tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post115964012582524058..comments2024-03-25T19:18:14.047-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: Veronica Mars: Boom goes the dynamiteAlan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1257518857161395072010-08-14T00:54:01.459-04:002010-08-14T00:54:01.459-04:00Because no one else mentioned it: Fagen/Fagin is d...Because no one else mentioned it: Fagen/Fagin is definitely Dickens. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fagin" rel="nofollow">Fagin</a>, of course, had a gang of kids helping him with thievery in <i>Oliver Twist</i>.<br /><br />I post this in the hopes that anyone else discovering the show—I've run through the first two seasons in five days—will have that minor plot point answered.<br /><br />Oh, and the new credits blow.Andy Hutchinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15573263861831252292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1160419220605315572006-10-09T14:40:00.000-04:002006-10-09T14:40:00.000-04:00Loved the episode, which I saw only thanks to the ...Loved the episode, which I saw only thanks to the link to the MSN preview. Keep those links to episodes online coming, because my market doesn't have a CW, thus I have no network access to Veronica Mars. I'm freaking out!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1160409001364559082006-10-09T11:50:00.000-04:002006-10-09T11:50:00.000-04:00First off, I want to thank you for deconstructing ...First off, I want to thank you for deconstructing the Fitzies and Kendall thingy. Screw hurting -- my brain is bleeding!<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I'm going to print this out on actual paper and then I'm going to read that part over and over till it makes sense to me (VM made perfect sense to me till the Fitzwhosits appeared and the PCHers developed their own storyline. I guess I can't tell people apart, even if they are *Irish* (and hint: I'm more than 50% Irish myself, so I think I've ducked the stereotype/they all look alike thing.)<BR/><BR/>Anyway... off to read this again and see if I can actually sort it all out (you did so well).<BR/><BR/>In my house, we're not allowed to watch Veronica if I'm tired... I just can't keep up anymore.<BR/><BR/>PamAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1160072087283837882006-10-05T14:14:00.000-04:002006-10-05T14:14:00.000-04:00If Hearst is in Neptune, then shouldn't the crimin...If Hearst is in Neptune, then shouldn't the criminology prof be the least bit aware that the former sheriff vindicated in cracking the local crime of the century has a daughter?Greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16187789921765904795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1160059996476522052006-10-05T10:53:00.000-04:002006-10-05T10:53:00.000-04:00Actually Veronica Mars retained 69% of Gilmore Gir...Actually <I>Veronica Mars</I> retained <B>69%</B> of <I>Gilmore Girls</I> audience, but more importantly, they retained <B>83%</B> of the 18-34 demographic, which is the demographic the <B>CW</B> is going for. So even though the numbers aren't great, they certainly aren't terrible, either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1160018890875211992006-10-04T23:28:00.000-04:002006-10-04T23:28:00.000-04:00Wallace = OnyxanderWallace = OnyxanderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1160014941492358362006-10-04T22:22:00.000-04:002006-10-04T22:22:00.000-04:00The question on Sundays for the CW is if the shows...The question on Sundays for the CW is if the shows are finding their audience. ABC's lineup probably skews HUGELY white, so there's room in the demo that CW is going after there. That said, they're probably kicking themselves for canning "Everwood," which really was a perfect fit with 7th Heaven, if about 10x better.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00295270766215749309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1160006125071844612006-10-04T19:55:00.000-04:002006-10-04T19:55:00.000-04:00My sources over there say that the CW has much big...My sources over there say that the CW has much bigger problems to worry about right now: Sunday and Monday. Two-thirds retention in the demo and almost no drop-off in the second half-hour isn't a fabulous, automatically order the back 9 kinda start, but considering some other problems at the network and the fact that "Hidden Palms" is the only midseason drama available and it'll almost certainly have to replace "Runaway," I'd say VM fans can breathe easy for a little while. Maybe only first story arc easy, but if it grows a little each week, maybe much better than that. It's always better to start small and build than start big and slowly leak viewers.