Veronica Mars 2.1 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Normal is the Watchword.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to genius “Veronica Mars” creator Rob Thomas.
What does TV Guide say?
“There’s no sophomore slump for the acclaimed drama as a stellar season 2 premiere picks up a few months after the junior PI’s harrowing run-in with Aaron Echolls, and neatly wraps up the cliffhangers – who was at the door; Logan vs. Weevil – and sets up a new mystery. Over the summer, Veronica, seeking a normal life, quit sleuthing to become a restaurant hostess. But once she thinks she’s out, she’s pulled back in after Wallace is booted from sports over a drug test. Elsewhere, Charisma Carpenter makes a splash as the Casablancas’ sexy stepmom.”
The big news?
If you’re wondering whether this year’s season-long mystery will carry as much emotional resonance for Veronica as best friend Lilly Kane’s murder, I can tell you that the events that conclude tonight’s season premiere up the ante brilliantly.
Is Deputy Leo the person at the door when Veronica says, “I was hoping it would be you”?
No. I can confirm it’s either Logan Echolls or Duncan Kane. Creator Rob Thomas said in the press over the summer than if it wasn’t one of these two, the audience would feel all cheated.
How long do we have to wait before we learn whether it’s Logan or Duncan?
Not long. Did you see the online clips posted at the beginning of the month? The restaurant scene is the first scene of the teaser, and the schoolyard scene is the last scene of the teaser. But there's a lot of stuff in between, including the reveal of who was at the door. And it turns out even the teaser’s flashbacks have flashbacks. (Anyway, you can kinda figure out who who’s at the door from the pre-reveal dialogue in the very first scene at the restaurant.)
What pre-reveal dialogue at the restaurant?
Tame the spoiler! Respect the invisotext! “You’re an oh-niner now. You went and landed yourself some rich boyfriend. Last year was just some big act for you.”
What else is TV Guide not telling us?
Keith Mars is now a big-deal celebrity author who gets interviewed by Julie Chen on “The Early Show.” (He co-wrote a book about the Kane case with a journalist to pay off the hospital bills precipitated by the season finale).
What about Logan and Weevil?
It turns out not everyone survives that particular scene.
Is it true Charisma Carpenter spends the entire episode in a bikini?
No. She eventually takes it off.
What’s great?
How well all the supporting characters are utilized, notably Eli “Weevil” Narvarro. The masterful use of flashbacks. The hilarious “South Park” homage. The fact that Shelley Pomroy plays a role in the drug-test mystery. The way Veronica waves the urine sample at Keith, and Keith’s pricelessly understated reaction to it. The poolside pillows. “I just wanted to see if you’d do it.” “Yeah, that doesn’t work for me.” “I swear you’re going to like these guys.” “But also delicious!” “That’s my Wallace!” “I can barely even look at you now!” “One ‘r’ or two ‘r’s?” “I almost forgot! I’m supposed to pay you or something, right?” “You don’t talk to my daughter that way. You’re leaving now. And you’re never coming back.” So much more I am not permitted to disclose at this juncture.
What’s not so great?
Last season’s two best rookies – UPN’s “Veronica Mars” and ABC’s “Lost” – now air opposite each other.
How does it end, spoiler-boy?
The series takes a shocking supernatural turn - as Lilly Kane elects to spare Veronica’s life!!!
Herc’s rating for “Veronica Mars” 2.1?
*****
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
***** better than we deserve
**** better than most motion pictures
*** actually worth your valuable time
** as horrible as most stuff on TV
* makes you quietly pray for bulletins
9 p.m. Wednesday. UPN.
hits the DVD shelves!!
