Okay so it's been a long time since I did one of these...Look what I found--a draft version of my round up from last year!

2013 Round-up 

Best Book: Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore

Best Discovery: The Civil Wars

Best Theatrical Experience: Star Trek: Into Darkness & The Day of the Doctor

Best Animated Film: Frozen and Wreck it Ralph 

Best Website: Buzzfeed

Hardest Goodbye: The Ponds (Especially Rory) 

Looking Forward to: Veronica Mars the Movie!

And for this year--2014 Round-up 

Best Book: Yes Please

Amy Poehler is honest, genuine and someone worth knowing. She provides a peek into her life and her what following her passion took and where it took her and who she became as a result. 

She provides readers with three points of advice: Say what you want, Do what you want and Be who you are. 

Read it if you haven't and she's a great voice to carry in your purse/bag for a bit. 

Favorite Song: "Compass" by Lady Antebellum

There are a ton of a great songs and fun songs that came out this year and party jams but something from Lady Antebellum's track really resonants with my being. 

Here's the chorus for you to peruse for yourself: 

So let your heart sweetheart be your compass when you're lost

And you should follow it wherever it may go

When it's all said and done you can walk instead of run

'Cause no matter what you'll never be alone

I find it encouraging, great for a road trip and simply great advice to follow. It really just became my anthem this year. 

Best New Show: Selfie

I have been made aware of the terrible truth, but from what I have seen I have enjoyed every bit of it. The cast is hilarious. I love John Cho and wish he were on TV and many other screens all the time. He and Karen Gillian (who is amazeballs) have wonderful give and take. I really wanted to see where their characters Henry and Eliza went and how they changed and effected one another. Also the supporting cast was phenomenal and split siding funny. Lastly I really enjoyed the evaluation, analysis and response to the current popular culture. 

Besides where are going to get good old Henry gems such as these:

“You need to go. Just pack your paper holes and get out of here.”

“As you can imagine, I will now be removing that jam from my playlist”

It was nominated for a People’s Choice Award—good grief ABC! Please, please oh please hear my cry Netflix!

Best Movie: Veronica Mars & Gone Girl

Veronica Mars came out in March and all of our fangirls dream came true. Surprise guest stars, Wallace and of course the ending and answers to what became of Logan and Veronica. Eep! I really enjoyed it and have never been happier to support this Kickstarter project. I’ll probably be watching it tomorrow :D

Gone Girl happens to be the most screwed up book I have ever read and became a movie I waited nearly a year to see. It was a great translation and the cast, crew, writers and director did a phenomenal job bringing it to the silver screen.  Marriage is hard and being in love is a lot different than being married. So when Amy goes missing all eyes are on Nick. I love the way that Gillian creates and builds her characters. Further I really appreciate the role of the media and the power it has over the public’s perception. Flynn’s assessment of its role in our judicial system is genius. Gillian Flynn #kudos.

Hardest Goodbye: Psych 

C'mon Son. Talk about friendship and humorous hijinks. No one does it better than Shawn and Gus. The final episode was excellent and help with the easing but I will miss the mysteries and the craziness that is Shawn Spencer and the neurotic Gus. Plus there was a musical! Doesn't get any better than Gus and Shawn and the crew singing their lungs out. 


Best Discovery: Digital reading, Sherlock & Scandal 

Yes, yes. I am late on all three fronts but now that I have discovered these amazing and wonderful things I shan't go back. Thank you Polar Vortex.

First off, I am old school about books and will probably never stop buying hard copies but its super nice to have a book in like 4 inches of tablet. And really comfortable for reading in bed.

Sherlock—okay obviously its brilliant. The casting, the production, the twist and turns; seriously this show is just great and unfortunately we have only 9 episodes at this point to keep us company as we wait for season 4 on the edge of our seats.

Scandal is just amazing; it’s clever, it’s scandalous. Kerry Washington is the modern female hero on Capitol Hill and she is amazing at everything she does—until you meet her father.  Even though Olivia Pope is the protagonist, she is flawed and faulty and just what I want to watch on a Thursday night.

Looking forward to in 2015

Parks and Recreation's Final season

I’ll be sad but I’m sure it will be fantastic. I have truly enjoyed watching this episodic series about a small parks and recreation office in Pawnee, IN. It’s been fun seeing the crazy, creative and hilarious things that Leslie Knope has gotten herself, Ron, Ann, Donna, April, Andy, Jerry, Ben and Chris into. The writers have given us sentimental and meaningful gems such as “I like you and I love you” or comedy gold like “The only thing I’ll be waving is your decapitated head on a stick in front of your weeping mother!” Yup a show for the ages and will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll always cherish blaming Jerry for anything that goes wrong in life.

