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Post by raenstorm on Feb 13, 2006 0:33:15 GMT -5
I'm not going back to quote the post where we were talking about Logan and his comment to Hannah about Dick working the slushie booth but I think I sorta figured that out while working on my review. It's a set up so that later Logan can call their day a "date". When they are sitting in the Bounce House with their slushies in hand, he tells her that he's pretty sure it fits the definition of a date since he won her a stuffed animal and bought her a drink. I think his comment about Dick being all about the Royals is just a reference to the fact that Dick is one of Neptune High's social "royalty" and nothing more than that. However, it does turn out to be funny for the audience since we hear that Dick is all about the Royals and then we see him disappear into the back seat with a drag queen. By the way, Rae...your avatar? Wonderful. Thanks
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Post by spring popping in on Feb 13, 2006 7:42:40 GMT -5
My review is off to Spring. Took a little longer than anticipated because I had company (Mom came up for my birthday) but I finally got it finished tonight. It's a little long but, hey, there was a lot packed into this episode! Rae - will try to get it posted at lunchtime . . . if I can't, it will be this evening. Can't wait to read it! #wavey#
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Post by Spaced Out Looney on Feb 13, 2006 9:05:53 GMT -5
Mostly notes from reading through the thread, but anyway:
Dunk tank at a *winter* carnival? Yeah, California, but still.
Lots of green. gotta start paying attention to color schemes and wardrobe.
I noticed the balloons too. Ophelia still had hers during the interrogation and there was a really long shot of it at one point. (At least I think that's where it was.) Weird/Interesting.
Ah, Weevil's growing out his hair, *that's* why he looked different.
Loved that Dick got what was coming to him.
Loved Keith's equal parts fanboy and detective with Jackie's dad.
Kids are mean. No doubt about it.
The actors manage to actually manage look like teenagers in the classroom scenes. Then like young adults the rest of the time.
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Post by SpringSummers on Feb 13, 2006 20:27:50 GMT -5
S’cubies! Great news! You’re all going to the amusement park with Veronica Mars! [/size] [/center] Yes – get your ticket, and go to the S3 home page at www.soulfulspike.com, to enjoy a day at the carnival, courtesy of our very own Rae. Get in line to read her review of the latest VM ep:
AIN’T NO MAGIC MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH: Veronica Mars the Ride Or, to go directly to the review, click the clown below!Rae gives you quite a ride, all while dishing out some great cotton candy for thought. Yet your tummy won't hurt a bit! Hurry! Tickets are free, and the roller coaster will make you giddy!
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Post by SpringSummers on Feb 13, 2006 21:56:38 GMT -5
Rae:
Nice work for a sub! Loved the Keith/Veronica parallels you pointed out: Not to mention the fact that they even mirror each other when they reveal the information, pushing a button on their laptop and swiveling the screen to face the guilty party’s way. See, JB, you never stood a chance. That brain? That’s genetics, baby! You betcha.
I do agree that the love thing with Veronica & Weevil, is, for now at least, meant to be seen as strictly platonic. Just not getting any other vibes, at this point. I mean, neither is blind, so they can see the other is attractive, but – just not picking up anything beyond that.
I agree with your take on the Jackie-snubbing: Jackie’s dad is only accused of being involved in the bus crash and she’s fallen to the last rung of the social ladder. What makes the difference in Jackie’s case? I think it’s because of the number of students involved and how many other students were affected by it. Even the one 09er involved is now dead so every social class has been touched by the crash. Plus, it’s consistent with the way the entire school turned on Jessie back in “Driver’s Ed.”
And I would add that Jackie is a “new girl.” I think that makes a difference too. We can assume that everyone has known Logan and Dick since they were all in kindergarten together. Another aspect that is hinted at is that Jackie is black . . . I know it’s the 21st century, but people can definitely still be snooty about this. Snooty people cling to that kind of “distinction,” anything that can help them feel innately superior isn’t easily given up.
I agree that Logan planned the whole Hannah thing. I feel very sorry for Hannah, as she is plainly falling for the act. I know Logan has a lot at stake here (a lot, a lot, a lot) but using that girl any farther – getting more involved, letting her think he’s seriously interested (I’m guessing he won’t go so far as to have sex with her), is pretty ooky. I hope he’ll keep the whole thing to a minimum to get the info he needs.
