The TV Addict 

Last night, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Jason Dohring (VERONICA MARS) has been cast in CBS’ fall pilot MOONLIGHT. According to the trade, Dohring will play the ancient vampire Josef, replacing the original 60-year-old Rade Serbedzija who played the part in the original pilot. Needless to say, after watching Dohring play angry, brooding and somewhat evil for three seasons on VERONICA MARS — a young, mischievous hedge-fund trader vampire doesn’t seem like such a stretch.

With the recent announcement that VERONICA MARS may see a fourth season — albeit in comic book form — this TV Addict thought he’d pose a question to fellow TV Addicts everywhere. Is extending the life of a cancelled show via comic book a trend we should be excited about?

Short of a move to the big screen, or a two hour wrap-up movie (which rarely happens) I can’t help but think that a comic book is the perfect way to continue some of theTVaddict.com’s favorite ‘brilliant but cancelled’ shows. Sure nothing can replace the show itself, but face the facts — VERONICA MARS, ANGEL, FIREFLY and ALIAS are not coming back. Not even on that much talked about MIA network that Ausiello often hints at.

The way I see it, comics have a serious upside. Not only are they being written for the hardcore fans, ensuring the writer’s don’t have to dumb down the story for a mass audience (see: VERONICA MARS season three). There are no budgetary or casting constrains on the creative team. If JJ Abrams wants SpyMommy Irina Derevko back for the ’season’, all he has to do is draw her!

Perhaps BUFFY fans could chime in with their thoughts on how they’ve enjoyed BUFFY SEASON EIGHT via comic book. How does the comic compare to the television show? How much, if anything, has been lost in BUFFY’S translation from screen to page? Are we correct in assuming that as long as the show’s original creator is at the helm (ie. Joss Whedon, Rob Thomas), VERONICA MARS the comic book will be almost as enjoyable as a fourth season?

VERONICA MARS fans are back — and this time, they’re fighting for something even more important than saving VERONICA MARS (Yes, apparently there are more important things in life than saving your favorite TV show from cancellation!)

After one of Veronica’s final mysteries revolved around the story of a former child solider from Africa, fans of the show were eager to pitch in and help raise money. As a result, they’ve decided to sell t-shirts with two designs inspired by elements from the show. $5 from every t-shirt sold goes directly to INVISIBLE CHILDREN, and organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for war-affected children by providing access to quality education, enhanced learning environments and innovative economic opportunities. As organizer Rae (Ramblings of a TV Whore) put it, “the great thing is, it’s a win-win situation. Fans get to donate to a good cause but also get a little something to remember the show by.”

You can check out the store by clicking here.

This morning, theTVaddict received an urgent email from the recently revived ‘Save Veronica Mars Campaign.’ The email requested that theTVaddict.com promote the website BarsforMars.com.

Aside from the fact that the email failed to include the word PLEASE (really, what’s happened to manners in this country?) this TV Addict wanted to take a moment to write about why I will not be supporting the campaign (and yes I realize that by simply linking to the BarsforMars.com web site I’m inadvertently promoting the campaign).

A total lack of originality
One of the appeals of both VERONICA MARS the show, and the title character herself were their uniqueness and originality. Amidst an endless sea of blonde Neptune clones, Veronica marched to the beat of her own drummer. BarsforMars.com is a too-little-too-late pale imitation of JERICHO’s recently successful Nuts for Jericho campaign. Not cool MARS fans, not cool.

Where are the MARS bars?
Apparently, Mars bars are no longer available in the US leading the BarsforMars.com campaign to switch over to Snickers Bars. Now, I may not the most savvy MARS fan around, but I don’t recall Snickers ever playing a role in the show. Unless of course the original title for the series was going to be VERONICA SNICKERS, which let’s face it, may not have the same ring to it, but kinda works. After-all, Veronica did spend three seasons ’snickering’ at everyone around her.

Just because it worked for JERICHO…
… doesn’t mean it’s going to work for VERONICA MARS. In fact, I’ll go as far to say that this campaign is a complete waste of everybody’s time and money. As much I loved VERONICA MARS, the show had its chance. It was given three seasons to prove that it could expand beyond its fiercely loyal fan-base, yet failed to do so each and every year. JERICHO on the other hand had a mere season under its belt — a season that CBS itself admits to completely mishandling with an ill advised three month delay between episodes.

Dawn Ostroff made the right call
If Dawn Ostroff didn’t notice when EVERWOOD fans dragged a life-sized ferris wheel to her office doorstep, she’s certainly not going to care if someone delivers a few boxes of chocolate to her lobby. Fans tend to forget that Ostroff’s primary job as head of the CW is to develop exciting new shows that advertisers will buy into. Having seen the entire CW fall lineup — including the already addictive GOSSIP GIRL, the original and funny REAPER and the network’s soon-to-be first bonafide comedy hit ALIENS IN AMERICA — this TV Addict doesn’t fault Ostroff for cancelling VERONICA MARS.

That said, who am I to tell fans how to spend their precious time, energy and hard-earned money. What I will say is this: In the end the only winner to come out of this campaign will be The Indian Food Store. Call me cynical, but how much money (and free advertising) are they getting off Barsformars.com?

Thanks to Tim G for the Tip!

With last night’s… cannot even utter the words… SERIES…finale… of VERONICA MARS, creator Rob Thomas along with co-writer Diane Ruggiero successfully accomplished something far too few finales ever manage to do. They reminded fans (or at the very least this TV addict) why we fell in love with the show in the first place.

