I watched the first episode of ABC-TV’s new series, “V.” Judging by the first program, I think the series has potential and may reflect the network’s awareness of the depth of disaffection millions of people seem to have with the existing institutional structure. The series logo, “V,” has a similarity to the V for Vendetta film.
The “bad” guys — in the forms of beautiful people — come to earth as visitors [hence, "V"] ostensibly to benefit mankind, but insist upon obedience to their dictates. They come to solve all of mankind’s problems — to which Homo Boobus lets out a collective cheer — including providing for “universal health care.” There is a small group of dissidents who see through the scheme, pointing out to others that these people have been on earth for many years, controlling humanity through “wars and economic meltdowns.” One of the better parts of the program involved a television newscaster who had been selected by the autocrat in charge to be the exclusive voice to the world through which the “leader” would speak. When the leader informed him that his job was to put the new ruling order in the most favorable light, and to say nothing of a negative nature about them, he winced — but just for a split second — and said a few obligatory words about journalistic integrity. But when he was reminded that his failure to hew the party line would cost him the opportunity to be the only voice through which the “visitors” will communicate to the world, he immediately becomes indistinguishable from today’s members of the mainstream media.
As this program airs on one of the leading network channels — one which has been a faithful outlet for the views of the political establishment — I shall continue to watch the series with the skepticism that should attend anyone’s expressions. At the very least, the existence of the series suggests that some segments of the mainstream media may feel themselves getting painted into a corner of their own doing and, for the sake of their survival, must at least cater to the millions of disenchanted viewers.