I agree that Dick is picking on Beaver due to envy of his relationship with Mac.
On Madison: I can’t help but wonder who the “older guy” giving her “longies” is! Terrence? Woody? Don?? Could she have been screwing around with Dick’s Dad, while Kendall dallied with Logan? Does any of this have anything to do with the bus crash?
I’m not sure I buy Terrence’s ideas about the Don/Woody relationship. I am thinking Woody may have promised Don that he would have a significant role, somehow, in the incorporation, if it happened. To me, Don’s most notable characteristic is his ability to be led by the nose (manipulated) by others.
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Post by Pixi on Feb 14, 2006 9:06:08 GMT -5
Wow Rae - terrific review. So much to love, so much to comment on. What a great hook to draw in the reader. It was like that wasn't it? The sugary taste of Hannah/Logan, the roller coaster ride - Hee - I loved this. Nice compare and contrast with Mr. Pope. Actually I'm a little sad to see Ms. Hauser walking off into the evil sunset. I really liked her character as a crabby teacher because it was so wonderfully realistic. Clemmons snarky commentary to her throughout - just magnificent. I love the way VM uses the secondary characters so effectively. Really - it kind of makes you wonder why oh why they couldn't use Duncan more effectively? Yes - the name was a definite clue adn I love the red balloon. Course it did give me Sixth Sense flashbacks so I kept looking for dead bus people everywhere. Emphasize the platonic. And gah on reenacting the kiss. Eek - Rae - my eyes, my eyes. Don't make me get out the spork! Nice parellel. Oh again - nice! I find Dick getting more and more sinister as the hail fellow well met mask seems to be peeling more and more. Love the themes - great summary. I really enjoyed this. I pimped you on my LJ as you are so reluctant to pimp yourself.
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Post by Michelle on Feb 14, 2006 12:01:16 GMT -5
Rae, great job filling in! I really liked the connections you made between royalty and the hoi polloi. I totally missed Bambi Gasm being a drag *queen.* Hee! (I mean, I knew s/he was a transvestite, but I didn't get the royalty slant). I also liked the hot/cold comparison, the water themes, and the references to fables and fairy tales. And there was the obvious shout-out to Hamlet. I hope Hannah isn't going to go crazy and drown herself when she discovers Logan's true motivation! So much packed into one episode! That makes the fact that they're delaying new episodes for several weeks all the more frustrating! Why not dump Sunset Beach or whatever it's called, and show Season 1 Veronica Mars eps as a lead-in to fresh shows? Mess with the show that is causing the problem, not the show that actually has a chance of attracting viewers! Heh, sorry about that. I probably shouldn't sully feedback to Rae for her review with a rant about UPN.
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Post by Lola m on Feb 14, 2006 23:15:24 GMT -5
Rae!! What a fab analysis! So much good stuff to comment on . . . where should I begin? Loved the ride metaphor (but then again, I'm a rollercoaster addict and my favorite part is the "hang time" in the first car before the whole thing kicks loose and tears around the track). You found so many examples in this episode of class differences! I noticed a lot of them as I was watching, but I don't think I really saw how completely the idea was woven into the entire story. Some of the things that you pointed out that particulary struck me were: the teachers that are becoming vocal about the class differences between them and their students; the examples of 09'er "royalty" versus the hoi poloi; Thumper and Weevil, Jackie and Madison demonstrating there are layers of status within the classes; Woody's attempt to use Terrance Cook to get the support of '09er minorities. It just all seems to be giving us such a strong vibe this season, that it must play a large role in the bus crash. Eetah over your thoughts on Dick - not complicated, but dangerous. The comparison to Aaron Echolls is chilling for several reasons. Not only because of what it might mean to the events of this season, but because of what it says about his friendship with Logan. Your bullet points were funny and insightful and delightfully thorough!! All in all, a completely great analysis, Rae! Brava!
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Post by Rob on Feb 15, 2006 11:27:43 GMT -5
That makes the fact that they're delaying new episodes for several weeks all the more frustrating! Why not dump Sunset Beach or whatever it's called, and show Season 1 Veronica Mars eps as a lead-in to fresh shows? Mess with the show that is causing the problem, not the show that actually has a chance of attracting viewers! When I first heard of it, I, too, was deeply annoyed with UPN for screwing around with the schedule in this manner...but I must admit there is some method to the madness. The ratings performance of "South Beach" has been nothing less than dismal; if any positive spin can be applied here, it would be VM's more than tripling its lead-in audience. The network probably believes the ratings will go back to their early Season 2 numbers once "Top Model" returns...as a result, they decided not to "waste" any more new episodes. For once, I have to say I agree with them; "South Beach" is an experiment that has tanked miserably; there was no need to drag VM down with it. I still think they botched it somewhat with the silly preview mistake from last week, however. What, they decided they were going to change the schedule DURING the airing of "Ain't No Magic?" That seems hard to believe. Either way, it was clumsily handled. To UPN's credit, it appears they understand that.
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Post by Michelle on Feb 16, 2006 9:31:16 GMT -5
For once, I have to say I agree with them; "South Beach" is an experiment that has tanked miserably; there was no need to drag VM down with it. I still think they botched it somewhat with the silly preview mistake from last week, however. What, they decided they were going to change the schedule DURING the airing of "Ain't No Magic?" That seems hard to believe. Either way, it was clumsily handled. To UPN's credit, it appears they understand that. Yes Rob, after reading fan response both here and a couple other places, I think I understand UPN's decision a little better. But because fans are so fickle, and there are so many other entertainment options to choose from, I'm concerned that this gap in airing fresh shows will not help VM's ratings in the slightest.
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Post by zimshan on Feb 16, 2006 16:51:42 GMT -5
Okay, so I'm just now getting to commenting. I'm finding myself real glad we have a month of hiatus. I never would have had time for an ep this week... DAMN, Rae. That's some great analysis there. I love how you organized this review. Everything as a piece of a ride? What a fantastic idea! I wish I could give you some more constructive feedback but I’m abit flail-y. Nothing is more exciting than reading a review about an ep I originally hated, and consequently makes me love it by the end. Jackie’s quick fall from grace could lead to an interesting study of Neptune High’s 09er “royalty” and social standings. Logan’s father is arrested for the murder of Lilly Kane and the attempted murder of Veronica. Logan himself is accused of murdering someone and, yet, he’s still the Social King of Neptune High. Dick’s dad flees the country because he’s been scamming millions out of people and Dick hasn’t suffered a bit socially. Jackie’s dad is only accused of being involved in the bus crash and she’s fallen to the last rung of the social ladder. What makes the difference in Jackie’s case?
I must say, that really did annoy me. Add in the soiled Kane name also. I really do wish they’d at least make an knowledgement to it somehow. Though I did hear one person point out the gender lines in it all. That perhaps they are trying to show that being a girl in that high school caste system is a damn lot harder. Girl’s are heartless on other girls in stomp-worthy positions. That is also consistent with the history between Jackie and Veronica. Still, Veronica does well by not continuing to jump to quick conclusions about Jackie. Perhaps seeing a bit of herself in Jackie, bringing us back to Jackie’s comparison between the two of them.
You know, I got so caught up in this whole mess, I didn’t even realize that though Rob wanted to get us to like Jackie, he also had a more important job. To get Veronica to like her. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that before. Kind of amazing how the majority of the audience has completely sided with Veronica on everything. Maybe we should be reminded of her biased narrative? In a sad twist of fate, where one Mars gains respect for one Cook another Mars loses a great deal of a respect another Cook. For better and for worse, our first impressions aren’t always right.
Ooo. Nice catch. Oh, being irrational for eps really doesn’t work well. I seem to have missed all the good stuff… The first few bites are always the best; they give you a little spark of energy and leave you craving more. Even when you start to realize you’ve had too many, you keeping eating. Then at the end of the day, when you’re leaving the park, it’s been a good day and you’re smiling but you can’t ignore the nauseous feeling in the pit of your stomach. Not quite enough to make you throw up, just enough to sour your excitement a bit and make you curse the evil of sweets.