I look forward to seeing Leslie Knope having it all with Ben Wyatt in tow (he’s totes adorable—seriously every time he wears his Letters to Cleo shirt, I lose it). The beginning of the end starts on January 13.

Best Kisses of All Time

I was suppose to make this post for Valentine's Day, but we can spread the love into the month of March--it can use :P

So here are my top ten kisses in my television history. There the examples of the best romances and relationships developed throughout the year. So get ready to say "aww"

Number 10: Admiral Adama and Laura Roslin

"Revelations"
Laura and Adama. There what we like to call the Mama and Papa of the fleet and although they fight at times and disagree. They have a beautiful and sweet relationship, in which each understand the other in a very rare and scary way. I'm so glad they're finally together, though I could have done with out their sex scene!


Number 9: Kyle and Amanda

"Whats the Frequency Kyle?"

It took a season and a half for these two to finally make it. And although a slightly cheesy background (a garden like oasis), it still is sweet that they finally stop all the talking and Kyle finally gets it and simply kisses her. I also think that Matt Dallas is just so amazing because he completes the feat of experiencing things for the first time ever, as if it really is his first time! It's amazing. Also I truly rooted for this couple cause Kyle just really fell for her from the very start. In their case it truly was love at first sight.

Number 8: Clark and Lana

"Calling"



Surprised? I have often complained about the gratuitous nature of their relationship, but in the beginning--the pure crush that Clark had on Lana and that she secretly harbored in her heart for him were endearing and sweet. So when they finally kiss after she brings him a birthday cake and he implies that he wish has always been to kiss her....and then it comes true! It's just pure television bliss for the fans who invested the time and payoff of their chemistry.

Number 7: Lucas and Brooke

"The Wind That Blew My Heart Away"


So I may be the only person in the fandom who really truly, fully and completely rooted for Brooke and Lucas to make it in the the end but here it is my top kiss for OTH occured in my fave episode of all time. I love this moment between them because not only does it involve rain but it also has an argument between them--where in her true nature Brooke questions why he chose her and loves her. And what does Luke do? He never fails to give her the reasons why before they share an epic-esque kiss.

Number 6: Kyle and Jessi

"Electric Kiss"

Although I am iffy about this couple, and the whole situation in which it occurs. I have to admit that it turns out to be a bitter-sweet moment with a beautiful connection between the two surviving creations of Zyx. Besides read the title, how could it be a misfit?

Number 5: Starbuck and Apollo

"Home"/"Six of One"






The first of many amazingly emotion filled encounters between Lt. Kara Thrace and Cpt. Lee Adama occurs when Starbuck returns from a mission and out of nowhere Lee takes the initiative and shockingly plants a tender kiss on Starbucks lips! And this moment doesn't get lingered upon and they simply move on after a witty exchange.

Then another monumental moment occurs between all the gray area of the past in "Six of One" when Starbuck is locked up in the brig once and again and Lee is departing from his call sign of Apollo to join and Quoram and as a good bye they share this prolonged kissed that attempts to sum up their feelings for one of them--and it comes pretty close.
OK so obviously I am a big fan of Lee and Kara---And I guess what I'm trying to say is that all these moments that they've shared shows how much they belong together and how much he truly loves her and she appreciates him for being there for him. Also they've proved multiple times what a kick-A team they are!!!

Number 4: Veronica and Logan

"Weapons of Class Destruction"


What can I say they're EPIC! It's undeniable from the moment they hooked up its been dynamite! Literal they're a very explosive couple.

I mean for goodness sake! The first time they kiss is after Logan comes to her rescue. Why do I love this moment? It's just so perfect. I love the fact that she looks at him for a moment and in an impulsive moment gently kisses him for a mere second. Then when she once again stares into his eyes, she becomes unsure of herself--a rare trait to find in Veronica. But it also is very realistic and I can just imagine the thoughts that are running through her head. But then before she can even walk 3 feet away from him, Logan pulls her into his embrace and opens the floodgates of his emotions. Something that I never really saw coming. I mean I usually can pick up on romantic connections but Rob Thomas, the trickster that he is caught me off guard :) And all is forgiven becuase it is such a wonderful moment. The scene finally ends with her looking up at him with entagled and opposing emotions of fear and wonderment.

