A Long Time Ago, We Used to Be Friends

*sigh*

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The 3rd (and sadly) final season of Veronica Mars is now out on DVD. And let me tell you, it is one fine package. Unlike the previous season sets, which were pretty sparse on extras, this one is jam-packed, including several hours worth of series creator Rob Thomas commenting on aspects both of season 3 and the entire series.

But the true unexpected gem is the "presentation" they put together to try and sell the CW on a 4th season of Veronica Mars. The premise the network wanted was to leap forward 4 years in time (ha! No piddly One Year Later here) to her first year in the FBI--new surroundings, new cast, same Veronica. And the creators put together a little mini 12-minute pilot episode to show what the show would look like in such a situation. A new unseen Veronica Mars episode!!! The best of times.

Alas, the CW pulled the plug, so despite the surprise new VM mini-episode, it is the worst of times. Veronica Mars was my favorite new network show in many many years. A lot of people (myself included) ignored its "high school noir" premise intitally; but several people whose opinions I really respect forced me to watch season 1 in summer re-runs. Hooked.

Good mysteries, smart characters, wonderful actors, a swell supporting cast, a heroine who is real--not perfect...This show was Good with a capital G.

So here's what I want you all to do out there in Reader land. Treat yourselves. Go rent season 1 of Veronica Mars from Netflix or your local video store. Buy a used copy, or heck, splurge and buy a new one...you can probably find it for $25-30 bucks somewhere.

Here's my guarantee to you. You will like this show. I promise. By the time you get to the episode "An Ecchols Family Christmas" you will be hooked. You will find "Leave It to Beaver" the most satisfying season finale of any show you have ever seen.

Last Christmas I gave some friends season 1 as a gift, and told them they had to watch this show. As soon as they finished the finale, they had to leave the house to immediately buy season 2. So trust me on this.

Long live Veronica Mars!!