Episode #02.02: Driver Ed
Original Air Date: October 5, 2005
Written by: Diane Ruggiero
Directed by: Nick Marck
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) (None)
Band Class (The Music of Veronica Mars)
Literature (LoVe Lines/In Memory/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) (None)
Detention (While the Censors Were Out to Lunch ...) (None)
Philosophy (Unanswered Questions)
Principles of Democracy (Hindsight is 20/20)
Role Call (Written/Compiled By ...)
Grade: C
Membership Grade: C (42.6% / 54 votes)
Despite the obvious issue (for this site at least) with this episode -- why would Veronica sleep with the guy who was responsible for her believing she was raped for a year and a half? (His leaving the next morning without a word.) -- there are other flaws. Character reactions seem out of place, the mesh of stories don't, well, mesh. And most importantly, this is the first episode that really highlights the difference in Veronica this season from last season -- much to the character's detriment in many a viewer opinion. Finally, the season mystery arc still hasn't caught fire (unlike the Lilly murder in season one which hit from episode one).
Credited Cast Non-Appearance
Francis Capra - Eli "Weevil" Navarro
Recurring Guest Stars (Previous Episode Appearances)
Charisma Carpenter Kendall Casablancas
- Normal is the Watchword
Steve Guttenberg Woody Goodman
- Normal is the Watchword
Brandon Hillock Deputy Sacks
- Season One Appearances
Michael Muhney Sheriff Don Lamb
- Season One Appearances
Jeffrey D. Sams - Terrence Cook
- Normal is the Watchword
Guest Stars
Adam Bitterman Hawaiian Shirt Guy
Valorie Curry - Jane
Kristin Datillo Carla Cotter
Ari Graynor Jessie Doyle
Michael Len Bruno Doyle
Kathleen Parker Mrs. Stewart
Lisa Pedace Randi Doyle
Marty Ryan Bernie
Kevin Smith Duane Anders
David Starzyk "Big Dick" Casablancas
Greg Thirloway Jeff Cotter
Who's Who in Neptune
Jackie Cook Daughter of Terrence Cook; recently moved to Neptune to live with her father from New York where she was living with her mother; New student at Neptune High that has caught Wallace's eye.
Hawaiian Shirt Guy Man that Veronica helped to light a candle at the bus crash scene who was later found dead on the beach with "Veronica Mars" written on his hand.
Jane - Student at Neptune High that is temporarily crippled; Appears to have a bit of a crush on Wallace.
Carla Cotter Woman that was having a love affair with Ed Doyle, the bus driver that drove the Neptune High school bus off a cliff.
Jessie Doyle Student at Neptune High and daughter of Ed Doyle, the infamous bus driver that drove the bus off the cliff killing himself, a teacher and several Neptune High students.
Bruno Doyle Jessie's younger brother.
Mrs. Stewart Teacher at Neptune High that was teaching Wallace's class when Jackie arrived.
Randi Doyle Ed Doyle's widow; Mother to Jessie and Bruno.
Bernie Reporter that tried to weasel a story from Wallace at the Sac-N-Pac.
Duane Anders Store clerk at the gasoline station where the bus driver stopped before driving over the cliff; Media whore that is milking his 15-minutes of fame for having been the last living person to come in contact with the bus driver.
Big Dick Casablancas Wealthy father to Dick and Cassidy (Beaver) Casablancas; Husband to Kendall.
Jeff Cotter Oblivious husband of Carla Cotter.
Hey! It's That Guy/Girl
Kevin Smith (Duane Anders) - Famous writer/director who made his indie debut on a string-shoe budget with the black and white comedy, Clerks. Smith is also known for his portrayal as "Silent Bob" of "Jay and Silent Bob" fame -- two recurring characters in all of his films who starred in their own feature (written and directed by Smith), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back in 2001.
Highlights
Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) & Jason Dohring (Logan Echolls) - Separately, Bell and Dohring are remarkable actors and worthy of a highlight for just about every episode in which they appear. However, every once in a while, the two share a scene of such acting brilliance that it reaches an almost symbiotic state that the praise can only be offered co-jointly. Such was the case in this episode, in their one scene together. Their performance held its power every moment from one to the next, Bell to Dohring, Dohring to Bell, volleying excellence back and forth. Every expression, every look, every word (and as few as there were, the punch felt was immense) created one of the most powerfully acted scenes in the Veronica Mars oeuvre.
Lowlights
Tessa Thompson (Jackie Cook) - Due to the writing, one can believe that the viewer is actually supposed to care about Jackie--a bad girl with hidden depths. Due to the acting by Thompson, alas, one does not. We just see bad. Despite Thompson's talent seen elsewhere, her Jackie comes across as snotty, snobby and without a trace of charm or likeability whatsoever. And that previously-seen talent is missing as well here on Veronica Mars -- her line readings are stilted, dull or just plain badly delivered. Furthermore, there is zero comfort level or chemistry with anyone with whom she shares screentime. The character just does not work because, in this role, the actress just does not work.
Scene One: She Could Have Had That
Unless something happens (heeheehee, something happens) that completely alters the landscape of Veronica's character, this 54-second scene pretty much decimated my earlier belief that Veronica was/is not in love with Logan. I do believe now that she is. The problem? She does not believe that she is and never has. The flashbacks in the premiere mostly showed a Veronica who, while caring, didn't seem in love with Logan, while many small moments with Duncan seemed to indicate that it was such a case with him. I'm thinking now that we really have to go with the mantra of the season that all is not what it seems.
Logan is messy; Logan is (in the words of executive producer Rob Thomas) "fucked up," Logan is ups and downs, highs and lows, wild emotions, leaping without looking. Logan is not safe; he is not predictable and he is not normal. In Veronica's experience, love is what she shared with Duncan a long time ago. What she shared with Logan in those brief weeks when they were secretly dating was nothing like what she had with Duncan. Ergo, since Veronica Mars is never wrong, what she shared with Logan wasn't love. By the time the summer rolled around and she and Logan were together again, she was caught between a rock and a hard place--between what is normal and what Logan makes her feel, which is anything but ordinary (another word for normal) and so not what she felt for Duncan, which she has classified as "True Love." And the bottom line is that Veronica had decided that she wanted normal, she wanted ordinary and that was something that Logan could never, ever provide.
So why did she take up with then? Because she IS in love with him and wanted to be with him despite knowing, even if she hadn't admitted it to herself, that he could never give her what she thought she wanted: Normalcy. She hoped that she could have what she was telling herself was the best of both worlds: Logan and the girl she used to be. Veronica simply wasn't ready to step away from that long-cherished dream of being that girl again once Lilly's murder was solved. She just could not do it. Veronica was determined to live that normal life once more. She was afraid that the last year and a half had completely erased the girl that she once was, the girl that she believed she needed to be again. It is as if Veronica doesn't realize how truly wonderful the new person she had become was and as if she believes that who she was once upon a time is who she needs to be now. And Logan Echolls didn't fit with that Veronica, that dream. So she began to distance herself, pull away, keep that wall between them. And it worked. Enter Duncan. He was her out and she took it. He was her normal.
Flash-forward to a dimly lit hallway one night in the Neptune Grand a few months later. With Duncan, Veronica clearly did not have the time of her life, the earth did not move, the heavens did not sing and the big O was nowhere to be found. But damnit, Veronica Mars had gotten laid before she died and she remembered it this time. She got what she wanted. And then along came Logan. And he was clearly the guy who had just given some other girl the time of her life, making her earth move, and heavens sang Hallelujah and the big O was screaming in tandem all for this other girl. As Logan looked at Veronica, as he walked forward and initiated casual conversation designed to fill the empty space and hurt the girl before him, because yes, he wanted to hurt her because he was hurting, Veronica just stared, silent with words. What. She. Wanted.
Words were all she was silent with. And this is where the utter brilliance of Kristen Bell's talent comes into play. Watch her body language, her facial expression. She was practically screaming now and the words were of regret. It wasn't a sly charade of "Mm hmm, I could have had that!" but rather the fierce intensity of regret and she truly shone with the blinding force of an epiphany. Looking at Logan, knowing what he just did, knowing what she just did and knowing what could/should have happened between them, her body was screaming with the regret that "I could have had that." And there was no titillation, no coyness, no game, just a sheer weight of regret. "I could have had that."
That. The sexual experience? Yes, but no. The emotions? Yes, but again, no. The boy? Yes, but once more, no. The whole package? Yes. Yes, that. All of Logan in his fucked-up, sexually gifted, emotionally wounded, completely vulnerably-open hearted glory bursting with love for her. That is what she could have had. And she threw it away because she was afraid, because she wanted to be the girl she was, and the girl she was, the one with the ordinary life where normal is the watchword, isn't the girl for Logan Echolls.
Logan Echolls. He was, as always, much easier to read. She hurt him when she broke his heart. She is still breaking his heart whenever he sees her, which appears to be the only time he reveals it. He is seemingly able to hide that pain except when he probably wants to the most: When he's near her. Just as she knew what he was doing, he knew what she was doing, and the stance, the body language--which he read as guilt--told him what she was doing and so he was hurt. And when Logan is hurt and has no one to turn to, he lashes out, he seeks to hurt back. And it is in that hurting, the delivery, the moments that followed that we were witness to the awesome power of Jason Dohring's skill.
But she knows; she didn't need to see the mask drop, the anguish barely there, flitting across his face for the slightest of seconds as he walked past her, but looked back ... at her, at the door of the room from which she came (or didn't, as the case may be). Veronica didn't need to see that to know that he was in pain, because she was in pain. A pain that didn't fully reveal itself until the final word of her brief telephone conversation as she quickly, almost desperately sought to find out who the girl was, the one whose earth he moved.
But he did and she did and we're back to Veronica Mars is never wrong. Duncan is true love. Normal is the watchword. Logan Echolls doesn't fit. The span of time in between Logan appearing and Duncan appearing was so brief, literally seconds, that while I believe that Veronica in those seconds was fully cognizant of all of those feelings flooding through her, they hadn't processed. They hadn't done anything but whirl like a dervish in her mind and so when the mask dropped, the dervish was stilled and the realization was never given the time to crystallize and form into a truth that the Veronica Mars she had become could hold onto and believe to be right.
Therefore we were left with the vague echoes of a spin that this Veronica refuses to hear ... now.
This week's Mystery of the Week features Wallace as our star PI. Yay for Wallace! Our little boy is growing up. *Sniff*
Wallace sits in study hall, disgustedly listening as the girl in front of him goes on and on about one of the bus crash victims. Some new girl is soaking in all of the juicy details, prodding the loud mouth for more. In this scene, Percy scrunches up his nose and raises his eyebrows so much that it seems like he has been spending too much time with his old roomie, Teddy Dunn. Jackie, another new student -- who looks like she just came from a sale at Fashion Bug (poor UPN wardrobe department, we should have a bake sale for this needy cause) -- needs help finding the admin office. Wallace practically jumps out of his chair to volunteer. On the way, he flirts, she flirts, he jokes, she blows him off for being a nice guy. Oh well, better luck next time, Wallace. Maybe add some Aqua Velva to your daily routine and see what happens.
After basketball practice, Wallace sees Jackie bummin' by her banged up Porsche. She tells him it is her daddy's and she needs to get it fixed before he finds out. I am thinking a Risky Business rip-off would be good right about now, but oh yeah, we did that already. Too bad. I was looking forward to Wallace in some tighty-whities. Admittedly though, no one could imitate a sexy, intense, Scientologist better than Jason Dohring. Ahem. Jackie hands Wallace the note that was on her windshield. Surprise! It's a fake note, left only so that the witnesses wouldn't get after the driver for not leaving her insurance information. Now that I think about it, we should have guessed right then that this person wasn't from Neptune High. Any local would have known that witnesses wouldn't have cared enough to stop her from doing whatever she wanted to the car, even if she was rubbing salt all over it and doing body shots.
Wallace offers to help find out the identity of the bumper thumper. Initially he calls Veronica to ask for help. He imitates her patented head tilt and "whatcha doing?" perfectly. Unfortunately, she can't see the head tilt, since they are on the phone. Also, she is dealing with her own case, so Wallace doesn't bother her. Telling Jackie, "It's all good," he gets started on the case by himself.
He starts by asking a group of "stoners" if they saw anything. It has been awhile since I was in high school, but I doubt seriously that these guys are stoners. One, they are playing hacky sack. Two, Wallace sees them everyday, meaning they don't ditch nearly often enough. Three, okay, I don't have a three. But did those guys really look like stoners to you? Not that I want to promote stereotyping or anything. But I do give Wallace credit for bringing a bag of snacks to the "stoners," to soften them up. That deserves a hee. So, a guy with an atrocious dye job (brings back pleasant Oz memories from the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer though) tells Wallace that a blonde with a nice ass who drives a green car hit the Porsche.
Wallace then gets a list of the parking permit holders and cross references the make, license plate number, and color of each car with the yearbook, narrowing down the suspect list to four girls. Yay him! He easily eliminates two of the girls when we weren't looking. While he's checking out the third suspect's car for damage, she comes upon him and basically asks, "What the hell are you doing?" Wallace turns on the charm and lies through his teeth. Just like Veronica would. The car doesn't have any damage, plus the girl, Jane, is on crutches recovering from knee surgery. She seems innocent. But then totally comes on to Wallace, so maybe she's not that innocent.