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1160003988656286462006-10-04T19:19:00.000-04:002006-10-04T19:19:00.000-04:00Only 63% retain of the Gilmore Girls numbers, but ...Only 63% retain of the Gilmore Girls numbers, but something like the 3rd or 4th highest rated episode of the series so far.<BR/><BR/>Should we be worried? Is The CW going to be pleased to have another show above the 3 mil. mark (that's a made-up mark :P) or is the retain percentage deemed too low?dark tylerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13461345493748899275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1160003197659815382006-10-04T19:06:00.000-04:002006-10-04T19:06:00.000-04:00I had a feeling Parker was going to be a rape vict...I had a feeling Parker was going to be a rape victim, but it didn't occur to me that she was being raped when Veronica walked in the room.<BR/><BR/>I wish they had explained why Veronica is going to Hearst. Yeah, she lost the Kane Scholarship, but Keith got a pile of money from Kendell. Why not use it to pay for Stanford instead of a new car?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159999974379700452006-10-04T18:12:00.000-04:002006-10-04T18:12:00.000-04:00"The other thing about Piz is that he helps fill a..."The other thing about Piz is that he helps fill a role that Wallace was originally supposed to play, as Veronica's socially-awkward, quasi-geeky male friend."<BR/><BR/>But is that role really necessary? I like Piz and I'm fine with Piz being a developing love interest, but does television really need another quasi-geeky male friend to a strong female lead -- Let's call him a Xander? <BR/><BR/>I prefer Percy Daggs' Wallace, a character who recognizes Veronica's smart but who doesn't just defer to her at all times. Wallace and Veronica's...Platonic chemistry is one of the strongest elements of the show. I mean, who wasn't excited when Wallace magically returned from his Chicago exile late last season?<BR/><BR/>AnonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159996558066796932006-10-04T17:15:00.000-04:002006-10-04T17:15:00.000-04:00Which is great, except it seems like we get a lot ...Which is great, except it seems like we get a lot fewer scenes between Veronica and Wallace these days. In those early episodes, he was pretty much the only friend she had, and vice-versa, and he was her sidekick on a lot of cases. Nowadays Mac seems to have filled the sidekick role.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159995962618421362006-10-04T17:06:00.000-04:002006-10-04T17:06:00.000-04:00The other thing about Piz is that he helps fill a ...The other thing about Piz is that he helps fill a role that Wallace was originally supposed to play, as Veronica's socially-awkward, quasi-geeky male friend. Wallace was briefly written that way until Rob realized he was misusing Percy Daggs and began tweaking the character to be more like the actor (confident, an athlete, etc.).Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159995736715421492006-10-04T17:02:00.000-04:002006-10-04T17:02:00.000-04:00My take on Veronica going to Hearst was that she f...My take on Veronica going to Hearst was that she failed that final she left and thus lost the Kane scholarship... and went to Hearst because they gave her money. <BR/><BR/>And count me in on the Piz love... Usually I resist new characters we're meant to like (see Jackie), but Piz is his own quirky self, and it'll be nice if Wallace maybe has an actual friend who's a guy...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159990926070123092006-10-04T15:42:00.000-04:002006-10-04T15:42:00.000-04:00My money is, and always has been, on George Michae...My money is, and always has been, on George Michael.<BR/><BR/>I'm also taking episode three as the first breakup for Veronica and Logan, all due to Dick. (That really shouldn't read that dirty, I swear.)R.A. Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14851961356321735388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159984792846341582006-10-04T13:59:00.000-04:002006-10-04T13:59:00.000-04:00I think Dick is going to be set up as the Prime Su...I think Dick is going to be set up as the Prime Suspect Who Obviously Didn't Do It, just like Duncan the first season and Woody last year. If the rapist is in this episode, it has to be either the professor or the TA, because there isn't anyone else.Machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03092217234287469255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159983587130336052006-10-04T13:39:00.000-04:002006-10-04T13:39:00.000-04:00I was never a huge fan of the original