Number 3: Jim and Pam

"Casino Night"



Okay so, Casino Night! Amazing!! Not only does Jim lay it all on the line and get shot down. He still ends the night with an insane in the membrame kiss with the girl of his dreams. I mean he spills his guts along with a few tears and all she can do when caught up in the moment is kiss him back. I love this episode and moment because it filled with disappointment, pain, but most importantly the hope and maybe a chance that they could end up together.

Number 2: Chuck and Sarah

"Chuck versus the Imported Hard Salami


I love this scene! Chuck and Sarah are meant to be from the beginning but this scene is so intensely perfect cause they think its the end and filled with foreshadowing (to an extent) but also through it all Chuck shows his true colors--sticking it out when it gets tough, specifically for the promise of Sarah's safety and Sarah being the bossy protective spy she is to be for the 'asset' but in the end she breaks and can't keep herself from him any longer. This is a theme that we see being brought up repeatedly throughout the show. They display true passion! Props Given to Yvonne and Zach. I really hope that they end up together and not just as a cover. I'd say that season 2 has been playing with my emotions along with theirs.

Number 1:Sydney and Vaughn

"Phase One"


Finally made it! Sydney and Vaughn, this scene shall be remembered always it. In my mind it is the classic television scene that all other shows try to recreate. In a moment of victory all they can think of is being with one another. The way in which the scene is set up is so perfect that you almost want to cry. They are set apart from each other, literally on separate parts of the room and as soon as the smoke has cleared away they move toward each other, the music swells, its quite cinematic, and when they finally meet no words are exchanged its all about their physical connection. And it truly comes down to the chemistry between the two of them and it is there. P.S. Michael Vartan also looks like he is an amazing kisser. I don't know why you'd leave that for Ben Affleck--but its all good. I don't have to feel so bad for admiring his sex appeal :P

Final Comments
There's my list for the ages. I hope you enjoy and feel free to challenge these words, but I truly feel that you won't find better on the TV landscape. Also if you hadn't notice the majority of the list are first kisses. Here's a hint if you didn't get it right the first time, chances are that it'll never be right. Honestly! It's really about the chemistry and passion. Love its complicated.

This is the New Year

In keeping with the traditions of this holiday, I want to take some time to reflect and share my best discoveries from this past year.

10. This blog!
Why? Because it's been good to share my perspectives with others over frivolously fun things.

9. The Detroit Red Wings
If you didn't know, I think its time that I inform you about how awesome they are in a clutch! Plus they also have one of the best histories as a team in hockey. So I fell in love the moment I went into the Joe Arena and was able to see their mad skillz up close and personal, while having the chance to learn about the amazing players!! And hanging with even better fans!

8. Zuko
So, I've never been the type to side with the "bad guy" in all things and granted I discovered the greatness of Nick's Avatar" The Last Airbender a few years ago, but this summer with the closing of the series and some insights into the character of Zuko I was able to put his past disgression asides and take a look at the masochist that he is. And who can say no to that! No honestly he was necessary for the success of the Avatar and he was so complicating interest that you could never forget him. Unlike Sokka who always had a place in my heart since day one, Zuko shoved his way in there too.


7. Board Games
I know, not something I talk about often, but their a great way to learn a new skill. Bond over the suckiness that always exist when competition comes into play. Finally the best way to get to know someone and spend some extra time with friends!!

6. Prince Caspian
What's not to love? Ben Barnes. William Moseley. And for Mind Grapes Skandar Keynes. Besides the hot main character with his sexy fake Spanish accent and the boldness of the Susan and the ever lovable Aslan with all the action and more of the first film. What's not to love (I say again)?



5. President Elect Obama
More precisely this is in reference to the election and the great exhibition of skill and intelligence that was exhibited and look forward to the 20 days until his leadership is made official. I am truly excited and ready to see where he will take our country.

4. Chuck
LOVE Him!!! There is nothing that can ruin this adorably cute and complicated character for me. I can't wait til he returns in February!! Without Chuck on the TV landscape life would be very dimly lit.


3. Ingrid Michaelson
I am so enamored with this woman's lyrics, because every time I listen to her CD I gain something new each time. Ever since I first heard her uniquely melodic voice I felt that she understood a hidden part of my mind and heart and was able to connect from the very first song. I can't even chose one song as the ultimate song from her collection, that's how good she is to me.

