Thin-skinned, much?

In American politics, it isn’t unusual for Democrats to complain that certain parts of the media are less than friendly to their candidates… talk-radio comes to mind, as does cable television… but broadcast television?

Apparently, some have decided that the “re-imagining” of the Eighties’ science-fiction television mini-series “V” has an anti-Obama slant.

“Imagine this. At a time of political turmoil, a charismatic, telegenic new leader arrives virtually out of nowhere. He offers a message of hope and reconciliation based on compromise and promises to marshal technology for a better future that will include universal health care.

The news media swoons in admiration — one simpering anchorman even shouts at a reporter who asks a tough question: “Why don’t you show some respect?!” The public is likewise smitten, except for a few nut cases who circulate batty rumors on the Internet about the leader’s origins and intentions. The leader, undismayed, offers assurances that are soothing, if also just a tiny bit condescending: “Embracing change is never easy.””

My… that *does* sound familiar… but seriously…

“Nominally a rousing sci-fi space opera about alien invaders bent on the conquest (and digestion) of all humanity, it’s also a barbed commentary on Obamamania that will infuriate the president’s supporters and delight his detractors.

“We’re all so quick to jump on the bandwagon,” observes one character. “A ride on the bandwagon, it sounds like fun. But before we get on, let us at least make sure it is sturdy.””

Now, frankly, I think some of this is a little over-wrought, seeing as Utopian themes are a staple science-fiction, from the idealistic Federation of “Star Trek” to “Brave New World” and its highly stratified, drug-controlled population.  Even two-faced aliens are a staple of the genre — “To Serve Man,” ala “The Twilight Zone” comes to mind, where the aliens offer man an end to war and a world of plenty, which man accepts, only to discover that their guiding tome “To Serve Man” isn’t a manifesto, but a cookbook.

Now, can one make the allusion that some of the themes make some painful allusions to “The One,” including the manipulation of the media and the use of utopian promises to manipulate the masses.  But that is simply art imitating both life and art — the aliens of the original series used some of the same promises and, given the premise of the story, much of the original plot would be present in a re-imagining.

While both the Visitors and the President have thin skins, I think that is where the comparison really should end… I mean, let’s face it — the Visitors have the potential to fulfill their promises.