Best of TV, No. 9 (Tuesday)

Today I continue my look at my favorite TV series of all time with a show about a teenage sleuth.

Veronica Mars (2004-2007)
Network: UPN/CW
About: I have to admit, I was late to the party with "Veronica Mars." I caught up with the whole series after it had been cancelled and was on DVD. But it didn't take long for me to see the allure to a gaggle of fans, very few of whom were actually in high school. This show may have been about a girl in high school and college, but it appealed to a wide audience. That was due in large part to the characters and the writing. Creator Rob Thomas did a great job of creating a fun, vibrant world. The show had interesting self contained cases, but it was the way it wove a season-long mystery into the narrative thread that helped separate the show from others. Kristen Bell was great in the lead role, and Enrico Colantoni was great as her father. Jason Dohring was good as the mercurial Logan and Percy Daggs III was fun as Veronica's friend and confidant, Wallace. The first season of the show was easily its best, though the mystery in the second season was somewhat compelling also. By the third season, the show shifted to the new CW, and it was clear that network interference in the format (meant to help the show find more of an audience) had an adverse affect. Still, the show was solid for three seasons, and the constant rumors of a follow-up movie show there is still a great deal of interest in the show even five years after it went off the air. Of course, that could also have to do with the sort of cliffhanger ending for the series; another sign that it should have been allowed to continue. However, "Veronica Mars," like so many shows on the WB/UPN/CW was cancelled too soon so that "One Tree Hill" could stay on the air... For those that haven't seen this show, it's a fun one to dive into during the summer when you can clear 22 episodes in a week or two.
How to See It: All three seasons of "Veronica Mars" are available on DVD.