V

V is a science fiction television franchise that began with a two-part miniseries in 1983, followed by a sequel miniseries in 1984 and a weekly television series that aired from 1984 to 1985. Created by Kenneth Johnson, V  tells the story of an alien invasion, with a group of seemingly friendly extraterrestrials—known as “The Visitors”—arriving on Earth, only to reveal more sinister intentions. The show became a major hit, resonating with audiences due to its exploration of themes like totalitarianism, resistance, propaganda, and the power of deception.

The Visitors, initially presented as peaceful allies, turn out to be a reptilian species with plans to conquer Earth and exploit humanity. The series follows the human resistance, a group of ordinary people who come together to fight back against the alien oppressors. The complex dynamics between the Visitors and humans, coupled with the show’s political allegories, made V a compelling blend of action, drama, and sci-fi.

The Premise of V

V begins with the arrival of massive alien spacecraft hovering over major cities worldwide. The Visitors, led by the charismatic and seemingly benevolent John and Diana, make contact with Earth and claim that they come in peace. They present themselves as humanoid creatures with advanced technology, offering to share their scientific knowledge in exchange for Earth’s natural resources.

At first, the Visitors are welcomed with open arms by many, and they quickly integrate into human society. They establish diplomatic relations, work with governments, and even set up facilities to help cure diseases and improve life on Earth. However, not all humans are convinced of their intentions, and soon, signs of their true nature begin to emerge.

A turning point comes when journalist Mike Donovan, while investigating one of the Visitor’s ships, discovers their shocking secret: beneath their human-like exteriors, the Visitors are actually reptilian creatures. Their ultimate plan is to strip Earth of its resources, enslave humanity, and harvest the planet’s water supply. They also intend to use humans as a food source.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Donovan joins forces with a growing resistance movement, made up of people from all walks of life who refuse to accept the Visitors’ dominance. This group includes scientists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who risk their lives to expose the Visitors’ true intentions and fight against the alien regime. The story follows the resistance’s efforts to subvert the Visitors’ propaganda and organize a rebellion.

The show’s plot evolves from the initial deception to a full-scale conflict, as the resistance battles the Visitors for the fate of humanity. With ongoing intrigue, betrayal, and shifting alliances, V explores not just the struggle for survival, but also the darker aspects of collaboration, resistance, and the nature of power.

Main Characters

The characters of V are central to the unfolding drama, with a mix of human and Visitor perspectives shaping the story. The cast of characters provides a window into both sides of the conflict.

• Mike Donovan (Marc Singer): Mike Donovan is a fearless TV journalist who becomes the main protagonist of the series. His discovery of the Visitors’ true nature propels him into a leadership role in the human resistance. Donovan is determined to expose the truth about the Visitors and protect his son, who becomes a pawn in the alien scheme. His bravery and commitment to the cause make him one of the key figures in the fight against the invaders.
• Diana (Jane Badler): Diana is the ruthless and manipulative leader of the Visitors. As the main antagonist of the series, she embodies the cold-blooded nature of the alien invaders. Diana uses deception, propaganda, and psychological warfare to maintain control over humanity while secretly working to fulfill her species’ sinister agenda. Her cunning nature, combined with her leadership skills, makes her a formidable adversary to the human resistance.
• Julie Parrish (Faye Grant): Julie is a medical doctor and one of the core members of the resistance. She is initially skeptical of the Visitors but quickly becomes one of the movement’s leaders after learning the truth. Julie’s intelligence and bravery are crucial to the resistance’s success, and her knowledge of medicine proves invaluable in fighting both the Visitors and the spread of their influence.
• John (Richard Herd): John is the Visitor Supreme Commander, presenting himself as a diplomatic and reasonable figure in the early episodes. However, like Diana, he is part of the larger conspiracy to take control of Earth. His charm and calm demeanor are used to manipulate world leaders and keep the true nature of the invasion hidden from the public.
• Ham Tyler (Michael Ironside): Ham Tyler is a mercenary who joins the resistance later in the series. He brings a more militant and aggressive approach to fighting the Visitors, contrasting with the more strategic and careful methods used by characters like Mike Donovan. Ham’s presence adds a layer of tension within the resistance, as his extreme tactics sometimes put him at odds with other members of the group.
• Robin Maxwell (Blair Tefkin): Robin is a young woman who becomes one of the more tragic figures in the series. After being seduced by a Visitor, she becomes pregnant with a hybrid child, a storyline that introduces the complex biological experiments the Visitors are conducting on humans. Robin’s arc explores the emotional and psychological impact of the invasion on individuals, as well as the broader implications of the Visitors’ genetic manipulation.

Themes and Allegory

One of the most significant aspects of V is its use of political and social allegory. The show draws clear parallels to historical events, particularly the rise of fascism and totalitarian regimes during the 20th century. The Visitors’ use of propaganda, their manipulation of the media, and their creation of a false narrative about their intentions echo the tactics used by real-world authoritarian governments.

• Totalitarianism and Resistance: The Visitors’ takeover of Earth is marked by their ability to manipulate public perception, control information, and suppress dissent. They quickly establish themselves as rulers, using collaborators among the human population to enforce their will. The series explores the dangers of blindly following authority and the importance of resistance in the face of tyranny.
• Propaganda and Deception: A central theme of V is the use of propaganda to control and deceive the masses. The Visitors present themselves as peaceful saviors, using television broadcasts and public appearances to shape public opinion. This theme resonates with real-world issues of media manipulation and the spread of misinformation, making the show relevant even in contemporary times.
• Collaboration vs. Defiance: The show also explores the moral complexities of collaboration, as some humans choose to ally with the Visitors for personal gain or out of fear, while others risk everything to fight back. Characters like Daniel Bernstein, who becomes a Visitor collaborator, serve as examples of how easily people can be swayed to support oppressive regimes. The resistance, by contrast, represents the power of collective action and moral courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

V became a cultural touchstone in the 1980s, with its themes of resistance, political allegory, and alien invasion resonating with audiences. The original miniseries was followed by V: The Final Battle in 1984, which continued the story of the human resistance and their efforts to repel the Visitors. A regular TV series followed, although it was short-lived, airing only for one season.

The franchise’s impact was further solidified when a reboot of V premiered in 2009 on ABC, reimagining the original story for a new generation. While the reboot maintained many of the core elements of the original, it offered a fresh take on the invasion and further explored themes of control, surveillance, and resistance.

V remains a significant part of the science fiction genre, remembered for its suspenseful storytelling, complex characters, and allegorical depth. Its exploration of themes like propaganda, collaboration, and resistance continues to resonate, making it a timeless piece of television history.