V: ABC Cutting Season Two Episode Order; Doomed?

We recently reported that ABC had decided to hold the second season premiere of V until January 4, 2011. It had looked like the network would bring it back in November but fans of the series will have to wait until next year, nearly seven months since the last original episode.

Now comes word that the network is cutting the episode order from 13 to 10 installments. Season two of V will air on Tuesdays at 9pm, taking the place of the Dancing with the Stars result show. It’s lead-in will be the compatible No Ordinary Family.

If V had returned in November, ABC would have needed at least 13 episodes to fill the timeslot until the next cycle of DWTS begins on March 29th. Because it won’t be returning until January 4th, and there are only 12 Tuesdays until March 30th, ABC doesn’t need as many episodes. The network is reportedly already planning a pair of preemptions.

The cast and crew are still filming so the scripts will be adapted to bring the season to a close after 10 episodes.

How does this bode for V’s prospects of a third season? Not very well but then, the show has always had an uphill battle ahead of it.

V was barely renewed last May because of low ratings and last season’s finale brought in just a 2.1 rating in the all-important 18-49 demographic. It’s a science-fiction serial drama with lots of ongoing storylines so V is unfortunately not very conducive to new viewers to start watching. Even if everyone who watched the season finale returns to watch season two, V will be one of the lowest rated shows on the network. If it were on the schedule right now, it would only be beating The Whole Truth, a ratings disaster.

What do you think? Do you think the series will last long enough to see a third season or is it sure to be cancelled? What would you do to get the TV show some new viewers? Is it possible?