Episode #01.05: You Think You Know Somebody
Original Air Date: October 26, 2004
Written by: Dayna North
Directed by: Nick Gomez
Report Card (Capsule Episode Review)
Yearbook (Recurring & Guest Stars/Character Statistics)
Drama Club (Performances: Highlights and Lowlights)
Chemistry (The Analysis of LoVe Scenes)
Journalism (The Mystery of the Week)
Study Hall (Miscellaneous Plot Details)
Extra Credit (Clues to the Season Mystery Arcs)
History (Flashbacks)
Band Class (The Music of Veronica Mars)
Literature (LoVe Lines/Quotable Quotes)
Social Science (In Reference To ... Pop Culture & The World)
Homeroom (On Second Viewing, Get a Clue)
Pep Squad Practice (Ambiguously (Or Not) Gay Logan Moments)
Detention (While the Censors Were Out to Lunch)
Philosophy (Unanswered Questions)
Principles of Democracy (Hindsight is 20/20)
Role Call (Written/Compiled By ...)
Staff Grade: A-
Membership Grade: A (62.1% / of 58 votes)
While earlier episodes have provided unexpected twists, You Think You Know Somebody is the first that completely upends expectations about a heavily-featured recurring character. This is one of the rare Veronica Mars episodes that features only one story. The mystery of the week (technically the A-story) and the romantic entanglements of the Mars family (the B-story) are actually two parts of one story and coincide with the A-story in a satisfying conclusion.
Credited Cast Non-Appearance
Teddy Dunn - Duncan Kane
Recurring Guest Stars (Previous Episode Appearances)
Aaron Ashmore - Troy Vandegraff
- Credit Where Credit's Due
- Meet John Smith
- The Wrath of Con
Corinne Bohrer - Lianne Mars
- Pilot
Paula Marshall - Rebecca James
- Meet John Smith
Guest Stars
Sam Huntington - Luke
Melissa Rene Martin - Ashley Banks
Deron McBee - Hank 'Ziggy' Zigman
Will Roberts - Lawrence Vandegraff
Hector Atreyu Ruiz - Angel
Chris Salcedo - Border Patrol Official
Who's Who in Neptune
Luke - A student at Neptune High, friends with Logan, a sports fan and player who's dabbled with drugs to improve his game.
Ashley Banks - A student at Neptune High who attempts to cut Veronica with gossip, but Veronica does her one better in that department.
Hank 'Ziggy' Zigman - Owner of Zig-Zag Sports Club, uses high school kids to transport drugs over the Mexican border.
Lawrence Vandegraff - Troy's father; stern disciplinarian (but not stern enough).
Angel - Weevil's uncle who works at a car junkyard.
Highlights
Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) - Kristen Bell -- as we say in the theatre -- owns the stage (or in this case the television screen). Spunky, witty, spirited and determined, she manages to solve the mystery of the week even at the expense of losing a boyfriend. But it is in the scene with Keith that our hearts break for Veronica as she desperately pleads with her father to find her mother. The tough veneer cracks a little as Bell shows the vulnerable side of Veronica. This is a gem of a performance that serves to cement the viewers' investment firmly in Veronica's quest.
Scene One: Logan is No Boy's Monkey
There isn't much in this first scene (but then to be fair their scenes total roughly two minutes the entire episode, so it's understandable). However, we do have an adorable bit of snark from Logan that was a nice change from the nasty insults we'd been getting mostly (with the notable exception of The Wrath of Con) thus far. And Veronica starts this round: She calls Logan Troy's monkey. Yes, you read that right. A monkey of Troy's. Now, Logan has done and said many a cruel thing to Veronica, but has he ever sunk that low? I think not. Instead of taking that as the true insult it is (perhaps because he is rather wasted), Logan chooses to attack the trusty LeBaron as opposed to Veronica herself. (Consistency -- first the headlights, then its very existence.)
Throwing his jacket and bag (why exactly does he have a bag?) into the back seat, he offers up this zinger: "Ha-ha. Nice car. God, it must have been a huge cereal box." Ah, Logan, your delicious snark ... may it never fade. Then he sits behind her. Uhm, and, yeah, and that's about it for the interaction between our delightful duo here.
Scene Two: Playing Nice
Okay, now THIS is why this episode will always *always* be fondly remembered by LoVe shippers. It doesn't matter that she is dating Troy; it doesn't matter that she and Logan barely share two minutes of screentime. It doesn't matter that this was definitely still a part of the 'me hate you, you hate me' phase. We got this little gem of a moment and it's a keeper! After Logan climbs out of her car, he asks (almost offhandedly) if Veronica is going to play nice now. She responds by telling him to walk in front of the car. He does, looking at her through the windshield. Veronica revs the engine and boy, does she have the wickedest, flirtiest smile on her face as their eyes meet through the windshield. There is just no other way to interpret that smile on her face or his laughing response as he smacks the hood with his jacket, a grin playing on his lips. And that's it right there: Playing. The two are so clearly playing with each other. I rather wonder if that is close to what their relationship was like before -- the teasing snark with just a dash of flirtation. It's certainly possible and not unbelievable considering the way they interact with one another now.
I just loved, loved, LOVED this whole section for the reasons stated above, but also because we got another delicious bout of staring. After he grins, he indulges in one of his favorite pastimes: Staring at Veronica Mars just a tad longer than he should. And he really, really does do this a lot. I mean, A LOT -- almost every single scene with them ends with Logan staring at her just a few seconds longer than he should. (She does a bit longer staring than she should also, but not to his extent.) I don't know if that was in the script or if it was an actor or director choice, but it certainly seems to give credence that there may have been some latent attraction there all along.
Scene Three: The Potentiality of Jealousy
Honestly, the most LoVerly aspects of this scene are at the very beginning and the very end. Everything between them is Veronica accusing Logan of something he didn't do, Logan denying the crime and insulting Veronica in turn, Veronica vowing to get him because she doesn't believe his denial, Logan insulting her once more and then Troy shows up. Yeah, it's real stellar. So we'll just ignore that in-between stuff and enjoy the opening and closing seconds ... cuz there's PLENTY much to enjoy.
What starts us off is a shot used in just about, oh, every single Logan/Veronica music vid ever made because it's just so damn cute. If you don't have the context as to why Veronica is making a determined beeline for an on-his-knees Logan with a sweet smile on her face, it's adorable and sweet. And if you don't know why Logan notes her arrival with a smile and stands, looking down at her petite cuteness with shiny eyes, it's practically a loving moment. And if you can't hear that his words aren't exactly welcoming, well you would think that these two lovebirds just can't stay away from each other and are beyond eager to be in each other's company.
If you don't know the context. See above about ignoring the in-between? Yeah, that's what we're gonna do now to maintain the admitted delusion that Veronica and Logan just shared a sweet, loving moment based on body language and facial expressions.
Alrighty then, we got to the good stuff at the start of the scene, let's bypass the blahblahblameLogancakes and blahblahI'mgonnagetyouandyourlittledogtoocakes and jump straight to the end. Troy shows up and this is where we have an interesting little bit. If you'll recall from earlier episodes, Logan had paid plenty o' attention to Troy's pursuit of Veronica to the point where questions of potential jealousy arose in the more eager-to-believe-yes, damnit!-he-loved-her-then camp and this next moment offers another Aha! moment for said camp. As Logan makes his parting shot (it's snotty ... of course -- "I guess we're done here, officer."), instead of walking around Troy, which, you know, would make sense since he thinks Veronica has cooties, but nooooo ... Logan chooses to walk right BETWEEN THEM. There is absolutely no reason to do this. Unless, you jump into the eager-to-believe camp that subconsciously he was jealous of Troy and wanted to separate them.
Oh, and of course, when he walks between them, he stares at Veronica. Intently. For a few seconds longer than he should. And as he walks away from them, guess what he does? He continues to stare at her. You know, it actually would have been funny had when he had walked away, he'd run into someone during one of his 'I must stare intently at Veronica as if I want to ravish her any second' stares. Teeheehee, that would have really been funny.
Troy and his amigos, Luke and Logan, are in Tijuana (TJ) on a drinking trip in Troys dads car (never a good idea). Luke has a donkey piata and while a very drunk Logan and Troy wait less than patiently for him, he skulks behind a dumpster and removes something that has been left for him, which he then hides in his ass. The papier-mch one, silly. When the border control agent jokingly asks them to give him their contraband, Luke looks worried. Rut ro, I think Luke and his ass are doing something illegal.
Safely across the border, the three amigos stop for something to eat. Troy, after going to the restroom, picks up the tab. Since no good deed goes unpunished, when they get to the parking lot, the car is gone. Logan, who is just as adorable drunk as not, entertains his friends with his musical theatre knowledge while they wait for Veronica to pick them up. Veronica gives Luke, Troy and his monkey a ride to Logans car, because she is the best girlfriend ever. She even takes the time to flirt with Logan by pretending to run him over. Awww.
Once that little dance o' love is over and Logan and Luke head off, Veronica turns her attention to her actual boyfriend. Troy, who is convinced that he will be sent to Catholic school in Albuquerque if they cant find the car, tells Veronica that since his father thinks it is in the garage, he cant report it stolen to get the theft prevention device turned on. Veronica suggests that she look for it as Troy acts properly appreciative.
Luke has to confess to Hank Zigmund that the piata was stolen with the car. Apparently the contents of the ass belong to Hank and Luke must get them back or a baseball bat will be inserted into his ass. No, not the piata, the other one. Luke, desperate, confesses to Veronica that he was smuggling steroids in the piata as payment for Hank helping him bulk up for Varsity baseball. He says that Logan knew about the drugs, but Troy did not. Since Logan was drunk off his ass, I doubt he knew his own name, much less what Luke was doing, but I guess we'll let the little twerp slide at this point. Veronica tells him that she does not get involved with drug dealers but after he begs (piteously), she agrees on the condition that he has to return the steroids to the Mexico dealer, get his money back and then return the cash, not the drugs. Luke agrees. (Since the drugs were behind a dumpster, how does Luke know who to return the drugs to?)
Veronica, after checking the impound lot, decides to try the tracking device next in her search for Troy's car. On the way to Beacon Security she grills Troy about Logan and their activities in TJ, as her working hypothesis seems to be that Logan planned the trip then ripped off his friends. Boy, she thinks highly of him, doesnt she? Troy defends Logan, saying that they all came up with the idea to go to Mexico. She asks if he noticed anyone following them or looking suspicious and he laughs her off since that is the way everyone looks in TJ. At the tracking office she almost manages to sweet talk a male employee to turn it on, but a by-the-numbers supervisor puts the kibosh on that. Veronica practically says, "Rats, foiled again," on the way out the door.
Later that day, Logan who has finally gotten out of bed, drops Luke off at his house. Hank, in his super inconspicuous orange hummer with vanity plates, pulls up and starts to chase Luke. Luke, who is younger and more spry, plus very concerned about splinters in uncomfortable places, gets away. The next day at school, Veronica confronts Logan about the drugs. He confesses that he knew what Luke was doing, but denies any involvement in the theft. Troy comes up and interrupts them before Veronica can accuse him of kidnapping the Lindbergh baby or shooting JFK.
Weevil, who is apparently the go-to-guy for stolen cars, takes her to his uncles chop shop. There, while following a conversation all in Spanish, she learns that the car was chopped a few days ago and that one of the guys who works at the shop took the piata for his daughters birthday. Veronica jumps on Weevils' hog, not that one, the motorcycle, and they go to find the missing drug-filled piata. They arrive just as the piata is opened, but the only thing inside is candy. Bummer. Luke is so screwed.
Veronica finds Luke at school the following day and tells him that he needs to come up with the $8,000 he owes Hank because they are not going to get the drugs back. Luke, who looks even more pasty than usual at this news, is not thrilled.
Meanwhile, it's back to boyfriend-car-a'hunting and Veronica decides that it is time to call in the expert and asks Keith to get the beacon turned on, while Veronica stands behind him taking notes. Meanwhile, Luke has put his signed Barry Bonds' ball up for sale, but only has bids for $2,800 so far. He whines about having to sell the ball, but Veronica points out that it is the ball, or his life. Well, not technically his life, but I guess he values his virtue highly and doesnt want the baseball bat to get to third base with his privates. Or would that be a homerun? Anyway, he points out that he is selling the ball even though it kills him to do so. Well, not actually killing him we dont have to go through this again, do we?
Troy, who was freaking out about Albuquerque just the day before, now wants to fool around and not worry about the car situation. Veronica confronts him about his attitude, asking why he doesnt seem to be concerned about their relationship being over if the car is not found. He says that he wants to enjoy his time with her while they can. Hmm, I think the umpire should call foul on that attitude. Veronica ignores Troy's suggestion for some hanky panky and they track the car's beacon and find it on a Labrador retriever. Their last clue gone, Veronica is back to square one until her father provides some interesting details on Troy's background.
Veronica, armed with his myriad of drug related offenses, confronts him at school. He has been very naughty with a previous girlfriend named Shauna. Veronica says that with his history, she doesn't believe that he didn't know about the steroids. Troy claims that it was two years ago and doesn't reflect on who he is now. She asks why he didn't tell her and he claims that he was waiting until they were dating longer before telling her his deep dark secrets. Where is that umpire because someone needs to be thrown out of the game. Luke walks up to Veronica to let her know that he came up with the full eight thousand as Troy just walks away.
Veronica and Backup take the money to Hank and tell him that they are closing Luke's account. He tries to intimidate her, never a good idea, but Backup is a good guard doggie and convinces him of the error of that idea. Wallace calls Veronica's cell, giving her the opportunity to snap Hank's picture as she answers it. Hank takes the money, but claims that Luke still owes him. Back at the office, Veronica prints out the picture and faxes it off.
Troy's father has come home, found out about his car, and decided to send Troy somewhere where he will learn discipline and respect. Yea, good luck with that. Instead, Troy's cab takes him back to the diner where the car was stolen. Inside the diner, he's in the bathroom and reaches up into the ceiling, removing a package. He then gets into his dad's BMW and drives off. (Hmm, I thought the car was chopped?) His cell phone rings and it's Shauna. As he is making suggestive comments (God, he sucks!) she asks why he gave Veronica her phone number and admits that she told Veronica that they would be seeing each other soon. Troy opens the package to find only candy and a note that says Veronica figured out where he hid the drugs and has flushed them down the toilet. Veronica finishes the note by commenting that Shauna is a "keeper" and she wishes them happiness in their new school. She is a hell of a lot nicer than I am. I would have gotten that umpire and a bat and used the Hank method of resolving differences. But that's just me.
Hank is crossing the border from Mexico when the customs agent recognizes him from Veronica's fax. They stop him, asking him for his contraband and he realizes that Veronica is responsible for his arrest. I guess Luke's account is closed after all.
- Veronica is working on her laptop at her desk as Wallace walks up, lunch in hand, and shares his skepticism at her ability to find Troy's stolen car by using the internet. (Oh, ye of little faith!) She points out that he'd be surprised at the information one can find online. So Wallace challenges 'Velma' to find out something on him. Taking umbrage at being labeled 'Velma' rather than 'Daphne,' she accepts his challenge and logs on to the PryingEyez.com website. As she tells Wallace, the site holds all sorts of fun and interesting info for any P.I. with a password -- arrests, divorce, bankruptcies and (Rut-roh!) a driver's license suspension for one Wallace Fennel.
Trying to save a little face, Wallace bets that Prying Eyez didn't tell her that he got it back. (So, there!) Wanting to make sure she has their little 'Scooby' gang assignments straight, she ponders his role Fred? Hell no, Wallace isn't down with that; if he's got to be one of those white boys, it has to be Shaggy because that dude has some "mad flavor." Reading up further on Wallace, she uncovers a current subscription to MAD Magazine. Oh, yeah, Fennel's all about the "flavor."
Keith passes by them, on his way to the office kitchen, and Veronica not so quietly whispers to Wallace a plea for help choosing a birthday present for her dad. She's currently considering rock climbing, but Keith calls out that while he's not so much a lover of heights, he does appreciate that she's thinking outside the box. He also tells his daughter not to wait on him for dinner, as he's getting some takeout from Luigi's. After her request for some lasagna is met with a joke about the amount of manicotti she put away the last time, she informs her father that he'll now be spending his birthday skydiving alone. Fortunately, Keith appreciates his daughter's sense of humor. Very likely because it's so clearly inherited from him.
Veronica goes home later and is happily greeted by her other BFF, Backup. Promising to take him out soon, she hits the play button on the answering machine and it plays a message from a woman calling to tell Keith she might be a little late for dinner. The mystery woman then realizes she should be calling his cell phone instead and hangs up. Veronica does an immediate *69, only to be stunned to reach the voicemail of her school counselor, Rebecca James. That scary event known as "change" has just punched our Veronica in the face and she's not thrilled.
The next morning, as she stands in the kitchen eating a bowl of cereal, she calls out a sudden "You and Ms. James, huh?" to her dad. Realizing he's busted, he explains that he didn't want to make a big deal out of it, since they've only gone out a few times. She assures him that she gets his need for companionship and she's fine with it. (Liar, liar, pants on fire!) He apologizes that she didn't hear it from him first, but she insists it's cool and jokes that he should shoot for an actual teacher the next time, so it'll be of some benefit to her GPA. Keith seeks more reassurance that she's okay with it and she once againlies tells him she's fine. He's relieved because he really likes Rebecca.
Later on, Rebecca shows up at Mars Investigations and nervously says hello to Veronica. Keith rushes out of his office to greet her and they start verbally stumbling over one another. Rebecca's a little early because she's anxious and Keith is trying to assure her that it's fine. Veronica quietly observes them quickly kiss each other on the cheek, and then the grownups explain that Rebecca wanted to say hello to her outside of school, since she understands the whole thing is probably a bit weird for her.
Veronica points out that the current scene unfolding before her is a little weird, but she's fine with them dating. (And if she were a wooden puppet named Pinocchio, her nose would be stretched out over the Pacific by now.) They thought that if the two of them had a chance to talk, things would be less awkward, which has obviously only brought on more awkwardness. Rebecca realizes this now and asks if there's anything she can do to make things easier. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Veronica asks to be let out of fifth period Bio.
On another day, Veronica arrives home to find Rebecca making herself at home in the kitchen, searching for a sifter, with Backup underfoot. Veronica's obviously not happy at this new personal invasion and tersely tells her they don't have a sifter. Backup then treacherously jumps up on Rebecca, begging for attention. Veronica quickly asks if Rebecca's given him people food, which she hasn't -- she just found his happy spot. (Dad, the kitchen, and now Backup, too?)
Keith ran out for groceries because she's making fettuccine for dinner and Veronica's favorite dessert, waffles and ice cream. Veronica tensely, but politely, responds to Rebecca's nervous small talk. Suddenly, Rebecca accidentally drops a dish onto the floor, causing it to break. Veronica helps her clean it up, telling her not to worry about it, just as Keith arrives home and joins in on assuring Rebecca it's not a big deal. Veronica says she appreciates Rebecca cooking for them, but she can't stay because she promised a friend she'd meet him at the Sac-n-Pac to work on a school project. Disappointed and not quite buying her excuse, Rebecca promises to ask first the next time. Veronica thanks her again and says she'll try the pasta when she gets home.
Just after 3 a.m., Veronica hears Keith coming in the front door. She goes out to greet him and suggests that one hour later and his would officially be a walk of shame. He tells her he's going to pull the 'dad card' and go to bed. She stops him to ask for help with Troy's missing car. He agrees to be nice and help her boyfriend if she'll agree to be nice to his girlfriend. She hesitates, clearly not liking this deal, but agrees anyway.
The next day, in journalism class, Miss Dent is reminding her students to start with light and easy questions during their interview exercises, to get their subjects comfortable. So Veronica's bitchy partner, Ashley Banks, asks the light and easy question of how Veronica would like to respond to the rumors that Troy hooked up with strippers in Tijuana last weekend. Veronica's response? Asking if Ashley has decided which parent to live with after their divorce and, furthermore, can she believe her father's choice of a mistress? She shoots and she scores a hit as Ashley looks like she's just been slapped. (Did she really expect Veronica to just sit there and take it? Has she not been paying attention this season?) Having witnessed the exchange (or at least Veronica's side of it), Mallory is so not pleased and immediately tells Veronica to come see her after class.
When Veronica shows up for her scolding, Mallory tells her she looks like she's ready for a fight (duh!) and wonders how she thinks Ashley's going to be sleeping tonight, after their little exchange. Veronica argues that she didn't tell her anything she didn't already know deep down. Mallory tries to explain that sometimes it's better for people to believe the lies in their life. Veronica's not buying into that philosophy, though, and stays after class to do a little "research." Unlike Miss Dent, Veronica's view of the big picture is that love is an investment, with information a sort of insurance, especially for someone who's had their heart crushed before. Bringing up the Prying Eyez website, she considers her next move.
After school, Veronica walks into Keith's office and hands him an envelope as he asks her if they can go to Rebecca's house for dinner before doing whatever Veronica has planned for his birthday. She gravely tells him to open the envelope and then goes to her desk while he reads over its contents. Not waiting for his response, Veronica asks him if knew that his girlfriend was still married -- he did and for the record he's still married. And that she was arrested for bad checks when she was 21? Keith is so very not impressed by his daughter's detective skills and is, in fact, quite livid that she assumed she had the right to do this. Veronica argues that she was trying to protect him, which just makes him angrier as he storms back and forth between his desk and hers. His daughter, in turn, is outraged that he's let this woman into their life so easily and he angrily points out that Rebecca makes him feel good about himself, for the first time in a long time. They tried to make her comfortable about the situation, but she chose to be snotty instead.
Finally sharing her true feelings about it all, Veronica follows him into his office and tearfully yells at him that her mom is still out there and if she were a criminal, he'd have found her and brought her back in a week's time. He accuses her of only caring about her mom coming back because he's started dating and reveals that maybe he doesn't care to find Lianne at all. She's stunned and goes back to her desk. He angrily gives her the code he got for her so she could help her boyfriend, then shuts himself inside his office. Veronica tries to calm herself, but ultimately fails, as she sits there, sobbing about her broken family.
The next morning, Veronica finds Keith in the kitchen, looking rather forlorn. He offers to make her some breakfast, but she grabs an apple instead. Then she notices an envelope sitting on the counter, marked "Troy Vandegraff." He tells her it's for her and it's her choice whether or not to open it. (Hmm. Is this retaliation for her check on Rebecca or proof that father and daughter think alike, when it comes to protecting their loved ones?)
At a little diner, later on, Rebecca and Keith sit, holding hands. Keith is obviously stalling, so Rebecca tells him to just get it over with. Keith proceeds to break up with her because he can't hurt his daughter over this. He's finally realized that she's just not ready to see him dating yet. Rebecca's naturally upset, but also incredibly understanding, so she asks him for a different, crappy reason she can bitch to her girlfriends about. They hug, both saddened about the sucky timing of their meeting each other.
Later, Veronica and Keith share a private birthday celebration at home, with a Veronica-baked, lopsided, chocolate cake sitting between them. Keith observes that everything she makes tends to lean a little bit to the left. Veronica insists that she does that on purpose, then wonders when Rebecca's going to arrive. Keith tells her she's not and Veronica is surprised and a little disappointed because she's already canceled his birthday surprise -- seeing Santana at the Bowl.
Keith lets her know that he's not going to be seeing Rebecca anymore, which makes his daughter feels suitably guilty. She apologizes for knowing nothing about relationships and for him not being happy on his birthday. Keith insists he really just wants to have a piece of cake with his daughter. She smiles, lights the birthday candle and wishes her pop a happy birthday. He makes a wish and blows out the candle.
- Veronica and Troy both dig "Such Great Heights" by the Postal Service.
- Veronica's Prying Eyez login ID is vmars.
- Veronica can understand some conversational Spanish. She took the language class in school, last year.
- Veronica has biology as her fifth period class.
- Veronica and Troy have been dating for a month.
- Veronica has a friend named Earl who works at the impound yard.
- The Echolls residence has a guesthouse.
- Logan still has a bottom locker.
- Troy drives his fathers green BMW 740i when he is out of town.
- Troy has an upper locker.
- Troys fathers name is Lawrence Vandegraff.
- Two years ago, Troy was kicked out of Pembroke School in Connecticut and then out of St. Mary's in Boston. Both times he was busted, along with his girlfriend Shauna, for marijuana possession and trafficking.
- Luke plays Varsity Baseball.
- According to Keith, Rebecca James is a good cook.
- Weevil has an uncle named Angel, who owns a chop shop.
- The Zig-Zag Sports Club is owned by Hank Zigman.
- Veronica's fax to the Border Patrol reads: Hank "Ziggy" Zigman / orange hummer -- license plate: Z-Meister
- Lianne has cut her hair since she left Neptune.
- The details Veronica filled in on Lianne's fake Certificate of Death:
- Keith is packing some things into a box, when Veronica walks out and wishes him a good morning. When asked, he tells her that he's putting some of her mom's things into storage, since they really don't need the reminders hanging around anymore. She agrees and expresses no desire to take a look at the stuff before it's gone. He tells her he'll leave it there for now, just in case, and after a bit of conversation, leaves for an early appointment.
Unable to keep her attention away from the Box of Missing Mom Memories for long, Veronica starts digging into it. After staring at a few pictures of happier times, Veronica thinks about how having your mother abandon you is a great way to dull the pain brought on by your best friend being murdered. (Well, aren't you Little Miss Brightside?) Dear ol' mom wasn't willing to stand by Keith and lose everything like her daughter was when he dared to implicate the Kane family in Lilly's murder. In the box, Veronica also finds a little red purse. She looks through its contents and turns up a tiny little envelope containing a safe deposit key.
Later, in her journalism class, Veronica is at work on the computer typing up a fake certificate of death for one Lianne P. Mars. Wow, now that's an interesting class assignment, fake parental death certificates -- oh, wait, no, this would be a little extracurricular activity that Ms. Mars is up to. After printing it off, she takes it to the bank where she mournfully claims to have just found the safe deposit key belonging to her mother who passed away last year. Con job successfully accomplished, she's taken to the box. When she opens it, she's horrified to find something that makes her rethink her mom's reasons for leaving town. It may not just be that Lianne was unable to cope with losing her social status. She may have actually been afraid of losing Veronica. Permanently. Because inside the box, Veronica has found a stack of black and white surveillance photos. Each picture is of Veronica in various locations. And each one has Veronica at the center of a red bullseye.
Back at her Mars Investigations desk, Veronica is staring at one of the photographs -- this one taken outside her current apartment, while she was walking her dog. She suspects it's the work of a pro, who had a 300 mm camera and an uncomfortable knowledge of her schedule last year. Obviously, Keith has never seen the threatening photos or Veronica would certainly be under lock and key.
When Veronica is confronted with dad's new girlfriend's attempt to bond by making her favorite dessert of waffles and ice cream, she remembers an earlier time when her mom was making her waffles for breakfast. While the waffles cooked on the iron, Lianne prodded Veronica for information on her "new boy," suggesting they should cook for him. Veronica pointed out that Mars women should probably just play to their strengths instead. Lianne wouldn't give up, though, and kept tossing out names of boys her daughter might be dating: Garret Fisher, Kenny Houseman, Travis Kittlemeyer (who is very likely gay) or Boris. After questioning her mother's taste and low opinion of her daughter's taste, Veronica gave in and confessed to dating Duncan Kane. Lianne's smile quickly faded and she was so stricken by the "happy" news that she didn't even notice the waffles burning until Veronica pointed it out. Well, at least we can sympathize with one of Lianne's reactions.
At school, Veronica pauses to stare at the sign on the door of the Administration office: "All Visitors Must Check In Inside." She remembers her mom quickly rushing her out of those very doors, as a confused Veronica wondered why she was even there. Smiling, but not losing any speed, Lianne told her she thought it would be nice to spend some time together at Aunt Sheryl's in Palm Springs. Veronica protested that she had a history test and a Spanish project due, but Lianne's smile faded and she begged her to not make it hard and to just go with her. This was three days before Lianne pulled her disappearing act. Veronica had always figured the nervous and bizarre behavior was a byproduct of Lianne's love affair with vodka, but now she thinks her mom may have actually been afraid.
One night, just after 3 a.m., instead of getting her beauty sleep, Veronica is sitting on the bed, stuffing letters and untraceable, disposable cell phones into envelopes she's addressed to her mom's closest friends and family, including Aunt Sheryl Morgan. She's hoping that one will reach Lianne and that she'll feel safe enough to call home, knowing no one will be able to trace her whereabouts.
A few days later, Veronica is resting on her bed, listening to a CD through her headphones, when her cell phone starts to vibrate on her desk. This is one call she's going to kick herself for missing because on the other end of the line is Lianne. Which is probably a good thing for the elusive Mrs. Mars, because this way she's able to have a one-sided conversation, devoid of all those pesky questions she knows her daughter must have.
Lianne leaves a voice mail, assuring Veronica that she misses her terribly, but she won't tell her which one of the phones managed to get to her because she doesn't want her trying to find her. She promises that she'll be in touch soon and everything will make sense eventually, but she needs to trust her mother now. (Because she's proven herself to be so very trustworthy in the past.) She loves Veronica and wishes Keith a happy birthday. (I guess sending a card was out of the question.)
- Making waffles with her mom. (Read detailed breakdown.)
- Her mom taking her from school just before she left. (Read detailed breakdown.)
"Such Great Heights" (The Postal Service)
Scene: Veronica wants the downlow on Logan-- erm, Troy's activities in Tijuana.
"Put Your Lights On" (Santana with Everlast)
Scene: Veronica's version of "message in a bottle" has got to be REALLY expensive. Those are a lot of phones! But I guess it's worth it to reach her momma.
"The New Kid" (Old 97's)
Scene: Troy's grand getaway as his dastardly plan reaches a successful conclusion. Ah, ah, ah, never underestimate Veronica Mars, IceTwin.
"Such Great Heights" (The Postal Service)
Scene: Hey, we've heard this song before! Ooh, in a nice nod to consistency -- that expensive message in a bottle trick with the phones worked out after all -- and we hear the same tune over the message received.
LoVe Lines
Veronica: Ah ... (Nodding at Logan.) Your monkey's gonna have to ride in the back.
Logan: Ha-ha. Nice car. God, it must have been a huge cereal box.
Logan: Thanks for the ride. Does this mean you're gonna play nice now?
Veronica: Walk in front of the car. We'll see. (She sends him a flirty grin as she revs the engine and he smacks the hood with his jacket, grinning back.)
Veronica: Time for a chat?
Logan: Well. Think if hell froze over, maybe it'd be on the news.
Veronica: I just wanna hear more about the steroids you bought last weekend.
Logan: You mean the steroids Luke bought. Wow. You suck at this Nancy Drew stuff. You should get a new hobby.
In Memory
Lianne: So. When are we gonna cook for your boy?
Veronica: We're Mars women. Shouldn't we play to our strengths? And who says there's a new boy?
Lianne: Don't even try that. No, wait a minute. Let me guess. Um ... Garret Fisher? Kenny Houseman?
Veronica: (Offended.) Have we met?
Lianne: (Relieved.) Thank you. Um ... Travis Kittlemeyer.
Veronica: Ooh, I think he'd rather be dating Kenny Houseman.
Quotable Quotes
Troy: I've spent the past forty minutes listening to Logan dry-heave so you could buy a deformed piata?
Troy: Whoa! What'd I tell you about drool on the leather? Dad's very strict about the car. He's the only one allowed to dry-heave in it.
Luke: These border checkpoints, man, they always freak me out.
Logan: Maybe you shouldn't volunteer for the full cavity search.
Troy: Isn't this where we parked? Tell me that this isn't where we parked. Please, someone tell me that you can see my father's car and this heart attack that I'm having right now is for nothing.
Logan: Well maybe it's like Brigadoon. If you come back in a hundred years, it'll be right back in this spot.
Luke: This just ... really sucks, man.
Logan: Wow, man, that's profound.
Troy: My parents come home in five days. If the car's not back before my dad is, I'm going to be singing hymns and doing rosary beads before you can say "The Passion."
Veronica: Dude! Where's your car?
Troy: I appreciate it, but I think this is even beyond your super powers.
Veronica: Haven't you heard? I've got friends in low places.
Wallace: You're going to find Troy's stolen car over the internet?
Veronica: You'd be surprised what one can find with a few nimble keystrokes.
Wallace: All right, then, Velma. Why don't you see what you can find on, say, me?
Veronica: It's Daphne, thank you very much.
Wallace: (Looking at her computer screen over her shoulder.) What's that?
Veronica: If you're a P.I. with a password, this is the gateway to many a skeleton-filled closet. Arrests, divorces, bankruptcies. (Fake gasp, followed by a Scooby voice.) Rut-roh! Somebody got their license suspended last year.
Wallace: I got it back. Bet you it doesn't say that.
Veronica: Wait, if I'm Daphne, what does that make you? Fred?
Wallace: Oh, no. If I gotta be any of those white boys, I gotta be Shaggy all the way, baby. Shaggy's got mad flavor.
Veronica: Awwww, you still have a subscription to MAD Magazine. You're all about the flavor.
Veronica: Hey, help me out. So, for my dad's birthday, I'm thinking ... rock climbing?
Wallace: Because he loves heights?
Keith: (From the kitchen.) Not so much, but keep thinking outside the box. I like it. And don't wait on me for dinner. I'll probably get take-out from the Italian place.
Veronica: Luigi's? Will you get me some lasagna?
Keith: Some lasagna? (Walks into room and sees her expression.) I'm just saying, last time we went to Luigi's you ate your weight in manicotti.
Veronica: And now your birthday will be spent sky-diving. Alone.
Veronica Mars Voiceover: You know those people who can predict when change is coming in their life? I'm not one of them. Change has a way of just walking up and punching me in the face.
Veronica: You know how many things I don't tell you? (Off of Keith's look.) I'm kidding. It's cool. Just next time, could you shoot for an actual teacher? Because this has no potential benefit to my grade point average.
Veronica Mars Voiceover: The best way to dull the pain of your best friend's murder is to have your mother abandon you as soon as possible. It's like hitting your thumb with a hammer, then when it's throbbing so badly you don't think you'll survive, you cut the damn thing off.
Luke: (Out of breath.) Hey. You're helping Troy find his dad's car, right?
Veronica: You're sweating on me.
Luke: There was a piata full of steroids in the back seat. I did a run for Hank Zigman. He owns the Zig-Zag Sports Club. I wanted to get pumped for Varsity baseball. I was ... pretty much down for whatever.
Veronica: Including shrunken testicles and acne scars. Well, speaking for the women of America, good plan!
Veronica: So far it's been a whole lot of brick walls, but I talked to my buddy, Earl, yesterday, at the impound yard.
Troy: What do I love more? That you have a buddy named Earl or that he works at the impound yard?
Veronica: I'm guessing both. No sign of the Bimmer. But he can get you a great deal on a good times van.
Veronica: Ah, so ... what was on the menu for this night of grand debauchery?
Troy: Let's see. From, uh, eight to nine, we brainstormed on how to overthrow Kim Jong-Il. From nine to ten, we deleted the records of the black voters of Florida. After that it was, uh, yeah it was all donkey shows.
Veronica: So the usual?
Troy: Pretty much.
Veronica: Please tell me you know where Mario lives, because we need to get that piata right away.
Weevil: Baby, I'll buy you a piata.
Veronica: (Sweetly.) Will you buy me a piata full of steroids?
Veronica: We need to talk.
Luke: All right. But does it have to be next to the feminine hygiene machine?
Veronica: (As Keith returns home.) One more hour and this might actually constitute a walk of shame.
Luke: This is insane. I mean, two thousand bucks with four bids? These people have no idea what a Barry Bonds ball's worth.
Veronica: No, it's classic bidding strategy. They wait 'til the end of the auction. Try hitting refresh.
Luke: Classic bidding.
Veronica: See, there you go. Twenty-eight hundred. We're almost there.
Luke: No, we're not almost there. I-I-I can't do this. I mean, you have no idea what I went through to get this ball. You have no idea what it's going to be worth when he retires ...
Veronica: (Patiently.) Luke. A ball or your life. You do the math. (And now she's lost patience.) It's a ball!
Troy: Let's just say that you've been told you have seventy-two hours to live. How do you spend them? You can dig through medical texts looking for a miracle cure or you can make those seventy-two hours the best three days of your life. And I choose sexy fun time.
Veronica: Well, I choose a miracle cure.
Ms. Dent: You look ready for a fight.
Veronica: I get that a lot. I guess it's just my usual expression.
Veronica Mars Voiceover: Poor Ms. Dent. She can't see the big picture yet. Love is an investment. Information is insurance. With someone whose heart has already been crushed, I say you can't be too careful.
Veronica: You have let her into our life like it's no big deal!
Keith: Oh, it's a big deal. It's a huge deal. Makes me feel good about myself. Wanted in a way that I haven't in a long time. It makes me wake up with a smile on my face. And we didn't ignore your feelings. We tried to make you feel comfortable, but you chose to be snotty.
Veronica: Mom is still out there somewhere. Do you even care if she ever comes back? (Nearly breaking down.) You can find anybody! If she were a criminal, you'd make a couple grand tracking her down and you'd have her back in a week.
Keith: Well, maybe I don't care to find her. Have you ever considered that?
Troy: Please tell me that dog is not supposed to be the BMW.
Veronica: You think your dad'll notice?
Keith: I can't do this to Veronica. She's not ready to see me dating yet. I'm sorry. (Pausing.) I'm sorry, but she's having a really hard time.
Rebecca: Can you do me a favor?
Keith: Of course.
Rebecca: Can you just tell me it's a -- it's another reason like, like a crappy one? Your being a good father isn't really something I can bitch about to my girlfriends over margaritas.
Hank: You know, darling, unless you're blind, you're gonna have to take your doggie outside.
Veronica: You can try explaining that to him because he never listens to me.
Veronica: You got busted for drug possession and trafficking!
Troy: Yeah, so, that was two years before we even met. What does that have to do with us now?
Veronica: Because you never told me about it!
Troy: Maybe I would've. You ever think of that? Maybe after I'd known you for more than a month, I'd tell you my deep dark secrets. Or is that too much of a character flaw? Waiting for the girl to like you before you tell her the things you're not so proud of? I don't have to tell you that. You're Veronica Mars. You know everything.
Hank: Well, I'm gonna take the eight grand, but we ain't square. You see, the little bitch let me down and I'm gonna have to make him pay.
Veronica: (Nods, smiling.) Remember this moment. 'Cause you're gonna regret it. Toodles!
Keith: I love it. Ever notice how everything you make just ... tends to lean a little to the left?
Veronica: (Tilts head as she looks at cake.) I do that on purpose.
Veronica: Dad, you don't have -- Sorry. I obviously know nothing about relationships.
Keith: But you can bake and that's important.
Tijuana ... (Referenced by Troy as they prepare to cross the U.S.- Mexico border.)
Tijuana is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California. The current mayor is Jorge Hank Rhon of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). The city stands on the U.S. Mexico border, adjacent to San Diego, California to the north. The city's motto is "Aqui empieza la patria," which translates to "The homeland starts here." It is sometimes referred to as the "Most visited city in the world" due to its proximity to the world's busiest border crossing. The city is commonly called TJ in Southern California. The most popular tourist attraction is Avenida Revolucion. Many foreigners visit the strip to drink, buy prescription drugs, bootleg brand-name clothing and accessories, and Mexican curiosities. There are also plenty of nightclubs in Plaza Fiesta, across from the Plaza Rio Mall that are mainly frequented by the locals. The Revolucion strip is also famous for its nearby red-light district La Coahuila, which boast numerous street prostitutes and various strip clubs.
Piata (Referenced by Troy, Luke, Veronica, and Weevil as the little souvenir Luke smuggled the steroids in.)
A piata is a bright container made from easily breakable materials like straw, papier-mch, or clay. They are often shaped like people, animals, cartoon characters, or stars, and are covered with colorful tissue paper.
Filled with candy or small toys, they are generally used for children's parties. Traditionally, a filled piata will be hung up by a rope and then hit by a succession of blind-folded children with a stick or bat until the piata breaks open and the candy is released. The children then rush to pick up as much candy from the ground as they can. The piata has been used for hundreds of years to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas. Spanish colonists are thought to have started the tradition in Mexico, though it has been argued that the piata was brought to Mexico by Chinese sailors in 1421.
Mexico ... (Referenced by the Border Inspection officer as he asks the boys if they had a good time.)
Mexico (Spanish: Mxico) is a country located in North America, approximately 753,665 square miles in size, bordered at the north by the United States, and at the south with Guatemala and Belize in Central America. It is the northernmost and westernmost country in Latin America, and with a population of 106.5 million, Mexico is also the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. The official name is Estados Unidos Mexicanos, which translates as the United Mexican States. The term State of Mexico (Estado de Mexico) does not refer to the country, but only to one state within Mexico, located near the center of the country adjacent to the Federal District.
U.S. citizens have been known to cross the border into Mexico to evade U.S. authorities and skip tracers. Most often, these individuals cross the border into Tijuana due to its proximity to the world's busiest border crossing. What is interesting is that criminals continue to cross into Mexico to evade criminal prosecution despite the extradition treaty that has been in place between the U.S. and Mexico since 1980.
According to EscapingJustice.com, the Treaty provides for extradition of a party who has been charged with or found guilty of an offense committed in the United States, who has fled to Mexico. An offense is extraditable if it is a crime in both countries and punishable by incarceration for a period of one year or more. The Extradition Treaty further provides that where the offense for which extradition is sought is punishable by death, extradition may be refused unless assurances are given that the death penalty shall not be imposed, and if imposed, shall not be executed.
Brigadoon ... (Referenced by Logan in response to Troy's car being stolen.)
Originally Brigadoon was a 1947 Lerner and Loewe Broadway musical. It was turned into a movie in 1955 by MGM starring Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse. Vincent Minnelli, Judy Garland's husband and Liza Minnelli's father, directed the movie. The musical tells the story of two American hunters who stumble upon a small town while they are lost in the highlands of Scotland. They find out that the reason why the town is not on any map is that the townsfolk only awaken for one day out of every hundred years. One of the Americans falls in love with a girl from the town, but since the world has changed so much she won't leave Brigadoon. Will true love win in the end? You will have to see the movie.
The Passion (of the Christ) ... (Referenced by Troy as he explains to Logan and Luke that his dad will ship him off to Catholic school if his stolen car isn't found.)
The Passion of the Christ (2004) is the controversial movie directed and co-written by Mel Gibson; a version of his faith-based historical beliefs of the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The film depicts the last twelve hours of Jesus Christ's life on earth, and took almost twelve years and $25 million of Gibson's own money to produce.
The film begins in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus having gone there to pray after the Last Supper. There he must resist the temptations of Satan and is then betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Jesus is arrested and the film goes on to show the trials he endured under Pontius Pilate and King Herod where he is confronted with accusations of blasphemy which result in a condemnation to death.
After the death sentence has been passed, Jesus is made to carry his own cross to Golgatha amidst beatings and ridicule. During the trek we see the compassion of the few people who supposedly tried to ease his suffering. The film flashes back to time spent with his mother as well as his Disciples, sharing his teachings. Having reached the final destination, Jesus is crucified, dies, and is buried. Three days later, he is resurrected from the dead.
Dude, Where's My Car? ... (Referenced by Veronica when she pulls up to give Troy, Logan, and Luke a ride back to Neptune.)
Dude, Where's My Car? is a 2000 comedy directed by Danny Leiner (Harold and Kumar go to White Castle, Arrested Development) and starring Ashton Kutcher (That 70's Show, The Butterfly Effect) and Seann William Scott (American Pie trilogy, Road Trip). In the film, two potheads wake up from a night of wild partying to find their car missing. The movie shows them retracing their steps to find out what happened to them the night before, and more importantly, what happened to their car.
Albuquerque (Referenced by Troy as the city his father will send him when he finds out about the missing car.)
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico with a city population of almost 500,000 and a metropolitan population of 780,439. It is home to the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Kirkland Air Force Base. The climate is usually sunny and dry, averaging no more than ten to twelve inches of precipitation per year. The city generally has three hundred consecutive sunny days a year and is considered to have one of the best climates in North America.
In part of the ongoing urban renewal effort, the city recently restored the historical KiMo Theater, which was used as the setting of the move High School Musical. Albuquerque is also the subject of a familiar Looney Tunes quote; "I should have taken that left/right turn at Albuquerque." The quote was first used in the film Herr Meets Hare, but the gag was repeated in later episodes. In an episode of The Simpsons, the local minor-league baseball team, the Springfield Isotopes, threatens to move to Albuquerque. Partly due to the episode, fans in the city elected to name their minor league baseball team the Albuquerque Isotopes.
Friends in Low Places ... (Referenced by Veronica when she offers to help Troy find his father's car.)
"Friends in Low Places" is a popular Garth Brooks song off the album No Fences (2000). The song is about drowning your sorrows in alcohol and relaxing with friends. Here is a sample of the lyrics with the phrase included:
Jamaica (Referenced by Troy as he speculates where his father's car could be.)
Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles located in the Caribbean Sea. The indigenous Arawakan-speaking Taino inhabitants named the island Xaymaca, which means "land of springs," or the "Land of wood and water." The island was initially claimed by the Spaniards, then became a British colony, and in 1962 it was made an independent commonwealth populated mainly by descendants of former African slaves.
Jamaica's initially lagging economy coerced former Prime Minister Michael Manley (of the People's National Party) to seek aid from the IMF (International Monetary Fund), which led to the imposition of the IMF's austerity measures. Tourism and mining are Jamaica's main source of foreign exchange. The language of the government and education is English, though the patois form of Jamaican Creole is widely spoken. Eighty percent of the Jamaican population is Christian, and the largest non-Christian groups are the Rastafari, Hinduism, Buddhism.
Jamaica is rich in culture and has a strong global presence, especially through its musical influence. The genres reggae, ska, mento, rocksteady, duc, and, more recently, dancehall and ragga all originated in the island's urban recording industry. Bob Marley, an immensely popular reggae musician, was born in Jamaica, and has helped spread the Jamaican-born religion Rastafari internationally.
Velma, Shaggy, Fred and Daphne... (Referenced by Wallace and Veronica while talking at Mars Investigations.)
The human characters from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon, Scooby Doo, that first aired on CBS in 1969. They travel around the country in their van, the Mystery Machine, with the real star of the show a Great Dane named Scooby.
Casey Kasem, the top forty DJ, was the voice for Shaggy the bumbling, wimpy, comic relief who is Scooby's best buddy. Fred, blond and studly was the leader of the group and seemed to have an affinity for Daphne. Daphne, the sexy bimbo, was usually in need of saving but occasionally turned up a clue or two. The brains of the group was Velma who usually solved the mysteries and seemed to speak an unlimited number of languages.
Fred, Velma, Scooby Doo, Shaggy and Daphne
The show ran for several years, in many different incarnations, and Scooby became one of the most famous dogs in animation history. In 2002 the franchise was revisited in a movie adaptation starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini and a CGI Scooby. A sequel followed and they are threatening to make a third.
Cardellini, Lillard, "Scooby," Prinze Jr. and Gellar
MAD Magazine ... (Referenced by Veronica as she discovers Wallace has a subscription to the magazine.)
The famous magazine for adolescence, MAD was founded in 1952 by publisher William Gaines and editor Harvey Kurtzman. The magazine features satire on pop culture as well as your standard-variety yuks. Alfred E. Neuman, pictured below, is the magazine's long-time official mascot, first appearing in 1954.
Steroids ... (Referenced throughout the episode as the drug of choice being trafficked.)
There are no true conventional categories of performance-enhancing drugs. They include, but are not limited to, dietary supplements and drugs that require a prescription (e.g. steroids). Steroids are a class of compounds made by the adrenal gland, as well as reproductive organs in our body. Examples of anabolic steroids include testosterone, a male hormone, and estrogen, a female hormone. Injecting anabolic steroids helps to increase muscle mass, making the user stronger.
Performance-enhancing drugs are used by athletes: competitive athletes, recreational athletes, casual athletes and people who just exercise and want to do well, even if it's just running on the treadmill in the gym. There are also those who want to lose weight or burn off fat and increase their muscle mass for cosmetic reasons. Steroids are used to increase certain physiologic functions, but can end up affecting muscle strength, endurance, liver function, kidney function, mood, sperm count in men, the ability to pump blood, and the ability to breathe.
Catch 22 ... (Referenced by Veronica while talking to Ms. James at Mars Investigations.)
Originally a scathing anti-war novel that is also a critique of bureaucracy in general, the phrase has come to mean a no-win situation in modern vocabularies. Written in 1961 by Joseph Heller, the book was considered one of the seminal literary events of the 1960's. It tells the story of a man who is trying desperately to be certified insane during World War II, so he can stop flying missions. The book was filmed into a movie in 1970 starring Alan Arkin, Art Garfunkel, Bob Newhart and Anthony Perkins and was directed by Mike Nichols.
BMW 740i (Referenced by Veronica and Weevil as the model of Troy's father's car.)
BMW (an acronym for Bayerische Moteren Werke Bavarian Motor Works) is a German company that manufactures automobiles and motorcycles. The company's tagline in English is "The Ultimate Driving Machine." The BMW 7 series is a full-size, executive class luxury car that competes with the Mercedes Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and Jaguar XJ. The 740d model features a 3.9 L diesel V8 engine with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
BMW 7 series model
It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds. The 740i model is similar to the 740d but has a gas engine. The 740 models are only available in mainland Europe, so either Veronica was looking for the wrong model, or Troy's dad really, really loved his car and had it shipped overseas.
Good Times Van (Referenced by Veronica when she offers to hook Troy up with a new vehicle.)
A Good Times Van is a garishly painted panel van sold by Ford in the mid 1970's. The van is named after the popular sitcom Good Times. The Old 97's song "Barrier Reef" also references the Good Times Van ("What's so good about a Good Times Van?"). Another Old 97's song, "The New Kid," is used at the end of the episode when Troy leaves town in his father's car.
Kim Jong-il... (Referenced by Troy while riding in the car with Veronica.)
Born into the ruling family of North Korea in 1942 Kim Jong-il has long been a figure of note. He was educated in China during the Korean War and after intense rivalry with his half brother, he was chosen as his father's successor in 1974. He spent the next fifteen years holding various party posts and being a powerful force behind his father's rule. In 1991, Kim was named supreme commander of the North Korean armed forces which represents the real power in North Korea and with the army's backing became the leader of the country in 1994.
