Veronica Mars Season 1 created by Rob Thomas
Thomas, R. (Producer) (2009). Veronica mars: Season 1 [Television series]. United States: Warner Brothers.
Plot Summary
Veronica Mars is a junior in high school, and the most ostracized girl in school. She used to popular, until her wealthy boyfriend broke up with her, her best friend Lilly was murdered, and Veronica’s father suspected Lilly’s father (Jake Kane) was the murderer. Veronica tried to maintain friendships, but after being raped at a party decides to isolate herself. Her father was the sheriff of Neptune, CA, but after wrongly blaming Jake Kane of murdering his daughter, was replaced by Sheriff Don Lamb. He now runs Mars Investigations where Veronica is secretary, and moonlights as a private eye herself. Students at Neptune High know where to go to find help, and Veronica saves all her money for college, she wants out of Neptune. Veronica finds a friend in Wallace Fennel, a new student who was duct taped to the flagpole by the Latino Biker Gang. Wallace figures he’d rather be friends with the girl who saved him than the students who laughed at him. Adding to the confusion is Abel Koontz, the man who confessed to murdering Lilly, but evidence surfaces that proves he did not. Why would he confess? Why did Duncan, her boyfriend, break up with her? Who raped her? And, most importantly, who killed Lilly Kane? These are the questions Veronica wants answered, and she will go to all odds to figure them out.
Critical Evaluation
The wise beyond her years Veronica Mars is an amazing title character played to perfection by Kristen Bell. She maintains a delicate balance of cynicism, street smarts, vulnerability, and sarcasm that makes Veronica a difficult character to forget. The entire season is pitch-perfect in its portrayal of a neo-noir, modern, hard-boiled Nancy Drew. Each episode contains a mystery, usually solved by the end of 44 minutes by the spectacular Veronica. An overarching mystery is beautifully interwoven throughout the entire season with a conclusion that will leave viewers gasping with surprise. The last episode will not be the only time surprised gasps will be heard, as several twists will delight and horrify viewers. Difficult themes including rape, alcoholic parents, single-parent homes, adultery, and murder make this a show for mature teens who are also aware enough to grasp the important messages conveyed. A fantastic supporting cast only recommends watching this cult favorite. And Veronica herself is not as tough as she seems. After all, they say, "You're a marshmallow Veronica Mars."
Reader’s Annotation
Veronica Mars is going to figure out why her boyfriend broke up with her, why her mother left, who raped her, and who killed her best friend.
About the Author
Rob Thomas began working for Channel One in Los Angeles, but when he is taught how to use the coffee maker, suspects the job will not be what he expects. He begins to write his first novel out of boredom. In 1995, several months after beginning his Channel One job, Simon & Schuster buy his novel. Thomas writes for Dawson’s Creek, but is not rehired due to some comments he made. In 1999, he signs a four-year television development deal with 20th Century Fox. Thomas works on and off writing for television shows, but begins to have a reputation for being difficult. In 2004, the Veronica Mars script is accepted by UPN and is ordered as a series. After three years the show is cancelled and Thomas is on to other writing projects.
Rob Thomas was born in Washington State, but moved to Texas when he was ten and considers himself a native. Thomas now lives in Hollywood. Before turning to television, Thomas taught high school journalism for five years, and worked as an advisor to the University of Texas magazine Utmost. He feels “critical darling, commercial failure” to be on his tombstone, as his shows are all critically acclaimed, but fail to do well in the ratings. He is married and has one daughter, Greta Mae Thomas.
Genre
Mystery/Drama/Neo-Noir
Curriculum Ties
Social Issues/Bullying
Booktalking
Who Killed Lilly Kane? Is it her wealthy, appearance caring parents, loving but medicated brother, or someone else?
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: N/A
IL: 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues include sexual relationships, murder, crime, rape, and abuse. I probably would not include in a school library.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for DVD inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a DVD is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the DVD fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire DVD was viewed, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have listened to the DVD and either enjoyed or disliked the DVD and why.
Why Included
Veronica Mars was my favorite show during high school. It was on the teenage friendly UPN before it merged with WB and became CW. Recently, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to fund a Veronica Mars movie. The initial goal was $2 million, but eventually went on to raise nearly $6 million with 91,000 backers. There will be a Veronica Mars movie in 2014, and the series that ended suddenly after three years will have a conclusion.
Others in the Series
Veronica Mars Season 2
Veronica Mars Season 3
Veronica Mars: The Movie (to be released early 2014)
References
Thomas, R. (n.d.). About rob thomas. Retrieved from http://www.slaverats.com/
Thomas, R. (Producer) (2009). Veronica mars: Season 1 [Television series]. United States: Warner Brothers.