While working at the Sac-N-Pac, some mysterious bald man in a hideous shirt starts chatting Wallace up. [Sure, this guy seems friendly, acts like he knows what's going on. Gives out some compliments and some cryptic hints. Any minute though, this guy could be gone and Wallace would never hear from him again. Just when we were starting to love him.] But our star PI Wallace knows something is up with him. Maybe Wallace got carried away taking my Aqua Velva advice. First Jane, then bald man? I know UPN wanted to sex up the show, but two people hitting on Wallace in one episode seems a bit much. They should spread it out over the... oh, wait. The guy fesses up to being a reporter and he takes out his notebook to start pumping Wallace for information. Well, that is better than what I was afraid he wanted to pump from Wallace. Wallace looks at the notebook, tears off a blank sheet, and doesn't answer any of the reporter's questions. Good boy.
Wallace is able to zero in on the culprit, completely bypassing suspect number four. After the culprit is revealed, Jackie wants to go Fight Club on her nice ass, but Wallace tells her to back off and let him handle it. Earlier he "borrowed" her spark plugs, so that he could force her to hand over the insurance information.
Also, it turns out she was the nosy new girl from earlier who is actually a reporter trying to get the inside scoop on the crash victims. Small world, huh? Wallace figured that out when bald man showed him the notebook at the Sac-N-Pac. When she gets back to her car, she is met by school security and presumably thrown off of school grounds. Wallace, clearly pleased with himself, tells Jackie that he likes his gratitude given in little doses overtime. Jackie responds by giving him a sweet kiss on the cheek and saying she may have to rethink her stand on nice guys. Awww.
- Cindy is a waitress at Java the Hut.
- Veronica is the Hostess at Java the Hut.
- Veronica has taken to playing with her pendant when upset, which was a lot in this episode.
- Neptune High has been inundated with reporters digging up stories about the students who died.
- A week before the accident, Veronica did not know who Jessie Doyle was.
- Veronica cooks eggs for breakfast.
- Logan has a new necklace that seems to be browner.
- Jackie Cook has recently moved to Neptune to live with her hot, hot, hot dad, with whom she clashes. Apparently unmoved by the lusciousness that is Jeffrey D. Sams, she acts up and he threatens to send her back to her mother.
- Terrence Cook has a Porsche and a Bronco.
- Cervando was on the honor roll, was a PCH biker, and apparently helped little old ladies cross the street in his spare time.
- Jackie has not dated someone in high school since the 8th grade. Her father must love that factoid.
- The Casablancas family belongs to a country club.
- Dick's room has a huge flat-screen TV with a video game station, a surf board and an acoustic guitar.
- Wallace has a sidekick or blackberry-like thing and a PDA phone like Veronica.
- Neptune High makes students get parking passes.
- Wallace still works at the Sac-N-Pac.
- Jackie has a credit card that she can put repairs to a Porsche on without exceeding her limit.
- Logan lives alone now.
- Wallace is a Drew Barrymore fan.
- Veronica thinks that Keith is a brilliant detective, with a keen intuition and a finely tuned BS detector.
- Jane, a blonde, cute girl, had knee surgery about a month ago. She has a thing for Wallace and was in his Spanish and English classes last semester. She has a friend named Bob who has been driving her around.
- Woody Goodman is running unopposed for County Supervisor. His platform is Neptune: Cleaner and Safer. He is still coaching little league, but his time management skills leave a lot to be desired. This is apparent when he does not realize that it is five minutes past his allotted time on the field and a riot breaks out among the kids. (Oh, and Rob, we get the class war theme, please stop hitting us over the head with it.) He stops the violence with the fakest "Can't We All Just Get Along" sermon imaginable while Keith watches on in apparent awe.
While making the baseball field safe for Mom and apple pie, Woody asks Keith to run for Sheriff again, pledging his full support and resources. Keith, who is no dummy asks where he stood on the recall and Woody acknowledges that he did sign the petition to have Keith ousted from office. Ouch! Even Keith seems a little floored by this information, but says that he will consider the offer.
Over breakfast the next morning, Keith discusses the offer with an encouraging Veronica who can't figure out why Keith won't run when he is pretty much guaranteed victory. Keith says that he is worried about the publicity the election will bring, especially in regards to Veronica. Undaunted, she tells his to run, publicity be damned.
A few days later Keith meets Woody at the police station to tell him that he has considered his offer and is rejecting it. As Keith is leaving, he sees Jessie in the hall trying to convince Lamb to open the case of her father's death again. He stops, considering his options. Veronica comes home that evening to find Keith cooking dinner. He tells her that he reconsidered and is now running for Sheriff. Veronica is thrilled and hugs him happily, declaring that she feels safer already.
- Logan is still drowning his sorrows in Kendall Casablancas on the sofa of her home, apparently during his English class. For the record he is the first younger guy that Kendall has slept with. They are still carrying on when Big Dick and the boys come home and interrupts them mid coital. They must set some kind of land speed record because by the time the Casablancas make it into the living room, Kendall has on a robe and is painting her nails and Logan is dressed and upstairs playing video games. When Beaver asks about Logan's truck, Kendall covers by saying that he has been waiting for them and makes it sound like a huge inconvenience.
Upstairs Logan has perfected the "putting up appearances" portion of the affair as he complains that Kendall refused to make him a sandwich. (Insert your own threesome joke here.) Mr. Casablancas, seemingly unaware that Logan was in his wife just before he came in the door, tells Logan that he is welcome anytime. He then invites Logan to go to the firing range with him and Dick Jr. (hee!).
At the range, Big Dick shoots a revolver (very well), while Dick shoots a semi, gangsta style, and Logan tries out a semiautomatic as well. Logan does not do very well one-handed-duh!, but once he uses the correct grip, his shooting improves. Big Dick comes by to tell him that he needs to aim for the heart and head to stop an assailant (hmm, I wonder if this will become important later?).
Big Dick goes on to philosophize about the importance of focus, using his ability to forget his family while working (and vice versa) as a shinning example, while Logan looks more and more uncomfortable. Logan finally reverts to old habits and deflects the conversation with sarcasm in the form of an Aaron joke. Big Dick doesn't bite and walks away while Little Dick uses it as an opportunity to get in some exposition about Kendall and Big Dick going to the Neptune Grand for a benefit the following night. He also manages to sneak in a zinger in the form of "Casa de Killer," in reference to Logan's bachelor pad. Hey, way to have your friends' back, dickwad. Logan expresses his unhappiness by shooting the target right in the heart.
The next night, as Beaver is sleeping on the sofa, his father and stepmother come home from the party. His father, rather meanly, scares him, waking him up and causing him to drop his popcorn all over the place. Kendall insists that he clean it up. As he is doing that he finds a condom wrapper for Live Large condoms.
- The school bus was traveling 40 miles per hour on the Pacific Coast Highway and plunged 90 feet to the water below. There were six students (Meg and Cervando that we know of), a teacher (Mrs. Dumbass, ur, Dumass) and a driver (Ed Doyle) aboard. Meg was the only survivor and is in a coma. Donut does not seem that broken up that his last girlfriend was almost killed, while Veronica seems very shaken by her brush with a 90-foot plunge into very sharp rocks and guilty that she missed the trip.
Lamb holds a press conference where he does the standard "we are investigating" tap dance. There are allegations that the school bus maintenance was not up to snuff since only the non-rich students used them, which Lam .. um ... Lamb rebuts by pointing out that the driver did not live in the 09 zip code. He then deviates from the usual patter to throw the driver under the bus, as it were, by saying that he was a suspect due to a history of mental and marital problems. He then goes on to slander the poor dead driver even more by stating that he had a prescription for anti-depressants that were never filled and that he had attempted suicide before. He also confirms that there were no skid marks at the scene of the accident. However, when asked point blank if Doyle was the prime suspect, Lamb quickly backpedals. Sure he looked hot, but what a putz.
Veronica goes to her office, um, the bathroom, and seems surprised to find Ed Doyle's daughter, Jessie, there waiting for her. Why so surprised, Veronica? All you need to do is hang a shingle and pay Clemmons rent, because everyone knows that is where you do business. Anyway, Jessie wants Veronica to find proof that her father didn't kill himself because the insurance company won't pay if it is suicide. She is afraid that she, her mother, and little brother will not be able to survive without the insurance payoff. Veronica refuses the case, saying that she would not know how to go about proving that Ed didn't kill himself. She leaves, passing Bitchy McBitch and cronies on their way in. BMcB has a few not so nice things to say about Jessie, and when she turns her venom on Veronica, Jessie snaps and slugs her. Veronica takes the case.
She goes to the crash site, which has been turned into a shrine complete with flowers, candles and ugly stuffed dogs, by the nice people of Neptune. There is a slightly bald, bearded man wearing a black Hawaiian print shirt with yellow hibiscus trying unsuccessfully to light a candle. Veronica blocks the wind and he thanks her, but does not seem to know who she is. (Hey, it will be important later!) She then bumps into Jessie; other people milling around start to recognize Jessie. Veronica, who cannot find any clues anyway, gets them out of there.
A local convenience store clerk is interviewed because the driver bought his last items at his store. He describes Ed as a weird duck (has he looked in a mirror recently?) and goes into detail about how Ed bought a St. Christopher medal and then threw it away as he was leaving. Keith, still running for father of the year, kisses Veronica and tells her that he could not imagine what he would have done if Veronica had been on the bus. (Keith, in case you didn't get the official notification: Almost getting fricasseed saving your daughter from a homicidal maniac cinches the award. Really, you can skate now.) Veronica jokes off his feelings, upsetting both Keith and me.
Before he can properly admonish her for her flippancy, she hops on the clue bus, wondering if what the bus driver bought might shed some light on his state of mind. Or at least his state of drowsiness. Keith tries to tell Veronica that she might never figure out what happened. When she tells him that she knows the bus driver's daughter, he looks even more somber and stops trying to discourage her.
The next day at school Veronica is upset by BMcB and her friends who are talking smack about Meg. She runs into Duncan who does everything but serenade her with "Don't Worry, Be Happy," he is in such a good mood. She calls him on how he has not been affected by the crash and he walks away with the universal hand signal for "You win, I don't want to fight." After school she is waiting by his car and apologizes. He tells her (insincerely) that he is struggling as well and she lays out for him her feelings of grief, guilt and happiness at being alive. He tries to empathize and comes off looking a little goofy, but she seems happier, so that's what's important.
Veronica goes to the convenience store to question KEVIN freakin' SMITH about the bus driver's purchases. She is more than a little disgusted to see that there are hats, mugs and t-shirts for sale with a graphic of the bus with wings and a halo. Well, the boy's gotta make a living somehow. Did you see the box office for Jersey Girl? Veronica pretends to be a "sex and death kid" and pumps him for information, asking for the driver's last meal. She is a little disappointed when she is given a large slushee and bag of peanuts. She sees the St. Christopher medals and buys one for $.25, getting change back. She turns to leave and sees a payphone at the back of the store. She figures out that he must have bought the St. Chris to get change for the phone.
She goes to the sheriff's station, where they just happen to be looking for a receptionist, and convinces Deputy Sacks' mustache to give her an application and somewhere to fill it out. Luckily the Deputy is no smarter than his 'stache and leaves her alone in an interrogation room that conveniently has a phone where she can access an outside line. She calls someone to have the phone records dumped. Sheriff Lamb comes into work and Sacks can't wait to blab about Veronica and the application. Lamb tears into the room to see Veronica just finishing up her application. Snappy repartee ensues as he roughly pulls out her chair and kicks her out of the office. Does this mean she won't get an interview?
Veronica goes to Jessie's to make her report. His phone call was to someone named Cotter who lived in their complex. When Jessie says that her father didn't hang out with their neighbors, the doorbell rings and they are rudely interrupted by Lamb. He does have the intelligence to look a little disquieted when he finds out that Jessie and Veronica are friends, but still starts to search the apartment while Veronica fumes.
Veronica finds Wallace reading an article about the PCH biker who died. In it he is described as a biker with a brain who was on the honor roll, and who loved billiards and biology. Billiards! Why didn't Weevil kick him out of the gang? I would think the first time he mentioned crying during Stand and Deliver, Weevil would have kicked his ass.
Veronica goes to the Cotter's to ask who was home last Wednesday at 4:05 pm, 15 minutes before the bus went over the cliff and when the phone call was made. Mr. Cotter was in New York, but his wife was home. She claims to have no idea who Doyle was and claimed that she received a wrong number about that time. Veronica's questions are cut short when Jessie calls to say that the Sheriff's department found Ed's suicide note saved on his computer.
Presumably the next day, Veronica shows up at Jessie's to ... I am not sure what she is there for immediately because I am distracted by the travesty that is the outfit Kristen Bell is wearing. The purple oxford is okay but the green sweater, nylon thingy over it is bad. Not as bad, however, as the purple tie used as a belt and the whole thing bottomed off with grey pants, which are horrific. Oh, and don't get me started on the boots. I thought this would be the worst thing I saw this episode, sadly I was mistaken, but I am getting ahead of myself. Oh, Veronica is there to see that Jessie's Mom is a bitch and that her brother is a better actor than both Jessie and Jackie. Well, maybe just the first part, but I stand by the second.