He is regularly hailed by the Korean media as the "peerless leader" and "the great successor to the revolutionary cause," but has done nothing to relax the absolute control of the state and ruling party over all aspects of economic life. George Bush has declared him to be part of the "Axis of Evil" along with Iraq and Iran and diplomatic relations between our countries is strained.
Donkey Show ... (Referenced by Troy as one of the types of entertainment that the boys took in while in Tijuana.)
A donkey show is an entertainment show in which a woman performs sexual acts with a donkey. It is widely believed that donkey shows are performed in Tijuana, leading to the phrase "Tijuana Donkey Show." Ooh, fun. And uhm, eww! I can deal with Troy and even Luke taking in such a form of entertainment, but I refuse to believe that Logan would be even remotely interested in such. At least I really hope he wouldn't.
Nancy Drew ... (Referenced by Logan while speaking to Veronica by his locker.)
The teenage heroine of almost 350 books written under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene. There have been several TV shows, movies and new books over the years introducing Nancy to each new generation of readers. Drew has been consistently courageous, intelligent, resourceful and caring while only aging from sixteen to eighteen. With her best friends Bess Marvin and George Fayne and her boyfriend Ned Nickerson she has delighted readers of all ages for over seventy years.
Lexus (Referenced by Weevil's uncle.)
Lexus is the brand name for Japanese auto-maker Toyota's line of luxury vehicles. Lexus is the highest-selling brand of luxury cars in the United States. The name was originally chosen by an image consulting firm that produced a list of 219 names, including Alexis (possibly due to the association with the character Alexis Carrington on the popular 1980s drama Dynasty), and later morphed into Lexus, which is thought to be a combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." Officially, Toyota representatives claim they simply chose the name because it was 'pleasing and easy to remember.' Indeed, as you'll note in the image below:
Palm Springs (Referenced by Veronica when Lianne tries to drag her off to visit her aunt.)
Palm Springs, California is a desert resort city approximately 110 miles east of Los Angeles. Palm Springs is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the U.S. and also has facilities for swimming, horseback riding, tennis, and hiking. From the 1930's to the 1970's, Palm Springs earned a reputation as a place of health, relaxation, wealth, and glamour. It was the favorite vacation spot for some of Hollywood's most glamorous stars - Cary Grant, Howard Hughes, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, Debbie Reynolds, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Sonny Bono, Cher, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin - and earned the nickname "Playground of the Stars."
Vodka ... (Referenced by Veronica as the reason she thought her mother had been acting nervous before she left.)
Vodka is a typically colorless liquor that is usually distilled from fermented grain or potatoes. The term is a diminutive of the Slavic word "voda" for "water." Vodka consists of water and alcohol (ethanol) and insignificant amounts of flavorings, with a typical alcohol content ranging from 35-70% by volume. While generally drunk neat (alone), vodka can be used in cocktails and other mixed drinks, such as the Bloody Mary, the Screwdriver, and the Vodka Martini.
Message in a Bottle... (Referenced by Veronica while sending out disposable cell phones to find her mother.)
There has been a long history of people using bottles to carry messages. In the 16th Century, Queen Elizabeth I of England used bottles to carry intelligence reports. Benjamin Franklin, while postmaster general for the colonies, utilized bottles to create accurate sea charts to improve how much time it took to sail between England and America. He dropped bottles in the Gulf Stream with a note asking that they be returned stating where they had been found. His sailing charts have been changed very little over the years. A well-sealed bottle can float through storms that would sink ships, and glass was used because, unless broken, it lasts forever. In 1954, eighteen bottles were salvaged from a ship sunk 250 years before off the English coast. The liquor in them was unrecognizable, but the bottles were good as new.
Walk of Shame ... (Referenced by Veronica as Keith returns home from his evening with Rebecca.)
The walk of shame usually occurs the morning after a night out; those participating have usually spent the night at the house of a sexual partner, particularly a one night stand. This is noted by the same clothing they went out in the night before or pronounced "bed head/sex head" as well as an obvious hangover.
In the United States, college and university campuses most often play host to the walk of shame, as these walks often happen when students travel to/from dorms/Greek houses. The walk may be made even more humiliating when students promenade through large open quads, often subjecting themselves to whistles and catcalls from the few fellow students who are awake at that hour.
Voodoo That You Do (Referenced by Veronica when she asks Keith to use his expertise in finding Troy's car)
The phrase "that voodoo that you do so well" is a lyric taken from Cole Porter's 1929 song, "You Do Something to Me."
Barry Bonds... (Referenced by Luke while he and Veronica are selling his baseball on an online auction site.)
Born in 1964, Barry Bonds is the son of former major league baseball star Bobby Bonds. He played in the minor leagues before joining the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1990, he was named the National League's most valuable player for the first time. He joined the San Francisco Giants in 1993, which saw him win his third MVP title in four years. In 1998 he became the first player to have more than 400 home runs and 400 stolen bases. In his long career he has gone on to break other records and win two more MVP titles, a feat that has not yet been repeated.
Band-Aid (Referenced by Miss James when Keith is breaking things off with her.)
Band-Aid is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson for adhesive bandages used to cover small wounds. The term is used generically to refer to any such bandages by the consuming public of the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and Australia. In other parts of the world, such bandages are better known as 'adhesive plaster' or a 'sticking plaster.'
The Band-Aid was invented in 1920 by Earl Dickson. Dickson initially invented the prototype to allow his wife to dress her wounds without assistance, and he later passed the idea along to his employer at Johnson & Johnson. Dickson eventually became Vice President of the company and held the title until his retirement. By 1924, Johnson & Johnson was producing machine-made, sterilized Band-Aids. The Band-Aid played a major role in the war effort during World War II and millions were shipped overseas. The strong adhesive is a necessary element of the Band-Aid, but can make removing the Band-Aid a painful process if it is placed over skin with hair. It's usually advisable to rip the Band-Aid off so you don't have to feel the pull on every single hair on the small patch of skin covered by the strip.
Margaritas (Referenced by Miss James when Keith is breaking things off with her.)
The margarita is the most common of the tequila-based cocktails, and is made with Triple Sec and lime juice. The Margarita is typically served with salt on the rim of the glass, though bartenders who specialize in tequila may claim that the salt will hide the flavor of the tequila. There are four main contenders for the title of the inventor of the Margarita Cocktail. Danny Negrete is said to have created the drink in 1936, Francisco Morales is said to have invented it on July 4, 1942, Carlos Herrera is said to have invented it in 1947-48, and Margaret Sames claimed the drink was her own creation in 1948. All four claimed inventors mixed the drink at different ratios of tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice.
Connecticut (Referenced as one of the places where Troy was kicked out of school for marijuana possession.)
Connecticut is in the New England region of the U.S. and was one of the Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution. In terms of per capita income, it is the wealthiest state in the country. The state capital is Hartford and the state population (according to the 2005 census) is about 3,510,297. 81.7% of the population speaks English, followed by Spanish, Italian, French, and then Polish. 83% of the population follows the Christian faith, 13% are non-religious, and there is also a significant Jewish population in the state (3%), mostly concentrated in the "Gold Coast" towns between Greenwich and New Haven. Connecticut is a solidly Democratic state.
Marijuana ... (Referenced by Veronica as she confronts Troy about the reason he was kicked out of two schools.)
The Cannabis plant -- known more commonly as marijuana with many a nickname including pot, mary jane, reefer, etc. -- is often dried or otherwise processed to create a "product" that offers medicinal and psychoactive effects. Despite past use as an accepted medicine, in the early 20th century, the drug became illegal due to the overwhelming consumption of the recreational variety.
To this day, marijuana usage remains against the law despite the mellow side effects as opposed to the harder drugs of the day. While not widespread, legalizing marijuana has been the efforts of activists for some time, among those fighting for its legal use is Oscar-nominated actor Woody Harrelson. Apparently, none of these activists (including Woody) have ever heard of the dangers that can befall one who has been taken over by reefer madness. Just ask Mary Lane.
Boston (Referenced as one of the places where Troy was kicked out of school for marijuana possession.)
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is one of the oldest, wealthiest, and most culturally significant cities in the United States. The economy is based on education, healthcare, finance, and technology. When the original colony of Massachusetts Bay was founded, its governor John Winthrop wanted to create a biblical "City on a Hill" -- a phrase taken from Christ's Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:14). Other nicknames for the city are Beantown, The Hub, The Athens of America (for its great cultural and intellectual influence), Puritan City (because the founders were Puritans), and The Cradle of Liberty (for its role in instigating the American Revolution).
Boston is home to America's first public school, Boston Latin School (1653), and America's first college, Harvard (1636). Hard work, moral uprightness, and an emphasis on education remain part of Boston's culture. Several historical events occurred in or near Boston: the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and it was also a center for the abolitionist movement.
"Woe is me." (Referenced by Veronica when Luke whines about his beloved ball.)
The phrase "woe is me" was first used in the book of Job (Job 10:15), which dates back to 1200BC, making the phrase in the original language 3,200 years old. The phrase is also used in other books of the Bible (Psalms 120:5, Isaiah 6:5, Jeremiah 4:31), and it is used by Shakespeare in Hamlet when Ophelia is quoted "O, woe is me, to have seen what I have seen, see what I see!"
Hummer ... (Referenced by Veronica and Ziggy in regards to his vehicle.)
In 1979, AM General began preliminary design work on the M998 Series High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV, pronounced Humvee); a 1.25-ton truck intended to replace the M151 and other light tactical vehicles. The U.S. Army awarded AM General a prototype contract in 1981 and the development and operational testing was conducted over a five-month period in 1982. In March 1983, AM General won an initial $1.2 billion contract to produce 55,000 Humvees to be delivered in five basic models and fifteen different configurations over a five-year period. The Army subsequently increased their order with over 15,000 additional vehicles, raising the total contract order to 70,000 Humvees valued at $1.6 billion.
Humvees feature full-time four-wheel drive, independent suspension, steep approach and departure angles, 60 percent grade ability and 16 inches of ground clearance. Humvees are currently in use by the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy at locations throughout the United States and overseas.
In 1992, AM General began production of versions of the Humvee, called the HUMMER for civilian use. Known as "the world's most serious 4x4," the vehicle has found favor with commercial users who appreciate the value of HUMMER's long life and amazing performance, and individuals who seek the ultimate in toughness and mobility.
A Hummer vehicle in, ooh, jackass yellow!
Santana ... (Referenced in regards to Keith's birthday.)
Carlos Santana is best known for the musical group that bears his name. Considered a visionary artist with no regards for genre boundaries, Santana has been reinventing and reshaping the landscape of the known universe's musical culture for close to four decades. Born in Autlan de Navarro, Mexico to the son of a virtuoso Mariachi violinist, Carlos followed in his father's musical footsteps, taking up the violin at the age of five. It wasn't until his family moved to Tijuana several years later that Santana began his lifelong relationship with the guitar; the instrument that has made him a musical icon. Santana has sold more than ninety million records worldwide, and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has won ten American Grammy awards and three Latin Grammy awards.
The Hollywood Bowl ... (Referenced in regards to Keith's birthday.)
As one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a current seating capacity of just under 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922. In 1991, it gave its name to a resident musical ensemble, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
The Bowl's summer music festivals have become an integral part of Southern California summers, and the tradition of presenting the world's greatest musicians and striving for musical excellence has remained a constant goal of this famed Los Angeles cultural landmark. The Bowl grounds themselves are one of Los Angeles County's most renowned parks and are open year-round for visitors to enjoy free of charge.
- Logan is into hygiene. Good boy.
- Check out Troy wiping his hands on Logan and Logans cute looks in response.
- Troy's comment to Luke about it not being his ass on the line is kind of funny when you think about how Luke is really worried about his "ass" piata.
- Logan lying down where the missing car should be. Sure, he can be my transportation; I'll take a rideon with him.
- Troy's head-shaking response to Veronica's "Dude, where's your car?"
- Logan's matador move when Veronica drops them off. (And the mad flirtatious looks shared between them!)
- Veronica's Scooby impersonation
- When Veronica comes upon Logan at the lockers, you'll notice throughout the scene that he has a football. Yes, Logan with a football. Hmm ...
- When Logan leaves Veronica and Troy at the lockers, he seems to make a point of pushing his way directly between the two of them as Troy starts to move closer to her, rather than walking around either one of them.
- Veronica's great leather jacket in the Weevil scene.
- On the Mars refrigerator, there is a skull and crossbones magnet, a couple of photographs, an item about "Twelfth Night" and a flyer for "The Museum of Art in Balboa Park."
- As Logan, Luke and Troy are heading towards Troy's soon not-to-be-found car, Logan impresses Luke (and all of us watching at home) with the 'milkshake dance.' Never mind that he doesn't have the, erm, equipment, to provide the milk.
- When the car disappears, Troy and Luke moan and bemoan and question what happened. Logan? Shows off his musical trivia power and mentions the hundred years appearance of Brigadoon as an explanation. Yes, Brigadoon.
- One of these moments that were it performed by another character it probably wouldn't warrant a mention, but since it's Logan, it's listed. During his little early moment of flirting with Veronica (Squee!), Logan's slapping of his jacket against the hood of the car was one thing, but his sashaying walk as he sauntered away ... the ambiguity arises.
- Logan's implication that Luke has never seen the joy of a shot glass picked up TJ-style brings to mind a woman, her genitalia and a drinking glass.
- Troy's mention of the donkey shows refers to the famous sexual act (best known in Tijuana) between a woman and her donkey -- whether or not it's the same woman as the one with the drinking glass is left for the viewer to decide.
- Why did it take Luke forty minutes to buy a piata?
- Did Troy pick up dinner in the teaser as a payback for what he was about to do?
- How close to the Mexico border is Neptune?
- Where are Troy's parents?
- Does Wallace not have a car because he lost his license?
- What did he do to get it suspended?
- It has been almost nine months since Lianne left, why has Keith waited till now to pack up her things?
- How much stuff did Lianne take when she left? One small box is not a lot of stuff for a woman to leave behind.
- Did Lianne leave the key to the safe deposit box behind for Keith to find?
- How did Miss Dent not notice that Veronica was faking a death certificate during Journalism class?
- Boy, that Luke sure can't keep a secret. Why did Hank pick him when secrecy is so important to smuggling?
- Why didn't Troy throw Logan under the bus when Veronica suspected him? Wouldn't that have gotten her off his back and she surely would have believed the worst of Logan without a qualm.
- Did Troy tell the female employee of Beacon what Veronica was up to? If not, what would he have done if she had gotten the beacon turned on?
- Luke is pretty agile. Why doesn't he try out for gymnastics?
- Since he was at his house, why didn't he just go inside and lock the door when Hank was chasing him?
- Does Logan play football? If not, why did he have a football in his locker?
- Why does Rebecca need a sifter? Shouldn't she need a strainer for the fettuccine?
- What did Weevil tell Angel about Veronica?
- What were the other odd things Lianne did before she left?
- How much did all the cell phones cost?
- What time did Keith come home?
- How much is Barry Bonds' ball worth?
- How do you get a job as a school counselor with an arrest on your record?
- Why didn't Keith run his own background search on Rebecca?
- If Keith didn't want to find Lianne, how did he know her new license plate?
- If Paula Marshall had not been pregnant in real life, would they have stretched out the relationship between Keith and Rebecca?
- Was Veronica the only reason Keith broke up with Rebecca?
- The fake death certificate that Veronica whipped up named Lianne's parents as Jason and Emily Patterson -- yet, according to the show her maiden name was Reynolds, so was that a continuity error or was Veronica not sweating the details, even the biggies?
- How did the dog get the tracker on his collar?
- Why did Keith do the background search on Troy when Veronica had been dating him for a month? Did he have the information all along, and just chose this moment to share? Or, did he realize that Veronica might have been right about checking on people who come into their lives?
- How many drugs did Hank get caught with? Is he going to jail?
- Did Troy care what would happen to Luke when he didn't show up with the drugs?
- How cold is Troy? He knew he was leaving Veronica forever, but strung her long until the last possible moment. Jerk!
- So do the Echolls have a guesthouse and a pool house? Maybe the poker game was in the pool house (no bed) and the camera set-up is in the guest house (w/bed) (as seen in A Trip to the Dentist and Leave it to Beaver).
- Why didn't Lianne tell Veronica about her potential paternity issues when she found out that Veronica and Duncan were dating? Incest is best, but jeez. Lianne said she didn't know if Jake was Veronica's father so she knew it was possible that Duncan and Veronica were related and still let them go out. Worst. Mother. Ever.
- If Veronica has no problem following the conversation between Weevil and Angel, why cant she understand Spanish in Hot Dogs?
- Her father said that everything she makes leans to the left. However, apparently her snicker doodles are to die for.
