OK, so who here likes V? DANGER: 80's talk here!

[Sandrock74]

For the wiseasses who are going to refer to the roman numeral for "5", let me head youoff at the pass. I mean "V", as in the letter, as in The Visitors (or Victory for us humans).

Remember the NBC miniseries V from 1983? It had monster ratings (80 million viewers), so it was followed by the equally successful V: The Final Battle miniseries in 1984. Then, it was milked to death with V: The Series in 1985.

Then it died until last night on ABC.

Anyway, I was just a wee lad when it was on back in the early 80's and I was ALL into it! I loved that show. I thought it was awesome how the subject of aliens showing up one day was being treated in a resonably serious manner on television. Of course, the whole concept of the Visitors being a stand in for the Nazis rise to power in 1930's Germany was lost on me at the time, but that seemed unimportant to me once the big reveal was made! The Visitors were really freakin' lizards wearing fake skin to look human! Even worse, they wanted all of our water! Even worse that that, they wanted us for their food!

Anyway, I the Sci Fi channel (I refuse to call is SyFy) aired it this past Sunday, which was the first time I had seen it since the 80's. I was surprised, I thought it held up pretty well over the past 26 years. I had totally forgotten how the Visitors could spit venom from their mouths. I had also forgotten what a bitch Diana was! I also forgotten how hot she was...of course, I don't think I was really into girls back when I first saw it, so maybe that's why I don't remember?

Anyway, I saw the new series of V last night and I'm still processing what I thought of it. It sure moved at a breakneck pace compared to the original V. I don't know if that's a good thing or not. Whatever happened to telling a story? Of course, by now, we all know what the big reveal is...it's hardly surprising for those of us who were alive in the 80's.

So, anyway, I was just wondering who all watched V back in the day and what you thought of it? Did you catch the new one last night? I just thought we could show some love to a classic sci fi show.

 

[TMF Jeff]

I loved the original series. I was in high school at the time, and right in the sweet spot for a show like that. I even read the novelizations. I actually rewatched some of it on Sci Fi this week (I refuse to call it syfy either, what a bunch of retards) and it was even OK 20 years later.

I thought the first episode of the new one was ok, but barely that. The supreme leader of the aliens was great, a perfect mix of charm, hotness, and creepy otherness. Scott Wolf on the other hand is just insanely annoying. Why can't he stop smirking? It comes across like it's the first time he's ever been in front of a camera.

I thought they did a better job of making the whole thing a metaphor than they did the last time, though. I hadn't noticed, because I was a kid, how heavy-handed the whole Visitors as Nazi's was played until watching it now. This time, at first glance, it looks like they're not being so obvious about that.

I also thought it was cool the way they had cooked up to establish humans, by peeling back the skin on a piece of your skull that's close to the bone, to look for scales. 🙂

Though on the other hand, when the rebel leader was outlining the Visitors plan and talked about how they've infiltrated govts. to cause "unnecessary wars" I could practically feel the liberal hollywood asshole writer trying to get through the page, through my tv screen, and right into my face to make sure I was getting his point.

It's not what I'd call good, but maybe it will improve. And at least it doesn't suck and ruin the whole thing for the 16 year old me 🙂

 

[Dussicar]

I was major fan of the eighties series. I even have the original miniseries on DVD and love watching it repetitively without getting bored.

I just caught the remake pilot last night and my personal opinion is...What a piece of shit!

It was WAY too generic and looked no better than any other half an hour episode of some fly-by-night sci-fi show that almost but didn't quite make it to a full series on the space channel (the Canadian version of the sci-fi channel).

I might watch one or two episodes more before my official verdict but in the end, if this is the best they have to offer, then this show will tank.

Stargate was more entertaining. I don't like stargate.

 

[Dussicar]

Though on the other hand, when the rebel leader was outlining the Visitors plan and talked about how they've infiltrated govts. to cause "unnecessary wars" I could practically feel the liberal hollywood asshole writer trying to get through the page, through my tv screen, and right into my face to make sure I was getting his point.

Agreed. I thought the idea of a malevolent race of beings setting themselves up as benefactors while secretly plotting subservience and/or destruction was a very clever and significant piece of social commentary, but at the same time, the leader's speech about the world being destablised by the visitors to be way too hackish and annoying.

In any case, if'n I don't see red jumpsuits, black chest bibs, wicked-slick black helmets and laser guns that go "SGSHWEEEW!" by episod three, then they just lost a weekly viewer!