title seque...I was never a huge fan of the original title sequence but Im still undecided on this one. I like the darker tone but wish there was something snappier to it to end it off.Vancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12342092747348921676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159982328640301812006-10-04T13:18:00.000-04:002006-10-04T13:18:00.000-04:00Ok, let's run down the suspects so far. Let's ass...Ok, let's run down the suspects so far. Let's assume that the rapist is a)male, b)is either a student or works at Hearst College, and c)is not a freshman. From this episode we have:<BR/><BR/>-The Professor<BR/>-The TA<BR/>-The Guy Who Stole Piz's Stuff (seems unlikely)<BR/><BR/>and that's it, right? From last year's episode we have:<BR/><BR/>-All Those Frat Guys<BR/>-George Michael Bluth<BR/><BR/>Or it's somebody we haven't met yet. Which is certainly possible - Aaron Echolls didn't show up until Episode like 6 or 7 in Season 1, right?<BR/><BR/>So far, my money's on Lucky the TA. He seems kinda weird, they brought back the actor from last season (so therefore they probably want him for a reason, not just two scenes), and maybe his really bad wig is actually going to become a plot point - maybe that's why he shaves their heads or something.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159979170192370982006-10-04T12:26:00.000-04:002006-10-04T12:26:00.000-04:00I don't think the audience is meant to suspect Dic...I don't think the audience is meant to suspect Dick, but my guess is that he will come under suspicion from others at the college.<BR/><BR/>I didn't think of the criminology prof as a suspect ... but from now on I'll keep my eye on him! My own pet theory is that the victims are having their heads shaved by someone other than the guy they take back to their rooms -- someone who's either jealous of the guy, or wants punish the women for some reason.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159975992266956142006-10-04T11:33:00.000-04:002006-10-04T11:33:00.000-04:00Like the new credits visuals; hate the new version...Like the new credits visuals; hate the new version of the song. Boring. The other version was much more disturbing to me, set a good tone for the show. <BR/><BR/>Bummed that the Logan/Veronica thing is already established...I would rather have seen their relationship develop. To just dump them in a post-sex scene at one point was a real let-down for me. Last season we were given the impression that Duncan was sort of dull in the sack (at least according to Logan's teasing/biting remarks last season). I wanted to see Veronica and Logan have an intensity between them that Duncan and Veronica never had. But they robbed us of that by just plunking us into the middle of their now-established relationship.<BR/><BR/>Was anyone else annoyed that they didn't explain why Veronica didn't go to Stanford or another school? She was so adamant last year that she would *not* be going to the local college...and then there she is. Did I miss something? Was there an explanation in there that made sense? If there was, I don't remember it.<BR/><BR/>LOVE Piz (except for his name, which is terrible). Already see the angst in finding out Veronica is dating Logan...love it!!!! <BR/><BR/>I am guessing already that Dick will be the red herring rapist, and that it will turn out to be the criminology professor. Veronica and the other women in class think he's cute, there is a chance Veronica will get close to the professor at some point since she seems to be the new 'star' pupil, and he will likely come on to her...which she will find flattering...and then she will end up being an almost victim.<BR/><BR/>Just my prediction....K J Gillenwaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12023089365553324315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159974596564132832006-10-04T11:09:00.000-04:002006-10-04T11:09:00.000-04:00Given that the CW had an AWFUL pilot season and on...Given that the CW had an AWFUL pilot season and only has like one or two things on the bench (one of which is obviously going to Mondays at 9 in the near future), they're going to be forced to be patient. Do they have anything besides "Hidden Palms," "Reba," "Beauty and the Geek," and "Pussycat Doll Search?"Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00295270766215749309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159948501947718452006-10-04T03:55:00.000-04:002006-10-04T03:55:00.000-04:00I really, really hate the new credits. I know thi...I really, <I>really</I> hate the new credits. <BR/><BR/>I know this is an introductory episode, but it felt a little off to me - no narration, almost no music. Logan didn't seem right, either - I know this is the "nice" Logan, but even nice Logan isn't all that nice. <BR/><BR/>I didn't think Parker was going to get raped, but the scene where Veronica goes to get the tickets was certainly odd enough that I could tell something had to be up.