I’m not really old enough to remember much about the original V stories. Despite that fact, I’ve been told that, as a kid, I was rather addicted to the mini-series and the show. I was a sci-fi geek before I knew what being a sci-fi geek was. Since I first heard that they might do a remake, I’ve been looking forward to seeing the story played out in a more contemporary setting. I recently had the opportunity to preview the first episode, and I’m really excited about where the show can go.
The first thing that stands out, even before you watch anything, is that they put together an outstanding cast. Other than newcomer Logan Huffman (Tyler Evans), there’s not a single member of the cast that’s not recognizable and familiar to fans. Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost) leads the way as FBI Agent (and Tyler’s mother) Erica Evans. Joel Gretsch (The 4400, Journeyman) plays Catholic father Jack Landry, Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Dollhouse) plays Evans’s partner Dale Maddox, Scott Wolf (The Nine, Party of Five) as reporter Chad Decker, and Morris Chestnut (Ladder 49, Boyz n the Hood) and Lourdes Benedicto (The Nine, Cashmere Mafia) round out the earthbound cast as a young couple about to get engaged. The Visitors are lead by Morena Baccarin (Firefly, Stargate SG-1) as Anna and Laura Vandervoort (Smallville). Like I said, its a cast that genre fans cannot help but love.
The show is definitely rooted in a post-9/11 atmosphere. Honestly, I didn’t expect the story to be affected that much, but the experience both temper and affect how the characters comprehend their new world. It’s integrated both obviously and subtly into the story, and I look forward to how the themes will play out over the course of a whole season.
The first hour moves a little fast for my tastes, and I was both bored and annoyed by the plight of young Tyler, but overall I liked with what I saw. The show seems to respect the genre and even throws in a couple of shout-outs to other shows that potential V fans are sure to be familiar with (Mitchell’s first appearance on screen, as an example). I’m going to try to find the time to watch the original material again before the new show premiers (it’s currently slated as a mid-season replacement, but I have a feeling that the remake will turn out to be just as appreciated as the original.)
Clacked by Ivey West 
on Jul 23, 2009 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
Two words … Morris Chestnut
In the original, there was one surprise alien “jump out” for lack of a better word, that rocked our schoolyard for weeks. We could not stop talking about it.
*POST AUTHOR*
BSG: What do you mean by “jump out?” I’m planning on taking the time to watch, at the least, the original mini-series some time this fall.
Probably poor choice of words, maybe I should say debut?…..
Anyhoo, here it is. Don’t eat anything first.
I wonder if they are going to make exactly the same as the old serie or if they are going to refresh it a bit and change some story lines.
thinking of it, it doesnt really mattar its been so long I dont remember it anyway lol
*POST AUTHOR*
My feel is that they will carry over most of the overall themes, updated of course, with current influences. As far as exact plotlines, sure, probably some, but I think that this will be as much as its own series as Ron Moore’s BSG was compared to the original.
I am old enough to remember that the original TV series really wasn’t very good. It lasted ONE year. I am pretty hard on science fiction movies & TV series. Only a few actually do a good job. This wasn’t one of them.
What I do remember best is Robert Englund, AKA Freddie Krueger, playing the “nice” alien who was sympathetic to humans.
I didn’t like the Battlestar Galactica remake either. The original story was better, even if the effects were very hokey. Of the two TV shows, Battlestar was much, much better. There really wasn’t that much of a story in “V”. I just saw the clip someone posted. Ah, yes, they want to breed with us. Kind of tame after X Files. (I didn’t like it, either!)
Well no one is perfect. ;)
I don’t think the original V was top quality but the concept is fantastic. Here’s hoping the reboot will be great!