KT is of peace. Always.
V: 1.01 “Pilot”
Given that (a) I’m a dork and (b) alien invasions are a classic Hollywood storyline, have you ever wondered what a real first contact would be like? Do they crash-land and need our help? Do we exchange radio messages and set up a safe meeting place out by Pluto? Are we the ones scaring the daylights out of them when we show up in orbit? Or does it happen like this, where New Yorkers stand in the streets and stare, but this time not at something lost, but something gained, for better or worse?
V’s creative team have mentioned in interviews that they had set out to recreate the show for a post-9/11 world, and as the best sci-fi can, they’re clearly trying to tackle the fears and concerns of this decade. The 9/11-ish arrival of the visitors — an event after which the world doesn’t look the same any more — and the concern over terrorist sleeper cells are blended with a charismatic new leader and suggestions of universal health care. However V fares as a story, it is unmistakably a product of its times.
I’m still working out how I feel about most of the characters. Most seem okay, but a little flat to begin with. Seventeen-year-old Tyler is the only one who actively annoyed me — and since it looks like he and his mom will be an important part of the plot, I hope that changes. I did like FBI mom Erica’s relationship with her partner, but when Alan Tudyk was credited as a guest star I already knew it couldn’t last. At first I figured he would just get killed off, but when they kept putting emphasis on “Wow, it’s like the terrorist cell was tipped off!” I knew he had to be the mole. What is it with Alan and roles where he’s not who he appears to be this year?
What I didn’t foresee was Ryan (who bought the engagement ring) turning out to be involved with V resistance, and I certainly didn’t expect him to be a V himself! I figured he had a dark criminal past he had run away from, but this twist was much better! He’s one of the few characters I’m really interested in after this episode.
I’m also interested in how reporter Chad will deal with his conscience, his career, and his V contacts. And maybe it’s just because Firefly’s Morena Baccarin is playing the part, but I think Anna is a fascinating enigma as well. I’m also enthralled by her shiny, shiny spaceship. Ships, in the plural, actually. I hope they remember all those other ships and all those people around the world who may be reacting differently than our New Yorkers. While I don’t want a Heroes-sized cast, let’s do remember that New York isn’t the capital of the planet. A look at the reaction in Paris or Moscow or Tokyo could be an interesting wrinkle.
I am glad that they put the reveal about the V’s true appearance and intentions up front in the first episode. I’ve never seen any of the ’80s series, but it’s hard to find a description of the show — the new or the old one — that doesn’t read “Aliens come to Earth offering friendship and new technology, but turn out to be sinister reptile creatures!” So, glad that cat wasn’t meant to stay in the bag for long.
In the next three weeks, and then when the series comes back in March, it looks like we’ll be watching Erica, Father Jack, Ryan, and Georgie begin to build the resistance despite inevitable conflicts in their personal lives, while Tyler and Chad help us get a closer look at the V’s themselves.
And what exactly is it the V’s need from Earth? Are we the entree, as in the Twilight Zone’s “To Serve Man”? Or is something more complex going on?
I find this funny. While you saw Tudyk as the mole straight off, that’s the part that surprised me and JC as we were watching. Ryan, however, JC predicted pretty early on. It’s neat how we all watch things in different ways. But then again, I’d seen a lot of promo pics featuring Tudyk, so while he was listed as “guest star,” I just figured he was considered recurring and wouldn’t be in every episode. I’m excited about the turn of events (though disappointed that he’s already being listed in previews for upcoming weeks, as that spoils the surprise).
I’ve been really excited about this show starting up. I’m wondering, though, how this show will really last. In my eye, this would be a fantastic mini-series, but once we discover the mysteries behind the Visitors, what else is there? I don’t see this as a multi-season show, and I wonder if we’re pushing it for one season. I guess we’ll have to see once we hit the cliffhanger after four episodes.
Actually, all that might be moot if you consider the ill treatment the show has already gotten. Already, the show has a new showrunner and it’s on a strange schedule where four episodes are being shown this fall and then it continues in March. Hopefully these changes won’t kill it.
But back to the show itself, I was completely intrigued but let down at the same time. I feel like I saw so much of it in promos and previews that there wasn’t too much of a surprise–except for maybe the last 10 minutes or so. But I’m still looking forward to more. I completely agree with you about the kid being annoying and Anna being intriguing, though.
Honestly, this whole thing reminds me of the Jasmine storyline of Angel, which I guess is another reason why I’m hesitant to think that it can sustain a multi-season run. I think the timing on that storyline was perfect, but it certainly wasn’t a series. I wonder if the resource they need is the same as what Jasmine needed. No deaths yet, but that’s not to say there won’t be.
I also love the irony in the statement that Earth is the first place they found that had “intelligent life,” and then seeing how everyone is acting. Oh, and the “trust no one” attitude should really be fun to watch develop. Very Battlestar and Cylons (you know, from what little I know of the show).
Interesting point about whether it could go multiple seasons. It could easily turn into something like The War of the Worlds, where the big struggle is to get rid of the aliens and once that’s accomplished, the story’s over. Jasmine on Angel is the same structure. I think there could be ways to twist things to keep it going, but you’re right — they’ll have to be really creative.
Case in point: another show we made “Yes, but what would they do next season?” comments about? Heroes…
The undercover aliens is a very Cylon kind of move, and it’s a comparison I saw in a lot of other people’s reviews. Stealing from the best — not a bad idea as long as the V writers can made it their own.
Ooh, don’t compare it to Heroes yet. That just seems like we’re putting the first nail in the coffin. Or the third, if you consider ABC’s actions. Why don’t networks like sci-fi?
Sorry! Just meant to point out that there’s a pitfall there if they aren’t careful. But it’s way early — hopefully these writers will wow us with something fabulous.
I watched the original show back in the 80’s. They did make it into a series but it just went on to stranger tangents. I started watching the new version that was supposed to be updated. It pretty much followed the original but with better special effects. I stopped after 40 minutes. Really has no one on Earth met aliens and asked questions first? Earthlings just accepting that superior beings would want to help us because we are so special? I know it’s sci fi because we treat Americans with more distrust in real life. In the TV shows and movies they have never seen a sci fi or horror movie.
My first move whould be to find a bunker with a TV so I could get an idea of what is going on. Every word would be questioned. Imagine aliens that would be greeted with open arms by the GOP. Rush and Glen would only have kind words and agree with Keith and Rachel? That is science fiction!
Hahaha, good point! I hadn’t thought about that, but I think you’re right! All the news channels would be all over something like this. “Experts debate why supposed aliens look so human! Is it a hoax or is it a plot by the [whoever]? News at 11!”
Yeah, it’s unbelievable, but I do like that they’ve positioned them to have come when the world is in such a dire state. I mean, it appeared to be in worse condition than we currently know, I’d say, which is why they’re so desperate for a savior. Actually, that brings me to my next point: I love how they’re juxtaposing the belief in the good of the Visitors with the belief in God. But uh-oh, that’s a smart thing. Perhaps it won’t last on a network.
I’m surprised no one has asked what resource the Visitors want. That’s my gripe. Wouldn’t that be the number one question?
Most of all, what do the Amish think? They don’t care about technology! Haha.
[...] seems a little bit wishy-washy this week as they try to figure out how to react to all of last week’s bombshells. The episodes gives us more questions than answers — as it should at this point. [...]