Jessie has a copy of the suicide note that Lamb kindly printed out for her. It says:
Cut to her at Duncan's hotel room at the Neptune Grand where she throws herself into his arms, kissing him desperately. He picks up on her signals pretty quickly and carries her to the bed. Cut to them lying in bed and have the least sexual post-sex conversation ever. I mean when you hock up a fake loogie after having sex with your boyfriend for the first time while not drugged, there is something seriously off. Their tender interlude is mercifully interrupted when the headboard in the room next door starts slamming into the wall. Duncan does get a cute "Did we do it wrong?" line but then turns down a repeat performance to watch hotel porn. Hmm.
Veronica gathers her clothes and sneaks out of the room without waking Duncan. Double hmm. As the door closes behind her, she sees Logan come out of the room next door, where presumably the headboard-banging sex was occurring. While finishing dressing, he snarks as she stands frozen in place. After he leaves, she pulls out her phone and gets connected to the room, where Kendall answers. Before Veronica can say anything, Duncan opens the door and she hangs up. I think he is trying for seductive here, but has to settle for boyishly attractive and not particularly memorable with his shirt off. Veronica kisses him, and reminding him that her father is expecting her home soon, leaves. The next day Keith says that Veronica looks different and Veronica is startled to think that he could tell she had sex.
- Sheriff Lamb and his crew find the body of the man from the memorial (see, same shirt!) dead on the beach. Written on his hand? "Veronica Mars."
"The Minor Waltz" (The Asylum Street Spankers)
Scene: See Veronica ponder the bus crash without crying, talk to Donut-head without dozing off and magically presto-change Jackie into a macchiato. Damn, she's talented.
"Magic Bus" (The Who)
Scene: Hehehe, Kevin Smith is playing a clerk in a convenience store. Hehehe, Kevin Smith came to fame directing a movie called Clerks about convenience store clerks. Hehehehe, I love in-jokes. I just wish his character's name had been Bob.
"On Your Porch" (The Format)
Scene: While listening to Carla wax poetic about what will never be, Veronica has an epiphany that leads to her attempt to capture the literal meaning of VD.
"Little Miss Get Around" (Lukewarm Freeda)
Scene: Little Beav all snug and sound asleep is rudely awakened not by the dulcet tones of Freeda, but by Big Dick and duplicitous stepmom slamming home from a party.
"Where is My Mind" (The Pixies)
Scene: So who wants to bet that Sheriff Lamb's day was NOT made when yet another case rolled onto his beach that prominently featured one Veronica Mars? Uh huh. Poor Donnie boy, he just can't escape that girl.
LoVe Lines
Logan: (To Veronica.) Hmm, what's different about you? Did you cut your hair or something? (Pausing to lean against the wall and fix his shoes, he looks up at her.) FYI, if the cuddling is the best part, he didn't do it right. (Blows her a kiss.)
Quotable Quotes
Veronica Mars Voiceover: If a school bus traveling 40 mph drives off a cliff and plunges 90 feet into the jagged coastline, how many seconds do the six high school students, their teacher, and bus driver have to contemplate the fact that they're about to die? Two Mississippis worth of screams, life-flashes, and prayers, maybe? But if anyone used that time to make a deal with his maker, only one of them was heard.
Jackie: (Clears her throat.) When you guys are done breaking up, can I get a macchiato?
Veronica: I'm actually just the hostess, but I can...
Jackie: (Interrupting.) Look, I don't care if you're the house magician, can you just make me a macchiato?
Veronica: (Walks over, makes magical hand gesture.) You're a macchiato.
Jessie: I guess my dad doesn't rate a votive candle.
Veronica: This doesn't mean anything --
Jessie: (Interrupting.) Come on, you were on that bus you would want your pile to be the biggest.
Keith: Elections aren't that easy, Veronica.
Veronica: Sure they are. A couple of catchy bumper stickers, your handsome mug plastered on all the benches in Neptune. Done and done.
Jackie: I think you missed the boat on the "watching me sleep" years.
Terrence: It's eight o'clock, when do you plan on getting up?
Jackie: The plan was two hours ago, the reality is another forty minutes.
Terrence: No, uh-uh, we're not going to play this game again, Jackie. You cannot miss another day of school.
Jackie: Even if I had cramps? You know, for my monthly?
Terrence: Jackie!
Jackie: Wow, that was pretty fatherly, almost sounded like you'd been saying my name in exasperation for years.
Wallace: I'm an old soul. Seriously, these eyes have seen things. Did I mention I'm a nice guy?
Jackie: (Laughs.) Aw, nice. The great panty-dropper.
Jackie: A "whatever bitch" and a 180 back to study hall and we could've had something.
Beaver: Why is Logan's truck in the driveway?
Kendall: Uh, because there's water in the pool. He's upstairs waiting for you. You know and I'd really rather your friends not just show up whenever they want. (Louder, as Dick and Beaver walk away.) I'm not running an orphanage here.
Logan: Dude, why is your stepmother such a bitch? I mean seriously. A guy asks for one sandwich.
Big Dick: Hey Logan, how's everything going?
Logan: Really (He does a funny eye blink.) well. Thanks for asking, Mr. C. And you?
Big Dick: Excellent.
Logan: See? You had to one up me.
Big Dick: Dick Jr. and I are going over to the firing range tomorrow. Interest you in a little target practice?
Logan: As long as I'm not the target.
Beaver: Okay, so I guess I'll just stay here and knit something?
Duane: Did you see that? Check you out! Let me ask you a question. Do I look fat to you? (Veronica shakes head.) 'Cause I was watching it on the news and I was like, "Damn, I look fat!" I read something online that says the camera adds ten pounds. I was thinking maybe it was that. Just in case, I started a diet regime this AM.
Duane: Let me tell you something. If I was going to do a kamikaze, you know, off a bridge with a bus full of kids and stuff? A convenience store would not be the site of my last meal. I'd wanna -- I'd wanna eat something on the brink of extinction, you know, like the last emu or a meerkat. I bet they'd go down smooth.
Lamb: What are you up to, Veronica?
Veronica: Last question actually, why do you want this position? Honestly, and really tell me the truth. How much of a kiss ass would I be if I admit it's to be close to you? (Lamb pulls her chair out roughly.) Seriously, why DO birds suddenly appear every time you are near?
Big Dick: When you are at the point when you want to shoot someone, you want to take them down, you don't want to wing them. Heart and head. That's where it counts.
Logan: Ain't that the truth.
Big Dick: You need focus, precision. The ability to only think about the task at hand. When I'm working, my family doesn't exist. Sound awful?
Logan: Mmm, no.
Big Dick: It's not. Because when I'm with my family, my work doesn't exist.
Logan: I think my father has a similar philosophy. Of course, he's a murderer, so...
Dick: We should ask some chicks over tomorrow night. Dad's got a banquet at the Neptune Grand and he's forcing Kendall to go with him.
Logan: Dick, have you forgotten that I live alone?
Dick: Yeah, but only psycho chicks want to go to Casa de Killer.
Veronica: (To Wallace.) If I die unexpectedly, do me a favor. Go on Oprah and tell the world I loved kittens.
Wallace: See now if that's all you got I got to go look at every decent-ass blonde chick in the school.
Wallace: Wallace Fennel is on the case, do you know what that means?
Jackie: That Wallace Fennel wants to get in my pants.
Wallace: And? What else?
Veronica: I have about 15 minutes till my dad activates the homing device in my molar.
Kendall: Make sure you really clean that up. Because if we get bugs, I'm really gonna be pissed.
Wallace: My plan is unfolding. Let's just be impressed, watch it play out.
Wallace: She's a reporter, think Drew Barrymore in Never Been Kissed. Hey, if Drew's in it, I've seen it.
Wallace: I like my gratitude in small doses, spread out over time.
Jackie: (Gives Wallace kiss on the cheek.) I may have to reconsider my stand on nice guys.
Driver's Ed ... (Referenced by the episode title.)
Driver's Ed or Driver's Education is a class or program offered by independent agencies and most high schools in the United States, wherein students learn how to drive and practice road safety. During Driver's Ed courses, a dual-controlled car (with pedals for both the driver and instructor in the front passenger's seat) is used. Students take Driver's Ed to supplement the knowledge from government-printed driving handbooks so that they will be prepared for the test to get their learner's permit or driver's license.
Say Anything ... (Referenced during the bathroom scene when Veronica grabs Jessie by shoulders and says "You must chill.")
Say Anything is the 1989 movie written by Cameron Crowe that marked his directorial debut. Considered one of Crowe's most popular films, Say Anything is also best remembered for John Cusack's winning performance as lovable Lloyd Dobler.
Set in Seattle, the movie follows the story of Lloyd, a mediocre student and aspiring kickboxer who attempts to woo school valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye), despite the fact that she is far outside his social circle. Diane falls for Lloyd, partly because of his gallant ways and partly because he makes her laugh.
Unfortunately, their relationship is plagued by multiple obstacles, including the disapproval of Diane's father (John Mahoney), and Diane breaks up with Lloyd. In the film's most memorable scene, a brokenhearted Lloyd serenades Diane outside her window with a boom box blaring Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" in an attempt to win her back. Full of memorable lines such as "I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen" and "You must chill," in 2002 Entertainment Weekly ranked Say Anything as the greatest modern movie romance of all time.
PCH (Referenced by Cathy as she tells the undercover reporter about Cervando being a biker.)
Pacific Coast Highway refers to sections of California's Route 1, beginning at San Juan Capistrano, south of Los Angeles, and ending where Route 1 merges with Highway 1 at Leggett, in Northern California. Route 1 is one of the longest (644 miles) and most scenic routes in California, providing breathtaking views of a large part of the Pacific Coast. It travels past dozens of historical landmarks and through such cities as San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
St. Christopher's Medal ... (Referenced when Duane mentions what was purchased by the bus driver.)
St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers and people who transport or carry things. St. Christopher was born Offero, a powerfully built man who wandered the world in search of adventure. Offero met a hermit who lived beside a dangerous stream and served others by guiding them to safe places to cross. The hermit provided Offero with instruction about God.
Offero eventually took the hermit's place, but instead of guiding travelers, he carried them safely across the stream. One day he carried a small child across the stream; the child's weight nearly crushed him. When they arrived on the other side, the child revealed himself as Christ, and he was so heavy because he bore the weight of the world. He then baptized Offero with water from the stream and renamed him Christopher, or "Christ-bearer."
Yoga (Referenced by Veronica as she jokes about what Keith would do with her room if she died.)
Yoga, which means "union" in Sanskrit, is a family of spiritual practices and thought that originated in India. The four main types of yoga are Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja. The asanas, or postures, of Hatha Yoga are a popular form of fitness and meditative exercises in the West. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism teach yoga as a means to enlightenment.
Modern yoga retains traditional elements of eastern religion, such as moral principles, postures designed to keep the body fit, spiritual philosophy, instruction by a guru, chanting mantras (sacred syllables), pranayama (breathing exercises), and stilling the mind through meditation.
Clerks ... (Referenced by the fact that Kevin Smith, director of Clerks played a clerk in this episode.)
Clerks, directed by Kevin Smith and released on September 7, 1994, is a movie chronicling a day in the life of Quick Stop clerks Dante and Randal as they annoy customers, discuss movies, and play hockey on the store roof. Clerks focused on humdrum activities and, in the process, celebrated the slackerdom life. This was writer/director Kevin Smith's first effort. It was filmed on a shoestring budget and starred many of his friends. It featured polished dialogue and creative characters, highlighted by the almost-famous Jay and Silent Bob and has become a cult classic. Its tag line was "Just because they serve you doesn't mean they like you."
Radiohead ... (Referenced by Duncan as the reason for Veronica's mood of depressed funk, rather than the bus crash.)
Radiohead are a British alternative rock band that many critics see as the natural inheritors of R.E.M. and Pink Floyd's mantle. The band's early music compares with artists such as Elvis Costello, Pixies, Pink Floyd and R.E.M. Their best known album is their breakthrough CD, ok computer, released in 1997. They've released three albums since, including their sixth, Hail to the Thief, which reached sales of 300,000 during its first week of retail availability. Their best known single release is "Creep," while their highest-charting single was 1997's "Paranoid Android," which peaked at #3.
Nelly ... (Referenced by Duncan in trying to kick Veronica out of her potentially Radiohead-induced funk.)
Nelly, who would rise to fame as a rap artist, was born Cornell Haynes Jr. and grew up in St. Louis. He saw first-hand life on the streets that he would write about on his albums. When he was a teenager he moved to the suburbs and formed a band with some high school friends. They released a single, but were unable to get a record deal. Nelly struck out as a solo artist and was signed by Universal.
He released his debut album, Country Grammar, in 2000. It would spend seven weeks on top of the U.S. album charts as he crossed many musical boundaries and appealed to a widely diverse audience. By 2002, with the release of his album Nellyville, he topped ten different billboard charts in the same week with his single "Hot in Herre." He went on to record the song "Shake Ya Tailfeather" for the movie Bad Boys II and then followed it up with a double disc, Sweatsuit, in 2004. The album put him back at the top of the charts and his many fans eagerly await his next album.
New York (Referenced by Terrence as he threatens to send Jackie back there if she doesn't behave.)
Officially the City of New York, New York City (also known by the initials NYC) is the highest populated city in the United States and the most densely populated major city in North America. Located in the state of New York, it has a population of over eight million in a 321 square mile radius. Overwhelmingly considered to be one of the world's major global cities, NYC is a center for international finance, fashion, entertainment, and culture with an exceptional array of museums, galleries, media outlets, performance venues, international corporations and financial markets. NYC is also the home to the United Nations headquarters.
New York City proper is made up of five boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan. Each borough is home to at least a million people and each would be considered as some of the nation's largest cities if considered separate of the others.
Since the 1970's the city has commonly been referred to by the nickname "The Big Apple" due to a promotional campaign by the New York Convention and Visitor's Bureau, although the true origins of this alternate toponym are less clear. The city has attracted a large number of immigrants, with over a third of its population born outside of the United States. NYC also attracts people from all over the U.S. because of its culture, energy, cosmopolitan feel and economic opportunities. Currently NYC has the lowest crime rate among the nation's twenty-five largest cities.
Porsche (Referenced by Jackie as the car she's expecting -- and does -- drive to school.)
The Porsche is a German sports car, with the first one having been built in 1938 with the same components used in the Volkswagen Beetle, also engineered by Ferdinand Porsche. Porsche is a world-renowned brand, named the most beautiful automobile brand in a survey by Luxury Institute and the 2006 J.D. Power award for highest initial quality. The company claims to be the most profitable automobile company in the world.
Popular models include the Boxter roadster, the 911, the Cayman, the Carrera ST supercar, and the Cayenne, Porsche's mid-size SUV. Porsche's main competitors are Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lamborghini, Audi, Jaguar and Maserati.
A 1997 Porsche Boxter.
Afternoon Delight ... (Referenced while Logan plays hooky with Kendall.)
A freewheeling, feel good song from 1976 by the Starland Vocal Band whose lyrics emphasized the joy of impromptu sex during the daytime. The self-titled debut LP, with the lead single "Afternoon Delight," quickly reaching the top of the charts on its way to helping earn the group five Grammy nominations. (They won two, including Best New Artist.) "Afternoon Delight" was so enormously popular that the group even landed their own short-lived CBS variety series, The Starland Vocal Band Show, which featured a then-unknown David Letterman.
The lyrics of the song:
This 1997 movie is about a mathematical genius who works at night as a janitor at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The film was written by co-stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay that year.
Will starts solving equations on math blackboards when the school is empty. His talent is discovered by Fields Medal winning Professor Lambeau, who endeavors to bring the young genius out of his go nowhere environment of Southie, a rough district of Boston. Lambeau keeps Will out of jail through an arrangement that includes his mentoring and weekly visits to therapist Sean Maguire, an old friend of Lambeau's. During this time Will meets and falls in love with beautiful med student Skylar.
Through the course of his therapy, Sean helps Will to understand that the awful physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his foster parents was not his fault and that he is a worthy human being with much to offer. When Sean admits that he too suffered abuse as a child, Will finally begins to understand that your past doesn't have to dictate your future and gains a more positive self-image. Deciding to stop denying his talents and realizing that he is deserving of Skylar's love, he finally leaves Southie to follow her when she heads to California for graduate school.
The Munsters / Marilyn Munster ... (Referenced by Duane Anders, the clerk at the convenience store when Veronica questions him over what Ed Doyle bought before the bus went over the cliff. Duane tells Veronica she is the Marilyn of all the goth chicks who have shown up asking questions about the crash.)
The Munsters was written and produced by Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher. It debuted on CBS on September 24, 1964, and completed its original prime-time run on September 1, 1966. The Munsters debuted at a time when classic horror characters were in vogue with audiences, and the series revolves around a loving family of misfits who reside in a spooky cobweb-filled house at 1313 Mockingbird Lane in Mockingbird Heights.
The head of the family, kindhearted Herman Munster (Fred Gwynne), bears a close resemblance to the Frankenstein monster as originally portrayed by Boris Karloff. His wife, Lily (Yvonne DeCarlo), resembles Vampira, TV's creepy-but-sexy hostess of horror. Lily's father, Grandpa (Al Lewis), is actually Count Dracula from Transylvania. Herman and Lily's son, Eddie (Butch Patrick), looks like a junior wolfman. The final member of their household is Herman and Lily's niece, Marilyn (played first by Beverly Owen and then by Pat Priest), who is considered the ugly duckling of the family although she is a beautiful, blonde, all-American teenager.
187 (Referenced by Veronica as she demonstrates her soothing phone voice to Sacks.)
A 187 is the scanner code used by the police when referring to a homicide.
Hacky Sack (Referenced by Wallace as he asks the players if they saw Jackie's car get hit.)
The object of Hacky Sack is to keep the aptly named footbag off the ground using only your feet. Good, flat shoes are key. The activity becomes more difficult once more players are added. There are several "kicks" that you can use to keep the footbag in the air. The Inside Kick is best for when the footbag is falling in front of you; just kick it with the inside of your shoe. For when the footbag is falling to your left or right, use the Outside Kick by raising the appropriate foot and kicking it with the outer side of your shoe.
"Why do birds suddenly appear whenever you're near?" (From the song: "(They Long to Be) Close to You") ... (Referenced at the sheriff's station by Veronica in reference to Lamb.)
This song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and recorded by the Carpenters, a group mainly made up of brother and sister Karen and Richard Carpenter. The single was released in May of 1970, and the song rose to No. 1 on the charts in two months. It became the Carpenters' first gold single, selling 1.8 million copies. Following is the portion of the lyrics referenced:
Oprah (Referenced by Veronica while talking with Wallace at the Sac-N-Pac.)
Oprah Winfrey's story in her own words, "It was never easy for me. I was born a poor black child. I remember the days, sittin' on the porch with my family, singin' and dancin' down in Mississippi." Actually that is from Steve Martin in The Jerk, but the same is true for Winfrey. She has one of the most successful rags-to-riches stories in the world and is now reportedly worth $1.3 billion. She is currently ranked as the most powerful celebrity by Forbes magazine, as well as the ninth most powerful woman in the world.
While a sophomore in college, Winfrey became the youngest news co-anchor and the first black female news anchor at Nashville's WTVF-TV. At the age of 31, Winfrey's local morning talk show, AM Chicago debuted nationally under the name The Oprah Winfrey Show. Within a year it became the number one talk show. After almost 20 years on the air, her show is seen by over 20 million viewers each day, all around the world.
Stand and Deliver ... (Referenced at the Sac-n-Pac, in article about Cervando.)
Film released in 1988 starring Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Andy Garcia. It was written by Ramon Menendez and Tony Musca and directed by Ramon Menendez. It tells the true story of Jamie Escalante, a high school math teacher (Olmos) in a Hispanic neighborhood. Escalante was convinced that even gang members and no-hopers have potential. Over the course of one school year he used unconventional teaching methods to transform them. His students learned so much that they were able to pass an incredibly difficult college credit calculus exam. The film garnered many award nominations, including a Best Actor nomination for Olmos.
Spectravision ... (Referenced by Duncan in his room in the "afterglow.")
Spectravision is a pay-per-view movie and gaming system for hotels. One of its most popular services is that the charges for rented porn on the bill read "internet use," for those travelers who must submit a receipt to work or the little lady.
Never Been Kissed ... (Referenced by Wallace to Jackie when explaining who the car-smasher is.)
Never Been Kissed (1999) is a film about Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore), who at 25 is the youngest copy editor at the Chicago Sun-Times. When a co-worker is fired, Josie is thrust into the role of Undercover Reporter. Her first assignment: Pretend to be a 17-year-old high school student.
Josie enrolls at a local high school and quickly reverts to the girl she was the first time around. Known then as Josie Grossie, she didn't have many friends and was often humiliated by her peers. Eventually she befriends her fellow out casts and even joins the math club. However, this doesn't sit well with her boss, who insists the "story" is with the popular kids. With her job on the line, and help from her little brother Rob (who also re-enrolls for a second chance at a baseball career), she finally makes it in with the "in crowd."
During this time Josie begins to fall for her English teacher, Sam (Michael Vartan!). When he begins to reciprocate, Josie's boss orders her to "seduce" him for an expose and is confronted with her greatest conflict, but also with the chance to undo the mistakes of her first high school experience.
- Veronica's shocked look when Jackie tells Duncan he can do better.
- Kristen Bell had a huge zit on her left cheek.
- Kevin Smith is awesome as the clerk.
- Wallace's expression when he sees Jackie for the first time.
- Tessa Thompson's (Jackie) fake laugh and line read of the "180 to study hall" was terrible.
- Big Dick is pretty good looking.
- Speaking of good looking, Little Dick looked pretty good just standing in the foyer when he comes in with Beaver and Big Dick.
- Logan kicks Beaver for no reason. Poor Beaver.
- Jason Dohring's line read of "Real well." Ha!
- Percy must have spent a lot of time in the gym this summer; he was working that sleeveless shirt in the parking lot scene.
- Wallace's "Whatcha doin?" complete with head tilt on the phone with Veronica. It killed me!
- Kevin Smith (Duane, clerk) rocked his scenes! And you do look at little pudgy in that shirt, but I still love you.
- Veronica does have a very soothing phone voice.
- Lamb's panicked look at Veronica being alone in the interrogation room.
- Logan twink at the "Heart and Head" line.
- The article that Wallace is reading has a byline by Diane Ruggiero-this episode's writer.
- Dawn Lamb -- Ha!
- Jason Dohring killed with the delivery on the "He's not doing it right" line.
- In the hallway, Logan blows a kiss to Veronica. And keeps looking at the door.
- What exactly are Veronica's job duties at Java the Hut? Last week she was the only person wearing a vest; this week other people have them on. She seats people, dishes up dessert and (seems to) make drinks, but doesn't take orders. It seems a little random to me.
- How the hell did Meg survive? She was the furthest back in the bus, did that make a difference? Or did her hairdressing cartoon birds pull her to safety? Also, where was her body? When the camera pans over the cliff at the end of Normal is the Watchword, we certainly don't see her.
- Who did the costumes for this episode? I thought Duncan's diamond argyle sweater was horrific until I laid eyes on the purple-tied monstrosity and the Flashdance sweatshirt look. Blech. Oh, and Woody's tone-on-tone shorts and ties also deserve a yuck, especially the one in salmon. And I cannot let the opportunity pass to express my hatred of Jackie's denim bolero jacket with the blue sparkly t-shirt. Just appalling, did someone slash their clothing budget or what?
- Where was the girl covering the front desk when Jackie came in? And what is up with the 'tude? Also, she was close enough to hear their conversation, why did she think Duncan and Veronica were breaking up? And was her comment about Duncan doing better a come on, or her idea of small talk?
- Why is Lamb holding a press conference in the lobby of the sheriff's department? I would think the steps outside would have been more photogenic.
- Why was Woody Goodman at the press conference and what is the deal with his wigged out look at the question regarding the investigation? (I mean, his weirder than normal look. I know it is difficult to tell them apart.)
- Why was Lamb commenting on an open investigation? Telling the reporters that he suspected the bus driver before finishing the investigation seems like even shoddier police work than usual from him. Also, how did he know that Doyle had tried to kill himself before? If he had been hospitalized, the reporters would have already had the story.
- Why is the school board letting the reporters on school grounds? I would think that they would be discouraging them, not letting them use the school parking lot.
- Veronica went to the bathroom to wash her hands?
- Who was the bitch in the bathroom?
- Did Logan really have a life is short party, or was Bitchy McBitch just living up to her name?
- Why wasn't Jessie expelled or at least suspended for hitting another student?
- What was the guy in the Hawaiian shirt doing at the crash site?
- Did Woody arrange the bus accident somehow to maneuver Keith into running for Sheriff again?
- Why is it that no one else is running for county supervisor? Isn't that odd? Anyway, last week didn't he say he was running for mayor?
- Why is no one interviewing Veronica? I would think the fact that Veronica almost died in the crash a few months after bringing in Aaron would make for pretty exciting copy.
- When the bus stopped, I didn't see the bus driver get off the bus, or walk anywhere behind Veronica when she is talking to Weevil. Did anyone else? Why were they the only ones to get off? And why stop in the first place? He had plenty of time for supplies when the kids were getting their tour of the stadium.
- Does Veronica have the same Wallace-adjacent locker as last year?
- Why is Duncan so unaffected by Meg's almost death? Is he on happy pills or just able to really compartmentalize his life in a way that defies logic?
- Why did Jackie's mother ship her to Neptune to live with her gorgeous, but apparently absentee, father? And, why didn't he lock up the Porsche if he didn't want her to take it.
- What are the chances that '09er girls like the ones in Wallace's class would have know a PCH biker guy? Also, what are the chances that someone in the gang would be all that and more? And, if they are going to have a subplot about a biker, why not have Weevil show up to comment? Where is the Weevil love?
- Is Logan going to school at all? Why bother going to summer school if he was just going to drop out his senior year?
- What is up with the lack of chemistry between Jason Dohring and Charisma Carpenter?
- Why did Duncan have to smile goofily while saying that he was struggling? Way to lose the message in the delivery, buddy.
- Is it just the fact that Dick neglects Kendall that has driven her into Logan's arms? I mean, the man is easy on the eyes and loaded to boot. She's got everything to lose and not a lot to gain from what I can tell.
- Does anyone else call Dick, Dick Junior?
- Does Beaver really knit?
- Why did Jackie get detention? It could not have been her winning disposition, could it?
- Are emus and meerkats really on the brink of extinction? Do people really eat them?
- Why is the convenience store against making change? Are there parking meters nearby?
- How did the clerk have time to have the bus merchandise made up for sale? Hasn't it only been a few days since the crash?
- Why was there no tax on the St. Christopher medal? They were $.25 and she got $.75 back. Sales tax in San Diego is 7.75%.
- Why didn't Ed have a cell phone?
- Why is the police department looking for a part time receptionist? What happened to Inga?
- Why didn't Veronica just call Leo for the phone dump?
- Why does the phone in the interrogation room allow Veronica to make an outside call? The criminals must really appreciate the little touches that make Neptune such a great town to be arrested in.
- Does Big Dick remind Logan of Aaron?
- Is Cervando going to become important later? Because I have no idea why they are spending so much time talking about someone we have never heard of before.
- Why did Mr. Cotter instantly assume Veronica was there to accept donations to save the beaches?
- Who writes a suicide note on a computer? And while we are on the subject, who writes a Dear John letter to their wife on a computer? Martha Stewart will be the first to tell you, handwritten is much more personal.
- Did Mrs. Doyle know about the affair and do something to the bus?
- Why on earth would Lamb give the daughter of a suspect a copy of a supposed suicide letter? Worst. Cop. Ever. Good thing he's so pretty.
- Who else thought that Wallace was going to go all CSI on that piece of paper to see what the journalist was writing about? Show of hands.
- What is the deal with Duncan's hotel room? First, for the Presidential Suite, it is tiny. And per Credit Where Credit's Due, the room is $1200 a night. Second, what is the homage to Italy decorating the foot of the bed? Here is a huge Mona Lisa pillow, a replica of the leaning tower of Pisa, a copy of the David and a gondolier. Is Rob Thomas telling us that Duncan is really Italian? Next, the walls are paper thin, I would ask for my money back. And lastly, that bed is a full, maybe a queen. It should be a king without question. The set designers have some 'splaining to do.
- How did the Mona Lisa make it onto the bed from the foot of the bed?
- Why is Veronica sneaking out of the hotel without waking Duncan? I would think that their relationship has had quite enough sneaking out after sex in it.
- With the way the hotel room doors are set up and with Duncan's bed opposite the door, how was Logan's headboard on that same wall? Maybe Kendall really has the luxurious Presidential Suite and Duncan didn't figure out he was in the wrong room.
- Why has Veronica not said anything directly to Logan in real time of the episodes? That's a little ... strange.
- How did Kendall arrange to sneak away from the party long enough to bang Logan?
- Did Veronica recognize Kendall's voice?
- If the sex was that good, why doesn't Kendall have a hair out of place?
- It looks like there is a used condom in the Live Large wrapper. How was Kendall not looking for that? It's pretty incriminating evidence of hanky panky.
- Why was Woody at the police station for Keith to meet with him?
- How did Lamb close the case already? Has there even been an autopsy or an inquest or hell, just for giggles an investigation into other theories?
- Why didn't the reporter's car have an alarm? Maybe it was a rental?
- Was Veronica upset that another girl was kissing Wallace, or that the queen bitch of the universe was kissing Wallace?
- What does Alicia think of Keith running for Sheriff?
- Anyone else think Keith noticing that Veronica looked different was a little ham-handed for a show that is usually this well written? Show of hands again. If he was going to notice something, shouldn't he have noticed after she thought she was raped?
- Who was the dead guy and why does he have Veronica's name on his hand?
CandiceH04 (Candice): Literature
duchessjms (Jayne): Social Science
holly96 (Holly): Social Science; Literature
JenniferH: Report Card; Yearbook; Drama Club; Chemistry; Band Class (Scene Description); Homeroom
Krissy215 (Krissy): Band Class (Song Identifier); Social Science; Literature
Mastermia (Maria): Study Hall; Extra Credit; Philosophy; Homeroom;
Maxymama: Journalism; Social Science; Literature
ramwitz (Margarita): Yearbook
samwg (Shannon): Social Science
Tar Frimmer (Joanne): Social Science
Original Air Date: October 5, 2005
Written by: Diane Ruggiero
Directed by: Nick Marck
Grade: C
Membership Grade: C (42.6% / 54 votes)
Despite the obvious issue (for this site at least) with this episode -- why would Veronica sleep with the guy who was responsible for her believing she was raped for a year and a half? (His leaving the next morning without a word.) -- there are other flaws. Character reactions seem out of place, the mesh of stories don't, well, mesh. And most importantly, this is the first episode that really highlights the difference in Veronica this season from last season -- much to the character's detriment in many a viewer opinion. Finally, the season mystery arc still hasn't caught fire (unlike the Lilly murder in season one which hit from episode one).
Credited Cast Non-Appearance
Francis Capra - Eli "Weevil" Navarro
Recurring Guest Stars (Previous Episode Appearances)
Charisma Carpenter Kendall Casablancas
Steve Guttenberg Woody Goodman
Brandon Hillock Deputy Sacks
Michael Muhney Sheriff Don Lamb
Jeffrey D. Sams - Terrence Cook
Guest Stars
Adam Bitterman Hawaiian Shirt Guy
Valorie Curry - Jane
Kristin Datillo Carla Cotter
Ari Graynor Jessie Doyle
Michael Len Bruno Doyle
Kathleen Parker Mrs. Stewart
Lisa Pedace Randi Doyle
Marty Ryan Bernie
Kevin Smith Duane Anders
David Starzyk "Big Dick" Casablancas
Greg Thirloway Jeff Cotter
Who's Who in Neptune
Jackie Cook Daughter of Terrence Cook; recently moved to Neptune to live with her father from New York where she was living with her mother; New student at Neptune High that has caught Wallace's eye.
Hawaiian Shirt Guy Man that Veronica helped to light a candle at the bus crash scene who was later found dead on the beach with "Veronica Mars" written on his hand.
Jane - Student at Neptune High that is temporarily crippled; Appears to have a bit of a crush on Wallace.
Carla Cotter Woman that was having a love affair with Ed Doyle, the bus driver that drove the Neptune High school bus off a cliff.
Jessie Doyle Student at Neptune High and daughter of Ed Doyle, the infamous bus driver that drove the bus off the cliff killing himself, a teacher and several Neptune High students.
Bruno Doyle Jessie's younger brother.
Mrs. Stewart Teacher at Neptune High that was teaching Wallace's class when Jackie arrived.
Randi Doyle Ed Doyle's widow; Mother to Jessie and Bruno.
Bernie Reporter that tried to weasel a story from Wallace at the Sac-N-Pac.
Duane Anders Store clerk at the gasoline station where the bus driver stopped before driving over the cliff; Media whore that is milking his 15-minutes of fame for having been the last living person to come in contact with the bus driver.
Big Dick Casablancas Wealthy father to Dick and Cassidy (Beaver) Casablancas; Husband to Kendall.
Jeff Cotter Oblivious husband of Carla Cotter.
Hey! It's That Guy/Girl
Kevin Smith (Duane Anders) - Famous writer/director who made his indie debut on a string-shoe budget with the black and white comedy, Clerks. Smith is also known for his portrayal as "Silent Bob" of "Jay and Silent Bob" fame -- two recurring characters in all of his films who starred in their own feature (written and directed by Smith), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back in 2001.
Highlights
Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) & Jason Dohring (Logan Echolls) - Separately, Bell and Dohring are remarkable actors and worthy of a highlight for just about every episode in which they appear. However, every once in a while, the two share a scene of such acting brilliance that it reaches an almost symbiotic state that the praise can only be offered co-jointly. Such was the case in this episode, in their one scene together. Their performance held its power every moment from one to the next, Bell to Dohring, Dohring to Bell, volleying excellence back and forth. Every expression, every look, every word (and as few as there were, the punch felt was immense) created one of the most powerfully acted scenes in the Veronica Mars oeuvre.
Lowlights
Tessa Thompson (Jackie Cook) - Due to the writing, one can believe that the viewer is actually supposed to care about Jackie--a bad girl with hidden depths. Due to the acting by Thompson, alas, one does not. We just see bad. Despite Thompson's talent seen elsewhere, her Jackie comes across as snotty, snobby and without a trace of charm or likeability whatsoever. And that previously-seen talent is missing as well here on Veronica Mars -- her line readings are stilted, dull or just plain badly delivered. Furthermore, there is zero comfort level or chemistry with anyone with whom she shares screentime. The character just does not work because, in this role, the actress just does not work.
Scene One: She Could Have Had That
Unless something happens (heeheehee, something happens) that completely alters the landscape of Veronica's character, this 54-second scene pretty much decimated my earlier belief that Veronica was/is not in love with Logan. I do believe now that she is. The problem? She does not believe that she is and never has. The flashbacks in the premiere mostly showed a Veronica who, while caring, didn't seem in love with Logan, while many small moments with Duncan seemed to indicate that it was such a case with him. I'm thinking now that we really have to go with the mantra of the season that all is not what it seems.
Logan is messy; Logan is (in the words of executive producer Rob Thomas) "fucked up," Logan is ups and downs, highs and lows, wild emotions, leaping without looking. Logan is not safe; he is not predictable and he is not normal. In Veronica's experience, love is what she shared with Duncan a long time ago. What she shared with Logan in those brief weeks when they were secretly dating was nothing like what she had with Duncan. Ergo, since Veronica Mars is never wrong, what she shared with Logan wasn't love. By the time the summer rolled around and she and Logan were together again, she was caught between a rock and a hard place--between what is normal and what Logan makes her feel, which is anything but ordinary (another word for normal) and so not what she felt for Duncan, which she has classified as "True Love." And the bottom line is that Veronica had decided that she wanted normal, she wanted ordinary and that was something that Logan could never, ever provide.
So why did she take up with then? Because she IS in love with him and wanted to be with him despite knowing, even if she hadn't admitted it to herself, that he could never give her what she thought she wanted: Normalcy. She hoped that she could have what she was telling herself was the best of both worlds: Logan and the girl she used to be. Veronica simply wasn't ready to step away from that long-cherished dream of being that girl again once Lilly's murder was solved. She just could not do it. Veronica was determined to live that normal life once more. She was afraid that the last year and a half had completely erased the girl that she once was, the girl that she believed she needed to be again. It is as if Veronica doesn't realize how truly wonderful the new person she had become was and as if she believes that who she was once upon a time is who she needs to be now. And Logan Echolls didn't fit with that Veronica, that dream. So she began to distance herself, pull away, keep that wall between them. And it worked. Enter Duncan. He was her out and she took it. He was her normal.
Flash-forward to a dimly lit hallway one night in the Neptune Grand a few months later. With Duncan, Veronica clearly did not have the time of her life, the earth did not move, the heavens did not sing and the big O was nowhere to be found. But damnit, Veronica Mars had gotten laid before she died and she remembered it this time. She got what she wanted. And then along came Logan. And he was clearly the guy who had just given some other girl the time of her life, making her earth move, and heavens sang Hallelujah and the big O was screaming in tandem all for this other girl. As Logan looked at Veronica, as he walked forward and initiated casual conversation designed to fill the empty space and hurt the girl before him, because yes, he wanted to hurt her because he was hurting, Veronica just stared, silent with words. What. She. Wanted.
Words were all she was silent with. And this is where the utter brilliance of Kristen Bell's talent comes into play. Watch her body language, her facial expression. She was practically screaming now and the words were of regret. It wasn't a sly charade of "Mm hmm, I could have had that!" but rather the fierce intensity of regret and she truly shone with the blinding force of an epiphany. Looking at Logan, knowing what he just did, knowing what she just did and knowing what could/should have happened between them, her body was screaming with the regret that "I could have had that." And there was no titillation, no coyness, no game, just a sheer weight of regret. "I could have had that."
That. The sexual experience? Yes, but no. The emotions? Yes, but again, no. The boy? Yes, but once more, no. The whole package? Yes. Yes, that. All of Logan in his fucked-up, sexually gifted, emotionally wounded, completely vulnerably-open hearted glory bursting with love for her. That is what she could have had. And she threw it away because she was afraid, because she wanted to be the girl she was, and the girl she was, the one with the ordinary life where normal is the watchword, isn't the girl for Logan Echolls.
Logan Echolls. He was, as always, much easier to read. She hurt him when she broke his heart. She is still breaking his heart whenever he sees her, which appears to be the only time he reveals it. He is seemingly able to hide that pain except when he probably wants to the most: When he's near her. Just as she knew what he was doing, he knew what she was doing, and the stance, the body language--which he read as guilt--told him what she was doing and so he was hurt. And when Logan is hurt and has no one to turn to, he lashes out, he seeks to hurt back. And it is in that hurting, the delivery, the moments that followed that we were witness to the awesome power of Jason Dohring's skill.
- Logan: FYI, if cuddling's the best part, he's not doing it right.
But she knows; she didn't need to see the mask drop, the anguish barely there, flitting across his face for the slightest of seconds as he walked past her, but looked back ... at her, at the door of the room from which she came (or didn't, as the case may be). Veronica didn't need to see that to know that he was in pain, because she was in pain. A pain that didn't fully reveal itself until the final word of her brief telephone conversation as she quickly, almost desperately sought to find out who the girl was, the one whose earth he moved.
- Veronica: Room 1147, please.
But he did and she did and we're back to Veronica Mars is never wrong. Duncan is true love. Normal is the watchword. Logan Echolls doesn't fit. The span of time in between Logan appearing and Duncan appearing was so brief, literally seconds, that while I believe that Veronica in those seconds was fully cognizant of all of those feelings flooding through her, they hadn't processed. They hadn't done anything but whirl like a dervish in her mind and so when the mask dropped, the dervish was stilled and the realization was never given the time to crystallize and form into a truth that the Veronica Mars she had become could hold onto and believe to be right.
Therefore we were left with the vague echoes of a spin that this Veronica refuses to hear ... now.
This week's Mystery of the Week features Wallace as our star PI. Yay for Wallace! Our little boy is growing up. *Sniff*
Wallace sits in study hall, disgustedly listening as the girl in front of him goes on and on about one of the bus crash victims. Some new girl is soaking in all of the juicy details, prodding the loud mouth for more. In this scene, Percy scrunches up his nose and raises his eyebrows so much that it seems like he has been spending too much time with his old roomie, Teddy Dunn. Jackie, another new student -- who looks like she just came from a sale at Fashion Bug (poor UPN wardrobe department, we should have a bake sale for this needy cause) -- needs help finding the admin office. Wallace practically jumps out of his chair to volunteer. On the way, he flirts, she flirts, he jokes, she blows him off for being a nice guy. Oh well, better luck next time, Wallace. Maybe add some Aqua Velva to your daily routine and see what happens.
After basketball practice, Wallace sees Jackie bummin' by her banged up Porsche. She tells him it is her daddy's and she needs to get it fixed before he finds out. I am thinking a Risky Business rip-off would be good right about now, but oh yeah, we did that already. Too bad. I was looking forward to Wallace in some tighty-whities. Admittedly though, no one could imitate a sexy, intense, Scientologist better than Jason Dohring. Ahem. Jackie hands Wallace the note that was on her windshield. Surprise! It's a fake note, left only so that the witnesses wouldn't get after the driver for not leaving her insurance information. Now that I think about it, we should have guessed right then that this person wasn't from Neptune High. Any local would have known that witnesses wouldn't have cared enough to stop her from doing whatever she wanted to the car, even if she was rubbing salt all over it and doing body shots.
Wallace offers to help find out the identity of the bumper thumper. Initially he calls Veronica to ask for help. He imitates her patented head tilt and "whatcha doing?" perfectly. Unfortunately, she can't see the head tilt, since they are on the phone. Also, she is dealing with her own case, so Wallace doesn't bother her. Telling Jackie, "It's all good," he gets started on the case by himself.
He starts by asking a group of "stoners" if they saw anything. It has been awhile since I was in high school, but I doubt seriously that these guys are stoners. One, they are playing hacky sack. Two, Wallace sees them everyday, meaning they don't ditch nearly often enough. Three, okay, I don't have a three. But did those guys really look like stoners to you? Not that I want to promote stereotyping or anything. But I do give Wallace credit for bringing a bag of snacks to the "stoners," to soften them up. That deserves a hee. So, a guy with an atrocious dye job (brings back pleasant Oz memories from the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer though) tells Wallace that a blonde with a nice ass who drives a green car hit the Porsche.
Wallace then gets a list of the parking permit holders and cross references the make, license plate number, and color of each car with the yearbook, narrowing down the suspect list to four girls. Yay him! He easily eliminates two of the girls when we weren't looking. While he's checking out the third suspect's car for damage, she comes upon him and basically asks, "What the hell are you doing?" Wallace turns on the charm and lies through his teeth. Just like Veronica would. The car doesn't have any damage, plus the girl, Jane, is on crutches recovering from knee surgery. She seems innocent. But then totally comes on to Wallace, so maybe she's not that innocent.
While working at the Sac-N-Pac, some mysterious bald man in a hideous shirt starts chatting Wallace up. [Sure, this guy seems friendly, acts like he knows what's going on. Gives out some compliments and some cryptic hints. Any minute though, this guy could be gone and Wallace would never hear from him again. Just when we were starting to love him.] But our star PI Wallace knows something is up with him. Maybe Wallace got carried away taking my Aqua Velva advice. First Jane, then bald man? I know UPN wanted to sex up the show, but two people hitting on Wallace in one episode seems a bit much. They should spread it out over the... oh, wait. The guy fesses up to being a reporter and he takes out his notebook to start pumping Wallace for information. Well, that is better than what I was afraid he wanted to pump from Wallace. Wallace looks at the notebook, tears off a blank sheet, and doesn't answer any of the reporter's questions. Good boy.
Wallace is able to zero in on the culprit, completely bypassing suspect number four. After the culprit is revealed, Jackie wants to go Fight Club on her nice ass, but Wallace tells her to back off and let him handle it. Earlier he "borrowed" her spark plugs, so that he could force her to hand over the insurance information.
Also, it turns out she was the nosy new girl from earlier who is actually a reporter trying to get the inside scoop on the crash victims. Small world, huh? Wallace figured that out when bald man showed him the notebook at the Sac-N-Pac. When she gets back to her car, she is met by school security and presumably thrown off of school grounds. Wallace, clearly pleased with himself, tells Jackie that he likes his gratitude given in little doses overtime. Jackie responds by giving him a sweet kiss on the cheek and saying she may have to rethink her stand on nice guys. Awww.
- Cindy is a waitress at Java the Hut.
- Veronica is the Hostess at Java the Hut.
- Veronica has taken to playing with her pendant when upset, which was a lot in this episode.
- Neptune High has been inundated with reporters digging up stories about the students who died.
- A week before the accident, Veronica did not know who Jessie Doyle was.
- Veronica cooks eggs for breakfast.
- Logan has a new necklace that seems to be browner.
- Jackie Cook has recently moved to Neptune to live with her hot, hot, hot dad, with whom she clashes. Apparently unmoved by the lusciousness that is Jeffrey D. Sams, she acts up and he threatens to send her back to her mother.
- Terrence Cook has a Porsche and a Bronco.
- Cervando was on the honor roll, was a PCH biker, and apparently helped little old ladies cross the street in his spare time.
- Jackie has not dated someone in high school since the 8th grade. Her father must love that factoid.
- The Casablancas family belongs to a country club.
- Dick's room has a huge flat-screen TV with a video game station, a surf board and an acoustic guitar.
- Wallace has a sidekick or blackberry-like thing and a PDA phone like Veronica.
- Neptune High makes students get parking passes.
- Wallace still works at the Sac-N-Pac.
- Jackie has a credit card that she can put repairs to a Porsche on without exceeding her limit.
- Logan lives alone now.
- Wallace is a Drew Barrymore fan.
- Veronica thinks that Keith is a brilliant detective, with a keen intuition and a finely tuned BS detector.
- Jane, a blonde, cute girl, had knee surgery about a month ago. She has a thing for Wallace and was in his Spanish and English classes last semester. She has a friend named Bob who has been driving her around.
- Woody Goodman is running unopposed for County Supervisor. His platform is Neptune: Cleaner and Safer. He is still coaching little league, but his time management skills leave a lot to be desired. This is apparent when he does not realize that it is five minutes past his allotted time on the field and a riot breaks out among the kids. (Oh, and Rob, we get the class war theme, please stop hitting us over the head with it.) He stops the violence with the fakest "Can't We All Just Get Along" sermon imaginable while Keith watches on in apparent awe.
While making the baseball field safe for Mom and apple pie, Woody asks Keith to run for Sheriff again, pledging his full support and resources. Keith, who is no dummy asks where he stood on the recall and Woody acknowledges that he did sign the petition to have Keith ousted from office. Ouch! Even Keith seems a little floored by this information, but says that he will consider the offer.
Over breakfast the next morning, Keith discusses the offer with an encouraging Veronica who can't figure out why Keith won't run when he is pretty much guaranteed victory. Keith says that he is worried about the publicity the election will bring, especially in regards to Veronica. Undaunted, she tells his to run, publicity be damned.
A few days later Keith meets Woody at the police station to tell him that he has considered his offer and is rejecting it. As Keith is leaving, he sees Jessie in the hall trying to convince Lamb to open the case of her father's death again. He stops, considering his options. Veronica comes home that evening to find Keith cooking dinner. He tells her that he reconsidered and is now running for Sheriff. Veronica is thrilled and hugs him happily, declaring that she feels safer already.
- Logan is still drowning his sorrows in Kendall Casablancas on the sofa of her home, apparently during his English class. For the record he is the first younger guy that Kendall has slept with. They are still carrying on when Big Dick and the boys come home and interrupts them mid coital. They must set some kind of land speed record because by the time the Casablancas make it into the living room, Kendall has on a robe and is painting her nails and Logan is dressed and upstairs playing video games. When Beaver asks about Logan's truck, Kendall covers by saying that he has been waiting for them and makes it sound like a huge inconvenience.
Upstairs Logan has perfected the "putting up appearances" portion of the affair as he complains that Kendall refused to make him a sandwich. (Insert your own threesome joke here.) Mr. Casablancas, seemingly unaware that Logan was in his wife just before he came in the door, tells Logan that he is welcome anytime. He then invites Logan to go to the firing range with him and Dick Jr. (hee!).
At the range, Big Dick shoots a revolver (very well), while Dick shoots a semi, gangsta style, and Logan tries out a semiautomatic as well. Logan does not do very well one-handed-duh!, but once he uses the correct grip, his shooting improves. Big Dick comes by to tell him that he needs to aim for the heart and head to stop an assailant (hmm, I wonder if this will become important later?).
Big Dick goes on to philosophize about the importance of focus, using his ability to forget his family while working (and vice versa) as a shinning example, while Logan looks more and more uncomfortable. Logan finally reverts to old habits and deflects the conversation with sarcasm in the form of an Aaron joke. Big Dick doesn't bite and walks away while Little Dick uses it as an opportunity to get in some exposition about Kendall and Big Dick going to the Neptune Grand for a benefit the following night. He also manages to sneak in a zinger in the form of "Casa de Killer," in reference to Logan's bachelor pad. Hey, way to have your friends' back, dickwad. Logan expresses his unhappiness by shooting the target right in the heart.
The next night, as Beaver is sleeping on the sofa, his father and stepmother come home from the party. His father, rather meanly, scares him, waking him up and causing him to drop his popcorn all over the place. Kendall insists that he clean it up. As he is doing that he finds a condom wrapper for Live Large condoms.
- The school bus was traveling 40 miles per hour on the Pacific Coast Highway and plunged 90 feet to the water below. There were six students (Meg and Cervando that we know of), a teacher (Mrs. Dumbass, ur, Dumass) and a driver (Ed Doyle) aboard. Meg was the only survivor and is in a coma. Donut does not seem that broken up that his last girlfriend was almost killed, while Veronica seems very shaken by her brush with a 90-foot plunge into very sharp rocks and guilty that she missed the trip.
Lamb holds a press conference where he does the standard "we are investigating" tap dance. There are allegations that the school bus maintenance was not up to snuff since only the non-rich students used them, which Lam .. um ... Lamb rebuts by pointing out that the driver did not live in the 09 zip code. He then deviates from the usual patter to throw the driver under the bus, as it were, by saying that he was a suspect due to a history of mental and marital problems. He then goes on to slander the poor dead driver even more by stating that he had a prescription for anti-depressants that were never filled and that he had attempted suicide before. He also confirms that there were no skid marks at the scene of the accident. However, when asked point blank if Doyle was the prime suspect, Lamb quickly backpedals. Sure he looked hot, but what a putz.
Veronica goes to her office, um, the bathroom, and seems surprised to find Ed Doyle's daughter, Jessie, there waiting for her. Why so surprised, Veronica? All you need to do is hang a shingle and pay Clemmons rent, because everyone knows that is where you do business. Anyway, Jessie wants Veronica to find proof that her father didn't kill himself because the insurance company won't pay if it is suicide. She is afraid that she, her mother, and little brother will not be able to survive without the insurance payoff. Veronica refuses the case, saying that she would not know how to go about proving that Ed didn't kill himself. She leaves, passing Bitchy McBitch and cronies on their way in. BMcB has a few not so nice things to say about Jessie, and when she turns her venom on Veronica, Jessie snaps and slugs her. Veronica takes the case.
She goes to the crash site, which has been turned into a shrine complete with flowers, candles and ugly stuffed dogs, by the nice people of Neptune. There is a slightly bald, bearded man wearing a black Hawaiian print shirt with yellow hibiscus trying unsuccessfully to light a candle. Veronica blocks the wind and he thanks her, but does not seem to know who she is. (Hey, it will be important later!) She then bumps into Jessie; other people milling around start to recognize Jessie. Veronica, who cannot find any clues anyway, gets them out of there.
A local convenience store clerk is interviewed because the driver bought his last items at his store. He describes Ed as a weird duck (has he looked in a mirror recently?) and goes into detail about how Ed bought a St. Christopher medal and then threw it away as he was leaving. Keith, still running for father of the year, kisses Veronica and tells her that he could not imagine what he would have done if Veronica had been on the bus. (Keith, in case you didn't get the official notification: Almost getting fricasseed saving your daughter from a homicidal maniac cinches the award. Really, you can skate now.) Veronica jokes off his feelings, upsetting both Keith and me.
Before he can properly admonish her for her flippancy, she hops on the clue bus, wondering if what the bus driver bought might shed some light on his state of mind. Or at least his state of drowsiness. Keith tries to tell Veronica that she might never figure out what happened. When she tells him that she knows the bus driver's daughter, he looks even more somber and stops trying to discourage her.
The next day at school Veronica is upset by BMcB and her friends who are talking smack about Meg. She runs into Duncan who does everything but serenade her with "Don't Worry, Be Happy," he is in such a good mood. She calls him on how he has not been affected by the crash and he walks away with the universal hand signal for "You win, I don't want to fight." After school she is waiting by his car and apologizes. He tells her (insincerely) that he is struggling as well and she lays out for him her feelings of grief, guilt and happiness at being alive. He tries to empathize and comes off looking a little goofy, but she seems happier, so that's what's important.
Veronica goes to the convenience store to question KEVIN freakin' SMITH about the bus driver's purchases. She is more than a little disgusted to see that there are hats, mugs and t-shirts for sale with a graphic of the bus with wings and a halo. Well, the boy's gotta make a living somehow. Did you see the box office for Jersey Girl? Veronica pretends to be a "sex and death kid" and pumps him for information, asking for the driver's last meal. She is a little disappointed when she is given a large slushee and bag of peanuts. She sees the St. Christopher medals and buys one for $.25, getting change back. She turns to leave and sees a payphone at the back of the store. She figures out that he must have bought the St. Chris to get change for the phone.
She goes to the sheriff's station, where they just happen to be looking for a receptionist, and convinces Deputy Sacks' mustache to give her an application and somewhere to fill it out. Luckily the Deputy is no smarter than his 'stache and leaves her alone in an interrogation room that conveniently has a phone where she can access an outside line. She calls someone to have the phone records dumped. Sheriff Lamb comes into work and Sacks can't wait to blab about Veronica and the application. Lamb tears into the room to see Veronica just finishing up her application. Snappy repartee ensues as he roughly pulls out her chair and kicks her out of the office. Does this mean she won't get an interview?
Veronica goes to Jessie's to make her report. His phone call was to someone named Cotter who lived in their complex. When Jessie says that her father didn't hang out with their neighbors, the doorbell rings and they are rudely interrupted by Lamb. He does have the intelligence to look a little disquieted when he finds out that Jessie and Veronica are friends, but still starts to search the apartment while Veronica fumes.
Veronica finds Wallace reading an article about the PCH biker who died. In it he is described as a biker with a brain who was on the honor roll, and who loved billiards and biology. Billiards! Why didn't Weevil kick him out of the gang? I would think the first time he mentioned crying during Stand and Deliver, Weevil would have kicked his ass.
Veronica goes to the Cotter's to ask who was home last Wednesday at 4:05 pm, 15 minutes before the bus went over the cliff and when the phone call was made. Mr. Cotter was in New York, but his wife was home. She claims to have no idea who Doyle was and claimed that she received a wrong number about that time. Veronica's questions are cut short when Jessie calls to say that the Sheriff's department found Ed's suicide note saved on his computer.
Presumably the next day, Veronica shows up at Jessie's to ... I am not sure what she is there for immediately because I am distracted by the travesty that is the outfit Kristen Bell is wearing. The purple oxford is okay but the green sweater, nylon thingy over it is bad. Not as bad, however, as the purple tie used as a belt and the whole thing bottomed off with grey pants, which are horrific. Oh, and don't get me started on the boots. I thought this would be the worst thing I saw this episode, sadly I was mistaken, but I am getting ahead of myself. Oh, Veronica is there to see that Jessie's Mom is a bitch and that her brother is a better actor than both Jessie and Jackie. Well, maybe just the first part, but I stand by the second.
Jessie has a copy of the suicide note that Lamb kindly printed out for her. It says:
- I'm sorry to leave you this way, but I truly believe, in my heart, that it's for the best. I can't go on like this. I can't stay for just the kids, even though they mean more to me than anything this isn't good for them.
Cut to her at Duncan's hotel room at the Neptune Grand where she throws herself into his arms, kissing him desperately. He picks up on her signals pretty quickly and carries her to the bed. Cut to them lying in bed and have the least sexual post-sex conversation ever. I mean when you hock up a fake loogie after having sex with your boyfriend for the first time while not drugged, there is something seriously off. Their tender interlude is mercifully interrupted when the headboard in the room next door starts slamming into the wall. Duncan does get a cute "Did we do it wrong?" line but then turns down a repeat performance to watch hotel porn. Hmm.
Veronica gathers her clothes and sneaks out of the room without waking Duncan. Double hmm. As the door closes behind her, she sees Logan come out of the room next door, where presumably the headboard-banging sex was occurring. While finishing dressing, he snarks as she stands frozen in place. After he leaves, she pulls out her phone and gets connected to the room, where Kendall answers. Before Veronica can say anything, Duncan opens the door and she hangs up. I think he is trying for seductive here, but has to settle for boyishly attractive and not particularly memorable with his shirt off. Veronica kisses him, and reminding him that her father is expecting her home soon, leaves. The next day Keith says that Veronica looks different and Veronica is startled to think that he could tell she had sex.
- Sheriff Lamb and his crew find the body of the man from the memorial (see, same shirt!) dead on the beach. Written on his hand? "Veronica Mars."
"The Minor Waltz" (The Asylum Street Spankers)
Scene: See Veronica ponder the bus crash without crying, talk to Donut-head without dozing off and magically presto-change Jackie into a macchiato. Damn, she's talented.
"Magic Bus" (The Who)
Scene: Hehehe, Kevin Smith is playing a clerk in a convenience store. Hehehe, Kevin Smith came to fame directing a movie called Clerks about convenience store clerks. Hehehehe, I love in-jokes. I just wish his character's name had been Bob.
"On Your Porch" (The Format)
Scene: While listening to Carla wax poetic about what will never be, Veronica has an epiphany that leads to her attempt to capture the literal meaning of VD.
"Little Miss Get Around" (Lukewarm Freeda)
Scene: Little Beav all snug and sound asleep is rudely awakened not by the dulcet tones of Freeda, but by Big Dick and duplicitous stepmom slamming home from a party.
"Where is My Mind" (The Pixies)
Scene: So who wants to bet that Sheriff Lamb's day was NOT made when yet another case rolled onto his beach that prominently featured one Veronica Mars? Uh huh. Poor Donnie boy, he just can't escape that girl.
LoVe Lines
Logan: (To Veronica.) Hmm, what's different about you? Did you cut your hair or something? (Pausing to lean against the wall and fix his shoes, he looks up at her.) FYI, if the cuddling is the best part, he didn't do it right. (Blows her a kiss.)
Quotable Quotes
Veronica Mars Voiceover: If a school bus traveling 40 mph drives off a cliff and plunges 90 feet into the jagged coastline, how many seconds do the six high school students, their teacher, and bus driver have to contemplate the fact that they're about to die? Two Mississippis worth of screams, life-flashes, and prayers, maybe? But if anyone used that time to make a deal with his maker, only one of them was heard.
Jackie: (Clears her throat.) When you guys are done breaking up, can I get a macchiato?
Veronica: I'm actually just the hostess, but I can...
Jackie: (Interrupting.) Look, I don't care if you're the house magician, can you just make me a macchiato?
Veronica: (Walks over, makes magical hand gesture.) You're a macchiato.
Jessie: I guess my dad doesn't rate a votive candle.
Veronica: This doesn't mean anything --
Jessie: (Interrupting.) Come on, you were on that bus you would want your pile to be the biggest.
Keith: Elections aren't that easy, Veronica.
Veronica: Sure they are. A couple of catchy bumper stickers, your handsome mug plastered on all the benches in Neptune. Done and done.
Jackie: I think you missed the boat on the "watching me sleep" years.
Terrence: It's eight o'clock, when do you plan on getting up?
Jackie: The plan was two hours ago, the reality is another forty minutes.
Terrence: No, uh-uh, we're not going to play this game again, Jackie. You cannot miss another day of school.
Jackie: Even if I had cramps? You know, for my monthly?
Terrence: Jackie!
Jackie: Wow, that was pretty fatherly, almost sounded like you'd been saying my name in exasperation for years.
Wallace: I'm an old soul. Seriously, these eyes have seen things. Did I mention I'm a nice guy?
Jackie: (Laughs.) Aw, nice. The great panty-dropper.
Jackie: A "whatever bitch" and a 180 back to study hall and we could've had something.
Beaver: Why is Logan's truck in the driveway?
Kendall: Uh, because there's water in the pool. He's upstairs waiting for you. You know and I'd really rather your friends not just show up whenever they want. (Louder, as Dick and Beaver walk away.) I'm not running an orphanage here.
Logan: Dude, why is your stepmother such a bitch? I mean seriously. A guy asks for one sandwich.
Big Dick: Hey Logan, how's everything going?
Logan: Really (He does a funny eye blink.) well. Thanks for asking, Mr. C. And you?
Big Dick: Excellent.
Logan: See? You had to one up me.
Big Dick: Dick Jr. and I are going over to the firing range tomorrow. Interest you in a little target practice?
Logan: As long as I'm not the target.
Beaver: Okay, so I guess I'll just stay here and knit something?
Duane: Did you see that? Check you out! Let me ask you a question. Do I look fat to you? (Veronica shakes head.) 'Cause I was watching it on the news and I was like, "Damn, I look fat!" I read something online that says the camera adds ten pounds. I was thinking maybe it was that. Just in case, I started a diet regime this AM.
Duane: Let me tell you something. If I was going to do a kamikaze, you know, off a bridge with a bus full of kids and stuff? A convenience store would not be the site of my last meal. I'd wanna -- I'd wanna eat something on the brink of extinction, you know, like the last emu or a meerkat. I bet they'd go down smooth.
Lamb: What are you up to, Veronica?
Veronica: Last question actually, why do you want this position? Honestly, and really tell me the truth. How much of a kiss ass would I be if I admit it's to be close to you? (Lamb pulls her chair out roughly.) Seriously, why DO birds suddenly appear every time you are near?
Big Dick: When you are at the point when you want to shoot someone, you want to take them down, you don't want to wing them. Heart and head. That's where it counts.
Logan: Ain't that the truth.
Big Dick: You need focus, precision. The ability to only think about the task at hand. When I'm working, my family doesn't exist. Sound awful?
Logan: Mmm, no.
Big Dick: It's not. Because when I'm with my family, my work doesn't exist.
Logan: I think my father has a similar philosophy. Of course, he's a murderer, so...
Dick: We should ask some chicks over tomorrow night. Dad's got a banquet at the Neptune Grand and he's forcing Kendall to go with him.
Logan: Dick, have you forgotten that I live alone?
Dick: Yeah, but only psycho chicks want to go to Casa de Killer.
Veronica: (To Wallace.) If I die unexpectedly, do me a favor. Go on Oprah and tell the world I loved kittens.
Wallace: See now if that's all you got I got to go look at every decent-ass blonde chick in the school.
Wallace: Wallace Fennel is on the case, do you know what that means?
Jackie: That Wallace Fennel wants to get in my pants.
Wallace: And? What else?
Veronica: I have about 15 minutes till my dad activates the homing device in my molar.
Kendall: Make sure you really clean that up. Because if we get bugs, I'm really gonna be pissed.
Wallace: My plan is unfolding. Let's just be impressed, watch it play out.
Wallace: She's a reporter, think Drew Barrymore in Never Been Kissed. Hey, if Drew's in it, I've seen it.
Wallace: I like my gratitude in small doses, spread out over time.
Jackie: (Gives Wallace kiss on the cheek.) I may have to reconsider my stand on nice guys.
Driver's Ed ... (Referenced by the episode title.)
Driver's Ed or Driver's Education is a class or program offered by independent agencies and most high schools in the United States, wherein students learn how to drive and practice road safety. During Driver's Ed courses, a dual-controlled car (with pedals for both the driver and instructor in the front passenger's seat) is used. Students take Driver's Ed to supplement the knowledge from government-printed driving handbooks so that they will be prepared for the test to get their learner's permit or driver's license.
Say Anything ... (Referenced during the bathroom scene when Veronica grabs Jessie by shoulders and says "You must chill.")
Say Anything is the 1989 movie written by Cameron Crowe that marked his directorial debut. Considered one of Crowe's most popular films, Say Anything is also best remembered for John Cusack's winning performance as lovable Lloyd Dobler.
Set in Seattle, the movie follows the story of Lloyd, a mediocre student and aspiring kickboxer who attempts to woo school valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye), despite the fact that she is far outside his social circle. Diane falls for Lloyd, partly because of his gallant ways and partly because he makes her laugh.
Unfortunately, their relationship is plagued by multiple obstacles, including the disapproval of Diane's father (John Mahoney), and Diane breaks up with Lloyd. In the film's most memorable scene, a brokenhearted Lloyd serenades Diane outside her window with a boom box blaring Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" in an attempt to win her back. Full of memorable lines such as "I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen" and "You must chill," in 2002 Entertainment Weekly ranked Say Anything as the greatest modern movie romance of all time.
PCH (Referenced by Cathy as she tells the undercover reporter about Cervando being a biker.)
Pacific Coast Highway refers to sections of California's Route 1, beginning at San Juan Capistrano, south of Los Angeles, and ending where Route 1 merges with Highway 1 at Leggett, in Northern California. Route 1 is one of the longest (644 miles) and most scenic routes in California, providing breathtaking views of a large part of the Pacific Coast. It travels past dozens of historical landmarks and through such cities as San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
St. Christopher's Medal ... (Referenced when Duane mentions what was purchased by the bus driver.)
St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers and people who transport or carry things. St. Christopher was born Offero, a powerfully built man who wandered the world in search of adventure. Offero met a hermit who lived beside a dangerous stream and served others by guiding them to safe places to cross. The hermit provided Offero with instruction about God.
Offero eventually took the hermit's place, but instead of guiding travelers, he carried them safely across the stream. One day he carried a small child across the stream; the child's weight nearly crushed him. When they arrived on the other side, the child revealed himself as Christ, and he was so heavy because he bore the weight of the world. He then baptized Offero with water from the stream and renamed him Christopher, or "Christ-bearer."
Yoga (Referenced by Veronica as she jokes about what Keith would do with her room if she died.)
Yoga, which means "union" in Sanskrit, is a family of spiritual practices and thought that originated in India. The four main types of yoga are Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja. The asanas, or postures, of Hatha Yoga are a popular form of fitness and meditative exercises in the West. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism teach yoga as a means to enlightenment.
Modern yoga retains traditional elements of eastern religion, such as moral principles, postures designed to keep the body fit, spiritual philosophy, instruction by a guru, chanting mantras (sacred syllables), pranayama (breathing exercises), and stilling the mind through meditation.
Clerks ... (Referenced by the fact that Kevin Smith, director of Clerks played a clerk in this episode.)
Clerks, directed by Kevin Smith and released on September 7, 1994, is a movie chronicling a day in the life of Quick Stop clerks Dante and Randal as they annoy customers, discuss movies, and play hockey on the store roof. Clerks focused on humdrum activities and, in the process, celebrated the slackerdom life. This was writer/director Kevin Smith's first effort. It was filmed on a shoestring budget and starred many of his friends. It featured polished dialogue and creative characters, highlighted by the almost-famous Jay and Silent Bob and has become a cult classic. Its tag line was "Just because they serve you doesn't mean they like you."
Radiohead ... (Referenced by Duncan as the reason for Veronica's mood of depressed funk, rather than the bus crash.)
Radiohead are a British alternative rock band that many critics see as the natural inheritors of R.E.M. and Pink Floyd's mantle. The band's early music compares with artists such as Elvis Costello, Pixies, Pink Floyd and R.E.M. Their best known album is their breakthrough CD, ok computer, released in 1997. They've released three albums since, including their sixth, Hail to the Thief, which reached sales of 300,000 during its first week of retail availability. Their best known single release is "Creep," while their highest-charting single was 1997's "Paranoid Android," which peaked at #3.
Nelly ... (Referenced by Duncan in trying to kick Veronica out of her potentially Radiohead-induced funk.)
Nelly, who would rise to fame as a rap artist, was born Cornell Haynes Jr. and grew up in St. Louis. He saw first-hand life on the streets that he would write about on his albums. When he was a teenager he moved to the suburbs and formed a band with some high school friends. They released a single, but were unable to get a record deal. Nelly struck out as a solo artist and was signed by Universal.
He released his debut album, Country Grammar, in 2000. It would spend seven weeks on top of the U.S. album charts as he crossed many musical boundaries and appealed to a widely diverse audience. By 2002, with the release of his album Nellyville, he topped ten different billboard charts in the same week with his single "Hot in Herre." He went on to record the song "Shake Ya Tailfeather" for the movie Bad Boys II and then followed it up with a double disc, Sweatsuit, in 2004. The album put him back at the top of the charts and his many fans eagerly await his next album.
New York (Referenced by Terrence as he threatens to send Jackie back there if she doesn't behave.)
Officially the City of New York, New York City (also known by the initials NYC) is the highest populated city in the United States and the most densely populated major city in North America. Located in the state of New York, it has a population of over eight million in a 321 square mile radius. Overwhelmingly considered to be one of the world's major global cities, NYC is a center for international finance, fashion, entertainment, and culture with an exceptional array of museums, galleries, media outlets, performance venues, international corporations and financial markets. NYC is also the home to the United Nations headquarters.
New York City proper is made up of five boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan. Each borough is home to at least a million people and each would be considered as some of the nation's largest cities if considered separate of the others.
Since the 1970's the city has commonly been referred to by the nickname "The Big Apple" due to a promotional campaign by the New York Convention and Visitor's Bureau, although the true origins of this alternate toponym are less clear. The city has attracted a large number of immigrants, with over a third of its population born outside of the United States. NYC also attracts people from all over the U.S. because of its culture, energy, cosmopolitan feel and economic opportunities. Currently NYC has the lowest crime rate among the nation's twenty-five largest cities.
Porsche (Referenced by Jackie as the car she's expecting -- and does -- drive to school.)
The Porsche is a German sports car, with the first one having been built in 1938 with the same components used in the Volkswagen Beetle, also engineered by Ferdinand Porsche. Porsche is a world-renowned brand, named the most beautiful automobile brand in a survey by Luxury Institute and the 2006 J.D. Power award for highest initial quality. The company claims to be the most profitable automobile company in the world.
Popular models include the Boxter roadster, the 911, the Cayman, the Carrera ST supercar, and the Cayenne, Porsche's mid-size SUV. Porsche's main competitors are Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lamborghini, Audi, Jaguar and Maserati.
Afternoon Delight ... (Referenced while Logan plays hooky with Kendall.)
A freewheeling, feel good song from 1976 by the Starland Vocal Band whose lyrics emphasized the joy of impromptu sex during the daytime. The self-titled debut LP, with the lead single "Afternoon Delight," quickly reaching the top of the charts on its way to helping earn the group five Grammy nominations. (They won two, including Best New Artist.) "Afternoon Delight" was so enormously popular that the group even landed their own short-lived CBS variety series, The Starland Vocal Band Show, which featured a then-unknown David Letterman.
The lyrics of the song:
- Gonna find my baby
Gonna hold her tight
Gonna grab some afternoon delight.
My motto's always been
When it's right, it's right.
Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night.
When everything's a little clearer in the light of day.
And you know the night is always gonna be there any way.
Sky rockets in flight.
Afternoon delight.
Afternoon delight.
Thinkin' of you's workin' up my appetite
Looking forward to a little afternoon delight.
Rubbin' sticks and stones together
Makes the sparks ignite
And the thought of rubbin' you is getting so exciting.
Sky rockets in flight.
Afternoon delight.
Afternoon delight.
Started out this morning feeling so polite
I always though a fish could not be caught
Who wouldn't bite
But you've got some bait a waitin'
And I think I might try nibbling
a little afternoon delight.
Sky rockets in flight.
Afternoon delight.
Afternoon delight.
This 1997 movie is about a mathematical genius who works at night as a janitor at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The film was written by co-stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay that year.
Will starts solving equations on math blackboards when the school is empty. His talent is discovered by Fields Medal winning Professor Lambeau, who endeavors to bring the young genius out of his go nowhere environment of Southie, a rough district of Boston. Lambeau keeps Will out of jail through an arrangement that includes his mentoring and weekly visits to therapist Sean Maguire, an old friend of Lambeau's. During this time Will meets and falls in love with beautiful med student Skylar.
Through the course of his therapy, Sean helps Will to understand that the awful physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his foster parents was not his fault and that he is a worthy human being with much to offer. When Sean admits that he too suffered abuse as a child, Will finally begins to understand that your past doesn't have to dictate your future and gains a more positive self-image. Deciding to stop denying his talents and realizing that he is deserving of Skylar's love, he finally leaves Southie to follow her when she heads to California for graduate school.
The Munsters / Marilyn Munster ... (Referenced by Duane Anders, the clerk at the convenience store when Veronica questions him over what Ed Doyle bought before the bus went over the cliff. Duane tells Veronica she is the Marilyn of all the goth chicks who have shown up asking questions about the crash.)
The Munsters was written and produced by Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher. It debuted on CBS on September 24, 1964, and completed its original prime-time run on September 1, 1966. The Munsters debuted at a time when classic horror characters were in vogue with audiences, and the series revolves around a loving family of misfits who reside in a spooky cobweb-filled house at 1313 Mockingbird Lane in Mockingbird Heights.
The head of the family, kindhearted Herman Munster (Fred Gwynne), bears a close resemblance to the Frankenstein monster as originally portrayed by Boris Karloff. His wife, Lily (Yvonne DeCarlo), resembles Vampira, TV's creepy-but-sexy hostess of horror. Lily's father, Grandpa (Al Lewis), is actually Count Dracula from Transylvania. Herman and Lily's son, Eddie (Butch Patrick), looks like a junior wolfman. The final member of their household is Herman and Lily's niece, Marilyn (played first by Beverly Owen and then by Pat Priest), who is considered the ugly duckling of the family although she is a beautiful, blonde, all-American teenager.
187 (Referenced by Veronica as she demonstrates her soothing phone voice to Sacks.)
A 187 is the scanner code used by the police when referring to a homicide.
Hacky Sack (Referenced by Wallace as he asks the players if they saw Jackie's car get hit.)
The object of Hacky Sack is to keep the aptly named footbag off the ground using only your feet. Good, flat shoes are key. The activity becomes more difficult once more players are added. There are several "kicks" that you can use to keep the footbag in the air. The Inside Kick is best for when the footbag is falling in front of you; just kick it with the inside of your shoe. For when the footbag is falling to your left or right, use the Outside Kick by raising the appropriate foot and kicking it with the outer side of your shoe.
"Why do birds suddenly appear whenever you're near?" (From the song: "(They Long to Be) Close to You") ... (Referenced at the sheriff's station by Veronica in reference to Lamb.)
This song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and recorded by the Carpenters, a group mainly made up of brother and sister Karen and Richard Carpenter. The single was released in May of 1970, and the song rose to No. 1 on the charts in two months. It became the Carpenters' first gold single, selling 1.8 million copies. Following is the portion of the lyrics referenced:
- Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Oprah (Referenced by Veronica while talking with Wallace at the Sac-N-Pac.)
Oprah Winfrey's story in her own words, "It was never easy for me. I was born a poor black child. I remember the days, sittin' on the porch with my family, singin' and dancin' down in Mississippi." Actually that is from Steve Martin in The Jerk, but the same is true for Winfrey. She has one of the most successful rags-to-riches stories in the world and is now reportedly worth $1.3 billion. She is currently ranked as the most powerful celebrity by Forbes magazine, as well as the ninth most powerful woman in the world.
While a sophomore in college, Winfrey became the youngest news co-anchor and the first black female news anchor at Nashville's WTVF-TV. At the age of 31, Winfrey's local morning talk show, AM Chicago debuted nationally under the name The Oprah Winfrey Show. Within a year it became the number one talk show. After almost 20 years on the air, her show is seen by over 20 million viewers each day, all around the world.
Stand and Deliver ... (Referenced at the Sac-n-Pac, in article about Cervando.)
Film released in 1988 starring Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Andy Garcia. It was written by Ramon Menendez and Tony Musca and directed by Ramon Menendez. It tells the true story of Jamie Escalante, a high school math teacher (Olmos) in a Hispanic neighborhood. Escalante was convinced that even gang members and no-hopers have potential. Over the course of one school year he used unconventional teaching methods to transform them. His students learned so much that they were able to pass an incredibly difficult college credit calculus exam. The film garnered many award nominations, including a Best Actor nomination for Olmos.
Spectravision ... (Referenced by Duncan in his room in the "afterglow.")
Spectravision is a pay-per-view movie and gaming system for hotels. One of its most popular services is that the charges for rented porn on the bill read "internet use," for those travelers who must submit a receipt to work or the little lady.
Never Been Kissed ... (Referenced by Wallace to Jackie when explaining who the car-smasher is.)
Never Been Kissed (1999) is a film about Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore), who at 25 is the youngest copy editor at the Chicago Sun-Times. When a co-worker is fired, Josie is thrust into the role of Undercover Reporter. Her first assignment: Pretend to be a 17-year-old high school student.
Josie enrolls at a local high school and quickly reverts to the girl she was the first time around. Known then as Josie Grossie, she didn't have many friends and was often humiliated by her peers. Eventually she befriends her fellow out casts and even joins the math club. However, this doesn't sit well with her boss, who insists the "story" is with the popular kids. With her job on the line, and help from her little brother Rob (who also re-enrolls for a second chance at a baseball career), she finally makes it in with the "in crowd."
During this time Josie begins to fall for her English teacher, Sam (Michael Vartan!). When he begins to reciprocate, Josie's boss orders her to "seduce" him for an expose and is confronted with her greatest conflict, but also with the chance to undo the mistakes of her first high school experience.
- Veronica's shocked look when Jackie tells Duncan he can do better.
- Kristen Bell had a huge zit on her left cheek.
- Kevin Smith is awesome as the clerk.
- Wallace's expression when he sees Jackie for the first time.
- Tessa Thompson's (Jackie) fake laugh and line read of the "180 to study hall" was terrible.
- Big Dick is pretty good looking.
- Speaking of good looking, Little Dick looked pretty good just standing in the foyer when he comes in with Beaver and Big Dick.
- Logan kicks Beaver for no reason. Poor Beaver.
- Jason Dohring's line read of "Real well." Ha!
- