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Post by SpringSummers on Feb 25, 2005 19:21:51 GMT -5
Spring - another delightful, insighful review. I find it a wonderful correlation/juxtposition in a week when several scub'ies were commenting about love, past love, taking a chance on new love that Veronica Mars would focus on taking a chance on love. I enjoyed the car insights - something I did not note when watching. I become so mesmerized in the story and the acting in front of me. I'm swept along. Then reading the comments and in-depth analysis I sit and think well of course, why didn't I see that? Thanks again. You're welcome, and thanks for the feedback. I get swept along too - I always have to rewatch with my "analyzing" hat on. I try to do these really quickly, so who knows what I miss, even with the rewatch. I've been pretty impressed so far with the writing on the show. Some really clever lines along with the undercurrents and such. It is reminscent of Buffy-style.
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wykbbb
Junior S'cubie
Posts: 18
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Post by wykbbb on Feb 25, 2005 20:01:24 GMT -5
Here's my take on the Russian mob plot. Tom Cruz testifies against the mobsters and goes into hiding. The mobsters somehow find out he's in Neptune, probably through one of their Chicago contacts. Since the mobsters are based in Chicago, they don't have contacts in Neptune who can pinpoint his exact address. Even if the mobsters tried using public access databases to search for Tom themselves, they would have hit a dead end, like Veronica's initial background search. The mobsters then decide to hire a local detective with ties to the area to help them find Tom. The mobsters concoct an elaborate lie that was Tom was Catherine's lost love who came to California to be an actor. They decided to make Tom an actor because they needed a plausible explanation why someone named Tom Cruz would change his name. You know the mobsters faked the postcard because it is address to Catherine Lenova. If Tom sent it, it would have been addressed to Elena Sukerenko (spelling?). The reason Veronica didn't find Tom with her casting call is because Tom was never really an actor.
I'm assuming Lynn is dead and there is no plot between her and Trina.
Based on Logan's comments (Trina used her dad's money to pay for the wreath and who will play dead hooker #2), it sounds like Trina is an unsuccessful actress who sponges off her dad and step-mom. Since her job in Australia fell through she decided to return to L.A. (not Neptune), presumably to look for her next gig. The only reason she is returning to Neptune is because Lynn's credit cards were canceled.
If you look at the credit card receipt, Lynn used that card quite regularly in December for parties, gas, spas, clothes, etc. The last purchase she made was on January 5th at a gas station. Then there is a month long gap where the card was not used. The next two purchase were made by Trina on Feb 14th for the car and Feb 19th for the hotel. I'm guessing during that month long gap, Trina came home and "borrowed" the credit cards and clothes. Considering the fact that Lynn had 14 credit cards and spent $25,000 a month on this credit card alone, she probably didn't notice that one of her credit card and some of her clothes were missing. Failed actress Trina might have borrowed Lynn's clothes because it's an opportunity to get thousands of dollars worth of clothes from the top fashion designers for free.
I love the continuity on this show. During the dance flashback, they are playing the same song as the Duncan in the pool flashback from the pilot when he says "Hey babe, it's our song." And I love the fact that the credit card statement lists a payment for Elite Catering on December 24, the same catering company that was mentioned in Echolls Family Christmas. Who would have guessed that Logan's throw away insult "Now there was a woman who could drink" from the pilot would result in that jaw dropping cliff hanger.
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Post by SpringSummers on Feb 26, 2005 13:08:25 GMT -5
Here's my take on the Russian mob plot. Tom Cruz testifies against the mobsters and goes into hiding. The mobsters somehow find out he's in Neptune, probably through one of their Chicago contacts. Since the mobsters are based in Chicago, they don't have contacts in Neptune who can pinpoint his exact address. Even if the mobsters tried using public access databases to search for Tom themselves, they would have hit a dead end, like Veronica's initial background search. The mobsters then decide to hire a local detective with ties to the area to help them find Tom. The mobsters concoct an elaborate lie that was Tom was Catherine's lost love who came to California to be an actor. They decided to make Tom an actor because they needed a plausible explanation why someone named Tom Cruz would change his name. You know the mobsters faked the postcard because it is address to Catherine Lenova. If Tom sent it, it would have been addressed to Elena Sukerenko (spelling?). The reason Veronica didn't find Tom with her casting call is because Tom was never really an actor. I'm assuming Lynn is dead and there is no plot between her and Trina. Based on Logan's comments (Trina used her dad's money to pay for the wreath and who will play dead hooker #2), it sounds like Trina is an unsuccessful actress who sponges off her dad and step-mom. Since her job in Australia fell through she decided to return to L.A. (not Neptune), presumably to look for her next gig. The only reason she is returning to Neptune is because Lynn's credit cards were canceled. If you look at the credit card receipt, Lynn used that card quite regularly in December for parties, gas, spas, clothes, etc. The last purchase she made was on January 5th at a gas station. Then there is a month long gap where the card was not used. The next two purchase were made by Trina on Feb 14th for the car and Feb 19th for the hotel. I'm guessing during that month long gap, Trina came home and "borrowed" the credit cards and clothes. Considering the fact that Lynn had 14 credit cards and spent $25,000 a month on this credit card alone, she probably didn't notice that one of her credit card and some of her clothes were missing. Failed actress Trina might have borrowed Lynn's clothes because it's an opportunity to get thousands of dollars worth of clothes from the top fashion designers for free. I love the continuity on this show. During the dance flashback, they are playing the same song as the Duncan in the pool flashback from the pilot when he says "Hey babe, it's our song." And I love the fact that the credit card statement lists a payment for Elite Catering on December 24, the same catering company that was mentioned in Echolls Family Christmas. Who would have guessed that Logan's throw away insult "Now there was a woman who could drink" from the pilot would result in that jaw dropping cliff hanger. Agree with you in both areas. My initial confusion on the casting call had to do with having the incorrect idea that the picture of Tom Cruz and his dog was something Veronica had gotten from the talent agency. Once I rewatched, and saw the pic came from Catarina, it all fell into place. And yes - Trina being Lynn's stepdaughter leaves open many possibilities on how she got the clothes . . . I can easily buy the idea that she has some of her stepmother's things, including the credit card. I guess we have a long wait for the next ep. Bummer.
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wykbbb
Junior S'cubie
Posts: 18
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Post by wykbbb on Feb 26, 2005 18:39:31 GMT -5
An UPN publicist who read some of the remaining scripts said they are great. The fans will absolutely be thrilled. The reason UPN is delaying the next episdoe until March 29th is because they want to show the last 7 shows of the season in a row. I can't wait. ------------ From the March 6-12 TV Guide under News Flashes: With the increased profile of the $2 campaign, this probably raises expectations for the number of bills UPN is expecting to get. So please you guys, send in the bills. At least this way UPN executives know there is a large, demographically diverse, devoted fan base for this show. It would look really bad if they only got a few dozen bills. For complete details you can visit this post at television without pity. -------------- Eonline Kristin annual Save our Show campaign lists VM as being in serious danger of being canceled. She will write an article about the show that gets the most votes. Here's the direct link for the poll. The winner is announced March 12th. Just as a reminder VM won the Kristin's Watch It award a few months ago because of the crazy ballot stuffing VM fans. When Kristin announced that VM won, she even admitted that she wanted VM to win the award. Judging by the fact that she left Arrested Development off the poll, I think Kristin is slanting the poll to help VM. So keep on stuffing; we have alot of free time since the next new episode doesn't air until March 29th.
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Post by Lola m on Feb 26, 2005 19:34:54 GMT -5
This was such a good episode, and I love all the things you brought to my attention in this review, Spring! I'd of course noticed the parallel plots of missing moms, but hadn't quite noticed the exactness of the match. As you put it: Of course, VM surprised me completely by reversing the resolutions I had been expecting. (That Logan would find his mom but Veronica would still be looking for hers.) I wonder if the multiple mentions of alternately "overly romanticized" love scenarios (princesses and soul mates) and comercial transactions disguised as romance (hookers, etc.) are meant to make us consider if a different road than either of them is really the better way to follow. As you said, it's a very human thing, the need for love. Veronica and crew are providing us with many different view of how love can play out. Oddly enough, considering how much I am liking Logan and Veronica, I think I agree that a romance between the two would likely not be for the best. I also agree that things seem over for her and Duncan. While it may still hurt each of them to see the other with someone else, that's not the same as really wanting or needing to be together. (Also loved your mention of "Time After Time", another '80's classic that, as far as I recall was not played in this episode, but fits it perfectly.) Lola
