AirLockAlpha.com

By Jenn Falls.

This review may contain spoilers.

This week’s episode is gratifying to both old and new viewers of “V,” hooking both with some important reveals about the V’s, major characters, and alien technology. Unlike some shows in the sci-fi genre that pose questions and take a long time in showing any answers, “A Bright New Day” makes the leap from a remake to holding its own as a sci-fi show that is likely to survive.

This week’s episode delves right into dealing with the tension of those that know the truth behind the V’s. For Ryan (Morris Chestnut), he pursues trying to find Cyrus (Michael Filipowich) to reform a V rebel group known as the Fifth Column with the mention of a mysterious leader called John May, which will definitely need future attention. Cyrus, an unwilling participant, betrays Ryan by alerting the ship, but not before their conflict gives some interesting information about the V’s and Anna.

After stealing the list of possible conspirators of those against the V’s, Erica (Elizabeth Mitchell) leaves Father Jack (Joel Gretsch) to find others from the warehouse when she is called in to protect the V’s from a possible shooter. Beyond her ability to sneak into the room of virtual screens, watching her being torn between her feelings about wanting to shoot them herself and protecting them, as well as the distrust from her assigned V, plays out well. And, finding out that the shooter is a V planted by Anna … priceless.

On the mothership, Dale is helped by a V called Joshua (Mark Hildreth) to remember his attack. Through a series of conversations, we see the very real threat to humans when Dale reveals that he finds humans disgusting. Though Joshua seems the perfect V to help him find the truth, when he finds his memory of Erica’s attack and declares that he will kill her, the scene abruptly breaks revealing Joshua’s deception and the best quote so far.

Anna (Morena Baccarin) plays a bigger role in this episode, showing her mastery of human psychology in a very interesting segment where we see her trying to emote in several different ways reminiscent of her trying on the different clothes from a previous episode. Her need for control is unquestionable as she uses the widow to further her own cause.

We are left in the end with the coercion of Georgie (David Richmond-Peck) to rejoin with Father Jack and Erica as well as the promise of a growing V rebellion. The bombshell last scene between Lisa (Laura Vandervoort) and Anna sets us up for the last episode being shown until 2010, making it hard to wait to see what else they will reveal in the fourth episode.

What Worked

Revealing so much in one episode could be seen as risky, but in this case it builds intrigue. What we’ve found out just in this episode: There is a V rebellion group with a mysterious leader, John May. The alien technology, particularly the cameras hidden in the Peace Ambassador uniforms, is a huge upgrade from the 1980’s special effects worthy of the high definition TV screens of today. There is some sort of connection that gives Anna control through feelings of bliss that can clearly be broken. Finally, who is not pleased with the revelation of Anna being Lisa’s mother?

From Erica’s dealing with the stress of duality to the scene with Georgie showing his emotions about the death of his family and his motivation for resistance, the show continues to allow the actors room to run the gamut of emotions to develop character. As long as this continues, the show should continue to build in quality and gain viewers.

What Didn’t Work

The relationship between Tyler (Logan Huffman) and Lisa seems superficial and falls flat in this particular episode, although when Erica catches the two of them it provides a chuckle. From the previews, it is clear that their connection will become more important later. Maybe when Anna is brought directly into the action as mama it will become more interesting.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

“V” stars Elizabeth Mitchell, Joel Gretsch, Morris Chestnut, Morena Baccarin, Scott Wolf, Logan Huffman, Mark Hildreth, David Richmond-Peck, Lourdes Benedicto, and Laura Vandervoort. “A Bright New Day” was directed by Fred Toye and written by Diego Gutierrez and Christine Roum.

‘V’ airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC