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!

Cult TV Festival 2001 by Carol Duggan

Last October I went to the Festival for the first time. Held in Liverpool, England, it was a three hour train journey from London. I confess that I was a little anxious given the reputation Sci-Fi Conventions have with the "general public". As it turned out very few people were "in costume', but it was a little un¬nerving to find myself standing next to a life-size Captain Scarlet. The Festival was based in a hotel that was the subject of a "fly-on-the-wall" documentary! Luckily it turned out to be the swankiest place I'd ever stayed. I had threatened not to retain to work afterwards as
I was going to run off with a "Trekker". For some reason, they didn't believe me.

GREAT NEWS GANG-WE ARE NOT ALONE

At the opening ceremony they showed a number clips including an episode of Diagnosis: Murder. This video was about a murder at a Sci-Fi Convention. Afterwards the compere commented that the costumes look like cast off from "V". I was astonished at the number of people in the audience who nodded in agree¬ment.

PREVIOUS FESTIVALS

The first one was held in a Holiday Village in Norfolk 1994. The videos on show that weekend ranged from The A-Team to The X-Files. Those with a lot of stamina were able to stay up until 2 A.M. to Watch V: The Return.
The following year ''V'' was again included in the Video Rooms. This time around "The Wildcats" was shown at a more civilized time of 8 a.m., after the final episode of Twin Peaks.

No mention of V in the 1997 program. However the Highlights video for 1998 included Eric Pierpoint (Alien Nation) who made several references to Ken Johnson.
All was quiet again until Sarah Douglas attended in 2000. Her interview was included on the Highlights Video. Also the Brochure included a full page article with her photo and a list of the V movies and T.V. series episodes. Oh yes, Beastmaster 2 got a mention as well.

SO WHAT DID I GET UP TO?

Well, the first thing I did was cause a bit of chaos in the Dealers Room. I innocently admitted that I'd never seen Babylon 5 and asked one of the Dealers to show me the pictures Lady Ladira. Some of us knew her better as Fredi Olster, Marc Singer's costar in Taming of the Shrew. Eventually all of the available B5 fans were consulted and NONE OF THEM HAD THE SLIGHTEST IDEA!

There were several Video Rooms and I got to see lots of old TV programs like Target and The Sweeney (two English "Cops" shows), Robin of Sherwood and one I've never heard of before, Space: Above and Beyond. There was an episode of Buffy and the pilot for Smallville. 1 was rather disappointed with the latter but I hear it has had rave reviews. So I guess it was just me that didn't like it.

The Dealer Room had a variety of merchandise with a huge amount of Xena "stuff'. I spent a long time lurking by a stall crammed with folders of photos, stickers, key chains, etc. Plenty of pictures from "V" so you can guess which Dealer got most of my money!

Of course there were Celebrity interviews and autographed signings too. The ones I queue for were Sarah Sutton (Nyssa from Dr. Who), Sally Knyvette (Jenna from Blakes Seven), Nickolas Grace (Sheriff of Nottingdam from Robin of Sherwood).

Saturday was Awards Night, with prizes for the Best of...and The Worst of ... in all sorts of categories. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Sylvia Anderson. I was amazed at the reception she got, as I hadn't realized that she is the equivalent of royalty!

Sunday was Cabaret Night. The first part was the Delegates Competition. This was won by two women as characters from The Simpsons. Complete with yellow faces and blue hair they had a comedy conver¬sation about McGuyver! Finally came the Celebrity party Pieces. Now although I'm a Hercules fan as well as an all time V Fan , I had always thought of Michael Hurst as the " irritating one". This meant that I didn't go to his interview or his signing, a fact that I now regret. His cabaret act was aimed well and truly at his English audience. Starting with a Victorian Music Hall Melodrama and including a song from Jesus Christ SuperStar and a sketch of an Irish Priest giving a sermon. His Finale was a British Pan¬tomime favorite -Nobody Loves a Fairy When She's Forty. He later signed the Fairy Wings and donated to the auction. If you ever get the chance to see him perform "Live" on stage, don't hesitate. This man is a GENIUS!
It was especially nice that the celebrities felt comfortable enough to mingle with the fans, who in turn didn't pester the stars. Michael Hurst was able to enjoy his breakfast in peace in the same restaurant as the rest of us.

Do you get the impression that I enjoyed myself? You bet I did, in fact I was one of the first 50 to sign up for next year, even before they had announced any guests!
The Cult T.V. Festival 2002 is in October, as it is every year. This time it is in Southport a Sea Town and famed for the beach where the Racehorse, Red Rum, was trained during his record breaking run

Of being 1st or 2nd in 5 consecutive Grand National Steeplechases. The guest announced to date don't in¬clude anyone with V connections I'm afraid. However, 2003 is their 10th Anniversary and to celebrate they plan on inviting back guests from previous years. As you will guess, I will be doing my besUo get Sarah Douglas included on that list. After all, 20 years of V and 10 years of The Cult T.V. Festival, what a perfect way to celebrate.

Go to http://festival.culttv.net.