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Post by Lola m on Feb 26, 2005 19:39:03 GMT -5
Here's my take on the Russian mob plot. Tom Cruz testifies against the mobsters and goes into hiding. The mobsters somehow find out he's in Neptune, probably through one of their Chicago contacts. Since the mobsters are based in Chicago, they don't have contacts in Neptune who can pinpoint his exact address. Even if the mobsters tried using public access databases to search for Tom themselves, they would have hit a dead end, like Veronica's initial background search. The mobsters then decide to hire a local detective with ties to the area to help them find Tom. The mobsters concoct an elaborate lie that was Tom was Catherine's lost love who came to California to be an actor. They decided to make Tom an actor because they needed a plausible explanation why someone named Tom Cruz would change his name. You know the mobsters faked the postcard because it is address to Catherine Lenova. If Tom sent it, it would have been addressed to Elena Sukerenko (spelling?). The reason Veronica didn't find Tom with her casting call is because Tom was never really an actor. I'm assuming Lynn is dead and there is no plot between her and Trina. Based on Logan's comments (Trina used her dad's money to pay for the wreath and who will play dead hooker #2), it sounds like Trina is an unsuccessful actress who sponges off her dad and step-mom. Since her job in Australia fell through she decided to return to L.A. (not Neptune), presumably to look for her next gig. The only reason she is returning to Neptune is because Lynn's credit cards were canceled. If you look at the credit card receipt, Lynn used that card quite regularly in December for parties, gas, spas, clothes, etc. The last purchase she made was on January 5th at a gas station. Then there is a month long gap where the card was not used. The next two purchase were made by Trina on Feb 14th for the car and Feb 19th for the hotel. I'm guessing during that month long gap, Trina came home and "borrowed" the credit cards and clothes. Considering the fact that Lynn had 14 credit cards and spent $25,000 a month on this credit card alone, she probably didn't notice that one of her credit card and some of her clothes were missing. Failed actress Trina might have borrowed Lynn's clothes because it's an opportunity to get thousands of dollars worth of clothes from the top fashion designers for free. I love the continuity on this show. During the dance flashback, they are playing the same song as the Duncan in the pool flashback from the pilot when he says "Hey babe, it's our song." And I love the fact that the credit card statement lists a payment for Elite Catering on December 24, the same catering company that was mentioned in Echolls Family Christmas. Who would have guessed that Logan's throw away insult "Now there was a woman who could drink" from the pilot would result in that jaw dropping cliff hanger. Very logical and plausible explanations for both, wykbbb! And I'm enjoying the continuity very much also. It's another thing that reminds me of the Jossverse - rarely was a throw away line truly thrown away. We'd often see them come back around, sometimes even seasons later. Lola
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Post by Lola m on Feb 26, 2005 19:41:49 GMT -5
An UPN publicist who read some of the remaining scripts said they are great. The fans will absolutely be thrilled. The reason UPN is delaying the next episdoe until March 29th is because they want to show the last 7 shows of the season in a row. I can't wait. ------------ From the March 6-12 TV Guide under News Flashes: With the increased profile of the $2 campaign, this probably raises expectations for the number of bills UPN is expecting to get. So please you guys, send in the bills. At least this way UPN executives know there is a large, demographically diverse, devoted fan base for this show. It would look really bad if they only got a few dozen bills. For complete details you can visit this post at television without pity. -------------- Eonline Kristin annual Save our Show campaign lists VM as being in serious danger of being canceled. She will write an article about the show that gets the most votes. Here's the direct link for the poll. The winner is announced March 12th. Just as a reminder VM won the Kristin's Watch It award a few months ago because of the crazy ballot stuffing VM fans. When Kristin announced that VM won, she even admitted that she wanted VM to win the award. Judging by the fact that she left Arrested Development off the poll, I think Kristin is slanting the poll to help VM. So keep on stuffing; we have alot of free time since the next new episode doesn't air until March 29th. Well, I did my bit! I tell ya, I'm enjoying a lot of shows right now, feeling like we've got a mini TV renaissance going. But I've given my heart to VM. May turn out that I may break that heart, but better to risk it all for love, eh? As Spike would no doubt agree. ;D Lola
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Post by SpringSummers on Feb 27, 2005 9:37:15 GMT -5
This was such a good episode, and I love all the things you brought to my attention in this review, Spring! I'd of course noticed the parallel plots of missing moms, but hadn't quite noticed the exactness of the match. As you put it: Of course, VM surprised me completely by reversing the resolutions I had been expecting. (That Logan would find his mom but Veronica would still be looking for hers.) I wonder if the multiple mentions of alternately "overly romanticized" love scenarios (princesses and soul mates) and comercial transactions disguised as romance (hookers, etc.) are meant to make us consider if a different road than either of them is really the better way to follow. As you said, it's a very human thing, the need for love. Veronica and crew are providing us with many different view of how love can play out. Yes - and this makes me wonder about Veronica calling Leo "a prince." What I mean is . . . is it foreshadowing the idea that things will work out between Veronica and Leo, that they are meant for each other. . . or is it foreshadowing the idea that they each have very idealized expectations and are bound to be disappointed? That they aren't meant to be soulmates after all? It could be seen either way, at this point. Oh - Time After Time did play at the dance. That is what made me think to use it. As always, thanks so much for your feedback, Lola. It is much appreciated.
