With the new V kicking off tonight on ABC, it’s worth taking a look at the original. The first V mini-series aired in 1983; the two-parter did big ratings, and was followed by V: The Final Battle. Apparently, there was wasn’t much finality, as that mini segued into a regular series. It was short-lived, but for a while, there was nothing quite like it on American TV.
Here’s a look at the intro to the first regular series episode, which picks up literally seconds after the conclusion of “Final Battle”. And, in the interest of fairness, I decided to skip showing THE BIG MOMENT to avoid potential spoilers for unsuspecting viewers of the new version.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I’ve heard of being hit in the crotch but not being hit by one.
I’m sure there are quite a few ladies & men who would trade place with that lizard.
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
The first mini was a strong idea with allegory that would kill a horse. Replacing scientists for Jews was a bit of a stretch, but all told it worked well. And Jane Badler was 18 shades of awesome as Diana - Mark my words, we will not see her equal.
The second mini was good, riiiight up until the “Pretenama ex machina” at the end. The whole cross-breeding (known to Larry Niven fans as “rishathra”) plot was very interesting, rather a reach for the time. But adding the “magic girl” twist gave the show a millstone around its neck that had to be addressed by aging her to the point that she could be put in danger without being creepy, as well as nerfing her powers (where have we seen THAT lately, kids?)
If you can find one, seek out a copy of “The Monitors” by Keith Laumer, from which many believe much of the concepts of V were appropriated. It’s got a FAR different ending, and is all told a more fun read. There was a film made as well, well worth watching once you’ve read the book.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I loved this series, I watched it every week when I was a child but I have to admit that I didn’t watch the final episode.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Damn..Jane Badler and Faye Grant….I wonder what the 2 of them are doing now. They were the Betty and Veronica of sci-fi back them…
If Veronica was a lizard in disguise wanting to make Archie her lunch that is….