Certain science fiction television reboots achieve legendary status, sometimes even surpassing the original series they are based on. A prime example is the 2003 version of Battlestar Galactica, which quickly rendered the 1978 series a mere curiosity. On the opposite end of the spectrum is something like the 2007 Flash Gordon series, which falls short of the quality of the 1930s and 1940s serials and is largely forgotten. Occupying a middle ground is the 2009-2011 remake of V, which was adapted from the 1983 miniseries and the show that followed.
A decade ago, on March 15, 2011, the new V series starring sci-fi favorite Morena Baccarin concluded abruptly. The Season 2 finale, titled “Mother’s Day,” also served as the series finale. This raises the question: was the endeavor worthwhile? Was the V reboot excellent, awful, or perhaps something more nuanced—a transitional piece linking different eras of sci-fi television?
Mild spoilers ahead.
Mirroring the 1980s franchise, the V reboot started with an identical premise: aliens arrive in Earth’s skies worldwide, presenting themselves in human form as “Visitors” who promise hope and prosperity. In truth, these Visitors are reptilian beings intent on enslaving humanity. Morena Baccarin dominates every episode with her performance as Anna, the Visitors’ queen and leader. At that time, Baccarin was primarily recognized in sci-fi communities for Firefly and Stargame SG-1, preceding her later roles in Deadpool, Gotham, and Homeland. However, V served as a distinct showcase for her abilities, arguably presenting a peak demonstration of her talent.
For dedicated sci-fi fans, Baccarin faced the challenge of stepping into a role reimagined from Jane Badler’s character, Diana, in the original series. (Badler herself portrayed a different, peace-seeking version of Diana in the reboot.)
The reboot’s two-season narrative followed story arcs that were foreseeable yet generally gratifying. The audience gradually discovered the Visitors’ malevolent intentions, though some were sympathetic to humans, leading to an internal resistance known as the “Fifth Column.” By Season 2, tensions reached a boiling point as the resistance launched a final offensive against Anna to seize control from the Visitors.
Interestingly, despite the resistance featuring likable characters like Erica (Elizabeth Mitchell) and Ryan (Morris Chestnut, before Watson), the audience often finds itself supporting the coldly compelling Anna throughout. This makes V an unusual resistance story where viewers are fairly certain of humanity’s defeat and, to some extent, accept that outcome.
V was officially canceled in May 2011, several months after the Season 2 finale aired. In “Mother’s Day,” the Fifth Column executes a major final assault against the Visitors, prompting Anna to attempt using her telepathic “Bliss” power on all of humanity. Needing assistance from Amy (Tanessa Holomon), the episode concludes with the human race brainwashed and additional Visitor ships descending to Earth.
One might question what a theoretical third season could have added to the core premise. Although dedicated fans campaigned to save V, the finale might ironically be the perfect conclusion for this story. The villains—who are the most intriguing characters—triumph, leaving viewers with a classic sci-fi tableau reminiscent of H.G. Wells: aliens have overrun the planet, and humanity is powerless.
In the current landscape, with shows like Pluribus and the upcoming Steven Spielberg film Disclosure Day, mainstream science fiction appears to be walking in the footsteps of the various V iterations. This is not to suggest that Pluribus will feature lizard tails or Disclosure Day will highlight rat consumption. However, a decade after this reboot and over forty years after the original, the concept of an alien invasion operating in plain sight remains powerfully engaging. Perhaps we owe a debt to V for helping to popularize this idea.