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 Place. To 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.

TIP THE BLOGGER: CC's Tip Jar!

You can support this blog by becoming a patron on Patreon: Fund me, baby! 

Fans of pop music will want to check out Waterloo Sunset--Benefit For This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, a new pop compilation benefiting SPARK! Syracuse, the home of This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio with Dana & Carl. TIR'N'RR Allstars--Steve Stoeckel, Bruce Gordon, Joel Tinnel, Stacy Carson, Eytan Mirsky, Teresa Cowles, Dan Pavelich, Irene Peña, Keith Klingensmith, and Rich Firestone--offer a fantastic new version of The Kinks' classic "Waterloo Sunset." That's supplemented by eleven more tracks (plus a hidden bonus track), including previously-unreleased gems from The Click Beetles, Eytan Mirsky, Pop Co-Op, Irene Peña, Michael Slawter (covering The Posies), and The Anderson Council (covering XTC), a new remix of "Infinite Soul" by The Grip Weeds, and familiar TIRnRR Fave Raves by Vegas With Randolph, Gretchen's Wheel, The Armoires, and Pacific Soul Ltd. Oh, and that mystery bonus track? It's exquisite. You need this. You're buying it from Futureman.

Hey, Carl's writin' a book! The Greatest Record Ever Made! (Volume 1) will contain 100 essays (and then some) about 100 tracks, plus two bonus instrumentals, each one of 'em THE greatest record ever made. An infinite number of records can each be the greatest record ever made, as long as they take turns. Updated initial information can be seen here: THE GREATEST RECORD EVER MADE! (Volume 1)

Our most recent compilation CD This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4 is still available from Kool Kat Musik! 29 tracks of irresistible rockin' pop, starring Pop Co-Op, Ray Paul, Circe Link & Christian Nesmith, Vegas With Randolph Featuring Lannie Flowers, The Slapbacks, P. Hux, Irene Peña, Michael Oliver & the Sacred Band Featuring Dave Merritt, The Rubinoos, Stepford Knives, The Grip Weeds, Popdudes, Ronnie Dark, The Flashcubes, Chris von Sneidern, The Bottle Kids, 1.4.5., The Smithereens, Paul Collins' Beat, The Hit Squad, The Rulers, The Legal Matters, Maura & the Bright Lights, Lisa Mychols, and Mr. Encrypto & the Cyphers. You gotta have it, so order it here. A digital download version (minus The Smithereens' track) is also available from Futureman Records.