Why Is Everyone So Nice?

Has anybody else noticed anything a bit off about Veronica Mars since it returned a few weeks ago? First we had that episode that so resembled a PSA, or at least an after school special on tolerance, that I don't even think it's worth acknowledging as an actual episode of Veronica Mars. Then last week's episode, while completely awesome by virtue of Paul Rudd's performance alone, also had an episode where everything turned out happy in the end. Last night was the third ultra happy ending for the mystery of the week in a row.

What the hell is going on here? Where's the cynicism? Isn't this show supposed to be noir? Things are looking pretty bright for Veronica right now too. She's got a really sweet and decent boyfriend. She got her FBI internship. She's golden. As for Keith, if he can expose Vinny Van Lowe's connection to the Fitzpatricks, he's golden on the sheriff front. Sure Logan's still miserable, but a happy Logan is like an impossible state of being. Even Dick showed some humanity last night, though I had been expecting that for a while. I just wanted to know what happened to this show. Is the sunnier disposition an attempt to keep it on the air? Was it a network mandate?

I also have some questions about what's going on:

Did we ever find out why Dick was crying at the end of the season premier? He told Logan that he did something really bad?

How did Veronica get an internship with the FBI after being investigated for kidnapping last season? People who once tried pot can't even get into the FBI. I'm guessing this will never be addressed.

Can we have more Deputy Leo please? I was so happy to see him back in the Paul Rudd episode. He better be in the two hour finale next week.

I guess a lot of this stuff doesn't matter all that much, since it looks like the show has been canceled. The official announcement of the CW's fall line up is tomorrow, but considering that Kristen Bell signed up to do the voice overs for the new series Gossip Girl, I'm pretty certain that Veronica Mars won't be on it. I don't know how I feel about that. Considering the change in tone of the last few episodes, and the fact that each season has diminished in quality from the last, maybe it's best that it bows out now before it becomes an embarrassing shell of its former self. On the other hand, while it hasn't been able to reach the heights of the first season since then, it's still better than most things on television. It's certainly better than anything on the CW. Is it better to have no Veronica than a less than great Veronica? I'm not sure.

All that said, the previews for next week look awesome, and back to form for Veronica Mars. I cannot wait.

"Welcome Wagon"

Veronica Mars is back! Finally!

The premier was so good, better than the season 2 premier. We met a few new characters, like Parker and Piz. I can already see how the Neptune sheriff's department is going to handle the rape investigation, because, as we know, Lamb is a complete ass and will surely hold Parker's sexual history against her. I immediately liked Piz. He is adorable and is clearly going to come between Veronica and Logan. The fact that he is so immediately lovable also makes him immediately suspicious. He can't be the Hearst rapist, because he wasn't at Hearst last year, but mark my words, by the end of the season I am sure we will find out something really bad about him. After Beaver Casablancas, I don't trust anyone.

I will also go on record right now as saying that I do not think Dick is the Hearst rapist. (He is an eligible suspect because while he wasn't at Hearst last year, he was in Neptune.) After that ending, it would be far too obvious. I do wonder what he did though. Also, I think that Logan's friendship with Dick will come between he and Veronica also. As much of an idiot as Dick is, he stood by Logan through everything. Logan's not likely to forget about that, and Veronica isn't likely to cut Dick much slack if she suspects him of something.

Fun Fact: The criminology professor, who Veronica's classmate was drooling over, was also the hot anthropology professor on Saved By the Bell: the College Years. By the way, how funny is it that Veronica is taking an introductory criminology class? I'm guessing she'll do well.

Finally, I was so happy to see some of my favorite recurring characters get bumped up to regular status this season. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Tina Majorino (Mac) and Michael Muhney (Lamb) this season. Unfortunately, I am not digging the new credits. I get slowing down the theme song (again) to accommodate the ever expanding cast, but I really miss the sketches. I guess I will just start fast forwarding through the credits now. Eh, whatever, my favorite show is back. Woo hoo! I can't wait to see what happens next.