2. Battlestar Galactica
It's just too amazing to sum up in a paragraph. But simply put it always leaves me desiring more and its just so exciting and twisted. Along with all the underlying issues of who has the right to survive? Do we as humans truly deserve it or do some toasters with legs deserve to make the universe theirs? It's a lot more complicated of a decision than you would think. Finally I must leave you with this:



1. Veronica Mars
Besides the brillance that is Kristin Bell and even Jason Dohring and my undeniable urges to share the sublimeness of this show with everyone. I mean come on I even had an embarassing outburst in a crowded food area with the glee of Veronica on my brain. I will truly miss the look she gets on her face when her plan is executed!


I look forward to the great discoveries of 2009! Happy New Year!

Veronica Mars Season 3: The times they are a changin

Oh, Season 3....I don't really even know where to begin with you. Season 3 of Veronica Mars took a show I was obsessed with and turned it into a show I could barely finish because of the problems I had with it. And it really pains my heart to have to admit that. I had heard bad things about season 3 before starting, but when the season started off strong, and I was enjoying where it was going, I just chalked it up to people being annoyed with all the changes in the show. Because I liked the changes. I liked that there were three smaller mysteries that made up the season instead of one season-long one. I think this actually solved one of the problems of season 2 with not being able to sustain interest in the season-long bus crash mystery because they had to stretch it out so much. I thought the rape mystery and both of the murder mysteries were extremely well plotted, interesting, and had great resolutions (I don't think I guessed a single culprit). They also allowed for Veronica to be fully invested in each case, and by proxy, we were too. So there are no complaints when it comes to the big mysteries. I even really liked the new characters, Piz and Parker, and thought that they added a lot to the show. Heck, even the fact that she was in college and was in a different setting didn't bother me at all. So what did bother me? Where do I start?

First, the characters, or perhaps, the lack of characters. While there were a lot of characters on the show, it felt like a lot of them got the short shrift this season. I thought that Veronica and Keith got a ton of story lines and development, which was really great and not enough can be said about the awesomeness of Kristin Bell and Enrico Colantoni. But quite a few of the secondary characters who had bigger roles in the other season seemed to be tossed to the wayside. I was excited when the season first started because there was all this potential with Wallace and Piz and Parker and Mac, but I was disappointed in the end with the amount they were on screen. Wallace, if he was even in an episode, would only be on for like, a minute which really bummed me out. I missed him. And I just felt all around that the other characters, even poor dead Sheriff Lamb (who I kind of loved in the end), were wasted. The only secondary character who I did think got enough screen time and whose extended screen time greatly improved the show was Dick Casablancas. Not only is he hilarious, but his sadness and his growth over what happened to his brother as the season went on was pretty much the only link from this season to the other, better seasons, which always reminded me of how much I used to love the show.

My other problem? Logan/Veronica. Oh yes, I'm going there. And ok, I admit it, I'm a huge LoVe shipper so I'm incredibly biased, but I just thought that a lot of their story line was handled poorly. I was really excited to see them together at the beginning of the season, and was looking forward to seeing them happily together for a while (we haven't really gotten much of that in the other seasons), but instead, the writers had to find ways to make them fight every single episode over extremely stupid things. Couldn't they have just been happy for a while? And if it was painful when they were together, it was even more painful to see them apart. I think those two deserve each other and would have ended up with each other in the long run, but having them not be together in the finale, and only sort of reconciled? That hurt. As far as Logan is concerned, I really think they should have gone the route of season 2 and given him his own story line separate from Veronica. Because I love Logan so much, but his story line this whole season was Veronica, and because of that he became kind of...sappy. He lost a lot of the snark and bite of the old Logan we all know and love. He was still my favorite character, he was just different. And because Veronica was the one doing most of the dumping, there were times when I was really upset with her, and I didn't want that to happen. I expected a lot more on the Logan/Veronica front this season, and while they gave us a lot of them, it wasn't what I wanted and therefore, the end of the season wasn't as enjoyable.

Even though season 3 had a lot of things I wasn't too happy about, I still did like it, and it was still better than most things on television. The truth is, I was so upset with the end of the season it took me 3 weeks before I could watch the finale, "The Bitch is Back". But once I did, I felt a lot better about the season I had just watched. I know it ended on a cliffhanger, but the finale gave me some kind of peace, because while watching, I was reminded why I had once loved this show so much. This episode was like a checklist of things that had once made this show so great. There was Leo and Clarence Wiedman. There was Jake Kane and memorials to Lilly and pictures of Duncan. There was Mac hacking computers and Wallace helping out on a case. There was Logan acting completely reckless, but doing it all for Veronica. But most of all, there was a detective and his daughter, one who he loved so much he was willing to sacrifice his job over, and one who loved her dad just as much back. Veronica, she was back, but more than that, Veronica Mars was back. And when Veronica walked down that street after voting for Keith in the election, I may have gotten a little emotional. Because I finally realized, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to one of the greatest shows on television.

