Last season, before the new V series had even debuted on ABC, the show was getting a lot of heat from skeptical fans of the original series. Executive producer Scott Peters said that, though their series wasn’t a continuation of the old, some of the original stars could pop up.

Peters said that the key would be to find the right role for actors like Jane Badler. He said, “It’s either a really ironic role for them, based on what their old role was, or just something really fun or interesting. I want them to have fun doing it. I want the fans to be excited about it. And I think it’s just a fun thing to be able to tip your hat to the old show.”

Well, they seem to have found a good one for Badler. She’ll be a recurring guest star when V returns for season two. Here’s the official press release…

JANE BADLER JOINS CAST OF ABC’S “V” IN A RECURRING ROLE
Actress Jane Badler, best known for her role on the original “V” series, will join the cast of ABC’s “V” as a recurring guest star, playing Diana, mother to Anna (Morena Baccarin), who is now the leader of the Vs. Badler will make her debut in the Season 2 premiere of the series.

“V,” which received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Special Visual Effects for a Series, stood as television’s No. 1 new drama during the 09-10 TV season in the key Adult 18-49 sales demographic, delivering substantial year-to-year improvement in both of its Tuesday time periods (8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.). “V” finished No. 1 in both time periods among key Men (M18-34/M18-49).

Season 2 will feature more character and lizard reveals, more details about the Vs’ mythology — in which Badler will play an important role — and more action and more plot twists. Viewers can expect a roller coaster ride week to week.

“V” stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Erica Evans, Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols, Joel Gretsch as Father Jack, Charles Mesure as Kyle Hobbes, Logan Huffman as Tyler Evans, Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker.

“V” is produced by HDFilms in association with Warner Bros. Television. The executive producers are Scott Rosenbaum, Steve Pearlman and Jace Hall.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing Badler on the new V series? Good idea? Should others from the previous incarnation guest as well?