Past TV Squad poster Ryan pretty much hates me right about now. First he heard of my early look at Battlestar Galactica's new season, and now comes this -- the first two episodes of the new season of Veronica Mars. They just arrived yesterday, and of course like a giddy, foolish schoolgirl, I watched the first episode pretty much right away. My wife thinks I waited to save the second one for tonight -- I guess it'll be good to see it a second time. Ssshhhh!
So, how's the new season seem to be shaping up? Read on!
The premiere starts us out right in the thick of things as we see Veronica on her first day at Hearst College. I know there are many who hate the comparison, but I couldn't help but get that "hey this is a lot like Buffy season four" feeling right from the start. None of the friends we've come to know have left for other colleges, and we're introduced to new characters who're roommates of those staying on campus. I wonder why Veronica is a commuter when everyone else opts to stay on-campus? Does Wallace really have all that much more money to afford on-campus housing?
Veronica wastes no time making herself (and her skills) known to the people on campus, and in typical Veronica fashion, she doesn't really care so much what they think of her.
As has been mentioned already, this season will feature several mysteries rather than one "big bad" that lasts the entire season. One mystery will come up, then about a third of the way through the season it will be solved. Repeat that two more times. The first mystery is clearly identified in the first episode, with possibly a teaser at another at episode end. After catching the second episode (which was in an unfinished state), I definitely got the feeling that the mystery is being moved along at a much quicker pace than seasons past; Veronica's wasting no time in figuring out what's going on.
One new character we meet is Piz, Wallace's roommate. Let me first say that I never cared for Teddy Dunn's acting as Duncan in past seasons and was glad to see him gone. Now here comes Piz, and, well, it's sorta the same thing all over again. I'm not really sure I care for his acting. Now, the character and his quicks I like, but the acting ... nosomuch. I think a lot of people will like himanyway, but this is just my opinion.
Besides Wallace, some other characters we see reappear in the premiere are Vinnie Van Lowe, Mac, Logan and Dick. Here's an interesting tidbit that I'm not sure was ever really implied before: Veronica and Logan are clearly having sex now. They're very much a couple, though Veronica may not fully feel the same way about that as Logan does. Oh, and Logan is still living in the hotel. Logan, my man, why didn't you just spring for on-campus housing? Oh yeah, no room service.
With the DVD was a list of things I was asked not to talk about or mention, so I'll avoid those. Here's a quick rundown of other cool tidbits that I'm pretty sure I can mention:
- There are some great references to a certain "curse word of the future" in both episodes that had me in hysterics. I'm not sure if this means the writers are fans or foes of said show, but it shouldn't be hard to figure out what I'm talking about.
- As if all the other Buffy-like things weren't enough, Veronica works in the Hearst library, of all places.
- No mention or word of Weevil or the Kanes, though there are plenty of people affected by what Cassidy did last season.
- Kendall does briefly appear in the second first episode and we learn what's was in that briefcase from last season's finale.
- Keith makes a big mistake that may have lead to a character we know being killed, and he feels awful about it.
- "It's exactly like we never left Neptune High."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
9-15-2006 @ 12:47PM
BGDC said...
I didn't read your review. We're still watching Season 2 on DVD (6 episodes in) and I'm going to Tivo all of season 3 before we start watching it. Best show on TV.
But unlike Firefly and Freaks n Geeks, I am going to control my self and only watch DVD episodes once in awhile. Must maintain control...no Veronica binging.
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9-15-2006 @ 1:30PM
anon3803 said...
To BGDC: No Vernoica binging? but Veronica binging is the best binging out there :).
I never really got the Logan Veronica thing at the end of last season. It really felt forced IMO. I mean it wasn't that long ago that she found Kendall at Logan's apartment, and a week or so later she's ready to get cuddly with Logan? I think they should've made it a slower "growing" relationship, and I wouldn't mind seeing Teddy Dunn show up for a few episodes to mix things up a little as their relationship grows.
Looks like a good season, I was hoping whatever was in the briefcase would turn out to be a season long "background" mystery, but now that doesn't appear to be the case. I'm also a little concerned about your "it's exactly like we never left Neptune High" comment. I think there should definitely be a new feel to the show now that she's in college. Either way I'll be glued to my set once again awaiting each episode.
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9-15-2006 @ 1:32PM
Keith McDuffee said...
The "never left Neptune" is a quote from the show. You'll just have to see what causes that quote to be said. Classic!