Plot Summary
Veronica Mars is a junior in high school, and the most ostracized girl in school. She used to popular, until her wealthy boyfriend broke up with her, her best friend Lilly was murdered, and Veronica’s father suspected Lilly’s father (Jake Kane) was the murderer. Veronica tried to maintain friendships, but after being raped at a party decides to isolate herself. Her father was the sheriff of Neptune, CA, but after wrongly blaming Jake Kane of murdering his daughter, was replaced by Sheriff Don Lamb. He now runs Mars Investigations where Veronica is secretary, and moonlights as a private eye herself. Students at Neptune High know where to go to find help, and Veronica saves all her money for college, she wants out of Neptune. Veronica finds a friend in Wallace Fennel, a new student who was duct taped to the flagpole by the Latino Biker Gang. Wallace figures he’d rather be friends with the girl who saved him than the students who laughed at him. Adding to the confusion is Abel Koontz, the man who confessed to murdering Lilly, but evidence surfaces that proves he did not. Why would he confess? Why did Duncan, her boyfriend, break up with her? Who raped her? And, most importantly, who killed Lilly Kane? These are the questions Veronica wants answered, and she will go to all odds to figure them out.
Critical Evaluation
The wise beyond her years Veronica Mars is an amazing title character played to perfection by Kristen Bell. She maintains a delicate balance of cynicism, street smarts, vulnerability, and sarcasm that makes Veronica a difficult character to forget. The entire season is pitch-perfect in its portrayal of a neo-noir, modern, hard-boiled Nancy Drew. Each episode contains a mystery, usually solved by the end of 44 minutes by the spectacular Veronica. An overarching mystery is beautifully interwoven throughout the entire season with a conclusion that will leave viewers gasping with surprise. The last episode will not be the only time surprised gasps will be heard, as several twists will delight and horrify viewers. Difficult themes including rape, alcoholic parents, single-parent homes, adultery, and murder make this a show for mature teens who are also aware enough to grasp the important messages conveyed. A fantastic supporting cast only recommends watching this cult favorite. And Veronica herself is not as tough as she seems. After all, they say, "You're a marshmallow Veronica Mars."
Reader’s Annotation
Veronica Mars is going to figure out why her boyfriend broke up with her, why her mother left, who raped her, and who killed her best friend.
About the Author
Rob Thomas began working for Channel One in Los Angeles, but when he is taught how to use the coffee maker, suspects the job will not be what he expects. He begins to write his first novel out of boredom. In 1995, several months after beginning his Channel One job, Simon & Schuster buy his novel. Thomas writes for Dawson’s Creek, but is not rehired due to some comments he made. In 1999, he signs a four-year television development deal with 20th Century Fox. Thomas works on and off writing for television shows, but begins to have a reputation for being difficult. In 2004, the Veronica Mars script is accepted by UPN and is ordered as a series. After three years the show is cancelled and Thomas is on to other writing projects.
Rob Thomas was born in Washington State, but moved to Texas when he was ten and considers himself a native. Thomas now lives in Hollywood. Before turning to television, Thomas taught high school journalism for five years, and worked as an advisor to the University of Texas magazine Utmost. He feels “critical darling, commercial failure” to be on his tombstone, as his shows are all critically acclaimed, but fail to do well in the ratings. He is married and has one daughter, Greta Mae Thomas.
Genre
Mystery/Drama/Neo-Noir
Curriculum Ties
Social Issues/Bullying
Booktalking
Who Killed Lilly Kane? Is it her wealthy, appearance caring parents, loving but medicated brother, or someone else?
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: N/A
IL: 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues include sexual relationships, murder, crime, rape, and abuse. I probably would not include in a school library.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for DVD inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a DVD is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the DVD fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire DVD was viewed, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have listened to the DVD and either enjoyed or disliked the DVD and why.
Why Included
Veronica Mars was my favorite show during high school. It was on the teenage friendly UPN before it merged with WB and became CW. Recently, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to fund a Veronica Mars movie. The initial goal was $2 million, but eventually went on to raise nearly $6 million with 91,000 backers. There will be a Veronica Mars movie in 2014, and the series that ended suddenly after three years will have a conclusion.
Others in the Series
Veronica Mars Season 2
Veronica Mars Season 3
Veronica Mars: The Movie (to be released early 2014)
References
Thomas, R. (n.d.). About rob thomas. Retrieved from http://www.slaverats.com/
RSS Feed