Friday, July 26, 2019

VERONICA MARS (no spoilers)



A long time ago
We used to be friends
But I haven't thought of you lately at all

I have completed watching the new eight-episode fourth season of Veronica Mars on Hulu, and I have a few comments. NO SPOILERS.

Without trying to think too much about it (or delve into details), I can say that I was riveted, and regard this as a worthy continuation of one of my favorite TV series. I was not a charter member of the Marshmallows; I only watched one episode during the show's original run, didn't care about it at the time, but became a big fan via binge-watching much later on. Hulu's new Season Four brought back a lot of characters from those original three seasons, and included references to many more. But it didn't seem insular. Some familiarity with Veronica's history in this fictional milieu of Neptune, California enhances the viewing experience, but it may not be necessary, and I think someone who hasn't seen previous episodes could easily pick up the narrative and roll with it.

Initially, watching the first new episode felt weird, and I can't quite explain why. I think it's just been so long since the last episode, with a feature film falling in between, that it took me a few minutes to acclimate. But everything seemed...right. It was like talking with an old friend for the first time in forever, getting through the introductory awkward awareness of time that's passed, and comfortably settling in like old times. The writing and characterization, the dialogue and interactions all clicked. The returning actors remain perfectly cast in their roles, and the new characters fit in seamlessly.





I could not say the same for the new version of the show's theme song "We Used To Be Friends," originally performed by The Dandy Warhols. I love Chrissie Hynde, but I wasn't able to embrace Hynde's cover; I missed The Dandy Warhols.

Season Four of Veronica Mars is the first show in quite some time that I felt compelled to binge and complete as quickly as I could. And there is a point in this eight-episode Hulu season where my emotional attachment to the characters and what they were experiencing made my eyes sting. We used to be friends, a long time ago. Some creative decisions frustrated me, yet I respect them nonetheless. And I so, so appreciate this opportunity to see another satisfying season of one of my favorite shows. 

That's all you're gettin' out of me. The original three seasons as well as this new fourth season of Veronica Mars are streaming on Hulu. Meanwhile, Veronica Mars star Kristin Bell returns in the fall for the final season of my current favorite show The Good PlaceTo my knowledge, there's been no word yet of a Veronica Mars Season Five, but I'm ready for it. Bring it on, bring it on, yeah.




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