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9-15-2006 @ 1:55PM
Lynn said...
Does Wallace really have all that much more money to afford on-campus housing?
Wallace is there on a b-ball scholarship, remember? That probably includes room and board, and he may even be required to live on-campus for those early morning practices or whatever.
So thumbs-up or thumbs-down? Can you give us your "star" rating on the episodes or what? And is it true that both Veronica and Logan have new cars this year?
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9-15-2006 @ 2:01PM
Keith McDuffee said...
Hm...how would I rate it. I mean, if you're a VM fan, there really aren't any bad episodes of the show. It's consistent with past seasons, though there really isn't a "holy shit!"-like mystery here, so that's sort-of where it is lacking. These aren't mysteries that will last all season long anymore, and like I said, it shows.
It's got the same great humor, great quotes and chemistry, but the tense mystery...I didn't feel it so much.
Yes, Veronica has a new car, and we see it revealed in a funny scene right after a quote from Keith. I don't remember if I saw Logan with a new car.
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9-15-2006 @ 2:27PM
Bjorn said...
Please, please, please, make someone leak these episodes on to the web. I can't wait!
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9-15-2006 @ 2:39PM
Keith McDuffee said...
Oh, and funny you should mention Freaks & Geeks above ... an actor from the show appears in episode two!
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9-15-2006 @ 3:11PM
Nina said...
Hi, thanks for that little sneak peek.
I'm guessing the "It's exactly like we never left Neptune High" qoute had something to do with Dick, I can just picture it playing out that way, lol. I can't wait to see it.
Looks very promising. *eeeeee* So excited!
I think Jason told me we don't see his car until episode 3 as well as some other exciting stuff.
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9-15-2006 @ 4:44PM
BGDC said...
I'm was VERY saddened to read the season long mysteries are gone. That was one aspect of the show I loved - 3-4-5 threads going at once. Some have said season 2 is too too complex but from what I've seen thus far (6 episodes0, it's still not nearly enough for me.
I can't watch any of those silly CSI type shows expressly because there's so little going on. One lame mystery per episode = utter boredom. I saw a preview copy of Psych about 5 months ago and felt that too was missing the complexity I'm longing for in a show.
Veronica Mars walks the tightrope between season-long mystery and just dragging crap out for no reason (Lost is a prime offender, with Alias also doing this).
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9-15-2006 @ 9:36PM
Callie said...
Oh an actor from Freaks and Geeks? Can we reveal who? Also how worried should I be about V not feelling the exact same way Logan does? Any reasons why?
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9-15-2006 @ 7:49PM
Keith McDuffee said...
The F&G actor doesn't seem to be a secret: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0505949/
As for L&V... It's questionable. She's asked about her status with Logan, and her silence says it all.
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9-15-2006 @ 10:53PM
HunterJHP said...
This show is my favorite on TV, and Season 2 was good but I'm hoping for season 3 to be much better. I feel the whole three misters in one season is a good move; for me both season 1 & 2 brag on just a little. I’m just hope this does not make the show move to fast. (And) I hope it dose NOT get canceled by CW!!!!!
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9-15-2006 @ 11:54PM
Eric said...
I can't wait for the season to premier...Thanks for the update on the first to episodes, it was awsome. I have a cw blog and put a link their to your article for all my Veronica Mars fans. Thanks again for the early view and check out my site below!
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9-16-2006 @ 8:33AM
Daniel said...
Does Liam appear in the first episode?
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9-16-2006 @ 8:47AM
Keith McDuffee said...
Liam does not show up in the first episode.
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9-16-2006 @ 12:01PM
Daniel said...
When do we find out what's in the briefecase?
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9-16-2006 @ 1:21PM
Keith McDuffee said...
You'll find out definitively what's in the briefcase in the 2nd episode.
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9-16-2006 @ 3:03PM
Dries said...
and what about Troy, wasn't he enrolled in Hearst College too? (with that bald-rape-episode somewhere in season 2)
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9-16-2006 @ 7:01PM
Keith McDuffee said...
No Troy evident in the 2 episodes I saw.
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9-17-2006 @ 11:44PM
Emma said...
Sorry, this is my third try asking a question (I messed-up my e-mail address)
"As for L&V... It's questionable. She's asked about her status with Logan, and her silence says it all."
I think I missed something - what does this comment mean? Does this infer something negative about Logan & Veronica's relationship?
Also, is the Logan/Veronica romantic chemistry as good as seasons 1 & 2?
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