<BR/><BR/>Dick may have raped Parker (although I doubt it), but even if he did he's not <I>the</I> rapist, since that guy had raped multiple women last year also. Well, I guess Dick could have gone over to Hearst those times, but that seems really unlikely.<BR/><BR/>Add me to the list of people who can't keep the Fitzpatrick plots straight. And I agree with whoever said more Wallace Fennel - Wallace is fantastic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159938504557046042006-10-04T01:08:00.000-04:002006-10-04T01:08:00.000-04:00This actually follows a long unintentional traditi...This actually follows a long unintentional tradition I have of always being let down by the theme music to Rob Thomas shows (Cupid should have used "Cupid" - either version, VM season 1 should have used "Veronica" by Elvis Costello, VM season 2 should have used Kristen's version of "One Way or Another", and now they should have at least stuck with the old mix.) The actual credit sequence, though, was an improvement.<BR/><BR/>I was pretty sure what was going on with Parker, but it was fairly obvious she was going to be a victim at some point. Veronica's already been there, and I think the fans would have formed a lynch mob if it happened to Mac.<BR/><BR/>So all that Kendall had in the briefcase was a bunch of money? Letdown. Honestly, I could never keep the whole Fitzpatrick thing straight, but I was able to follow what was going on.<BR/><BR/>Overall, not the most exciting episode, but it worked pretty well. There were some great lines, and it's just so nice to have it back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159935152490307972006-10-04T00:12:00.000-04:002006-10-04T00:12:00.000-04:00I think this episode shows why the mystery arc is ...I think this episode shows why the mystery arc is actually the weakest part of <I> Veronica Mars</I>. I really appreciate all the effort Rob Thomas puts into the mystery element, <I> pace</I> your Ledger piece earlier this week, but this show pretty much lives or dies on the chemistry of the characters -- The same was true for <I> Cupid</I>, whose great premise would have come to nothing without Piven. <BR/><BR/>The hacky sack gag, the late night phone call from Keith, the tasering, Piz futzing with his hair...None of these things had to do with either the large or the small mystery, but they were all nice character moments. I would much prefer a mystery arc that percolates along at a leisurely pace and allows for these moments to occur, rather than the expositional, plot heavy episodes of last season. I'm not saying the mysteries aren't important, but really, I wouldn't have felt "cheated" if the bad guy had turned out to be the Gute last season, if it meant I could have had more Wallace Fennel. <BR/><BR/>I'm hoping that the three mysteries a season approach will encourage the writing staff to keep it simple. I'm even alright with keeping it creepy -- and I knew exactly what Veronica was walking in on when she went to get those tickets. I just don't want to have to draw a flowchart to understand what's going on.<BR/><BR/>I think Dick's comment is the first red herring of the season.<BR/><BR/>I think you're right about the Keith storyline, which could easily have waited until next week. I, too, could not understand why Cormac thought Keith couldn't hot wire a car. Or why Keith wouldn't have a backup gun somewhere. Or why he didn't kill Keith and Kendall when they were both still in the house.<BR/><BR/>I didn't see the point of the Donald Fagen/Fagin thing, and the Boston punks confused the heck out of me. Maybe tomorrow the internet will explain everything.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and forget about Julie Gonzalo's wig. What the heck was on the Teaching Assistant's head? Was that just so we wouldn't recognize "Tim Foyle" the T.A. = "Lucky" the crazy janitor? Is poor James Jordan going to have to wear that thing all season?<BR/><BR/>AnonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1159932200125244832006-10-03T23:23:00.001-04:002006-10-03T23:23:00.001-04:00Loved the Saturn, Mars, Nepture followed by your U...Loved the Saturn, Mars, Nepture followed by your Uranus bit.<BR/>Call me stoopid but I thought for a second, Veronica was gonna walk in on Logan w/Parker.<BR/>Man, did I miss Mac! Hope the show is around longer than a month or two...ouch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com