Farewell Veronica Mars! And thanks for all the memories...

Veronica Mars Season 2: Why I hate taking the bus

This post won't be as long and complex as my season 1 post, only because I don't feel like I need to go on again about how amazing this show is. Season 2 still had some of the best acting, writing, music, character development, production values, etc. than any show on television. Instead, I just want to mention some of the differences between the two seasons and what I liked and disliked throughout season 2.

Still got those spoilers.

Season 2 was really good. Let me just state that straight off. I enjoyed season 2 an inordinate amount, and was sad when I watched the finale and knew it was all over. That being said, season 2 could not live up to season 1. I'll admit that with a season as amazing as the first, it would be really hard to match it let alone top it, but there were still some disappointments while watching season 2.

Namely, the main mystery. While the bus crash story line was a solid mystery with potential to be as interesting as the first season mystery, I felt that the season faltered a little in the execution of it. And that's not to say that the mystery didn't make sense, I just think the pacing of it was a little off. The reason why the season 1 mystery was so good was because Veronica really had a vested interest in it and was actively pursuing the truth in every episode. Veronica herself was the one who was constantly pushing the story forward. In season 2, I didn't feel like this happened as much. The reason why the last 5 or so episodes of season 2 were so good was because it felt like Veronica finally got interested in the bus story line. Throughout the season, Veronica either didn't care about the crash, or she was sidetracked by other things. I think this is fine for the show to want Veronica to care about other things, but I think it was bad for the viewers because we ended up not having as vested an interest in the story, because our protagonist didn't have a vested interest. In fact, because Veronica was never really driving a story line forward in the season, it was the other characters who had to do it for her. Often times, Keith was the one trying to figure out what was going on by breaking into the bus, investigating the mayor, helping out Terrence Cook, etc. Logan had a complex story line he was pursuing strongly every episode and Weevil had his own as well. I'm not saying that Veronica didn't care eventually, because she did. The last few episodes really clicked because of the fact that Veronica was investigating every possible lead. But because everything was saved until the end, there was so much to reveal and not enough time to reveal it, causing every episode (especially the last two) to feel overstuffed, and like there was not enough time to explore everything the amount they should have been explored. I think this hurt the cohesion of the season as a whole, and made it harder for the viewer to care about the mystery compared to the investment brought on through season 1.

The other problem I had with the season was the resolution to the mystery. The season 1 reveal of the killer was surprising, but in a way that made sense and was satisfying. The reveal that Beaver was responsible for the bus crash was surprising in a way that made sense on a plot level, but not on a character level and therefore wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it to be. It' s been a few days after I watched the finale and I'm still trying to come to grips with the fact that Beaver was a psychotic serial killer, especially because he's been one of my favorite characters all season. But like I said before, it's not that it didn't make sense with the clues that the show had given us. I was absolutely astounded as to how every little thing came together in the end, and how seemingly minor plot points came back to be really important. The amount of planning and plotting out that had to take on the writer's behalf is extremely impressive and another reason why this show is so amazing. So that didn't bother me. What bothered me was just...it was Beaver! Ok, I know that the sweet, innocent Beaver we'd been seeing all season was supposed to be just an act, but what he actually did and how he did it is the sign of a freaking evil mastermind! Like, you don't act the way Beaver did just because you want to keep your secret! And I know, he was damaged from what happened with the mayor and constantly looked down upon by his family and others, but I guess I wanted to see more of the effects from that. Like, I wanted to see that he was turned to do what he did because of his deep emotional trauma. But in the scene where he confronts Veronica on the roof, all I saw was someone who evilly enjoyed being a serial killer. Maybe I wanted to see more remorse or emotion or I don't know. I only got that a little bit right before he jumps, when he loses the gun and starts yelling that his name is Cassidy. It seemed like maybe in that moment, what he did and the ramifications of what he did kind of fully hit him or something. He just looked like a scared, messed up kid. I guess I kind of wanted more of that, instead of thinking of Beaver as this cold hearted killer, because that just didn't seem real to me. Unfortunately, because the finale had to cram so much stuff into it, there wasn't enough time to focus on Beaver's motivations and the ramifications of what he did as much as I may have wanted them to. I'm also still unsure on how I feel about Beaver being the one who raped Veronica. It seems to invalidate all of the emotions felt in "A Trip to the Dentist", plus it felt a little cheap. Still, I've been trying to keep an open mind about the Beaver thing and hope that it will become more acceptable the more I think about it. We'll see.