Wow. This completely describes the whole episode for me. Excellent analogy! In a way, Dick reminded me of Aaron in this episode. He swings back and forth between simplistic asshole to raging Dick so seamlessly that it’s almost scary.
YIKES! Now I'm scared... Especially now that he and Mac are a team, they appear to be cute and cuddlely but together they have a dangerous combination of know-how and money.
My thoughts exactly. I can’t wait… Ah, you pulled all these themes together so well!! I’m so glad someone was able to go through and find all this in the script. I didn't even notice the further class division commentary. Ack. · Liquid/Water/Sea: Appropriately, we often get a lot of liquid/water imagery in Neptune. This episode is no exception.
More water metaphors! How did I miss them! Sexual Innuendos: This one is fairly obvious but we had a lot of sexual references in this episode. I’m not sure that these will ever end up being important but just in case, I made a list.
It is a Diane script. I’d say that explains it all. But the mountains! HA! What’s your poison, little boy? You know, I’m a little sad that this is the one episode we don’t have Logan biting into an apple but, since he’s actually the evil witch tempting the innocent girl this time, I guess I’ll overlook the chance for that obvious symbolism.
Oh,no! We’ve been deprived of more Lg/apple posts! And perhaps Logan in a cape! This is quite sad. Rob deserves a scolding… “I can’t help but notice that you’re separated from the herd and I’m concerned. Predators and all that.” I’ll say. Does that make Logan the wolf in sheep’s clothing?
Ooooo… And, that folks, is Veronica Mars the Ride. Push on the lap bar to release it, gather your belongings, and exit the episode to the right.
Aw, such a cute little gimmick. It pulled together the episode so nicely! What a great job!!
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Post by zimshan on Feb 16, 2006 17:02:05 GMT -5
[snipped for length] -Continuity Crack: Even if they were slapped down on the table rudely in front of us... - 107 Mr. Daniels Car - Mr. Pope reference - Corny...laughing! Always fun... - Clemmons!! How much did I love that he listened to Veronica? Great, great stuff... - Tritons. Bringing back the actual guy in the pictures for that? That was slick, even if the actualness was heavyhanded... - Cora - Too bad she didn't have more of a purpose here, but it was nice to see her again... They didn't, though. Bring back the actual guy in the pictures. It's a different guy... they just photoshopped the pictures to make it look like it was him. Oh, well, now that's just sad...
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Post by zimshan on Feb 16, 2006 17:08:34 GMT -5
On Madison: I can’t help but wonder who the “older guy” giving her “longies” is! Terrence? Woody? Don?? Could she have been screwing around with Dick’s Dad, while Kendall dallied with Logan? Does any of this have anything to do with the bus crash? Yup, yup. That's my feeling too. Lamb's definitely a weaselly guy but I don't think I could believe he was doing this by himself. There's most definitely someone else playing with his puppet strings...
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Post by raenstorm on Feb 17, 2006 16:43:17 GMT -5
Rae: Nice work for a sub! Loved the Keith/Veronica parallels you pointed out: Not to mention the fact that they even mirror each other when they reveal the information, pushing a button on their laptop and swiveling the screen to face the guilty party’s way. See, JB, you never stood a chance. That brain? That’s genetics, baby! You betcha. I do agree that the love thing with Veronica & Weevil, is, for now at least, meant to be seen as strictly platonic. Just not getting any other vibes, at this point. I mean, neither is blind, so they can see the other is attractive, but – just not picking up anything beyond that. I agree with your take on the Jackie-snubbing: Jackie’s dad is only accused of being involved in the bus crash and she’s fallen to the last rung of the social ladder. What makes the difference in Jackie’s case? I think it’s because of the number of students involved and how many other students were affected by it. Even the one 09er involved is now dead so every social class has been touched by the crash. Plus, it’s consistent with the way the entire school turned on Jessie back in “Driver’s Ed.” And I would add that Jackie is a “new girl.” I think that makes a difference too. We can assume that everyone has known Logan and Dick since they were all in kindergarten together. Another aspect that is hinted at is that Jackie is black . . . I know it’s the 21st century, but people can definitely still be snooty about this. Snooty people cling to that kind