JaneDTwo: Philosophy
JenniferH: Report Card; Chemistry; Band Class; Literature; Pep Squad Practice
Mastermia (Maria): Yearbook; Social Science; Philosophy; Homeroom; Principles of Democracy; History
Pixigal (Gerrie): Drama Club
SeluciaV (Alli): Social Science
smlf70 (Mark): Journalism
Tar Frimmer (Joanne): Study Hall; Extra Credit; Literature; Homeroom
Original Air Date: October 26, 2004
Written by: Dayna North
Directed by: Nick Gomez
Staff Grade: A-
Membership Grade: A (62.1% / of 58 votes)
While earlier episodes have provided unexpected twists, You Think You Know Somebody is the first that completely upends expectations about a heavily-featured recurring character. This is one of the rare Veronica Mars episodes that features only one story. The mystery of the week (technically the A-story) and the romantic entanglements of the Mars family (the B-story) are actually two parts of one story and coincide with the A-story in a satisfying conclusion.
Credited Cast Non-Appearance
Teddy Dunn - Duncan Kane
Recurring Guest Stars (Previous Episode Appearances)
Aaron Ashmore - Troy Vandegraff
Corinne Bohrer - Lianne Mars
Paula Marshall - Rebecca James
Guest Stars
Sam Huntington - Luke
Melissa Rene Martin - Ashley Banks
Deron McBee - Hank 'Ziggy' Zigman
Will Roberts - Lawrence Vandegraff
Hector Atreyu Ruiz - Angel
Chris Salcedo - Border Patrol Official
Who's Who in Neptune
Luke - A student at Neptune High, friends with Logan, a sports fan and player who's dabbled with drugs to improve his game.
Ashley Banks - A student at Neptune High who attempts to cut Veronica with gossip, but Veronica does her one better in that department.
Hank 'Ziggy' Zigman - Owner of Zig-Zag Sports Club, uses high school kids to transport drugs over the Mexican border.
Lawrence Vandegraff - Troy's father; stern disciplinarian (but not stern enough).
Angel - Weevil's uncle who works at a car junkyard.
Highlights
Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) - Kristen Bell -- as we say in the theatre -- owns the stage (or in this case the television screen). Spunky, witty, spirited and determined, she manages to solve the mystery of the week even at the expense of losing a boyfriend. But it is in the scene with Keith that our hearts break for Veronica as she desperately pleads with her father to find her mother. The tough veneer cracks a little as Bell shows the vulnerable side of Veronica. This is a gem of a performance that serves to cement the viewers' investment firmly in Veronica's quest.
Scene One: Logan is No Boy's Monkey
There isn't much in this first scene (but then to be fair their scenes total roughly two minutes the entire episode, so it's understandable). However, we do have an adorable bit of snark from Logan that was a nice change from the nasty insults we'd been getting mostly (with the notable exception of The Wrath of Con) thus far. And Veronica starts this round: She calls Logan Troy's monkey. Yes, you read that right. A monkey of Troy's. Now, Logan has done and said many a cruel thing to Veronica, but has he ever sunk that low? I think not. Instead of taking that as the true insult it is (perhaps because he is rather wasted), Logan chooses to attack the trusty LeBaron as opposed to Veronica herself. (Consistency -- first the headlights, then its very existence.)
Throwing his jacket and bag (why exactly does he have a bag?) into the back seat, he offers up this zinger: "Ha-ha. Nice car. God, it must have been a huge cereal box." Ah, Logan, your delicious snark ... may it never fade. Then he sits behind her. Uhm, and, yeah, and that's about it for the interaction between our delightful duo here.
Scene Two: Playing Nice
Okay, now THIS is why this episode will always *always* be fondly remembered by LoVe shippers. It doesn't matter that she is dating Troy; it doesn't matter that she and Logan barely share two minutes of screentime. It doesn't matter that this was definitely still a part of the 'me hate you, you hate me' phase. We got this little gem of a moment and it's a keeper! After Logan climbs out of her car, he asks (almost offhandedly) if Veronica is going to play nice now. She responds by telling him to walk in front of the car. He does, looking at her through the windshield. Veronica revs the engine and boy, does she have the wickedest, flirtiest smile on her face as their eyes meet through the windshield. There is just no other way to interpret that smile on her face or his laughing response as he smacks the hood with his jacket, a grin playing on his lips. And that's it right there: Playing. The two are so clearly playing with each other. I rather wonder if that is close to what their relationship was like before -- the teasing snark with just a dash of flirtation. It's certainly possible and not unbelievable considering the way they interact with one another now.
I just loved, loved, LOVED this whole section for the reasons stated above, but also because we got another delicious bout of staring. After he grins, he indulges in one of his favorite pastimes: Staring at Veronica Mars just a tad longer than he should. And he really, really does do this a lot. I mean, A LOT -- almost every single scene with them ends with Logan staring at her just a few seconds longer than he should. (She does a bit longer staring than she should also, but not to his extent.) I don't know if that was in the script or if it was an actor or director choice, but it certainly seems to give credence that there may have been some latent attraction there all along.
Scene Three: The Potentiality of Jealousy
Honestly, the most LoVerly aspects of this scene are at the very beginning and the very end. Everything between them is Veronica accusing Logan of something he didn't do, Logan denying the crime and insulting Veronica in turn, Veronica vowing to get him because she doesn't believe his denial, Logan insulting her once more and then Troy shows up. Yeah, it's real stellar. So we'll just ignore that in-between stuff and enjoy the opening and closing seconds ... cuz there's PLENTY much to enjoy.
What starts us off is a shot used in just about, oh, every single Logan/Veronica music vid ever made because it's just so damn cute. If you don't have the context as to why Veronica is making a determined beeline for an on-his-knees Logan with a sweet smile on her face, it's adorable and sweet. And if you don't know why Logan notes her arrival with a smile and stands, looking down at her petite cuteness with shiny eyes, it's practically a loving moment. And if you can't hear that his words aren't exactly welcoming, well you would think that these two lovebirds just can't stay away from each other and are beyond eager to be in each other's company.
If you don't know the context. See above about ignoring the in-between? Yeah, that's what we're gonna do now to maintain the admitted delusion that Veronica and Logan just shared a sweet, loving moment based on body language and facial expressions.
Alrighty then, we got to the good stuff at the start of the scene, let's bypass the blahblahblameLogancakes and blahblahI'mgonnagetyouandyourlittledogtoocakes and jump straight to the end. Troy shows up and this is where we have an interesting little bit. If you'll recall from earlier episodes, Logan had paid plenty o' attention to Troy's pursuit of Veronica to the point where questions of potential jealousy arose in the more eager-to-believe-yes, damnit!-he-loved-her-then camp and this next moment offers another Aha! moment for said camp. As Logan makes his parting shot (it's snotty ... of course -- "I guess we're done here, officer."), instead of walking around Troy, which, you know, would make sense since he thinks Veronica has cooties, but nooooo ... Logan chooses to walk right BETWEEN THEM. There is absolutely no reason to do this. Unless, you jump into the eager-to-believe camp that subconsciously he was jealous of Troy and wanted to separate them.
Oh, and of course, when he walks between them, he stares at Veronica. Intently. For a few seconds longer than he should. And as he walks away from them, guess what he does? He continues to stare at her. You know, it actually would have been funny had when he had walked away, he'd run into someone during one of his 'I must stare intently at Veronica as if I want to ravish her any second' stares. Teeheehee, that would have really been funny.
Troy and his amigos, Luke and Logan, are in Tijuana (TJ) on a drinking trip in Troys dads car (never a good idea). Luke has a donkey piata and while a very drunk Logan and Troy wait less than patiently for him, he skulks behind a dumpster and removes something that has been left for him, which he then hides in his ass. The papier-mch one, silly. When the border control agent jokingly asks them to give him their contraband, Luke looks worried. Rut ro, I think Luke and his ass are doing something illegal.
Safely across the border, the three amigos stop for something to eat. Troy, after going to the restroom, picks up the tab. Since no good deed goes unpunished, when they get to the parking lot, the car is gone. Logan, who is just as adorable drunk as not, entertains his friends with his musical theatre knowledge while they wait for Veronica to pick them up. Veronica gives Luke, Troy and his monkey a ride to Logans car, because she is the best girlfriend ever. She even takes the time to flirt with Logan by pretending to run him over. Awww.
Once that little dance o' love is over and Logan and Luke head off, Veronica turns her attention to her actual boyfriend. Troy, who is convinced that he will be sent to Catholic school in Albuquerque if they cant find the car, tells Veronica that since his father thinks it is in the garage, he cant report it stolen to get the theft prevention device turned on. Veronica suggests that she look for it as Troy acts properly appreciative.
Luke has to confess to Hank Zigmund that the piata was stolen with the car. Apparently the contents of the ass belong to Hank and Luke must get them back or a baseball bat will be inserted into his ass. No, not the piata, the other one. Luke, desperate, confesses to Veronica that he was smuggling steroids in the piata as payment for Hank helping him bulk up for Varsity baseball. He says that Logan knew about the drugs, but Troy did not. Since Logan was drunk off his ass, I doubt he knew his own name, much less what Luke was doing, but I guess we'll let the little twerp slide at this point. Veronica tells him that she does not get involved with drug dealers but after he begs (piteously), she agrees on the condition that he has to return the steroids to the Mexico dealer, get his money back and then return the cash, not the drugs. Luke agrees. (Since the drugs were behind a dumpster, how does Luke know who to return the drugs to?)
Veronica, after checking the impound lot, decides to try the tracking device next in her search for Troy's car. On the way to Beacon Security she grills Troy about Logan and their activities in TJ, as her working hypothesis seems to be that Logan planned the trip then ripped off his friends. Boy, she thinks highly of him, doesnt she? Troy defends Logan, saying that they all came up with the idea to go to Mexico. She asks if he noticed anyone following them or looking suspicious and he laughs her off since that is the way everyone looks in TJ. At the tracking office she almost manages to sweet talk a male employee to turn it on, but a by-the-numbers supervisor puts the kibosh on that. Veronica practically says, "Rats, foiled again," on the way out the door.
Later that day, Logan who has finally gotten out of bed, drops Luke off at his house. Hank, in his super inconspicuous orange hummer with vanity plates, pulls up and starts to chase Luke. Luke, who is younger and more spry, plus very concerned about splinters in uncomfortable places, gets away. The next day at school, Veronica confronts Logan about the drugs. He confesses that he knew what Luke was doing, but denies any involvement in the theft. Troy comes up and interrupts them before Veronica can accuse him of kidnapping the Lindbergh baby or shooting JFK.
Weevil, who is apparently the go-to-guy for stolen cars, takes her to his uncles chop shop. There, while following a conversation all in Spanish, she learns that the car was chopped a few days ago and that one of the guys who works at the shop took the piata for his daughters birthday. Veronica jumps on Weevils' hog, not that one, the motorcycle, and they go to find the missing drug-filled piata. They arrive just as the piata is opened, but the only thing inside is candy. Bummer. Luke is so screwed.
Veronica finds Luke at school the following day and tells him that he needs to come up with the $8,000 he owes Hank because they are not going to get the drugs back. Luke, who looks even more pasty than usual at this news, is not thrilled.
Meanwhile, it's back to boyfriend-car-a'hunting and Veronica decides that it is time to call in the expert and asks Keith to get the beacon turned on, while Veronica stands behind him taking notes. Meanwhile, Luke has put his signed Barry Bonds' ball up for sale, but only has bids for $2,800 so far. He whines about having to sell the ball, but Veronica points out that it is the ball, or his life. Well, not technically his life, but I guess he values his virtue highly and doesnt want the baseball bat to get to third base with his privates. Or would that be a homerun? Anyway, he points out that he is selling the ball even though it kills him to do so. Well, not actually killing him we dont have to go through this again, do we?
Troy, who was freaking out about Albuquerque just the day before, now wants to fool around and not worry about the car situation. Veronica confronts him about his attitude, asking why he doesnt seem to be concerned about their relationship being over if the car is not found. He says that he wants to enjoy his time with her while they can. Hmm, I think the umpire should call foul on that attitude. Veronica ignores Troy's suggestion for some hanky panky and they track the car's beacon and find it on a Labrador retriever. Their last clue gone, Veronica is back to square one until her father provides some interesting details on Troy's background.
Veronica, armed with his myriad of drug related offenses, confronts him at school. He has been very naughty with a previous girlfriend named Shauna. Veronica says that with his history, she doesn't believe that he didn't know about the steroids. Troy claims that it was two years ago and doesn't reflect on who he is now. She asks why he didn't tell her and he claims that he was waiting until they were dating longer before telling her his deep dark secrets. Where is that umpire because someone needs to be thrown out of the game. Luke walks up to Veronica to let her know that he came up with the full eight thousand as Troy just walks away.
Veronica and Backup take the money to Hank and tell him that they are closing Luke's account. He tries to intimidate her, never a good idea, but Backup is a good guard doggie and convinces him of the error of that idea. Wallace calls Veronica's cell, giving her the opportunity to snap Hank's picture as she answers it. Hank takes the money, but claims that Luke still owes him. Back at the office, Veronica prints out the picture and faxes it off.
Troy's father has come home, found out about his car, and decided to send Troy somewhere where he will learn discipline and respect. Yea, good luck with that. Instead, Troy's cab takes him back to the diner where the car was stolen. Inside the diner, he's in the bathroom and reaches up into the ceiling, removing a package. He then gets into his dad's BMW and drives off. (Hmm, I thought the car was chopped?) His cell phone rings and it's Shauna. As he is making suggestive comments (God, he sucks!) she asks why he gave Veronica her phone number and admits that she told Veronica that they would be seeing each other soon. Troy opens the package to find only candy and a note that says Veronica figured out where he hid the drugs and has flushed them down the toilet. Veronica finishes the note by commenting that Shauna is a "keeper" and she wishes them happiness in their new school. She is a hell of a lot nicer than I am. I would have gotten that umpire and a bat and used the Hank method of resolving differences. But that's just me.
Hank is crossing the border from Mexico when the customs agent recognizes him from Veronica's fax. They stop him, asking him for his contraband and he realizes that Veronica is responsible for his arrest. I guess Luke's account is closed after all.
- Veronica is working on her laptop at her desk as Wallace walks up, lunch in hand, and shares his skepticism at her ability to find Troy's stolen car by using the internet. (Oh, ye of little faith!) She points out that he'd be surprised at the information one can find online. So Wallace challenges 'Velma' to find out something on him. Taking umbrage at being labeled 'Velma' rather than 'Daphne,' she accepts his challenge and logs on to the PryingEyez.com website. As she tells Wallace, the site holds all sorts of fun and interesting info for any P.I. with a password -- arrests, divorce, bankruptcies and (Rut-roh!) a driver's license suspension for one Wallace Fennel.
Trying to save a little face, Wallace bets that Prying Eyez didn't tell her that he got it back. (So, there!) Wanting to make sure she has their little 'Scooby' gang assignments straight, she ponders his role Fred? Hell no, Wallace isn't down with that; if he's got to be one of those white boys, it has to be Shaggy because that dude has some "mad flavor." Reading up further on Wallace, she uncovers a current subscription to MAD Magazine. Oh, yeah, Fennel's all about the "flavor."
Keith passes by them, on his way to the office kitchen, and Veronica not so quietly whispers to Wallace a plea for help choosing a birthday present for her dad. She's currently considering rock climbing, but Keith calls out that while he's not so much a lover of heights, he does appreciate that she's thinking outside the box. He also tells his daughter not to wait on him for dinner, as he's getting some takeout from Luigi's. After her request for some lasagna is met with a joke about the amount of manicotti she put away the last time, she informs her father that he'll now be spending his birthday skydiving alone. Fortunately, Keith appreciates his daughter's sense of humor. Very likely because it's so clearly inherited from him.
Veronica goes home later and is happily greeted by her other BFF, Backup. Promising to take him out soon, she hits the play button on the answering machine and it plays a message from a woman calling to tell Keith she might be a little late for dinner. The mystery woman then realizes she should be calling his cell phone instead and hangs up. Veronica does an immediate *69, only to be stunned to reach the voicemail of her school counselor, Rebecca James. That scary event known as "change" has just punched our Veronica in the face and she's not thrilled.
The next morning, as she stands in the kitchen eating a bowl of cereal, she calls out a sudden "You and Ms. James, huh?" to her dad. Realizing he's busted, he explains that he didn't want to make a big deal out of it, since they've only gone out a few times. She assures him that she gets his need for companionship and she's fine with it. (Liar, liar, pants on fire!) He apologizes that she didn't hear it from him first, but she insists it's cool and jokes that he should shoot for an actual teacher the next time, so it'll be of some benefit to her GPA. Keith seeks more reassurance that she's okay with it and she once again
Later on, Rebecca shows up at Mars Investigations and nervously says hello to Veronica. Keith rushes out of his office to greet her and they start verbally stumbling over one another. Rebecca's a little early because she's anxious and Keith is trying to assure her that it's fine. Veronica quietly observes them quickly kiss each other on the cheek, and then the grownups explain that Rebecca wanted to say hello to her outside of school, since she understands the whole thing is probably a bit weird for her.
Veronica points out that the current scene unfolding before her is a little weird, but she's fine with them dating. (And if she were a wooden puppet named Pinocchio, her nose would be stretched out over the Pacific by now.) They thought that if the two of them had a chance to talk, things would be less awkward, which has obviously only brought on more awkwardness. Rebecca realizes this now and asks if there's anything she can do to make things easier. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Veronica asks to be let out of fifth period Bio.
