TV and I parted company a while ago. I know this may come as a shock- but I don't have cable- nor do I recieve any TV signals in my apartment. And while there is a mild sense of disconnection and solitude that comes with this (not to mention the growing trend of not understanding what anyone is talking about), for the most part I have no real regrets. It saves us money, and gives us the option of doing other things instead of watching TV all day long (instead, we watch movies).Anyway, the truth is there isn't much I really want to watch. When Buffy came to an end, TV began this down spiral that it it still trying to recover from. Soon afterward Angel was canceled, as was the magnificent Firefly. Other shows came and went in quality as well- CSI, while fun, held no real claim on my heart, and I found most TV comedies stupid and crass. Smallville still held some sway, but I knew in my heart that as soon as it became truly good it would be cancelled. And so, I said goodbye to television. With good shows continually being cancelled in order for to make room for new reality shows, I decided that I had had enough.
And then came the advent of TV on DVD, as well as video stores willing to rent them. And so, every so often, the wife and I will try a show and either like it or loath it. We've tried many- 24 didn't really capture our attention after the first season; the first season of Prison Break held us captive for a week before being assigned to the "stupid shows that will string me on forever " category; Scrubs became a favorite until the main character became a jerk; and we kept up on Smallville until we decided to just buy it.
But none of these really convinced us that we needed cable. Yeah, Smallville was still running, but for how long? Everything would be out on DVD eventually anyway, right?
And then came Lost. Perhaps the best show that any of the core networks has had in years, it made us want to see what happened next. And while Lost is cool, it's crazy addictive- so much so that after awhile you just need a break- you just honestly don't want to watch it anymore after awhile unless you know they're going to tell you what you want to know (which has yet to happen- of all the mysteries introduced on the show, only one has been answered, and even then only vaguely. And while addictive shows are fun, I missed the fun of a show that was intriguing while still being forthcoming. Honestly, the only reason Lost is so addictive is because they never reveal the secrets. I was beginning to think that good, fun, and honest shows had ceased to exist.
This is a long intro, I know, but bear with me, I'm almost to my point. And so, other than the occasional show that held my interest, for the most part I had given up on TV. And while I heard about good shows every now and then, I also heard about new reality shows I wanted to avoid. Some things warmed my heart (the end of the WB- that's what they get for ending Angel) while others scared me (Survivor- race wars). And then I began hearing about a show called Veronica Mars. I didn't hear much, other than the main actress was cute and that the show was reminiscent of Buffy. And then I heard that not only did Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy, Angel, and Firefly) like the show, but he described as "the show I wish I had made." I thought it was maybe worth a peak, but promptly forgot about it.
Then, one night during a really late trip to a 24 hr Walmart, I found Veronica Mars, season 1, for $20 dollars.
Rarely have I been so happy with a twenty dollar purchase. This show is fantastic. With the most believable high school since Buffy and a killer cast, Veronica keeps you entertained and curious, even involved, without resorting to the guerilla tactics used by such shows as Lost and Prison Break. The show is also somehow able, impossible as it sounds, to have stand alone episodes WHILE STILL CARRYING THE PLOT FROM ONE EPISODE TO ANOTHER! The characters are smart, funny, and completely believable. Even so called "bad guys" become beloved and even likeable characters.
The show is about a girl named Veronica Mars, a teen detective that works at her Dad's private detective agency. Shocked by the murder of her best friend, Veronica is determined to solve her friends murder, with or without the help of her fellow students who have alienated Veronica since her friend's death. And while the show deals with high school students and teenagers, it does it without the inherent drama of make ups and break ups. The real drama lies in the cases that are solved every week. The best part of the show, though, has to be the honesty of the show- the major mystery of the first season is solved by the final episode, leaving only two minor strings that lead into the second season- if you want them to. No crazy addiction or withdrawal's here- the shows ends in a way respectful to the viewers, as if to say "don't worry, we're looking out for you- here's the answers you were wanting, along with an invitation to watch next year if you like. Thanks for your time." And you know what? I LIKE that.
So, if you need a show to watch this year, you have two weeks to watch Seasons 1 & 2 of Veronica Mars, because the third season starts in October. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to run to Walmart to get season 2, then I have to sign up for cable. TV is back.