Ok, but enough about all that negative stuff! I really did love this season a whole lot. Let me tell you why:

Logan/Veronica. Oh yes, I'm starting off with these two. And let me just say that when I say Logan/Veronica, I also mean Logan and Veronica. Seperately. Because I think I enjoyed their antagonistic (yet sexual tension-filled) bickering just as much as their romantic moments. I sometimes felt that when the plot lines multiplied and things got confusing on the mystery front, it was Logan and Veronica who, for me, were often times keeping me invested in the show. I love those two characters and those two actors SO much that Veronica Mars would never ever be as good without them. I think the show did an interesting thing by not having those two be together at the beginning of the season. I admit to LOVING the flashbacks of them over the summer during "Normal is the Watchword", but I actually liked that Veronica was with Duncan for half the season. Not because I like Duncan or anything. I don't really like him. He's passive and weird and boring and NOT a good match for Veronica at all. But more for the fact that having Duncan and Veronica together meant that Logan and Veronica couldn't be together. Strange words from a LoVe supporter, I know. But for me, during the season it never really felt right that those two should have rushed into a relationship. They both were preoccupied with other things. Logan, with trying to prove his innocence in the Felix murder and Veronica with...Duncan, but later with the bus crash mystery. They both weren't really at good places to start a relationship (especially Logan), and I like that they used the whole second season to build that relationship up again. Which led to some awesome scenes of them snarking at each other, yet because the actors are so good you could always sense the lingering feelings between them. Of course, I LOVED the romantic scenes they had between them as well. The "epicness" label for this post was put there all because of them. Because Logan, at the Alterna-Prom, talking about how their relationship was epic, "spanning years and continents. Lives ruined, blood shed, epic," was the absolute perfect description for what their relationship had become. There was never any doubt in my mind, since all the way back at the end of season 1, that these two were meant to be together, even with all the hardships. I knew that Veronica and boring old Duncan weren't going to last. Or Logan and stupid, naive Hannah. These were all just distractions from the main event. And when Logan embraced Veronica on the roof of the Neptune Grand in "Not Pictured", I breathed a sigh of relief. Because while everything else in the show may have been in turmoil, it finally felt like everything was as it should be.

One more thing that I really liked and I feel like I have to mention, was the emergence of some of the secondary characters. I liked that Mac got more screen time and development. I loved that Beaver got more development until, well, you know. But most of all, Dick. I'm in love with that guy, heh. And I know I'm not really supposed to since he's basically the jerky, spoiled, unsympathetic bully of the show. But I can't help it, every thing he says cracks me up. I love it when he's on screen!

Holy crap this turned into another term paper! This was supposed to be shorter than my season 1 post! Oops. Well, for those of you who have made it this far, thanks for reading. Based on how fast I got through the first 2 seasons, I'll probably be done with season 3 pretty soon. Look forward to another million word essay on that season in the near future!

Veronica Mars Season 1: A Retrospective

Based on much prompting from Good Grief, I decided to give Veronica Mars a chance. I was reluctant at first, not because I had any kind of reservations about the show, but because I didn't want to become addicted to another show. But I ultimately decided to give it a shot, mostly because it was either watch Veronica Mars or read for my communications class. And boy am I glad that I did, because even though I am now most definitely obsessed and my school work is suffering for it, it was all worth it.

gangs all here

Beware. There be spoilers ahead.

I think that Veronica Mars season 1 is one of the greatest seasons of television I've ever seen. I always knew that it was considered a "good" show, but I never knew how good it really was until watching the entire season in less than a month. So what makes it so good?