Forget the Hearst Rapist as well as the entire Dean O’Dell murder mystery (seriously, who cares?). Last night’s finale, titled “The Bitch is Back” was classic old school VERONICA MARS. And by old school, I’m talking season one goodness — the perfect mix of mystery, excitement, romance and snappy one liners.

Proving Rob Thomas saw the writing was on the wall, many of our favourite characters returned to play integral roles in the series finale. Wallace was finally given a decent story-line, Weevil made a triumphant return (I can’t believe he stole that third machine!), Mac’s computer genius was put to good use, Veronica faced off against yet another secret society (bonus points if you can name Neptune High’s secret society!) and Neptune’s most evil due, no, not the Fitzpatrick brothers — Jake Kane and Clarance Weidman made a surprise return (although since ‘Kyle Secor’ was in the opening credits, it wasn’t too surprising!)

All in all, Thomas gave us two great episodes, capped off by some fantastic finale work by stars Kirsten Bell and Enrico Colantoni. Simply put, they’re the best (only?) father daughter duo on television and their relationship and witty banter will be sorely missed.

That said, it’s over. The CW has unceremoniously sent Mrs. Mars and Co. packing to that place where brilliant television show’s go to die (better known around here as theTVaddict’s DVD shelf). So the question of the day is — having watched last night’s finale — where would you have liked the show to go in season four? If last night’s finale proved anything, it’s that VERONICA MARS: College edition works as long as there is good story-telling and acting. Post away with your thoughts.

With VERONICA MARS airing its two final episodes tonight (8—10PM on the new CW), I thought I’d take a moment to thank Rob Thomas, Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni, Percy Daggs III, Jason Dohring, Francis Capra, Ryan Hansen, Kyle Gallner, Teddy Dunn, Tina Majorino, Brandon Hillock, Tessa Thompson, Julie Gonzalo, Chris Lowell, Harry Hamlin, Amanda Seyfriend, Max Greenfield, Charisma Carpenter, Ken Marino, every cast and crew member, and yes, even Michael Muhney (the recently deceased Sheriff Lamb) for three fantastic seasons.

VERONICA MARS was a rarity on television. A smart, sophisticated drama that had this TV Addict on the edge of his seat each and every Tuesday night. For three seasons, Kristen Bell brought to life Rob Thomas’ unique vision, providing fans with one of television’s most entertaining and unique female protagonists. Ms. Mars and Mr. Thomas — Thank You. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last time we get to enjoy the adventures of VERONICA MARS.

In the comments, frequent contributer JESSICA just posted:

The CW is dead to me. I don’t care how good any of these new shows are. Let the boycott begin.

Added Vance:

I was just about to say that. DEAD TO ME. The CW. The War is ON. (the june 15th thing is over according to Michael Ausiello’s conversation with Ostroff after the presentation at around 12:47pm)

First let me take a moment to go out on a limb and tell you what you don’t want to hear. Ausiello is wrong. Yes, Dawn Ostroff does have until June 15 to make a final FINAL decision on the fate of Mrs. Mars, but the reality is that Michael Ausiello is only keeping a glimmer of hope alive for fans of the show because let’s face it, with GILMORE GIRLS and VERONICA MARS gone — so to are a large group of very dedicated readers.

Don’t get me wrong, Ausiello is fantastic and definitely has the world’s greatest job. But I to attended the CW press conference and heard Dawn Ostroff’s tone. VERONICA MARS is dead, and not just because of low ratings. If the preview clips of the CW’s new series are any indication, the network has developed some fantastic, original and fun new shows that fit the CW brand perfectly. It’s time to give some fresh shows a chance.

VERONICA MARS was given three seasons to make it work — two more seasons than it deserved if we’re looking at the show from a pure ratings point-of-view. The show had a good run and will be remembered as one of those ‘brilliant but cancelled’ shows along side some of theTVaddict’s personal favourites (ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, EVERWOOD, KIDNAPPED and FIREFLY to name a few)

Tune in later today for my thoughts on the CW’s new slate of fantastic looking programs.

In a press conference following the CW UpFronts, network president Dawn Ostroff officially revealed to some very disappointed reporters that, “Veronica Mars is not coming back.” Additionally, when asked about the mid-season possibilities or the much talked about FBI scenario — Ostroff shot that down as well saying, “It’s not going to happen.”

A few more questions were tossed Ostroff’s way, but the tone of her answers were pretty clear. She loved the show, Rob Thomas and star Kristen Bell. But VERONICA MARS season four simply isn’t going to happen. Let the mourning begin.

With his recent bit of VERONICA MARS scoop, TVGuide’s Michael Ausiello speculated that if MARS is to see a fourth season “there would likely be a major cast shake-up, with Bell the only guaranteed carryover.”

Which begs the obvious question: Which MARS cast member would you like to see Veronica bring with her to VERONICA MARS: FBI Edition (or is it MARS: The College Years II)?

Our pick for MARS version 2.0 is most definitely Mac. Since her first appearance way back in season one, the dynamic duo of Neptune High have put a smile on this TV Addict’s face whenever we’re lucky enough to see them in action together. Combine Mac’s brilliant mind and Mars’ sleuthing ways and you’ve got a force to be reckoned with. That said, we’re also not averse to seeing Papa Mars drop by for the occasional guest stint (we at theTVaddict.com love Enrico Colantoni).

Post away with your pick for Veronica’s travel companion, should she be lucky enough to see a fourth season.