In the eleventh episode of the third season of Veronica Mars, Veronica assists someone find a missed connection of sorts from Comic-Con. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Veronica Mars.
Trigger Warning: For talk of sex work and slut-shaming, and one brief mention of transmisogyny
- Well, this was a weird one.
- I don’t know that I necessarily liked this episode. I certainly didn’t hate it, but the main plot was really odd, awkward, and strangely paced? I mean, Veronica “solved” the main mystery in less than ten minutes worth of screentime.
- But then WAIT! Another twist! Which is then solved five minutes later, and this up-and-down game continues for the entire episode and it’s really weird.
- Then there’s the hot mess of internal politics concerning the use of sex workers on this show in a negative or jokey fashion. It’s jarring, though I understand their traditional use in the noir genre. And I must admit that this is the first time a sex worker has ever had any real development beyond a stereotype on this show. I really think Wendy is the sole redeeming factor here, especially in how the show addresses the judgmental gaze of Max. Max fulfills the role of a savior here, almost literally so, but I enjoyed that in the end, saving Wendy from sex work doesn’t mean he deserves her either, especially if he’s going to look upon her with disappointment for what she’s done in her life.
- Aside from this, though, this episode is littered with stereotypes about sex work! Occasionally, they’re upending, but the writing just doesn’t feel as realistic or zippy as usual. I think that goes back to the odd pacing issues, sure, but it’s also because of how the case makes Veronica and Logan bring up all this nonsense and weirdness, and I’m positive that the word “weird” is no longer real because of how many times I’ve typed it already.
- I just… this episode is uncomfortable without the kind of direction or purpose that I feel like the show is known for. It wanders. THERE WE GO. That’s what I’ve been trying to pinpoint. This episode wanders from one point to the next, and I never know how to feel or what to expect or what the point of all of this is, and it’s weird.
- It’s not all bad, of course! Let’s talk about THE BEST LINE: Weevil pointing out that asshole protestors are frequently misguided in their intent because it’s rarely the person they’re targeting who has to deal with their mess. I got into a huge fight years ago with a “friend” who is not a friend anymore, and so I call them a “friend” because you don’t get that term anymore. Anyway, it was over the fact that the white anarchists who routinely show up to Bay Area protests any time there’s a hint of possible violence or strife, and they bust up windows and vandalize shops because FUCK CAPITALISM, MAN. Meanwhile, it’s generally poor people of color or local shops who bear the brunt of the cost of these acts and absolutely nothing they did will affect any real change ever in any universe forever. It was nice to called a “N.I.M.B.Y. motherfucker” by someone for saying that when your protests force people of color to work overtime, it’s not a good thing.
- I love you, Weevil. And boy, do I feel bad about him losing Dean O’Dell.
- CAN I ALSO RAGE AT THE FACT THAT HE NEVER REVEALED TO VERONICA WHAT HE FOUND IN THE FACULTY TOILET? NO, FINISH YOUR SENTENCE!!!
- I know I’m repeating myself, but Keith has regularly proven non-crimes to be crimes or helped Sheriff Lamb out, and yet? Lamb is convinced that Keith can do no good. Lamb is, at the very least, committed to being a jerk.
- SO MANY BATTLESTAR GALACTICA REFERENCES. Bless!
- I’m also pleased that the episode willingly paints Brian and Ed as complete doofuses at best and utter jackasses at worst. WHO DOES SOMETHING LIKE THAT FOR THEIR FRIEND???
- Mega huge BOOOOOO to the line about Chelsea only being interested in comic books because she’s “really a man.” I know plenty of trans women who adore comics, so NOPE. NO. NO.
- Second best scene in this episode: Veronica coming home and demanding that she have her pressed shirts and her amusement! I can’t deal with Keith and Veronica Mars. I CANNOT.
- Third best scene: Logan’s look of utter joy when Wendy rushes into Max’s arms. Why do I feel like he was being totally genuine there?
- Fourth best scene: Nish calling out Keith for his illegal use of the sheriff’s uniform, and then slowly realizing why he’s there. I honestly don’t think Nish is the murderer, especially given that Landry and Mindy are both being very hush-hush about their outright lies. I think Nish was telling the truth when she said she egged the dean’s car, which would mean that Mindy was at the school.
- Granted, I haven’t figured this out at all. There are still so many possibilities!
- Right, so, back to the main plot! I’m so lost as to why Logan and Veronica didn’t kick Max out of Logan’s room. BOTH TIMES. Why is he hanging around? Y’all were never friends with him! IT’S WEIRD.
- Damn it, I said I wasn’t going to use that word again but it’s perfect to describe it.
- The same goes for Veronica’s blackmail attempt. It’s not like this is the first time she’s blackmailed anyone, and it’s even more absurd because I’ve never particularly felt like I was morally opposed to her techniques. It’s what she does, and it gets closure and justice. And yet? This felt SO WRONG. Logan knew it was wrong. When Logan is telling you that something feels immoral, MAYBE YOU SHOULD LISTEN.
- I think it’s the fact that Veronica blackmails someone she shouldn’t be targeting. Judge Kramer isn’t responsible for what happened to Wendy, so it feels off when Veronica goes after him.
- Oh lord, I just can’t figure out what to feel about the extended and DEFINITELY WAY TOO LONG scene where Veronica asks Logan if he’s ever bought an escort. Like… really? Is this really happening? I mean, we do find out how Mercer could have gotten away from Mexico without Logan knowing, and Logan admits to fooling around with someone. Silly me, though, I assumed he was talking about the blowjob in the previous episode. OH GOD.
- MADISON SINCLAIR. SERIOUSLY??? SERIOUSLY, LOGAN???
- everything seemed okay but NOPE. IT’S NOT.
- Sigh.
The video commission for “Poughkeepsie, Tramps, and Thieves” can be downloaded here for $0.99.
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