Nice-A-Roni

That's not "Roni" as in macaroni; it's "Roni" as in Veronica, as in the late, great TV show Veronica Mars.

Veronica Mars

I just finished a full re-viewing of the late, lamented "soap opera/PI show/teenage angst festival" series--every episode from the show's three year run. And I was struck by how insanely great Veronica Mars was. The razor sharp dialogue, the twisting and turning--yet still grounded and believable--storylines, the ever-so-enticing Southern California setting, a host of interesting guest stars: Veronica Mars "brought it" like few recent TV series have. Not to mention the presence of the delicious Kristen Bell as the lead character; she carried that show as few actresses her age could. And let's not forget a terrific supporting cast (most of whom seem to have been shamefully overlooked by Hollywood for roles in current projects). Special props must go to Jason Dohring, as the ever intriguing Logan Echolls, and Enrico Colantoni as Keith Mars, the elder member of what had to be the best father-daughter relationship ever depicted on American television.

I can't think of any show I have enjoyed as much on a second viewing, to the point of getting that uncomfortable, wistful feeling when I knew I was watching the final episode. I simply never wanted it to end.

There are flaws, of course, but most of those problems stem from the fact that the late, not-particularly-lamented UPN network did precious little to support what should have been their flagship show. The fact that many series regulars disappeared from the scene for several episodes at a time--most probably for the sake of saving a few bucks on per episode salaries--hurt the show's vibe during the third, final,  truncated season. And one could, perhaps, note that Veronica Mars was a victim of its own (limited) success: the first season was so good, it was almost an impossible act to follow for later seasons.

Nevertheless, Veronica Mars belongs at the top of the ranks whenever the list of the best shows of the first decade of this century is compiled. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

(I was able to find all the DVD sets at my local library; clicking the photo link will take you to a web site where full episodes are available for viewing, though--damnably--not the first season. Other viewing resources may be available out there; you'll be well rewarded if you make the effort to find them.)