Post by Pear on Aug 18, 2015 21:46:04 GMT -5
Episode 17: “Debasement Tapes”
Seeing Wallace and Veronica hanging out again reminds me of how much I’ve missed the two together this season; he has shown up here and there, but he hasn’t really felt like the character he was in earlier seasons (his mechanical engineer plot seems to have come and gone). Nevertheless, I always welcome more of that witty banter and that close friendship, and it almost feels like the old days again with them. And speaking of old days, it’s Leo! And Vinnie Van Lowe running for Sheriff! Even without an overarching mystery, these characters are still very fun to watch.
This episode’s main plot, though, concerns Paul Rudd’s Desmond Fellows, a character whose lines throughout this episode are comedy gold. His story is sad, but also pretty entertaining, and that’s due mainly to Paul Rudd’s great performance.
Episode 18: “I Know What You’ll Do Next Summer”
This is an episode that deals with individual desires within the context of relationships, with what to do as you look forward to the next chapter of your life. We have Veronica and Piz, each presented with a great internship opportunity that will separate the two. We have Parker and Logan, each trying to make plans for the summer. We have Mac and Max, the latter revealing himself to be on his way toward expulsion (which clearly conflicts with Mac’s values). And finally, we have Dick and his father, making their own summer plans and eventually clashing over the latter’s upcoming jail time. It’s a fantastic moment for Ryan Hansen, and it brings back Cassidy’s death in a character storyline I wish we had more time to explore (same goes for Keith as Sheriff, who has a really great scene with Cliff early on).
Episode 19: “Weevils Wobble But They Don’t Go Down”
Ah, the sweet sight of Veronica Mars taking down some rich kids. This one definitely has the most season one feel of the season three episodes, and a lot of that has to do with the way it ties in the Weevil-Veronica relationship to the class issues. I’m definitely going to miss seeing Francis Capra and Kristen Bell working alongside each other.
On Logan’s end, it comes as no surprise when he heads over to Piz’s place to dish out a massive beating. You especially have to take into account here the guy’s history with sex tapes (starring dad and girlfriend), and it’s another example of the show really understanding who Logan Echolls is and how he came to be. Many of his actions have their roots in his broken familial relationships, and he’s been a well written character as a result.
GRADES: B, B, B+