show, though: V seems different enough. My hope is that it goes the Battlestar route: using science fiction as a way to discuss political and social issues facing society today. And if a few guinea pigs lose their lives in the process, so be it.
V airs tonight at 8/7c on ABC and will be available on Hulu.