 

[c7_assassin]

Classic V was awesome. Loved it as a kid. 🙂

I didn't want to watch this new series, because the Star Wars prequels taught me that a really shitty follow-up can ruin your enjoyment for something beautiful you loved as a child...

Judging by the comments so far, I guess the vote isn't in yet on whether it's good or not? In that case I'll wait it out.

 

[Sandrock74]

Yeah, speaking of the new show, one thing I noticed (besides a lack of Michael Ironside), was where were these guys:

I'd better see the Visitor shock troops in episode 2, damnit!

 

[tickmankyle1]

wow i know a lot of people who think it is a new show. I was like it was back in the day in the 80 a show on NBC. most people didn't believe me cause they make out the new V to be a new show.

 

[venray]

I
It's not what I'd call good, but maybe it will improve. And at least it doesn't suck and ruin the whole thing for the 16 year old me 🙂

This is about how I feel about the new show. I loved the original mini series and the shows that followed until they killed it with the regular series back in the day.

I wasnt going to watch the new one but decided to give it a chance. Love Anna! Hotness and evil and "at peace always"...good choice as the Diana character.

But the show did move far too quickly revealing a lot more info without the character development of the original. This is most likely to do with the fact it is a remake and they didnt want to bore the already savvy audience with too much backstory.

I didnt hate it which is surprising to me. The high tech and effects are good and the story itself may get better as it goes. remains to be seen, but I have my doubts it will be as long running as the original...

Time will tell..

 

[Rich P]

Yeah, speaking of the new show, one thing I noticed (besides a lack of Michael Ironside), was where were these guys:

I'd better see the Visitor shock troops in episode 2, damnit!

Michael Ironside in the original series was the absolute epitomy of cool.

 

[Knox The Hatter]

I didn't want to watch this new series, because the Star Wars prequels taught me that a really shitty follow-up can ruin your enjoyment for something beautiful you loved as a child...

That is so true...

 

[Coup de Grace]

Michael Ironside in the original series was the absolute epitomy of cool.

I still call him Ham Tyler. 😛

I loved the Original series and the Final Battle. Both were equally awesome and ahead of their time.

I watched the new show a couple of days ago and have mixed feelings about it. First, the pilot should have been 2 hours. With only one hour, it felt jumbled and rushed, but still had a few good points and twists like the aliens already having infiltrated Earth. Apparently, Ryan (Morris Chestnut) is going to be the Martin of this show and lead the 5th Column Network. By the way, did anyone think it was beyond cheesy when the crowd applauded after (Di)Anna's speech? WTF was there to clap about?

The biggest disappointment for me is them not wearing the Orange Uniforms. The unis alone made the series cool.

 

[Dussicar]

I remember typing up Jane (Diana) Badler's profile on IMDB a few years ago and noticed that she was slated to be in the new series as her namesake.

Unfortunately, that was when the series was still in "development hell" so I'm not sure if she will though.

To be honest, I will be putting money on her appearing if this show lasts more than two episodes.

Why not? Richard Hatch did it on Battlestar Galactica. I'm surprised they didn't wrangle Dirk Benedict to return. It's not like he's doing anything these days aside from hawking bullshit cancer cures.

 

[Dussicar]

Don't suppose anyone here has an update on the series?

I keep forgetting it even exists. Especially after the lackluster pilot.

Has it gotten better?

 

[Coup de Grace]

It's gotten much better in my opinion. They're starting to form the 5th Column on Earth. There were a few interesting twists, but I won't ruin it for you. You can check HULU and see for yourself.

 

[venray]

Personally I lost interest after the second episode...

 

[Sandrock74]

Personally I lost interest after the second episode...

Either way, there is only one episode left to air (11-24-2009) and then it's over. ABC claims that they are waiting to see the ratings before making a decision on making episodes 5-13. Basically, it sounds to me like V was canceled before episode 1 even aired.

 

[This!]

Am I the only one that confuses "V" with "Alien Nation"? Weren't they like the same show, more or less?

 

[Coup de Grace]

Either way, there is only one episode left to air (11-24-2009) and then it's over. ABC claims that they are waiting to see the ratings before making a decision on making episodes 5-13. Basically, it sounds to me like V was canceled before episode 1 even aired.

If so, it would be their own fault for airing such a lackluster pilot. I hope it at least lasts the season. Lord knows there's enough reality crap that somehow manages to stay on the air...