V: Reinventing the Dump

Hi Gasmi, pop quiz. What do you think is the first thing you need for quality TV show? What's that? How about a new and original idea that people have never seen before? WRONG! Bad Gasmi, bad! No development deal for you. No, I'm sorry but the correct answer is something that's been done before. Tried and true keeps people in jobs that their main requirements are wearing $2,000 suits and going to lunch. So remember new is bad and what you want to do is "reinvent" a show if you like job security. This means we're in real luck because today's show, V, is a remake of a mini-series and a regular series (it's like double safe), so make the jump and take a look at the kind of TV that keeps the suits in their comfort zone.


V0111.jpg

Our episode, shoot, our series starts with a message that flashes up on the screen. "Do you remember where you were when JFK was assassinated?" No offense, but if you remember that you're probably packing an AARP card and wondering when Larry King is going to come on, so you aren't going to watch this show.

We get another message up on the screen, "Do you remember where you were on 9/11?" Now in this case if you don't remember this, then you probably have a nifty case of Alzheimer's and are in your kitchen staring at the oven wondering why Larry King isn't on.

Finally we get our last question, "do you remember where you where this morning?" Hmmm, let me see? I was watching cartoons and downloading porn (god I love Saturdays). I guess I'm their target audience. Anyway, after this meaningless memory quiz we get started with the actual TV show.

We see a perfect Martha Stewart decorated bed room, with some woman who has managed to get eight hours of sleep and still keep a perfect hair style. We know she's an FBI agent in counter-terrorism because her badge is right on the bedside table and it says FBI, Counter-Terrorism. For me this really cleared things up because I totally had her pegged as a professional sleeper.

Anyway, we also find out that FBI lady is a mom, because she goes into her kid's room to ask him if he feels the house shaking, and Bust Ed; her kid is a total no show. Hmmm, mom is an FBI counter-terrorism agent and her kid went AWOL? Why do I not get the warm fuzzies about how good she is at her job? (Waffleboy upgrades personal terror alert from tope to summer breeze)

Next we get to see a priest who looks way too buff and way too straight to be a real priest, but just like a soap opera priest let some guy in a wheelchair into a church. While this is happening, Bailey from Party of Five is taking a shower, while he is on the news talking about how the world is in pretty craptastic shape at the moment.

The meanwhiles keep coming, because some guy is getting let into a jewelry store. Hey, I know that guy, it's Morris Chesnut, who you may remember from such movies as Under Siege 2, Dark Territory, and Half Past Dead. Okay, I remember him from those movies because I watch me a ton of Steven Seagal movies, which for those of you keeping score at home works about to half of an actual Segal. Hey, I just checked Mo's Wikipedia page and he's got another movie with Stevie that should go straight to DVD sometime very soon. Three Seagal movies Morris? Sorry Morris, one movie means you're just getting started in show business and you didn't get a call back on that porn movie. Two means you were really strapped for a car payment on the Ford Focus you got after the first Seagal movie, but three Seagal movies and you officially become part of the problem, hence I hereby nickname thee The Steven Seagal Enabler.

We get our final meanwhile of this part because we cut to some pretty lady reading and drinking tea at her desk. We also see a picture of her with The Steven Seagal Enabler, so we now know why she's on our TV.

V: Reinventing the Dump Sections:  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  |  6  |  7  |  8  |  9 

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Comments (26)

qupert:

It is soooo hard to read a recap when the author hates the show. It's quite unfortunate because I really enjoyed this premiere, and was excited for this recap. But I couldn't even get to the middle of page 2 because it's SO NEGATIVE and ass-hatty. It's the same with the awesome True Blood. sigh.

FAIL.

cattyfan:

gotta agree with qupert.

The columnist is trying too hard...and seems to feel the need to insult and be cynical to everything and everybody, from sci-fi to Christ.

What a sad and bitter life he must have.

Phane00:

qupert - It's hard to sculpt crap into art. So don't take it out on the recapper for another subpar remake invading the airwaves.

