Veronica Mars Watch-Along Week 3

[Graphic designed by the lovely Judith of Paper Riot]

So, how does this work, super sleuths? Go check out the Watch-Along kick off post for the skinny. I'll give you a second just in case...

All caught up? Good.

In case you already know the basics and just forgot what episodes are up today, here's the list:

• "Meet John Smith"
• "The Wrath of Con"

And, for NEXT WEEK:

• "You Think You Know Someone"
• "Return of the Kane"

And now, Brown Bears (yes, Veronica, that DID happen), let us begin.

THE NOIR
Nothing really happens in these two episodes regarding THE BIG MYSTERY (AKA Lilly's death), although Duncan does have this pretty freaky dream that features his head-bludgeoned-in sister. The whole scene was maybe a little too zombie for my taste, but I will say I liked the hint that maybe Keith Mars is right about something here.

Of course, there are other mysteries to be solved throughout the episodes. The first is the mystery of John Smith. Which seems like it's not anything at first but then WHOA WHAT? I feel like that whole thing was super heavy, but in good way. Like, this isn't just your standard TV drama, it also deal with social issues, but in a non-preachy way, y'know? I ALSO like the way V deals with HER mommy issues while helping this kid deal with his parental problems, but more on that later.

The other mystery an episode has to do with Georgia, Wallace love interest (GET IT WALLACE).

I have absolutely already used this gif and I don't care.

Georgia's basically a dummy, so I might have to rescind this high five a little. Either way, V totally kicks everyone's butt over the course of sticking it to those gamer dirtbags and I am ALL FOR IT. My favorite part of the crime solving here is that Keith is still apart of the cases. He knows what's going on and he helps. Which is SAFE because Veronica is a TEENAGER. Jeeze. Oh and I also really like when V dresses up and goes to that hole of a gamer den. That was hilarious.

PARENTAL PROBLEMS
"The hero is the one that stays and the villain is the one that splits." - Veronica Mars

Is she right? We don't have enough data yet, although it sounds like V's mom is up there on THE WORST scale so far. I mean, she clearly doesn't miss her daughter the way John Smith missed his son, which is enough to make any girl sad enough to sit outside her boyfriend's house for a bit before caving and calling him to hold her while she cries.

I also have issues with Keith this episode. Because I like when he goes to the school counselor upon realizing that his daughter could use a little help, but I don't like the flirting. Keith should know better, the school guidance counselor should know better - I am really underwhelmed with the adults in the show right now.

I'm also not impressed with Keith keeping Veronica in the dark. I know he's trying to protect her, but he should know she's SUPER NOSY and he's only going to alienate her, which can only end in stupid life choices for our protagonist. It's like I said: she's a TEENAGER and she can't do the things her dad can, even if she thinks she can.

THE BOYS
The way I did this last time worked for me, so...

• Duncan: I wanted to punch the boy in the face within the first 3 minutes of "Meet John Smith". YOU CAN'T DO THAT. You dumped her FOR NO REASON and then you're being all nice? NO. Nonono. I don't let. And then you pull that nostalgia crap after almost killing yourself and I'm like:

• Logan: Sure, he's still a jerk, but less so, I think. I mean, you know he's human because he cares about Duncan (both in worried facial expressions and in the way he takes over the memorial video so Duncan doesn't have to go through all of that). And he keeps the snark and anger to himself when Veronica's actually doing him a solid, which is great. But then again, he still calls V Duncan's trailer park ex. So that's a little less promising.
• Troy: Aside from that brief moment with Papa Mars and the homecoming hotel room, Troy's looking like the perfect boyfriend. He's smart, he's witty, he's got what to say AND he doesn't pressure a girl. And seriously. That hug when she came to his house. Seriously.

• Weevil: Did everyone catch him CRYING during the Lilly memorial? Seriously. Something is UP there and I want to know ALL about it.
• Wallace: As previously mentioned, boy's getting his game on. Maybe not with the right girl, but I like the confirmation of the non-stop Nelly video. 

THE FAB FOUR
How much did all of those flashbacks make you want to cry?

I will say I totally loved the end of "The Wrath of Con" when Veronica goes to Homecoming in a red satin dress and stops to go skinny dipping. Lilly would be proud.

FAVORITE QUOTE: 
Keith: "Have you been playing nice with the other children?"
Veronica: "Y'know dad, I'm old school, an eye for an eye."
Keith: "That's actually Old Testament."

How are you guys feeling toward the authority figures of this show? Underwhelmed? Impressed? How about the Fab Four? Reckless? Awesome? Be sure to share all of your impressions in the comments below!

**ONE LAST REMINDER**

NEXT WEEK:

• "You Think You Know Someone"
• "Return of the Kane"