One of the more iconic television events of my youth, 'V' is an ambitious (if at times clunky) allegory that hits its beats with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, yet I was surprised by how well it held up overall. The production values are first rate, a reflection of its massive budget ($13 million, the equivalent of $31 million in today) and the performances are what they need to be for this kind of story. Standouts include Marc Singer, bringing his B-movie star power to bare as the hunky camera man turned resistance hero, David Packer as the traitorous Daniel, Robert "Freddy Krueger" Englund as the decidedly non-Freddy-like Willie, a friendly Visitor, and the aptly named Jane Badler as Diana, the hottest lizard I've ever seen.
'V' often tries to do too much. It wisely localizes the action and drama, but it still tries to keep a few too many balls in the air, with its sprawling cast passing the narrative baton around like a hot potato at times. There are also giant plot holes that one of the Visitor's massive motherships could fly through. But on balance 'V' is a surprisingly effective "It could happen here" allegory that's worth a re-visit for my fellow 80s kids. For others, your light years may vary.
'V' often tries to do too much. It wisely localizes the action and drama, but it still tries to keep a few too many balls in the air, with its sprawling cast passing the narrative baton around like a hot potato at times. There are also giant plot holes that one of the Visitor's massive motherships could fly through. But on balance 'V' is a surprisingly effective "It could happen here" allegory that's worth a re-visit for my fellow 80s kids. For others, your light years may vary.