The first time around, I thought the mini series was quite good, especially with Beastmaster was dealing with the rat eaters (I still remember that bit). But when V became a tv show the quality left in a hurry. This remake is worse than that. And will get even more crappy once the budget for special effects disappears. Plus, no Marc Singer to save it.

cattyfan:

Oh...and a note to V's costume department...wrong color stole on the priest. White is for Christmas, Easter, weddings, and baptisms.

J-Mo:

Sorry, but I must beg to disagree. I'm on page four and I've already found myself involuntarily laughing four separate times (I counted, and I know I was right because I used my fingers). Waffleboy I think you've found the PERFECT tone for this show, starting with the fact that THIS IS NOT AN ORIGINAL IDEA, IT'S A RECYCLED PREMISE FROM THE 80'S and therefore, in my opinion, it deserves some bagging on. Plus, I think that's kinda the point here at TVGasm. If anyone is searching for a breathlessly devoted and non-critical fansite recap that only extolls the pristine virtues and undeniable fabulousness of this show, you might be better served by visiting, you know, a fansite.

Excellent job, Waffleboy... WIN.

love, J-Mo :)

P.S. This comment in no way is meant to insinuate that anyone's opinions other than mine are wrong, they're just different.

cbc-cca:

Respectfully disagree. I really enjoy Waffleboy's writing style.

I didn't watch the premiere, but after reading, I feel as though I did. Lots of snark, clever barbs and yet the plotline was clearly defined.

Writing a recap on an episode is hard work; and to put in 9 (NINE) pages of commentary takes a lot of dedication. I doubt if Waffleboy didn't enjoy this show he would be wasting his time recapping it ... for FREE!

yeschef:

I hated the teaser for the next episode. They really need to have people with brains design the teasers they do not have to frigging give away the major plot point that is supposed to be a surprise in the trailer.

Terminator 3 trailers were what really caused the movie to fumble. Instead of being shocked and surprised that this guy was really a cyborg and didn't know it the audience was just bored since they already saw it in the trailer. This was one of the major points of the movie.

It's allright to tease the audience into making a guess at something and if the movie confirms it so be it hey it's not something an intelligent person watching wouldn't suspect. It's the delivery of this that what makes it enjoyable.

I think it is pretty funny that people think that this new V was inspired by David Icke yet he was clamoring about secret reptillian infiltrators from another planet only since 1999. Prior to that it was the Jews, but obviously that conspriacy garbage was already well played out and there were already dozens of hackers of the same garbage so Icke needed something new to capture some book and speaking tours money. So why not turn the Jews into alien reptiles?

itchy:

How could one not love jewels like this:

"Finally we get our last question, "do you remember where you where this morning?" Hmmm, let me see? I was watching cartoons and downloading porn (god I love Saturdays). I guess I'm their target audience."

I don't usually read recaps about fictional shows though, just don't see the point making fun of people who don't actually exist.

So here's hoping Waffleboy takes on some reality TV soon.

slumrville:

Great job skewering this show, WaffleBoy! Loved your recap!

In a weekly series format, I thought this remake would be a great opportunity to draw out the Visitors' arrival, and to show how they manipulate our trust to position themselves to "take over." To me, that angle is more compelling than the ensuing Resistance that seems to just exist. I was so disappointed when the "three weeks later" flashed on the screen.

That being said, there's still so much potential in this show, and I'm hoping it delivers.

baymenxpac:

i was pumped to see this recap up too, but i agree that i was turned off right away. especially because the mocking of the opening text isn't correct. 'where were you' and 'do you remember where you were' are two different sentiments. they were just trying to establish that the invasion was a day that redefined humanity similar to the kennedy assassination and 9/11, not asking if you remembered your whereabouts. i dunno...i'll try to read again in the morning at work...

ukhonu:

waffleboy-
I loved the recap. As mentioned previously, isn't that the point for TVgasm! I did enjoy the episode and am looking forward to this weeks show.......I'll have to ponder on a name for Baily. All the other nick names for the others characters have been imaginative! Can't wait til recap of episode 2!

gerritv:

Epic fail Wiffleboy.