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Post by Bluesman on Feb 28, 2005 0:33:58 GMT -5
One theme I noted in this episode (and I apologize if it's already been highlighted) is people stressing the need for Veronica to just be a high school kid at times. Wallace tells Veronica sometimes she just needs to hang out. I love Wallace by the way. Veronica gives Wallace a look that seems a little puzzled. Keith tells Veronica bluntly she needs to do high school kids stuff. She blows him off in her usual charming way. Meg drags Veronica to the dance and invites Leo. Veronica throws Meg at Duncan and plans to leave.
I think Veronica is stretching herself very thin. And those who love her are trying to get her to grab onto the safety ring they keep throwing out to her. But what do we see, Veronica now has her mother to care for, another weight to rest upon our heroine's shoulders.
Just random thoughts. I'll probably post more later. After all, we have a bit of a wait for the next episode.
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Post by SpringSummers on Feb 28, 2005 8:21:27 GMT -5
One theme I noted in this episode (and I apologize if it's already been highlighted) is people stressing the need for Veronica to just be a high school kid at times. Wallace tells Veronica sometimes she just needs to hang out. I love Wallace by the way. Veronica gives Wallace a look that seems a little puzzled. Keith tells Veronica bluntly she needs to do high school kids stuff. She blows him off in her usual charming way. Meg drags Veronica to the dance and invites Leo. Veronica throws Meg at Duncan and plans to leave. I think Veronica is stretching herself very thin. And those who love her are trying to get her to grab onto the safety ring they keep throwing out to her. But what do we see, Veronica now has her mother to care for, another weight to rest upon our heroine's shoulders. Just random thoughts. I'll probably post more later. After all, we have a bit of a wait for the next episode. Yes - I thought the "why don't you act like a regular HSer" stuff served two purposes - it fit with the overall theme of people not being who we are expecting them to be, and then what you mention above. Veronica seems to have reacted to the extreme trauma in her young life by hiding behind this "tough adult" persona, but we've seen how truly fragile she is underneath it all - the biggest example I can think of being how she fell apart when Keith was dating again, though at first she tried to act all grown-up and cool about it.
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Post by Karen on Feb 28, 2005 17:54:56 GMT -5
Spring - another delightful, insighful review. I find it a wonderful correlation/juxtposition in a week when several scub'ies were commenting about love, past love, taking a chance on new love that Veronica Mars would focus on taking a chance on love. I enjoyed the car insights - something I did not note when watching. I become so mesmerized in the story and the acting in front of me. I'm swept along. Then reading the comments and in-depth analysis I sit and think well of course, why didn't I see that? Thanks again. Just want to pop in quick and thank-you, Spring for your review. I'm really enjoying VM and it's so nice to have you and Sue and all the S'cubies suss out the details. I agree with you about not feeling any sexual tension between Logan and Veronica, but there is something there. Maybe soulmates is the correct term for it, because when I think of 'soulmates', the first thing that pops in my mind is 'love', not 'lust'. They certainly are kindred spirits, at this point. Both losing their mothers - but one is found, and the other seems to be gone. Duncan and Veronica - I got the definite vibe that Duncan picked Veronica's only friend to hit on - but what that means, I don't know. He's definitely still hurting, but trying to move on. Leo as Veronica's prince? I didn't feel the 'love' there. He's cute, but I think it was very telling that Veronica wanted to stay in the hall and give him a kiss rather than go back to the party with him. Ticked that we have to wait a month for a new ep. Are they going to show reruns at least? Thanks again, Spring!