On another day, Veronica arrives home to find Rebecca making herself at home in the kitchen, searching for a sifter, with Backup underfoot. Veronica's obviously not happy at this new personal invasion and tersely tells her they don't have a sifter. Backup then treacherously jumps up on Rebecca, begging for attention. Veronica quickly asks if Rebecca's given him people food, which she hasn't -- she just found his happy spot. (Dad, the kitchen, and now Backup, too?)
Keith ran out for groceries because she's making fettuccine for dinner and Veronica's favorite dessert, waffles and ice cream. Veronica tensely, but politely, responds to Rebecca's nervous small talk. Suddenly, Rebecca accidentally drops a dish onto the floor, causing it to break. Veronica helps her clean it up, telling her not to worry about it, just as Keith arrives home and joins in on assuring Rebecca it's not a big deal. Veronica says she appreciates Rebecca cooking for them, but she can't stay because she promised a friend she'd meet him at the Sac-n-Pac to work on a school project. Disappointed and not quite buying her excuse, Rebecca promises to ask first the next time. Veronica thanks her again and says she'll try the pasta when she gets home.
Just after 3 a.m., Veronica hears Keith coming in the front door. She goes out to greet him and suggests that one hour later and his would officially be a walk of shame. He tells her he's going to pull the 'dad card' and go to bed. She stops him to ask for help with Troy's missing car. He agrees to be nice and help her boyfriend if she'll agree to be nice to his girlfriend. She hesitates, clearly not liking this deal, but agrees anyway.
The next day, in journalism class, Miss Dent is reminding her students to start with light and easy questions during their interview exercises, to get their subjects comfortable. So Veronica's bitchy partner, Ashley Banks, asks the light and easy question of how Veronica would like to respond to the rumors that Troy hooked up with strippers in Tijuana last weekend. Veronica's response? Asking if Ashley has decided which parent to live with after their divorce and, furthermore, can she believe her father's choice of a mistress? She shoots and she scores a hit as Ashley looks like she's just been slapped. (Did she really expect Veronica to just sit there and take it? Has she not been paying attention this season?) Having witnessed the exchange (or at least Veronica's side of it), Mallory is so not pleased and immediately tells Veronica to come see her after class.
When Veronica shows up for her scolding, Mallory tells her she looks like she's ready for a fight (duh!) and wonders how she thinks Ashley's going to be sleeping tonight, after their little exchange. Veronica argues that she didn't tell her anything she didn't already know deep down. Mallory tries to explain that sometimes it's better for people to believe the lies in their life. Veronica's not buying into that philosophy, though, and stays after class to do a little "research." Unlike Miss Dent, Veronica's view of the big picture is that love is an investment, with information a sort of insurance, especially for someone who's had their heart crushed before. Bringing up the Prying Eyez website, she considers her next move.
After school, Veronica walks into Keith's office and hands him an envelope as he asks her if they can go to Rebecca's house for dinner before doing whatever Veronica has planned for his birthday. She gravely tells him to open the envelope and then goes to her desk while he reads over its contents. Not waiting for his response, Veronica asks him if knew that his girlfriend was still married -- he did and for the record he's still married. And that she was arrested for bad checks when she was 21? Keith is so very not impressed by his daughter's detective skills and is, in fact, quite livid that she assumed she had the right to do this. Veronica argues that she was trying to protect him, which just makes him angrier as he storms back and forth between his desk and hers. His daughter, in turn, is outraged that he's let this woman into their life so easily and he angrily points out that Rebecca makes him feel good about himself, for the first time in a long time. They tried to make her comfortable about the situation, but she chose to be snotty instead.
Finally sharing her true feelings about it all, Veronica follows him into his office and tearfully yells at him that her mom is still out there and if she were a criminal, he'd have found her and brought her back in a week's time. He accuses her of only caring about her mom coming back because he's started dating and reveals that maybe he doesn't care to find Lianne at all. She's stunned and goes back to her desk. He angrily gives her the code he got for her so she could help her boyfriend, then shuts himself inside his office. Veronica tries to calm herself, but ultimately fails, as she sits there, sobbing about her broken family.
The next morning, Veronica finds Keith in the kitchen, looking rather forlorn. He offers to make her some breakfast, but she grabs an apple instead. Then she notices an envelope sitting on the counter, marked "Troy Vandegraff." He tells her it's for her and it's her choice whether or not to open it. (Hmm. Is this retaliation for her check on Rebecca or proof that father and daughter think alike, when it comes to protecting their loved ones?)
At a little diner, later on, Rebecca and Keith sit, holding hands. Keith is obviously stalling, so Rebecca tells him to just get it over with. Keith proceeds to break up with her because he can't hurt his daughter over this. He's finally realized that she's just not ready to see him dating yet. Rebecca's naturally upset, but also incredibly understanding, so she asks him for a different, crappy reason she can bitch to her girlfriends about. They hug, both saddened about the sucky timing of their meeting each other.
Later, Veronica and Keith share a private birthday celebration at home, with a Veronica-baked, lopsided, chocolate cake sitting between them. Keith observes that everything she makes tends to lean a little bit to the left. Veronica insists that she does that on purpose, then wonders when Rebecca's going to arrive. Keith tells her she's not and Veronica is surprised and a little disappointed because she's already canceled his birthday surprise -- seeing Santana at the Bowl.
Keith lets her know that he's not going to be seeing Rebecca anymore, which makes his daughter feels suitably guilty. She apologizes for knowing nothing about relationships and for him not being happy on his birthday. Keith insists he really just wants to have a piece of cake with his daughter. She smiles, lights the birthday candle and wishes her pop a happy birthday. He makes a wish and blows out the candle.
- Veronica and Troy both dig "Such Great Heights" by the Postal Service.
- Veronica's Prying Eyez login ID is vmars.
- Veronica can understand some conversational Spanish. She took the language class in school, last year.
- Veronica has biology as her fifth period class.
- Veronica and Troy have been dating for a month.
- Veronica has a friend named Earl who works at the impound yard.
- The Echolls residence has a guesthouse.
- Logan still has a bottom locker.
- Troy drives his fathers green BMW 740i when he is out of town.
- Troy has an upper locker.
- Troys fathers name is Lawrence Vandegraff.
- Two years ago, Troy was kicked out of Pembroke School in Connecticut and then out of St. Mary's in Boston. Both times he was busted, along with his girlfriend Shauna, for marijuana possession and trafficking.
- Luke plays Varsity Baseball.
- According to Keith, Rebecca James is a good cook.
- Weevil has an uncle named Angel, who owns a chop shop.
- The Zig-Zag Sports Club is owned by Hank Zigman.
- Veronica's fax to the Border Patrol reads: Hank "Ziggy" Zigman / orange hummer -- license plate: Z-Meister
- Lianne has cut her hair since she left Neptune.
- The details Veronica filled in on Lianne's fake Certificate of Death:
- Name: Lianne P. Mars
Date of Death: 12/01/2003
Date of Birth: 06/18/1962
Age: 41
Birthplace: Neptune, CA
Name and Birthplace of Father: Jason Patterson, Dallas, TX
Name and Birthplace of Mother: Emily Patterson, Wren, TX
Social Security #: 245-62-6323
Occupation: Homemaker
Address: 1909 Seacrest Road Apt. #110, Neptune, CA
- Keith is packing some things into a box, when Veronica walks out and wishes him a good morning. When asked, he tells her that he's putting some of her mom's things into storage, since they really don't need the reminders hanging around anymore. She agrees and expresses no desire to take a look at the stuff before it's gone. He tells her he'll leave it there for now, just in case, and after a bit of conversation, leaves for an early appointment.
Unable to keep her attention away from the Box of Missing Mom Memories for long, Veronica starts digging into it. After staring at a few pictures of happier times, Veronica thinks about how having your mother abandon you is a great way to dull the pain brought on by your best friend being murdered. (Well, aren't you Little Miss Brightside?) Dear ol' mom wasn't willing to stand by Keith and lose everything like her daughter was when he dared to implicate the Kane family in Lilly's murder. In the box, Veronica also finds a little red purse. She looks through its contents and turns up a tiny little envelope containing a safe deposit key.
Later, in her journalism class, Veronica is at work on the computer typing up a fake certificate of death for one Lianne P. Mars. Wow, now that's an interesting class assignment, fake parental death certificates -- oh, wait, no, this would be a little extracurricular activity that Ms. Mars is up to. After printing it off, she takes it to the bank where she mournfully claims to have just found the safe deposit key belonging to her mother who passed away last year. Con job successfully accomplished, she's taken to the box. When she opens it, she's horrified to find something that makes her rethink her mom's reasons for leaving town. It may not just be that Lianne was unable to cope with losing her social status. She may have actually been afraid of losing Veronica. Permanently. Because inside the box, Veronica has found a stack of black and white surveillance photos. Each picture is of Veronica in various locations. And each one has Veronica at the center of a red bullseye.
Back at her Mars Investigations desk, Veronica is staring at one of the photographs -- this one taken outside her current apartment, while she was walking her dog. She suspects it's the work of a pro, who had a 300 mm camera and an uncomfortable knowledge of her schedule last year. Obviously, Keith has never seen the threatening photos or Veronica would certainly be under lock and key.
When Veronica is confronted with dad's new girlfriend's attempt to bond by making her favorite dessert of waffles and ice cream, she remembers an earlier time when her mom was making her waffles for breakfast. While the waffles cooked on the iron, Lianne prodded Veronica for information on her "new boy," suggesting they should cook for him. Veronica pointed out that Mars women should probably just play to their strengths instead. Lianne wouldn't give up, though, and kept tossing out names of boys her daughter might be dating: Garret Fisher, Kenny Houseman, Travis Kittlemeyer (who is very likely gay) or Boris. After questioning her mother's taste and low opinion of her daughter's taste, Veronica gave in and confessed to dating Duncan Kane. Lianne's smile quickly faded and she was so stricken by the "happy" news that she didn't even notice the waffles burning until Veronica pointed it out. Well, at least we can sympathize with one of Lianne's reactions.
At school, Veronica pauses to stare at the sign on the door of the Administration office: "All Visitors Must Check In Inside." She remembers her mom quickly rushing her out of those very doors, as a confused Veronica wondered why she was even there. Smiling, but not losing any speed, Lianne told her she thought it would be nice to spend some time together at Aunt Sheryl's in Palm Springs. Veronica protested that she had a history test and a Spanish project due, but Lianne's smile faded and she begged her to not make it hard and to just go with her. This was three days before Lianne pulled her disappearing act. Veronica had always figured the nervous and bizarre behavior was a byproduct of Lianne's love affair with vodka, but now she thinks her mom may have actually been afraid.
One night, just after 3 a.m., instead of getting her beauty sleep, Veronica is sitting on the bed, stuffing letters and untraceable, disposable cell phones into envelopes she's addressed to her mom's closest friends and family, including Aunt Sheryl Morgan. She's hoping that one will reach Lianne and that she'll feel safe enough to call home, knowing no one will be able to trace her whereabouts.
A few days later, Veronica is resting on her bed, listening to a CD through her headphones, when her cell phone starts to vibrate on her desk. This is one call she's going to kick herself for missing because on the other end of the line is Lianne. Which is probably a good thing for the elusive Mrs. Mars, because this way she's able to have a one-sided conversation, devoid of all those pesky questions she knows her daughter must have.
Lianne leaves a voice mail, assuring Veronica that she misses her terribly, but she won't tell her which one of the phones managed to get to her because she doesn't want her trying to find her. She promises that she'll be in touch soon and everything will make sense eventually, but she needs to trust her mother now. (Because she's proven herself to be so very trustworthy in the past.) She loves Veronica and wishes Keith a happy birthday. (I guess sending a card was out of the question.)
- Making waffles with her mom. (Read detailed breakdown.)
- Her mom taking her from school just before she left. (Read detailed breakdown.)
"Such Great Heights" (The Postal Service)
Scene: Veronica wants the downlow on Logan-- erm, Troy's activities in Tijuana.
"Put Your Lights On" (Santana with Everlast)
Scene: Veronica's version of "message in a bottle" has got to be REALLY expensive. Those are a lot of phones! But I guess it's worth it to reach her momma.
"The New Kid" (Old 97's)
Scene: Troy's grand getaway as his dastardly plan reaches a successful conclusion. Ah, ah, ah, never underestimate Veronica Mars, IceTwin.
"Such Great Heights" (The Postal Service)
Scene: Hey, we've heard this song before! Ooh, in a nice nod to consistency -- that expensive message in a bottle trick with the phones worked out after all -- and we hear the same tune over the message received.
LoVe Lines
Veronica: Ah ... (Nodding at Logan.) Your monkey's gonna have to ride in the back.
Logan: Ha-ha. Nice car. God, it must have been a huge cereal box.
Logan: Thanks for the ride. Does this mean you're gonna play nice now?
Veronica: Walk in front of the car. We'll see. (She sends him a flirty grin as she revs the engine and he smacks the hood with his jacket, grinning back.)
Veronica: Time for a chat?
Logan: Well. Think if hell froze over, maybe it'd be on the news.
Veronica: I just wanna hear more about the steroids you bought last weekend.
Logan: You mean the steroids Luke bought. Wow. You suck at this Nancy Drew stuff. You should get a new hobby.
In Memory
Lianne: So. When are we gonna cook for your boy?
Veronica: We're Mars women. Shouldn't we play to our strengths? And who says there's a new boy?
Lianne: Don't even try that. No, wait a minute. Let me guess. Um ... Garret Fisher? Kenny Houseman?
Veronica: (Offended.) Have we met?
Lianne: (Relieved.) Thank you. Um ... Travis Kittlemeyer.
Veronica: Ooh, I think he'd rather be dating Kenny Houseman.
Quotable Quotes
Troy: I've spent the past forty minutes listening to Logan dry-heave so you could buy a deformed piata?
Troy: Whoa! What'd I tell you about drool on the leather? Dad's very strict about the car. He's the only one allowed to dry-heave in it.
Luke: These border checkpoints, man, they always freak me out.
Logan: Maybe you shouldn't volunteer for the full cavity search.
Troy: Isn't this where we parked? Tell me that this isn't where we parked. Please, someone tell me that you can see my father's car and this heart attack that I'm having right now is for nothing.
Logan: Well maybe it's like Brigadoon. If you come back in a hundred years, it'll be right back in this spot.
Luke: This just ... really sucks, man.
Logan: Wow, man, that's profound.
Troy: My parents come home in five days. If the car's not back before my dad is, I'm going to be singing hymns and doing rosary beads before you can say "The Passion."
Veronica: Dude! Where's your car?
Troy: I appreciate it, but I think this is even beyond your super powers.
Veronica: Haven't you heard? I've got friends in low places.
Wallace: You're going to find Troy's stolen car over the internet?
Veronica: You'd be surprised what one can find with a few nimble keystrokes.
Wallace: All right, then, Velma. Why don't you see what you can find on, say, me?
Veronica: It's Daphne, thank you very much.
Wallace: (Looking at her computer screen over her shoulder.) What's that?
Veronica: If you're a P.I. with a password, this is the gateway to many a skeleton-filled closet. Arrests, divorces, bankruptcies. (Fake gasp, followed by a Scooby voice.) Rut-roh! Somebody got their license suspended last year.
Wallace: I got it back. Bet you it doesn't say that.
Veronica: Wait, if I'm Daphne, what does that make you? Fred?
Wallace: Oh, no. If I gotta be any of those white boys, I gotta be Shaggy all the way, baby. Shaggy's got mad flavor.
Veronica: Awwww, you still have a subscription to MAD Magazine. You're all about the flavor.
Veronica: Hey, help me out. So, for my dad's birthday, I'm thinking ... rock climbing?
Wallace: Because he loves heights?
Keith: (From the kitchen.) Not so much, but keep thinking outside the box. I like it. And don't wait on me for dinner. I'll probably get take-out from the Italian place.
Veronica: Luigi's? Will you get me some lasagna?
Keith: Some lasagna? (Walks into room and sees her expression.) I'm just saying, last time we went to Luigi's you ate your weight in manicotti.
Veronica: And now your birthday will be spent sky-diving. Alone.
Veronica Mars Voiceover: You know those people who can predict when change is coming in their life? I'm not one of them. Change has a way of just walking up and punching me in the face.
Veronica: You know how many things I don't tell you? (Off of Keith's look.) I'm kidding. It's cool. Just next time, could you shoot for an actual teacher? Because this has no potential benefit to my grade point average.
Veronica Mars Voiceover: The best way to dull the pain of your best friend's murder is to have your mother abandon you as soon as possible. It's like hitting your thumb with a hammer, then when it's throbbing so badly you don't think you'll survive, you cut the damn thing off.
Luke: (Out of breath.) Hey. You're helping Troy find his dad's car, right?
Veronica: You're sweating on me.
Luke: There was a piata full of steroids in the back seat. I did a run for Hank Zigman. He owns the Zig-Zag Sports Club. I wanted to get pumped for Varsity baseball. I was ... pretty much down for whatever.
