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V gets big ratings, along with a bit of scorn by original V fans
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The poster from the original mini-series
The highly anticipated sci-fi series V premiered last night and, as I often do, I turned to Facebook to "take the temperature" on the subject. Despite positive reviews and its standing as the number two show to watch this fall on IMDB.com (second only to Glee), I was shocked to read a lot of negative things from my friends. Being an admittedly easily influenced person, I even contemplated skipping it all together because of what I'd read. But then I realized something - these people were all big fans of the original mini-series and subsequent '80s TV series, and seemed to be disappointed in comparison. Not having seen one episode back then, I figured I'd give it a shot. As I pointed out recently, I'm a newbie fan of Sci-Fi stuff (as with my new love of Fringe) and, even then, some of it still goes over my comedy-loving head.
With a half-open mind, I watched the pilot episode, and I found myself to be kind of luke warm on the whole thing. I hate to be non-committal, but I didn't love it, nor did I hate it. And I think it has potential. First of all, it does have some got some great actors, including Elizabeth Mitchell of Lost, the adorable Scott Wolf of Party of Five fame (?), and the inevitable eye candy, fearless alien leader Anna, played by Morena Baccarin. I don't trust any woman who looks hot with that pixie haircut, but she was great in that role. You have to love the quick eye flutter that must be some sort of alien tic. She requested an interview with her journalist of choice (played by Wolf), and refused to answer any question that might make the V's look bad. (Note to self: perhaps, in the end, V's will be revealed to be Republicans - kidding! Jeesh.)
The show started with a bang, as giant spaceships descend on major cities around the world, and the bottom of them converts into a giant screen. V (or "Visitors") leader Anna appears in all her glory, introducing their species, and explaining that they come in peace. They are looking for water and other things they need to exist and, in exchange, will share the technological advances they have made - some of which include healing people. Of course, the general population is thrilled with this news, and they embrace the "V's" among them with an almost celebrity-like admiration. But some are more skeptical, including Father Jack Landry (Joel Gretsch), and FBI Agent Erica Evans (played by Lost's Mitchell), who notices a spike in terrorist chatter when they V's arrived. Ultimately, more of those who plan on fighting the Visitors are revealed in a secret meeting, as their leader, Georgie (David Richmond-Peck), explains that the Visitors are not, in fact, new to Earth. Instead, they have been injecting themselves into various professions in order to learn more, and then to destroy Earth's inhabitants. In fact, Evans' partner in the FBI (played by Alan Tudyk, whom I love) is revealed to be one of "them." The overall premise is interesting, and the story has legs. I like where it's going, but some of the relationships are a bit cliche, like the struggling relationship between single mom Erica Evans and her son.
I'm not sure it will be my favorite show, by any means, but I'll be back to re-VISIT the subject next week. Groan.
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