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Post by SpringSummers on Feb 28, 2005 19:49:12 GMT -5
Just want to pop in quick and thank-you, Spring for your review. I'm really enjoying VM and it's so nice to have you and Sue and all the S'cubies suss out the details. I agree with you about not feeling any sexual tension between Logan and Veronica, but there is something there. Maybe soulmates is the correct term for it, because when I think of 'soulmates', the first thing that pops in my mind is 'love', not 'lust'. They certainly are kindred spirits, at this point. Both losing their mothers - but one is found, and the other seems to be gone. Duncan and Veronica - I got the definite vibe that Duncan picked Veronica's only friend to hit on - but what that means, I don't know. He's definitely still hurting, but trying to move on. Leo as Veronica's prince? I didn't feel the 'love' there. He's cute, but I think it was very telling that Veronica wanted to stay in the hall and give him a kiss rather than go back to the party with him. Ticked that we have to wait a month for a new ep. Are they going to show reruns at least? Thanks again, Spring! You're welcome, Karen. I agree on your thoughts here. With Leo . . . Veronica calling him a prince in a show with all those "fairy tale" and "princess" references . . . it could go either way on the foreshadowing. It could be trying to tell us that Leo will turn out to be the guy for her. Or considering how the episode is full of misidentifications (that's not Mom; that's not the secret admirer; that's not a Russian bride; that's not an THE Tom Cruise, etc.), it could be telling us that Veronica is misidentifying who her actual prince will be! I did notice that Leo sarcastically called Logan a "very promising young man," but - like you, I'm not feeling any sexual chemistry between Veronica and Logan, at least not so far. Chemistry, yes - but - it is so hard to actually pinpoint this kind of thing or explain it - but it just isn't coming across as sexual attraction for me. I think it may be about Logan and Veronica's "age difference" - not a "physical age" difference, but a maturity difference. Logan seems much "younger" than Veronica. I can imagine her caring about him and feeling sorry for him and wanting to help him . . . having a big sister feeling for him.
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Post by Rob on Feb 28, 2005 21:20:01 GMT -5
All your reviews are excellent, but this one really piqued my interest, Spring. The theme of feeling wanted and loved permeated the episode in such unique ways...from Veronica's perverse pleasure at the "horned" sketch to Logan's drunken cry for help at the dance. People are willing to do - or believe - almost anything that could provide that ray of hope...which, in Logan's case, means attention any way he can get it. One other similarity I perceived from the major teenage characters is choosing the bliss of ignorance. Logan, Veronica and Duncan all refuse to explore negative possibilities regarding their parents, though in very different ways. Logan's is the most obvious - no son would want to believe a parent could be selfish enough to willingly leave him alone in the world. Veronica's is slightly grayer, but it's telling that she destroyed that paternity test. She chooses not to know. In the case of her mother, her narration has never mentioned the possibility that Lianne Mars might somehow be involved in Lily's death. Serious - and completely understandable - blinders have been applied there. Duncan's prescription medication - while apparently a medical necessity - was still used as an emblem of choice. Mental clarity might well provide answers about his family tragedy that he'd sooner not know...thereby ending the the brief drug-free experiment. Even Keith, who is easily the most stable and caring parental figure among the three, has had shadows of suspicion thrown his way at times. The aforementioned paternity test is but one example; I have a very strong feeling he knows a great deal more than he chooses to share with Veronica, undoubtedly to protect her from something. I think almost every child has that distinctly uncomfortable moment of clarity when they understand their parents are as human and fallible as they. In my own case, my Mom and Dad were extremely closed-mouthed about the more...interesting events of their pasts. Partially because it was their own damned business...and partially due to my youth. Pre-teens generally aren't sophisticated enough to perceive the gray areas of life. I think Keith is trying as hard as he can to ascribe to that method, and if my own personal example means anything, I think that is the right way...to a point. Eventually, things come to light. It's inevitable. At this point, I think it's probably past time for him to tell her everything. She's a remarkably intelligent and resilient young woman, and she's clearly going to find stuff out one way or the other. It would be a lot easier on both if those revelations came from him. The Echolls method (or lack thereof) was total self-involvement...so much so that their children were forced to bear witness to every sordid thing. We're witnessing the tragic consequences of those actions every week, through Logan's cruel and desperate behavior. I suspect the bond between Trina and Logan (whether they consciously understand it or not) comes from their shared experience. They only had each other...until Trina escaped the best way she knew how. That left Logan alone in the house. Then he lost his girlfriend in one of the worst ways possible. Now he's lost his mother...in perhaps THE worst way possible, because she chose it. I don't want Logan with Veronica romantically; she just doesn't have what it takes to deal with someone so damaged. They would both just get terribly hurt. Friendship, though....genuine, no-strings friendship...can do wonders. Witness how much good Wallace has already done for Veronica...without even consciously trying. Ok, enough rambling. Once again, Spring, terrific review. You always get me thinking.
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Post by Bluesman on Feb 28, 2005 23:30:58 GMT -5
I echo Rob's comments on Spring's review--and really enjoyed the points he made. This has the potential to be very powerful television as we explore these issues. I ask for season two and I truly hope the network doesn't tinker with Rob's vision.
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Post by SpringSummers on Mar 1, 2005 20:42:10 GMT -5
All your reviews are excellent, but this one really piqued my interest, Spring. Thanks, Rob. Great thoughts on this, Rob. I agree with all your thoughts, here. Thanks for sharing them.
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