Revisited: V Still Going Strong by Jaime Boler

Almost twenty years have passed since "V" debuted on television screens and found its way into the hearts of millions of fans. Despite the passage of time, love for "V" has not diminished, but strengthened. New converts have joined our ranks and declared themselves fans. Join me as we revisit the "V" phenomena and discover why the flames of "V" still burn brightly.

In 1982, Kenneth Johnson began writing a screenplay. Originally, it was about a fascist regime that had seized control of the United States, called "Storm Warnings." However, studio executives believed people would not related to such a theme. Instead, they suggested that Johnson use the arrival of aliens to show how extraterrestrials could invade and control the planet. Johnson had a twist, though. The aliens, called "Visitors" were reptilian underneath their human disguise. Here to steal our water and to take the humans back to their home world, Sirius IV. as food and as soldiers to fight the Enemy, the Visitors soon controlled the government, newspapers and television broadcasts. A resistance network later formed under the leadership of Julie Parrish, former medical student and Mike Donovan, former cameraman. "V" for victory was born as the resistance worked to undermine Visitor activity. Using themes from Nazi Germany, Johnson's "V" was a success and the network wanted more.

Production for V the Final Battle soon followed. Johnson, however, left the minieseries over creative differences. The six hour continuation boasted more action and more special effects, and veered away from the Nazi allegory. The character of Ham Tyler was also introduced. Fans were awed by the birth of the starchild. The sequel was an even bigger hit as far as ratings go than its predecessor, and NBC gave the go ahead for a weekly series to pick up where The Final Battle ended.

V The Series started strongly, entertaining fans with the rivalry between Diana and Lydia. However, after five major characters left the show, V lost its appeal. No longer the darling of the network, the show was canceled without the final cliffhanger ever being resolved. Through the years, there has been talk of V's return, but nothing concrete ever materialized.

That doesn't stop fans from dreaming, however, and hasn't diminished their enthusiasm for the science fiction show. Years after V was shown in the United States, the show came to South Africa. The government hoped citizens would see whites and blacks working together for a common cause. However, South Africans saw it for what it was: Ordinary people fighting an oppressive regime. V enthralled people of all races, genders, social classes, religions, ages and ethnicities. European fans were also swept up in V. When an episode of the series was shown out of order in Sweden, thousands and thousands of fans called to complain. The problem was corrected. If you want to see a fans eyes light up, just ask them about V and be sure you have time to spare. I asked these questions on a number of online clubs and received a variety of responses.

Read on...

What does "V" mean to you? Why does it appeal to you after all this time?
"V" is a fantastic creative playground, and that is why it still appeals to me after all this time." Joe Dionisio, California

"V" to me is just S0 amazing. With all the wars happening on Earth, it's amazing to see how everyone on Earth joins together to fight the aliens. It appeals to me still, after all this time, because "V" brings out things that are so precious to life and death-and they all still apply." Ilana Rapp, New Jersey

"V" tells us 'remember the events of the Second World War. It could happen again and no one's sheltered from being hunted.' "V" is also a great lesson of solidarity between people whatever their race, religion, and social class." Ludi, France

"It was the most original 'alien invasion' concept around at the time, not the 'enemy within' type or the 'technologically overwhelming' type either. The invasion mechanism played on our personal fears and inhibitions about getting involved. The aliens take over because our natural tendency is to look the other way when we see something we don't like happen." Jon Farley, United Kingdom

"1 saw "V" during my developing adolescent years so it had a really big impact on me. I learned a lot about the human spirit during difficult times." Brian Tosko Bello, Washington, D.C.

What is your favorite-the first or second miniseries? "Second miniseries." Sabine Friedrich, Germany

"'V: The Final Battle' all the way! {sorry Kenny) I am a sucker for a great romance."
Tamie Kwist, Indiana

"The first one." Ludi, France

"From a theme perspective, the original miniseries. From a storytelling STYLE ppint of view, 'The Final Battle.'" Joe Dionisio, California

What are your views on the series?

"I think the hiring of 'new' writers and the depletion of the budget resulted in the loss of 'V: The Series.'" Ilana Rapp, New Jersey

"Looking back I must say that I have a love/hate relationship for it. There are a lot of obvious flaws of course 'v' as a series should've been more focused on the original main characters like Mike" Julie, and Diana." Tamie Kwist, Indiana

"It was half-hearted because of the lack of budget thrown at it by the studio. If they'd had more budget, it could have been brilliant." Jon Farley, United Kingdom

In the end, who would have triumphed-the Visitors or the Resistance? Why?

"I think the Resistance. No one could ever defeat an idea." Joe Bratko, Illinois

"However, if it were real life, I think the aliens would have eventually taken over."' Ilana Rapp, New Jersey


"But who said things have to end permanently, right?” ~ Joe Dionisio, California

How should "V" continue?

"Honestly, I think 'V' should continue and end in the form of a final four-hour miniseries.H Tamie Kwist, Indiana

"V" should pick up in present-day-time with children of the Resistance carrying on the fight. If Jane Badler and June Chadwick don't come back maybe there could be some
reference to them being retired in the Homeworld or some nearby resort planet." Brian Tosko Bello, Washington, D.C.

"I think 'V: The Next Whatever' should be like the book 'East Coast Crisis' where we have a New York-based Resistance with people the ages of the original 'V' shows. But, 'I think it should take place in current time. And they can speak with our old characters to find out how things were handled 'back then.'" Ilana Rapp, New Jersey

"Why not go one step further, it is one hundred years on, we are technologically superior, and it's time for us to visit them." Jon Farley, United Kingdom

Regardless of what miniseries you like, how you think "V" should continue, or whose side you were on, may you always feel passion for "V." And may peace be yours always.

Preta-na-ma!