Veronica: Including shrunken testicles and acne scars. Well, speaking for the women of America, good plan!
Veronica: So far it's been a whole lot of brick walls, but I talked to my buddy, Earl, yesterday, at the impound yard.
Troy: What do I love more? That you have a buddy named Earl or that he works at the impound yard?
Veronica: I'm guessing both. No sign of the Bimmer. But he can get you a great deal on a good times van.
Veronica: Ah, so ... what was on the menu for this night of grand debauchery?
Troy: Let's see. From, uh, eight to nine, we brainstormed on how to overthrow Kim Jong-Il. From nine to ten, we deleted the records of the black voters of Florida. After that it was, uh, yeah it was all donkey shows.
Veronica: So the usual?
Troy: Pretty much.
Veronica: Please tell me you know where Mario lives, because we need to get that piata right away.
Weevil: Baby, I'll buy you a piata.
Veronica: (Sweetly.) Will you buy me a piata full of steroids?
Veronica: We need to talk.
Luke: All right. But does it have to be next to the feminine hygiene machine?
Veronica: (As Keith returns home.) One more hour and this might actually constitute a walk of shame.
Luke: This is insane. I mean, two thousand bucks with four bids? These people have no idea what a Barry Bonds ball's worth.
Veronica: No, it's classic bidding strategy. They wait 'til the end of the auction. Try hitting refresh.
Luke: Classic bidding.
Veronica: See, there you go. Twenty-eight hundred. We're almost there.
Luke: No, we're not almost there. I-I-I can't do this. I mean, you have no idea what I went through to get this ball. You have no idea what it's going to be worth when he retires ...
Veronica: (Patiently.) Luke. A ball or your life. You do the math. (And now she's lost patience.) It's a ball!
Troy: Let's just say that you've been told you have seventy-two hours to live. How do you spend them? You can dig through medical texts looking for a miracle cure or you can make those seventy-two hours the best three days of your life. And I choose sexy fun time.
Veronica: Well, I choose a miracle cure.
Ms. Dent: You look ready for a fight.
Veronica: I get that a lot. I guess it's just my usual expression.
Veronica Mars Voiceover: Poor Ms. Dent. She can't see the big picture yet. Love is an investment. Information is insurance. With someone whose heart has already been crushed, I say you can't be too careful.
Veronica: You have let her into our life like it's no big deal!
Keith: Oh, it's a big deal. It's a huge deal. Makes me feel good about myself. Wanted in a way that I haven't in a long time. It makes me wake up with a smile on my face. And we didn't ignore your feelings. We tried to make you feel comfortable, but you chose to be snotty.
Veronica: Mom is still out there somewhere. Do you even care if she ever comes back? (Nearly breaking down.) You can find anybody! If she were a criminal, you'd make a couple grand tracking her down and you'd have her back in a week.
Keith: Well, maybe I don't care to find her. Have you ever considered that?
Troy: Please tell me that dog is not supposed to be the BMW.
Veronica: You think your dad'll notice?
Keith: I can't do this to Veronica. She's not ready to see me dating yet. I'm sorry. (Pausing.) I'm sorry, but she's having a really hard time.
Rebecca: Can you do me a favor?
Keith: Of course.
Rebecca: Can you just tell me it's a -- it's another reason like, like a crappy one? Your being a good father isn't really something I can bitch about to my girlfriends over margaritas.
Hank: You know, darling, unless you're blind, you're gonna have to take your doggie outside.
Veronica: You can try explaining that to him because he never listens to me.
Veronica: You got busted for drug possession and trafficking!
Troy: Yeah, so, that was two years before we even met. What does that have to do with us now?
Veronica: Because you never told me about it!
Troy: Maybe I would've. You ever think of that? Maybe after I'd known you for more than a month, I'd tell you my deep dark secrets. Or is that too much of a character flaw? Waiting for the girl to like you before you tell her the things you're not so proud of? I don't have to tell you that. You're Veronica Mars. You know everything.
Hank: Well, I'm gonna take the eight grand, but we ain't square. You see, the little bitch let me down and I'm gonna have to make him pay.
Veronica: (Nods, smiling.) Remember this moment. 'Cause you're gonna regret it. Toodles!
Keith: I love it. Ever notice how everything you make just ... tends to lean a little to the left?
Veronica: (Tilts head as she looks at cake.) I do that on purpose.
Veronica: Dad, you don't have -- Sorry. I obviously know nothing about relationships.
Keith: But you can bake and that's important.
Tijuana ... (Referenced by Troy as they prepare to cross the U.S.- Mexico border.)
Tijuana is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California. The current mayor is Jorge Hank Rhon of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). The city stands on the U.S. Mexico border, adjacent to San Diego, California to the north. The city's motto is "Aqui empieza la patria," which translates to "The homeland starts here." It is sometimes referred to as the "Most visited city in the world" due to its proximity to the world's busiest border crossing. The city is commonly called TJ in Southern California. The most popular tourist attraction is Avenida Revolucion. Many foreigners visit the strip to drink, buy prescription drugs, bootleg brand-name clothing and accessories, and Mexican curiosities. There are also plenty of nightclubs in Plaza Fiesta, across from the Plaza Rio Mall that are mainly frequented by the locals. The Revolucion strip is also famous for its nearby red-light district La Coahuila, which boast numerous street prostitutes and various strip clubs.
Piata (Referenced by Troy, Luke, Veronica, and Weevil as the little souvenir Luke smuggled the steroids in.)
A piata is a bright container made from easily breakable materials like straw, papier-mch, or clay. They are often shaped like people, animals, cartoon characters, or stars, and are covered with colorful tissue paper.
Filled with candy or small toys, they are generally used for children's parties. Traditionally, a filled piata will be hung up by a rope and then hit by a succession of blind-folded children with a stick or bat until the piata breaks open and the candy is released. The children then rush to pick up as much candy from the ground as they can. The piata has been used for hundreds of years to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas. Spanish colonists are thought to have started the tradition in Mexico, though it has been argued that the piata was brought to Mexico by Chinese sailors in 1421.
Mexico ... (Referenced by the Border Inspection officer as he asks the boys if they had a good time.)
Mexico (Spanish: Mxico) is a country located in North America, approximately 753,665 square miles in size, bordered at the north by the United States, and at the south with Guatemala and Belize in Central America. It is the northernmost and westernmost country in Latin America, and with a population of 106.5 million, Mexico is also the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. The official name is Estados Unidos Mexicanos, which translates as the United Mexican States. The term State of Mexico (Estado de Mexico) does not refer to the country, but only to one state within Mexico, located near the center of the country adjacent to the Federal District.
U.S. citizens have been known to cross the border into Mexico to evade U.S. authorities and skip tracers. Most often, these individuals cross the border into Tijuana due to its proximity to the world's busiest border crossing. What is interesting is that criminals continue to cross into Mexico to evade criminal prosecution despite the extradition treaty that has been in place between the U.S. and Mexico since 1980.
According to EscapingJustice.com, the Treaty provides for extradition of a party who has been charged with or found guilty of an offense committed in the United States, who has fled to Mexico. An offense is extraditable if it is a crime in both countries and punishable by incarceration for a period of one year or more. The Extradition Treaty further provides that where the offense for which extradition is sought is punishable by death, extradition may be refused unless assurances are given that the death penalty shall not be imposed, and if imposed, shall not be executed.
Brigadoon ... (Referenced by Logan in response to Troy's car being stolen.)
Originally Brigadoon was a 1947 Lerner and Loewe Broadway musical. It was turned into a movie in 1955 by MGM starring Gene Kelly, Van Johnson and Cyd Charisse. Vincent Minnelli, Judy Garland's husband and Liza Minnelli's father, directed the movie. The musical tells the story of two American hunters who stumble upon a small town while they are lost in the highlands of Scotland. They find out that the reason why the town is not on any map is that the townsfolk only awaken for one day out of every hundred years. One of the Americans falls in love with a girl from the town, but since the world has changed so much she won't leave Brigadoon. Will true love win in the end? You will have to see the movie.
The Passion (of the Christ) ... (Referenced by Troy as he explains to Logan and Luke that his dad will ship him off to Catholic school if his stolen car isn't found.)
The Passion of the Christ (2004) is the controversial movie directed and co-written by Mel Gibson; a version of his faith-based historical beliefs of the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The film depicts the last twelve hours of Jesus Christ's life on earth, and took almost twelve years and $25 million of Gibson's own money to produce.
The film begins in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus having gone there to pray after the Last Supper. There he must resist the temptations of Satan and is then betrayed by Judas Iscariot. Jesus is arrested and the film goes on to show the trials he endured under Pontius Pilate and King Herod where he is confronted with accusations of blasphemy which result in a condemnation to death.
After the death sentence has been passed, Jesus is made to carry his own cross to Golgatha amidst beatings and ridicule. During the trek we see the compassion of the few people who supposedly tried to ease his suffering. The film flashes back to time spent with his mother as well as his Disciples, sharing his teachings. Having reached the final destination, Jesus is crucified, dies, and is buried. Three days later, he is resurrected from the dead.
Dude, Where's My Car? ... (Referenced by Veronica when she pulls up to give Troy, Logan, and Luke a ride back to Neptune.)
Dude, Where's My Car? is a 2000 comedy directed by Danny Leiner (Harold and Kumar go to White Castle, Arrested Development) and starring Ashton Kutcher (That 70's Show, The Butterfly Effect) and Seann William Scott (American Pie trilogy, Road Trip). In the film, two potheads wake up from a night of wild partying to find their car missing. The movie shows them retracing their steps to find out what happened to them the night before, and more importantly, what happened to their car.
Albuquerque (Referenced by Troy as the city his father will send him when he finds out about the missing car.)
Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico with a city population of almost 500,000 and a metropolitan population of 780,439. It is home to the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Kirkland Air Force Base. The climate is usually sunny and dry, averaging no more than ten to twelve inches of precipitation per year. The city generally has three hundred consecutive sunny days a year and is considered to have one of the best climates in North America.
In part of the ongoing urban renewal effort, the city recently restored the historical KiMo Theater, which was used as the setting of the move High School Musical. Albuquerque is also the subject of a familiar Looney Tunes quote; "I should have taken that left/right turn at Albuquerque." The quote was first used in the film Herr Meets Hare, but the gag was repeated in later episodes. In an episode of The Simpsons, the local minor-league baseball team, the Springfield Isotopes, threatens to move to Albuquerque. Partly due to the episode, fans in the city elected to name their minor league baseball team the Albuquerque Isotopes.
Friends in Low Places ... (Referenced by Veronica when she offers to help Troy find his father's car.)
"Friends in Low Places" is a popular Garth Brooks song off the album No Fences (2000). The song is about drowning your sorrows in alcohol and relaxing with friends. Here is a sample of the lyrics with the phrase included:
- Where the whiskey drowns
And the beer chases my blues away
And I'll be okay
I'm not big on social graces
Think I'll slip on down to the oasis
Oh, I've got friends in low places.
Jamaica (Referenced by Troy as he speculates where his father's car could be.)
Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles located in the Caribbean Sea. The indigenous Arawakan-speaking Taino inhabitants named the island Xaymaca, which means "land of springs," or the "Land of wood and water." The island was initially claimed by the Spaniards, then became a British colony, and in 1962 it was made an independent commonwealth populated mainly by descendants of former African slaves.
Jamaica's initially lagging economy coerced former Prime Minister Michael Manley (of the People's National Party) to seek aid from the IMF (International Monetary Fund), which led to the imposition of the IMF's austerity measures. Tourism and mining are Jamaica's main source of foreign exchange. The language of the government and education is English, though the patois form of Jamaican Creole is widely spoken. Eighty percent of the Jamaican population is Christian, and the largest non-Christian groups are the Rastafari, Hinduism, Buddhism.
Jamaica is rich in culture and has a strong global presence, especially through its musical influence. The genres reggae, ska, mento, rocksteady, duc, and, more recently, dancehall and ragga all originated in the island's urban recording industry. Bob Marley, an immensely popular reggae musician, was born in Jamaica, and has helped spread the Jamaican-born religion Rastafari internationally.
Velma, Shaggy, Fred and Daphne... (Referenced by Wallace and Veronica while talking at Mars Investigations.)
The human characters from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon, Scooby Doo, that first aired on CBS in 1969. They travel around the country in their van, the Mystery Machine, with the real star of the show a Great Dane named Scooby.
Casey Kasem, the top forty DJ, was the voice for Shaggy the bumbling, wimpy, comic relief who is Scooby's best buddy. Fred, blond and studly was the leader of the group and seemed to have an affinity for Daphne. Daphne, the sexy bimbo, was usually in need of saving but occasionally turned up a clue or two. The brains of the group was Velma who usually solved the mysteries and seemed to speak an unlimited number of languages.
Fred, Velma, Scooby Doo, Shaggy and Daphne
The show ran for several years, in many different incarnations, and Scooby became one of the most famous dogs in animation history. In 2002 the franchise was revisited in a movie adaptation starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, Linda Cardellini and a CGI Scooby. A sequel followed and they are threatening to make a third.
Cardellini, Lillard, "Scooby," Prinze Jr. and Gellar
MAD Magazine ... (Referenced by Veronica as she discovers Wallace has a subscription to the magazine.)
The famous magazine for adolescence, MAD was founded in 1952 by publisher William Gaines and editor Harvey Kurtzman. The magazine features satire on pop culture as well as your standard-variety yuks. Alfred E. Neuman, pictured below, is the magazine's long-time official mascot, first appearing in 1954.
Steroids ... (Referenced throughout the episode as the drug of choice being trafficked.)
There are no true conventional categories of performance-enhancing drugs. They include, but are not limited to, dietary supplements and drugs that require a prescription (e.g. steroids). Steroids are a class of compounds made by the adrenal gland, as well as reproductive organs in our body. Examples of anabolic steroids include testosterone, a male hormone, and estrogen, a female hormone. Injecting anabolic steroids helps to increase muscle mass, making the user stronger.
Performance-enhancing drugs are used by athletes: competitive athletes, recreational athletes, casual athletes and people who just exercise and want to do well, even if it's just running on the treadmill in the gym. There are also those who want to lose weight or burn off fat and increase their muscle mass for cosmetic reasons. Steroids are used to increase certain physiologic functions, but can end up affecting muscle strength, endurance, liver function, kidney function, mood, sperm count in men, the ability to pump blood, and the ability to breathe.
Catch 22 ... (Referenced by Veronica while talking to Ms. James at Mars Investigations.)
Originally a scathing anti-war novel that is also a critique of bureaucracy in general, the phrase has come to mean a no-win situation in modern vocabularies. Written in 1961 by Joseph Heller, the book was considered one of the seminal literary events of the 1960's. It tells the story of a man who is trying desperately to be certified insane during World War II, so he can stop flying missions. The book was filmed into a movie in 1970 starring Alan Arkin, Art Garfunkel, Bob Newhart and Anthony Perkins and was directed by Mike Nichols.
BMW 740i (Referenced by Veronica and Weevil as the model of Troy's father's car.)
BMW (an acronym for Bayerische Moteren Werke Bavarian Motor Works) is a German company that manufactures automobiles and motorcycles. The company's tagline in English is "The Ultimate Driving Machine." The BMW 7 series is a full-size, executive class luxury car that competes with the Mercedes Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and Jaguar XJ. The 740d model features a 3.9 L diesel V8 engine with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
BMW 7 series model
It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds. The 740i model is similar to the 740d but has a gas engine. The 740 models are only available in mainland Europe, so either Veronica was looking for the wrong model, or Troy's dad really, really loved his car and had it shipped overseas.
Good Times Van (Referenced by Veronica when she offers to hook Troy up with a new vehicle.)
A Good Times Van is a garishly painted panel van sold by Ford in the mid 1970's. The van is named after the popular sitcom Good Times. The Old 97's song "Barrier Reef" also references the Good Times Van ("What's so good about a Good Times Van?"). Another Old 97's song, "The New Kid," is used at the end of the episode when Troy leaves town in his father's car.
Kim Jong-il... (Referenced by Troy while riding in the car with Veronica.)
Born into the ruling family of North Korea in 1942 Kim Jong-il has long been a figure of note. He was educated in China during the Korean War and after intense rivalry with his half brother, he was chosen as his father's successor in 1974. He spent the next fifteen years holding various party posts and being a powerful force behind his father's rule. In 1991, Kim was named supreme commander of the North Korean armed forces which represents the real power in North Korea and with the army's backing became the leader of the country in 1994.
He is regularly hailed by the Korean media as the "peerless leader" and "the great successor to the revolutionary cause," but has done nothing to relax the absolute control of the state and ruling party over all aspects of economic life. George Bush has declared him to be part of the "Axis of Evil" along with Iraq and Iran and diplomatic relations between our countries is strained.
Donkey Show ... (Referenced by Troy as one of the types of entertainment that the boys took in while in Tijuana.)