First and foremost, the mysteries. All starting with the main overarching mystery of the first season: Who killed Lilly Kane? It seems amazing that this show could sustain an entire murder mystery for the whole season, but they were able to do it because of all the smaller mysteries connected to the murder. Whether it was about Abel Koontz and his daughter, Clarence Wiedman's spying, Veronica's paternity doubts, Duncan's illness, Weevil's relationship with Lilly, Veronica's mom disappearing, Lilly's secret, etc. You have to piece together all of these mysteries in order to figure out the big one. It's a little unfortunate that I was spoiled ahead of time as to the identity of Lilly's killer, but I found that even though I knew, the season was extremely enjoyable anyways. Especially because all of the stuff with the Kane's and the coverup and Duncan wasn't actually the red herring it was made out to be. I like how Aaron killing Lilly was really shocking and surprising and kind of came out of nowhere, yet all that other stuff Veronica had been investigating all season was actually the truth as well (minus the Duncan killing Lilly part of course). The show also added some longer standing mysteries that weren't exactly connected to the murder, but ended up being some of my favorite parts of the show as well. Such as who raped Veronica (the answer to which resulted in one of my favorite episodes of television ever, "A Trip to the Dentist") and Logan's mom's suicide (which I liked because it brought Logan and Veronica closer together). But above all, I think what this show does so well is handling the smaller, contained mysteries that happen every episode. Along with Veronica Mars, I've been trying to catch up on Buffy and am currently in the middle of season 2. And while I like the show and think the overreaching myth-arcs are good, some of the "monster of the week" story lines every episode can be a little weak and cheesy (Smallville and Supernatural have this problem too). Veronica Mars however, is able to have creative, interesting cases every week whose smaller story lines reflect the bigger themes of the show.

is it LoVe?

The second reason this show is so good: the characters. Veronica Mars has some of the most interesting, complex, and well developed characters on any show I've ever seen. You can't make a Veronica Mars post about the characters without first talking about Veronica, but I actually have to make a point about the actors first. While the show creates and reveals these wonderful characters, the actors are really the ones that bring them to life. This show has one of the greatest casts I've ever seen before in a show, and they make it so fun to watch. First, Kristin Bell. I had only ever seen Kristin Bell acting on Heroes and I didn't really like her character (I didn't really like anything about Heroes season 2 so I don't know if that's saying much). But I absolutely ADORE her on Veronica Mars. Veronica is cute and spunky and snarky, but Kristin and the writers give her so many other layers that turn her into one of the most interesting characters on television. On the outside, Veronica seems to be totally put together, but deep down, the girl has a lot of issues and vulnerabilities. I was reading an interview with the creator of the show, Rob Thomas, who said that he hates writing "emotional exposition". He's very into the "show, don't tell" aspect of writing. So we don't always have to have it spelled out for us what the characters are thinking, we should figure it out for ourselves from the situation or what the actor is giving us. It's something that Veronica Mars does extremely well and it's one of the reasons that the show is of such high quality. The characters are well developed, but in a subtle, progressive way that makes sense.

No character demonstrates this better than Logan Echolls. I admit, I'm a little biased when it comes to him, because Logan is my favorite character on this show. But I really think that his character's arc and journey so far on the show demonstrates just how well this show does at developing its characters. Because Logan really did start off as the show's "obligatory psychotic jackass", and when he's introduced, it's as an antagonist, not a romantic lead. Yet as the season progresses, we see different sides to Logan and realize he's not all what he seems. I love how in the beginning of season 1 we start to see little glimpses of Logan as not just a selfish jerk. Like in "Wrath of Con" when he makes Lilly's memorial video or in "The Girl Next Door" when he gets Weevil un-suspended. It's in "Return of the Kane" however, when we begin to understand him more with the reveal that his dad abuses him, and I always feel like the episode, "Clash of the Tritons", was the first one of many that strove to explore Logan's motivations for why he acts the way he does. But when we really start to learn about that is in the episodes involving his mother's suicide and him asking Veronica for her help. And while Logan breaking down and crying on Veronica's shoulder in "Ruskie Business" is something we never thought we'd see based on his actions in the pilot, in that episode it makes perfect sense, because the show has slowly and surely revealed to us the real Logan Echolls. His closeness to Veronica at the end of the first season is believable because this show (and Jason Dohring, who I think is amazing) has led us there in ways that make sense without being too heavy handed. I remember watching their kiss in "Weapons of Class Destruction" and being totally satisfied, because I felt that this was the progression they were building for the Logan character since those early season one episodes (yes, I've been a Logan/Veronica shipper since day 1. Does that make me a bad person?). I find that the character of Logan is one of the most compelling parts of this show, because I think he wants to come across as a tough guy who lets nothing bother him, yet he's one of the most openly emotional characters on this show: he yells, he fights, he jokes, he cries. And it's always just so fascinating to me to see how he's going to react to a situation. I love Logan because he can be a total jackass, but he's also just a sad, messed up guy, who needs someone to understand him and help him. It's my opinion that that person is Veronica, but I'm a shipper at heart so I'm a bit biased, heh. I should probably stop gushing about Logan now. It's getting a little embarrassing. :)

There are other little things that I love about this show such as the music (the soundtrack is amazing! I listen to it all the time), the continuity (this show is the best at bringing back old characters and minor plot points), and the setting and lighting of the show, which really adds to the noir feel it's trying to create.

