The TV Addict 

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.

If you’re a fan of VERONICA MARS you’ve got two reasons to smile today. First off, this being Tuesday we’ve got another new episode of VERONICA MARS tonight at 9PM on the new CW (with guest star Paul Rudd).

More importantly, Michael Ausiello is reporting today that not all hope is lost with regards to a possible fourth season pickup. In today’s Ausiello Report, Michael writes:

Since Gilmore Girls is packing it in, the network suddenly has an extra hour of prime real estate available. What are they gonna do, renew 7th Heaven again? (That was a joke, CW. Don’t get any ideas.)

Ausiello, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Here’s hoping the CW doesn’t pull an ‘EVERWOOD’. To read Ausiello’s report in its entirety, click here and be sure to tune into tonight’s fourth last VERONICA MARS… of the season.

Neptune’s hardest working detective returned from extended vacation last night and this TV Addict could not have been happier with the results. When we last left Veronica she was alone, a little bitter and not nearly as happy as one would imagine having just solved the Dean O’Dell murder mystery. Who knew all she needed was some time off?

Last night’s opening scene marked the returned of a rested and seemingly happy
Veronica. Does anyone else prefer Veronica and Logan ‘friend edition’ over the run-its-course Veronica and Logan ‘angst-ridden-suspicious-zero-fun’ relationship edition? I’ll take witty banter over Veronica secretly stalking Logan to see if he’s cheating on her any day.

Read the rest of this entry »

I wouldn’t be much of a TV addict if I didn’t take a moment to remind you that VERONICA MARS finally returns to the CW tonight after far too long a hiatus (damn you PUSSYCAT DOLLS!). In tonight’s installment — the first of five all new episodes — Veronica is hired by a Middle Eastern restaurant owner to find out who’s been vandalizing their business with ethnic slurs. The show, which has been rumoured to be ‘on the bubble’ for months could definitely use your support. So if you’re a fan of quality television, help ensure the fledgling CW network doesn’t ‘pull an EVERWOOD’ and cancel VERONICA MARS before its time. Tune in tonight at 9PM est on the new CW (SunTV in Canada).

You can check out some preview clips over at Yahoo TV.

Veronica Mars smiling? Now there’s something fans don’t see very often. I wonder what Ms. Mars knows that we don’t?

Did Veronica finally choose between Logan and Piz? Or better yet, has a little birdy named Dawn Ostroff let her know that she still has a job come next season?

Find out in the special two-hour season finale entitled “The Bitch is Back” airing on the new CW on May 22, 2007.