Come Thanksgiving, I'll be looking for the 'rouge Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon' you mentioned.

ThereBeNoShelterHere:

Recap was pretty good. Show was alright, trending toward weak.

Loved the recap's dissection of the "restricted area", I found the most annoying part the wheel-chair guy's revelation. You mean they cured your inability to walk, and you rolled all the way over hear just to surprise us?

brattygrl:

"or Tyra Banks was in town."

Love it! Heehee..

Great job, Waffleboy! Not everyone's tastes are the same, but I don't see any other recapper getting as much crap for their work. Some, that in my opinion, are not near as funny or creative, but I keep that to myself since they put their hard work into it and others enjoy it.

bluzgirl:

Awesome recap! Just what I needed for this quiet morning--uninterrupted chortles and chuckles. I have not seen this show (or this version of V) and don't intend to. Please keep your recaps just as they are. Brilliant!

qupert:

I just wanted to make it known, that I'm one of the most sarcastic people ever. I love this site, and the snark. Flipit is my hero.

This recapper just can't do it. It's obvious he's TRYING to be funny, and it's too forced.

I too make fun of some of my favorite shows. There's a way to be snarky about a show that you enjoy, but WB can't do it.

And it has nothing to do with this being a remake. His True Blood recaps are just as painful.

That is all.

deliciousminds:

Former recapper here, gone into anonymous retirement. It's harder than y'all think! Keep up the good work, Waffleboy - I think the tone you've struck is perfect.

CrazyTrain:

Loved it from the beginning. It's the same stuff I was saying to the TV during those questions.

I think the recap tone fits perfectly for this show. It was funny too, but hard to read a few times due to grammar issues.

And at least you don't bold every five words!!

P.S. I'd just call him Bailey

Mimo:

I was sitting at my desk in the third grade while Timmy was passing out birthday treats. So that must mean I'm really really old. Shocker. I watched and liked.

spacevenus:

Loved the recap - snarky, funny and astute.

Although, a few extra commas would make it easier to read. Thanks for humoring me.

FinerThings:

This was a great recap. Come on, people, even if you liked the show (which I did, moderately) we come here to get the snarky version! It's usually more fun when the recapper doesn't love absolutely everything. Those Glee recaps were an exception...too many mentions of menstrual cycles.

ANYhoo, this was hilarious, the tone was great and LOVE.

FinerThings:

ps. On my way to read some True Blood recaps now, though I don't watch the show. Peace!

anicho01:

I actually enjoyed WB's review. Although the first half of the first page gave a pretty definitive opinion, I feel in the remaining 8.5 pages he kept a nice balance of humor and light snark, without overtly emphasizing his initial comments.

I will admit, I remember when the original V came out. Although a lover of the planet sci-fi, the original never quite called to me. And while V was shocking in the 80s, I feel the presence of Independence Day, War of the Worlds and MIB has further reduced the amount of shock its revamp might have enjoyed.

Side comment, who of the posters has actually seen the original V?

cattyfan:

I watched the original V (both the movie and the series.) I loved Jane Badler, Marc Singer, and Duncan Regehr.

Mimo:

I also watched the original V. I miss the red uniforms.

soapboxx:

Waffleboy: Loved your recap. I recorded V by accident then watched it. Bailey gave me the willies. He looks like he's been frozen since his last appearance. I laughed through out your recap. Loved all your nicknames, it never hurts to refer Scott Wolf back to his party of 5 days.
qupert:
Sarcasm is a sign of evolution. When T-Rex was chasing the two cavemen, one turned to the other and said "Are we having fun yet?" When the second stopped to ponder this bit of sarcasm the first guy got away. It is hard to do recaps, if I don't like one I just don't comment. I think Flipit is the reigning champ, but there are others closing in.

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