of “distinction,” anything that can help them feel innately superior isn’t easily given up. I agree that Logan planned the whole Hannah thing. I feel very sorry for Hannah, as she is plainly falling for the act. I know Logan has a lot at stake here (a lot, a lot, a lot) but using that girl any farther – getting more involved, letting her think he’s seriously interested (I’m guessing he won’t go so far as to have sex with her), is pretty ooky. I hope he’ll keep the whole thing to a minimum to get the info he needs. I agree that Dick is picking on Beaver due to envy of his relationship with Mac. On Madison: I can’t help but wonder who the “older guy” giving her “longies” is! Terrence? Woody? Don?? Could she have been screwing around with Dick’s Dad, while Kendall dallied with Logan? Does any of this have anything to do with the bus crash? I’m not sure I buy Terrence’s ideas about the Don/Woody relationship. I am thinking Woody may have promised Don that he would have a significant role, somehow, in the incorporation, if it happened. To me, Don’s most notable characteristic is his ability to be led by the nose (manipulated) by others. Thanks, Spring! Yeah, I'm not picking up anything between Veronica & Weevil either. They've had these type of exchanges before so I'm not sure why everyone is suddenly picturing them together. I think they do have some chemistry but I think Veronica has chemistry with most of the men in her life and I don't take that to mean she's going to end up with each of them. Good point about Jackie being the new girl, especially if others took an immediate dislike to her like Veronica did. She was very snobbish at first with people (and we saw how she used Cora for her own purposes with Veronica) so it's possible that isn't helping now that people have a reason to turn on her. I'm not sure what to think about Logan right now. We keep getting told over and over again that he's an asshole so I'm not sure how far he'll go with Hannah. I don't necessarily want him to fall in love with her but I'd like to see him realize how he'll end up hurting her and see him draw back because of it. I dunno what I think about Madison but you've just 'icked' me out with the images of her with those guys! First Lilly, now Madison. Ugh. However, Madison is the type who would take the news of Lilly sleeping with Aaron almost as approval that it's ok to do that... eww. And she was at Gia's sleepover....... I have some conflicting thoughts about Woody and Don. First is that Woody wanted Keith to run for Sheriff and he hoped that he'd win, which would mean that Don would have been the one without a job and possibly the next logical choice to be Chief of Police of the newly incorporated Neptune. So, if that's the case, then Terrence wouldn't be quite right about their relationship. On the other hand, if that was the plan, he surely would have clued Don into it and I don't get good vibes off of Don towards Woody so it's possible Terrence is right. I need more interaction between these people to know for sure.
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Post by raenstorm on Feb 17, 2006 16:48:37 GMT -5
Wow Rae - terrific review. So much to love, so much to comment on. What a great hook to draw in the reader. It was like that wasn't it? The sugary taste of Hannah/Logan, the roller coaster ride - Hee - I loved this. Nice compare and contrast with Mr. Pope. Actually I'm a little sad to see Ms. Hauser walking off into the evil sunset. I really liked her character as a crabby teacher because it was so wonderfully realistic. Clemmons snarky commentary to her throughout - just magnificent. I love the way VM uses the secondary characters so effectively. Really - it kind of makes you wonder why oh why they couldn't use Duncan more effectively? Yes - the name was a definite clue adn I love the red balloon. Course it did give me Sixth Sense flashbacks so I kept looking for dead bus people everywhere. Emphasize the platonic. And gah on reenacting the kiss. Eek - Rae - my eyes, my eyes. Don't make me get out the spork! Nice parellel. Oh again - nice! I find Dick getting more and more sinister as the hail fellow well met mask seems to be peeling more and more. Love the themes - great summary. I really enjoyed this. I pimped you on my LJ as you are so reluctant to pimp yourself. Thanks, Pix!! I'm glad you liked it I'll miss Ms. Hauser myself. I kept hoping her date with Deputy Sacks would come up again. But maybe that's why she's so crabby this episode? Could the romance have gone sour, prompting for her to try and escape? LOL!!! Ok, ok, don't touch the spork. I don't want them to re-enact the kiss either so we're good. Thanks for the pimping, m'dear.
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