A donkey show is an entertainment show in which a woman performs sexual acts with a donkey. It is widely believed that donkey shows are performed in Tijuana, leading to the phrase "Tijuana Donkey Show." Ooh, fun. And uhm, eww! I can deal with Troy and even Luke taking in such a form of entertainment, but I refuse to believe that Logan would be even remotely interested in such. At least I really hope he wouldn't.
Nancy Drew ... (Referenced by Logan while speaking to Veronica by his locker.)
The teenage heroine of almost 350 books written under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene. There have been several TV shows, movies and new books over the years introducing Nancy to each new generation of readers. Drew has been consistently courageous, intelligent, resourceful and caring while only aging from sixteen to eighteen. With her best friends Bess Marvin and George Fayne and her boyfriend Ned Nickerson she has delighted readers of all ages for over seventy years.
Lexus (Referenced by Weevil's uncle.)
Lexus is the brand name for Japanese auto-maker Toyota's line of luxury vehicles. Lexus is the highest-selling brand of luxury cars in the United States. The name was originally chosen by an image consulting firm that produced a list of 219 names, including Alexis (possibly due to the association with the character Alexis Carrington on the popular 1980s drama Dynasty), and later morphed into Lexus, which is thought to be a combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." Officially, Toyota representatives claim they simply chose the name because it was 'pleasing and easy to remember.' Indeed, as you'll note in the image below:
Palm Springs (Referenced by Veronica when Lianne tries to drag her off to visit her aunt.)
Palm Springs, California is a desert resort city approximately 110 miles east of Los Angeles. Palm Springs is home to some of the most famous golf courses in the U.S. and also has facilities for swimming, horseback riding, tennis, and hiking. From the 1930's to the 1970's, Palm Springs earned a reputation as a place of health, relaxation, wealth, and glamour. It was the favorite vacation spot for some of Hollywood's most glamorous stars - Cary Grant, Howard Hughes, Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, Debbie Reynolds, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Sonny Bono, Cher, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin - and earned the nickname "Playground of the Stars."
Vodka ... (Referenced by Veronica as the reason she thought her mother had been acting nervous before she left.)
Vodka is a typically colorless liquor that is usually distilled from fermented grain or potatoes. The term is a diminutive of the Slavic word "voda" for "water." Vodka consists of water and alcohol (ethanol) and insignificant amounts of flavorings, with a typical alcohol content ranging from 35-70% by volume. While generally drunk neat (alone), vodka can be used in cocktails and other mixed drinks, such as the Bloody Mary, the Screwdriver, and the Vodka Martini.
Message in a Bottle... (Referenced by Veronica while sending out disposable cell phones to find her mother.)
There has been a long history of people using bottles to carry messages. In the 16th Century, Queen Elizabeth I of England used bottles to carry intelligence reports. Benjamin Franklin, while postmaster general for the colonies, utilized bottles to create accurate sea charts to improve how much time it took to sail between England and America. He dropped bottles in the Gulf Stream with a note asking that they be returned stating where they had been found. His sailing charts have been changed very little over the years. A well-sealed bottle can float through storms that would sink ships, and glass was used because, unless broken, it lasts forever. In 1954, eighteen bottles were salvaged from a ship sunk 250 years before off the English coast. The liquor in them was unrecognizable, but the bottles were good as new.
Walk of Shame ... (Referenced by Veronica as Keith returns home from his evening with Rebecca.)
The walk of shame usually occurs the morning after a night out; those participating have usually spent the night at the house of a sexual partner, particularly a one night stand. This is noted by the same clothing they went out in the night before or pronounced "bed head/sex head" as well as an obvious hangover.
In the United States, college and university campuses most often play host to the walk of shame, as these walks often happen when students travel to/from dorms/Greek houses. The walk may be made even more humiliating when students promenade through large open quads, often subjecting themselves to whistles and catcalls from the few fellow students who are awake at that hour.
Voodoo That You Do (Referenced by Veronica when she asks Keith to use his expertise in finding Troy's car)
The phrase "that voodoo that you do so well" is a lyric taken from Cole Porter's 1929 song, "You Do Something to Me."
- You do something to me.
Something that simply mystifies me.
Tell me, why should it be
You have the pow'r to hypnotize me.
Let me live 'neath your spell.
Do do that voodoo that you do so well.
For you do something to me
That nobody else can do.
Let me live 'neath your spell.
Do do that voodoo that you do so well
For you do something to me
That nobody else can do.
That nobody else can do
Barry Bonds... (Referenced by Luke while he and Veronica are selling his baseball on an online auction site.)
Born in 1964, Barry Bonds is the son of former major league baseball star Bobby Bonds. He played in the minor leagues before joining the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1990, he was named the National League's most valuable player for the first time. He joined the San Francisco Giants in 1993, which saw him win his third MVP title in four years. In 1998 he became the first player to have more than 400 home runs and 400 stolen bases. In his long career he has gone on to break other records and win two more MVP titles, a feat that has not yet been repeated.
Band-Aid (Referenced by Miss James when Keith is breaking things off with her.)
Band-Aid is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson for adhesive bandages used to cover small wounds. The term is used generically to refer to any such bandages by the consuming public of the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and Australia. In other parts of the world, such bandages are better known as 'adhesive plaster' or a 'sticking plaster.'
The Band-Aid was invented in 1920 by Earl Dickson. Dickson initially invented the prototype to allow his wife to dress her wounds without assistance, and he later passed the idea along to his employer at Johnson & Johnson. Dickson eventually became Vice President of the company and held the title until his retirement. By 1924, Johnson & Johnson was producing machine-made, sterilized Band-Aids. The Band-Aid played a major role in the war effort during World War II and millions were shipped overseas. The strong adhesive is a necessary element of the Band-Aid, but can make removing the Band-Aid a painful process if it is placed over skin with hair. It's usually advisable to rip the Band-Aid off so you don't have to feel the pull on every single hair on the small patch of skin covered by the strip.
Margaritas (Referenced by Miss James when Keith is breaking things off with her.)
The margarita is the most common of the tequila-based cocktails, and is made with Triple Sec and lime juice. The Margarita is typically served with salt on the rim of the glass, though bartenders who specialize in tequila may claim that the salt will hide the flavor of the tequila. There are four main contenders for the title of the inventor of the Margarita Cocktail. Danny Negrete is said to have created the drink in 1936, Francisco Morales is said to have invented it on July 4, 1942, Carlos Herrera is said to have invented it in 1947-48, and Margaret Sames claimed the drink was her own creation in 1948. All four claimed inventors mixed the drink at different ratios of tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice.
Connecticut (Referenced as one of the places where Troy was kicked out of school for marijuana possession.)
Connecticut is in the New England region of the U.S. and was one of the Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule in the American Revolution. In terms of per capita income, it is the wealthiest state in the country. The state capital is Hartford and the state population (according to the 2005 census) is about 3,510,297. 81.7% of the population speaks English, followed by Spanish, Italian, French, and then Polish. 83% of the population follows the Christian faith, 13% are non-religious, and there is also a significant Jewish population in the state (3%), mostly concentrated in the "Gold Coast" towns between Greenwich and New Haven. Connecticut is a solidly Democratic state.
Marijuana ... (Referenced by Veronica as she confronts Troy about the reason he was kicked out of two schools.)
The Cannabis plant -- known more commonly as marijuana with many a nickname including pot, mary jane, reefer, etc. -- is often dried or otherwise processed to create a "product" that offers medicinal and psychoactive effects. Despite past use as an accepted medicine, in the early 20th century, the drug became illegal due to the overwhelming consumption of the recreational variety.
To this day, marijuana usage remains against the law despite the mellow side effects as opposed to the harder drugs of the day. While not widespread, legalizing marijuana has been the efforts of activists for some time, among those fighting for its legal use is Oscar-nominated actor Woody Harrelson. Apparently, none of these activists (including Woody) have ever heard of the dangers that can befall one who has been taken over by reefer madness. Just ask Mary Lane.
Boston (Referenced as one of the places where Troy was kicked out of school for marijuana possession.)
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is one of the oldest, wealthiest, and most culturally significant cities in the United States. The economy is based on education, healthcare, finance, and technology. When the original colony of Massachusetts Bay was founded, its governor John Winthrop wanted to create a biblical "City on a Hill" -- a phrase taken from Christ's Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:14). Other nicknames for the city are Beantown, The Hub, The Athens of America (for its great cultural and intellectual influence), Puritan City (because the founders were Puritans), and The Cradle of Liberty (for its role in instigating the American Revolution).
Boston is home to America's first public school, Boston Latin School (1653), and America's first college, Harvard (1636). Hard work, moral uprightness, and an emphasis on education remain part of Boston's culture. Several historical events occurred in or near Boston: the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and it was also a center for the abolitionist movement.
"Woe is me." (Referenced by Veronica when Luke whines about his beloved ball.)
The phrase "woe is me" was first used in the book of Job (Job 10:15), which dates back to 1200BC, making the phrase in the original language 3,200 years old. The phrase is also used in other books of the Bible (Psalms 120:5, Isaiah 6:5, Jeremiah 4:31), and it is used by Shakespeare in Hamlet when Ophelia is quoted "O, woe is me, to have seen what I have seen, see what I see!"
Hummer ... (Referenced by Veronica and Ziggy in regards to his vehicle.)
In 1979, AM General began preliminary design work on the M998 Series High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV, pronounced Humvee); a 1.25-ton truck intended to replace the M151 and other light tactical vehicles. The U.S. Army awarded AM General a prototype contract in 1981 and the development and operational testing was conducted over a five-month period in 1982. In March 1983, AM General won an initial $1.2 billion contract to produce 55,000 Humvees to be delivered in five basic models and fifteen different configurations over a five-year period. The Army subsequently increased their order with over 15,000 additional vehicles, raising the total contract order to 70,000 Humvees valued at $1.6 billion.
Humvees feature full-time four-wheel drive, independent suspension, steep approach and departure angles, 60 percent grade ability and 16 inches of ground clearance. Humvees are currently in use by the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy at locations throughout the United States and overseas.
In 1992, AM General began production of versions of the Humvee, called the HUMMER for civilian use. Known as "the world's most serious 4x4," the vehicle has found favor with commercial users who appreciate the value of HUMMER's long life and amazing performance, and individuals who seek the ultimate in toughness and mobility.
A Hummer vehicle in, ooh, jackass yellow!
Santana ... (Referenced in regards to Keith's birthday.)
Carlos Santana is best known for the musical group that bears his name. Considered a visionary artist with no regards for genre boundaries, Santana has been reinventing and reshaping the landscape of the known universe's musical culture for close to four decades. Born in Autlan de Navarro, Mexico to the son of a virtuoso Mariachi violinist, Carlos followed in his father's musical footsteps, taking up the violin at the age of five. It wasn't until his family moved to Tijuana several years later that Santana began his lifelong relationship with the guitar; the instrument that has made him a musical icon. Santana has sold more than ninety million records worldwide, and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has won ten American Grammy awards and three Latin Grammy awards.
The Hollywood Bowl ... (Referenced in regards to Keith's birthday.)
As one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a current seating capacity of just under 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922. In 1991, it gave its name to a resident musical ensemble, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
The Bowl's summer music festivals have become an integral part of Southern California summers, and the tradition of presenting the world's greatest musicians and striving for musical excellence has remained a constant goal of this famed Los Angeles cultural landmark. The Bowl grounds themselves are one of Los Angeles County's most renowned parks and are open year-round for visitors to enjoy free of charge.
- Logan is into hygiene. Good boy.
- Check out Troy wiping his hands on Logan and Logans cute looks in response.
- Troy's comment to Luke about it not being his ass on the line is kind of funny when you think about how Luke is really worried about his "ass" piata.
- Logan lying down where the missing car should be. Sure, he can be my transportation; I'll take a ride
- Troy's head-shaking response to Veronica's "Dude, where's your car?"
- Logan's matador move when Veronica drops them off. (And the mad flirtatious looks shared between them!)
- Veronica's Scooby impersonation
- When Veronica comes upon Logan at the lockers, you'll notice throughout the scene that he has a football. Yes, Logan with a football. Hmm ...
- When Logan leaves Veronica and Troy at the lockers, he seems to make a point of pushing his way directly between the two of them as Troy starts to move closer to her, rather than walking around either one of them.
- Veronica's great leather jacket in the Weevil scene.
- On the Mars refrigerator, there is a skull and crossbones magnet, a couple of photographs, an item about "Twelfth Night" and a flyer for "The Museum of Art in Balboa Park."
- As Logan, Luke and Troy are heading towards Troy's soon not-to-be-found car, Logan impresses Luke (and all of us watching at home) with the 'milkshake dance.' Never mind that he doesn't have the, erm, equipment, to provide the milk.
- When the car disappears, Troy and Luke moan and bemoan and question what happened. Logan? Shows off his musical trivia power and mentions the hundred years appearance of Brigadoon as an explanation. Yes, Brigadoon.
- One of these moments that were it performed by another character it probably wouldn't warrant a mention, but since it's Logan, it's listed. During his little early moment of flirting with Veronica (Squee!), Logan's slapping of his jacket against the hood of the car was one thing, but his sashaying walk as he sauntered away ... the ambiguity arises.
- Logan's implication that Luke has never seen the joy of a shot glass picked up TJ-style brings to mind a woman, her genitalia and a drinking glass.
- Troy's mention of the donkey shows refers to the famous sexual act (best known in Tijuana) between a woman and her donkey -- whether or not it's the same woman as the one with the drinking glass is left for the viewer to decide.
- Why did it take Luke forty minutes to buy a piata?
- Did Troy pick up dinner in the teaser as a payback for what he was about to do?
- How close to the Mexico border is Neptune?
- Where are Troy's parents?
- Does Wallace not have a car because he lost his license?
- What did he do to get it suspended?
- It has been almost nine months since Lianne left, why has Keith waited till now to pack up her things?
- How much stuff did Lianne take when she left? One small box is not a lot of stuff for a woman to leave behind.
- Did Lianne leave the key to the safe deposit box behind for Keith to find?
- How did Miss Dent not notice that Veronica was faking a death certificate during Journalism class?
- Boy, that Luke sure can't keep a secret. Why did Hank pick him when secrecy is so important to smuggling?
- Why didn't Troy throw Logan under the bus when Veronica suspected him? Wouldn't that have gotten her off his back and she surely would have believed the worst of Logan without a qualm.
- Did Troy tell the female employee of Beacon what Veronica was up to? If not, what would he have done if she had gotten the beacon turned on?
- Luke is pretty agile. Why doesn't he try out for gymnastics?
- Since he was at his house, why didn't he just go inside and lock the door when Hank was chasing him?
- Does Logan play football? If not, why did he have a football in his locker?
- Why does Rebecca need a sifter? Shouldn't she need a strainer for the fettuccine?
- What did Weevil tell Angel about Veronica?
- What were the other odd things Lianne did before she left?
- How much did all the cell phones cost?
- What time did Keith come home?
- How much is Barry Bonds' ball worth?
- How do you get a job as a school counselor with an arrest on your record?
- Why didn't Keith run his own background search on Rebecca?
- If Keith didn't want to find Lianne, how did he know her new license plate?
- If Paula Marshall had not been pregnant in real life, would they have stretched out the relationship between Keith and Rebecca?
- Was Veronica the only reason Keith broke up with Rebecca?
- The fake death certificate that Veronica whipped up named Lianne's parents as Jason and Emily Patterson -- yet, according to the show her maiden name was Reynolds, so was that a continuity error or was Veronica not sweating the details, even the biggies?
- How did the dog get the tracker on his collar?
- Why did Keith do the background search on Troy when Veronica had been dating him for a month? Did he have the information all along, and just chose this moment to share? Or, did he realize that Veronica might have been right about checking on people who come into their lives?
- How many drugs did Hank get caught with? Is he going to jail?
- Did Troy care what would happen to Luke when he didn't show up with the drugs?
- How cold is Troy? He knew he was leaving Veronica forever, but strung her long until the last possible moment. Jerk!
- So do the Echolls have a guesthouse and a pool house? Maybe the poker game was in the pool house (no bed) and the camera set-up is in the guest house (w/bed) (as seen in A Trip to the Dentist and Leave it to Beaver).
- Why didn't Lianne tell Veronica about her potential paternity issues when she found out that Veronica and Duncan were dating? Incest is best, but jeez. Lianne said she didn't know if Jake was Veronica's father so she knew it was possible that Duncan and Veronica were related and still let them go out. Worst. Mother. Ever.
- If Veronica has no problem following the conversation between Weevil and Angel, why cant she understand Spanish in Hot Dogs?
- Her father said that everything she makes leans to the left. However, apparently her snicker doodles are to die for.
JaneDTwo: Philosophy
JenniferH: Report Card; Chemistry; Band Class; Literature; Pep Squad Practice
Mastermia (Maria): Yearbook; Social Science; Philosophy; Homeroom; Principles of Democracy; History
Pixigal (Gerrie): Drama Club
SeluciaV (Alli): Social Science
smlf70 (Mark): Journalism
Tar Frimmer (Joanne): Study Hall; Extra Credit; Literature; Homeroom
