What would happen if every science fiction clich? imaginable were shoved into one hour of prime time entertainment?
The outcome would be something along the lines of “V,” ABC’s new sci-fi thriller about the impending takeover of planet earth by a reptilian alien species disguised as humans. The pilot, which aired Tuesday, Nov. 3, lacks little in excitement, but takes itself a little too seriously.
The story begins with Anna, (Morena Baccarin, “Medium”) the leader of “The Visitors” as they call themselves, projecting her face on a huge jumbotron-type screen occupying the sky. Her calm, clean and confident demeanor emits the foreboding sense that trickery and deceit are hiding behind her eyes as she convinces the citizens of the earth not to fret over The Visitors’ presence.
The humans have mixed reactions though. FBI agent Erica Evans, (a convincing Elizabeth Mitchell, “Lost”) and her teenage son Tyler (Logan Huffman, “America.”) While Tyler embraces The Visitors, Erica remains suspicious of their intentions. Meanwhile, Ryan Nichols (Morris Chestnut, “Not Easily Broken”) struggles between being managing his life with his fianc?, Valerie (Lourdes Benedicto,”Numb3rs”) and the fact that he is secretly one of The Visitors (but a good one.)
Other characters include Chad Decker (Scott Wolf, “CSI:NY”) an up and coming televisions news anchor trying to make a name for himself by getting the low-down on The Visitors. Also, there is Father Jack Landry (Joel Gretsch, “United States of Tara) who poses questions regarding science and religion.
While it is difficult for the science fiction genre to navigate around certain clich?s, “V” seems as though it did not even bother. A trembling glass of water on a table followed by curious and frightened looks? Check. A mysterious alien spacecraft hovering over a crowd of gasping, crying, screaming citizens in a major metropolitan area? Check. A mother screaming at law enforcement to let her through the barrier to find her son, or God-only-knows-what-will-happen? Check. Oh, and don’t forget, there’s also the alien who just wants to help the humans, and then there’s the trusted human who turns out to be an alien!
Despite “V” resting on too many clich?s, and wandering into a familiar thematic and stylistic territory reminiscent of “Lost” and “True Blood.” With their respective plots revolving around two distinct groups arguing over trust and manipulation, the show does bring up relevant themes. The changing roles of religion, politics, and mass media in society are all touched upon. Furthermore, current debates such as the fervent one about universal healthcare is made reference to, as The Visitors promise to bestow this upon all humans.
The visuals of the show follow the usual course of sci-fi spectacles – explosions and special effects are aplenty. The writing could use some work, as many exchanges between characters produce cringeworthy moments as when journalist Chad Decker comments to Anna, “You all seem to be what we consider attractive,” and she replies with a coy smile, “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.” The awkward alien-human sexual tension is already heating up!
Although “V” is held back by its clich?s, that is not to say the premise of the show does not have potential. The buildup leaves a strong desire to see what happens next and leaves the viewer wondering about The Visitors’ true intentions and how those will carry out.