Wow. Long post is long. Ok, I'll try and finish this up. I've already started watching season 2 of this show, and while I really like it so far and can't wait to figure out the mystery of the season, I'll always have a nostalgic soft spot for season 1. Season 1 of Veronica Mars is the perfect example of a television season done right. I think I can only hope to experience something this great again.

For Good Grief: Something-Happens.com

The Triple Effect: She's No Marshmallow

So this summer was really long and boring. And with all the time on my hand and a serious push from a great friend :P I discovered a glorious light.

Veronica Mars!!

If like me you read the Nancy Drew books you will love this show and if you didn't spend your childhood reading, even so you will LOVE Veronica Mars!

Why?

Because Kristen Bell is so adorable awesome. Though she comes in a tiny package she is the baddest thing around in Neptune. She's never afraid to make mistakes. Nor does she ever apologize for being who she is. Finally she is one of the cleverest and funniest girls you'll discover. Besides what's not to love about a P.I. in high school?

And if that's not enough there are multiple love triangles within the seasons! And they always don't seem to simplify as you would think :P

Through the outlet of the city called Neptune, the creators are able to discuss class relations that can be observed within the confines of Neptune High in such a clever and interesting way. And it even has its own motorcycle gang! Finally Neptune has allowed the creators to make a place that is amazingly interesting and active. Though dangerous I wouldn't mind living there.

Another great thing about Veronica besides her adventurous, precocious nature are the mysteries and trouble she gets herself into. And with the tangled situations come the undercover moments :P Also the fact that one one minute you think you have all the answers to the mystery but the imaginative creators always find a way to surprise you! And they always answer every question they raise within the season!

Another great thing about this show is the flashbacks. I'm a girl that loves flashbacks...when they're done well. Also you gotta be fan of the great father-daughter relationship and the true care and love they have for one another. Besides that fantabulous cast they have amazing recurring characters.

One of the most ultimately great things about this show is how perfectly the pilot set-ups the whole story for the viewer. Within a mere 44 minutes they introduce all the important characters in a captivating way. Along with introducing all the background necessary to understand the characters and the way they are along with the way in which there thought processes work without eliminating the future surprises of the characters. It so sublime; it sets up the mystery for that whole season and places tiny important pieces of evidences and storyline within the show. Finally it makes you want to continue to watch it because of its incredible cast.

And another thing I just love about this show is the theme song that fits so perfectly called "We used to be Friends" by the Dandy Warhols.

And it has some of my favorite quotes from the show:

"I'm never getting married. You want an absolute. There it is, Veronica Mars, spinster."
"Tonight we eat like the lower middle class we aspire to."
"I've got a secret and it's a good one."

"Every school has its obligatory psychotic jacka**. Logan Echolls he's our."--This she says about her future boyfriend, which just one more reason why I love her.

Unforgettable moment

Best Episode: A Trip to the Dentist
Best Scene: Weapon's of Class Destruction

Overall Idea: Alterna-Prom

"Veronica Mars. She's a Marshmallow"

"A pony!?!"

"Ru-Roh Moment" The eminient changes from Season 3. I feel like they were pulling for viewers and that is why they made the decisions for the multiple mysteries within a season rather than one great mystery as in the pass. Also I can understand that there are serious trouble when approaching a new stage of life, college with characters that viewers have come to love. And the problem is that they have make changes to the characters the can determine their futures forever. I completely hated what they did to her Logan within the last season, all the unnecessary pain and hurt the inflicted upon one another along with the introduction of a new guy in her life. Who viewers new that just quite didn't fit. In, general the creators had trouble creating convincing story lines the included love because 2 out of her 3 relationships on the series were hard for viewers to buy. Also I felt that also the creators could have attempted to make a better ending for the season. But I definitely wished that the show would have been continued through the CW because the season 4 pitch was a great place to take the show...if only they would have thought of it sooner. Don't get me wrong season three definitely has its moments but it doesn't quite match the greatness of its predecessors. And if you hadn't already gathered I'm a girl who is very hesitant toward changes, so its my opinion that is what killed Veronica Mars.

Overall, Veronica Mars is one of the best finds in my lifetime and I genuinely recommend you catch it on DVD if you haven't discovered it for yourself yet.