V
7 p.m. Tuesday, ABC
Tune in or out? 
out of four.
ABC's 'V' brings political message from space
Those viewers who think sci-fi can't offer any kind of commentary on real-life events should tune in to this remake of the cheesy 1983 sci-fi mini-series.
In it, a charismatic leader offers a message of hope for a better future to a world that's been dealing with wars, economic troubles and other woes. Most citizens of the world adore the newcomer, and the news media fails to ask tough questions about how this leader will solve all of our problems.
"V" has a point of view, and that point is aimed squarely at Obamamania "V" warns that we should ask questions and not follow our leaders blindly. After rewatching the original mini-series, made in Cold War, Reagan-era 1983, I believe it made the same argument against the Soviet Union and socialism. But let's be clear, I don't believe that the makers of the new series are slamming the president himself (or comparing him to aliens or communists); they're simply commenting on the way people backed him so fervently.
Eventually in the new "V," like is the current situation with our president, not everyone buys what Anna is selling. FBI agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell) learns the truth about the Visitors when she infiltrates the anti-V underground, meets fellow doubter Father Jack (Joel Gretsch) and sees first-hand what the Vs are really made of.
Knowing the truth is going to be a problem for Erica at home: Her teen son, Tyler (Logan Huffman), wooed by V hottie Lisa (Laura Vandervoort), joins a V youth group to spread their message. Again, there's the Obama parallel; the youth group seems a lot similar to Obama's community organizing movement.
I don't want to scare off any Obama fans; whether you're Democrat or Republican, "V" is TV at its best. Part war story, family drama and creepy, aliens-among-us sci fi, "V" has something for everyone.
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17 Comments
Frank Chow said:
Congrats, you are now as relevant as Jonah Goldberg at the NRO, http://instaputz.blogspot.com/2009/11/invasion-of-body-snatchers.html. Probably one of the saddest most disconnected reviews ever, comparing this to "Obamamania" proves how out of touch you are from any sense of reality. Stick to drab and silly reviews about mundane shows please and thank you. Politics and understanding America's pulse during the 2008 elections not so much your forte.
Curt Wagner said:
Your link doesn't work! I wanted to see! Anyway, thanks for commenting. And believe me, I support the president, but this show does address the issue of "following blindly." Not knock of the big guy at all, and definitely not from me. Thanks for reading.
Brian Moore said:
^ Somebody needs to get laid. ^
Frank Chow said:
http://instaputz.blogspot.com, then just for the Body Snatchers link. What is interesting is how the "Obamania" comparison comes about from a Right Wing talking point. They call anyone who actually believes he can do a better job then his predecessor as "messiah" treatment. Why not call out the "dittoheads" of Rush Limbaugh, America in general after 9/11, cults and religious movements; following blindly is a historic constant. You can support who you want it is your prerogative.
The show V, in its original premise, at least I thought, was how man would react to an actual Alien invasion and the ensuing hysteria. Sci-fi tidbits and nerdom aside, it will be interesting to watch what 2009's take is...
Thanks!
Curt Wagner said:
It could have called out those other people, incidents you mention, but there is specific situations in tonight's episode that point toward Obamamania. Whether one agrees or not, it's there. I was just pointing it out. It's all couched in the story of a "polite" alien invasion. Thanks
tdouglas1 said:
Frank, of course 'V' has a political message. Not only does it bring up following blindly, the V's bring up putting a medical clinic in every major city of the world to cure disease. In response, the reporter ask if they're talking about Universal Healthcare. I knew there was a political message at that point and avidly watched. Good article Curt!!!
Teapot Diversions said:
I read the new V pilot as a political message about Teabaggers that are trying to hijack democracy with their looney political viewpoints. When the Minister spokeof being cautious before jumping on board, I thought of the Teabagger Express running around the country. You know, how folks should be careful of aligning with astroturf and corporate facism. I don't know, how about you?
Curt Wagner said:
I think the real message is just to not follow blindly, to investigate before you believe and fall into lock-step. Thanks for commenting.
@Frank Chow, defending your people-eating lizard president much? The fact that you freaked out at the comparison proves Mr. Wagner's point on following leaders blindly. Go take your A1 Sauce bath, your president is waiting.
Curt Wagner said:
Now now. Let's be civil. I do love A1 sauce, but I wouldn't take a bath in it. LOL. Thanks for commenting.
JoeTheDumber said:
Republitards who think this is about Obama: did you know this show was written 20 years ago - DUH?
They ALSO SAID on the episode that the V's LED US INTO "UNNECESSARY WARS TO DISTROY OUR ECONOMY" - Duh?
Republicans somehow "SEE" this, but miss the GOP wanting to rewrite the Bible just like Hitler in 1933 with Protestant Riech Church (really, go look it up!).
Curt Wagner said:
1. Stop calling names. It's Republicans. 2. THIS show was written within the last two years. The new "V" does not use the same script, actors, producers, etc as the 1983 miniseries. Thus there are tons of differences, with updated storylines etc... that reflect our current times. For example, Anna says she wants to provide universal health care, and the reaciton is one of surprise. 3. I am not a Republican. 4. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Ryan Kiefer said:
Sheesh, just say the word "Obama" and suddenly you get a flurry of comments relating nothing to the post.
Curt Wagner said:
I know, right? And I was not commenting on the man, his policies or anything like that. I was simply saying the series suggests people should question authority and think for themselves. Oi. Thanks for commenting Ryan. See you on Twitter.
Jason said:
First of all, the politics of this show are all over the place. Way to muddied to get anything from them, yet the writers smack you in the face with them constantly. I literally laughed out loud at the "Universal Health Care" line because it was so obvious and terrible. The politics have already been discussed here and Democrats will see things one way and Republicans another, so I'll leave that alone. What I do want to say is you finished your post with, "V is TV at its best". V is certainly NOT TV at it's best. Put aside the muddied political stance and you still have atrocious writing and god awful acting (one could be a product of another though). I can only deal with childish, stunted dialogue and that dumb "I'm so shocked/surprised" look for so long. I watch EVERYTHING and I've already given up on V.
Curt Wagner said:
LOL. LOVE your comment, even if we disagree. I liked it. Kept me entertained. We'll see if it continues to do so. Thanks for commenting.
Frank Chow said:
@Robert
I didn't "freak out" I was pointing out the comparison was ill-informed and likened it to a NRO post. But since you said I did "freak out" YOU CRAZY WINGNUTS ARGGHH!! Obama is the best EVERR!!
@Curt After seeing the show is just as ill-formed and silly. Bad interpretation of the original story I wish it had more A1 sauce and lizard following. Now back to my Obama is #1 teevee shows...oh wait...
Jason shares my sentiments.
Thanks for the fun!
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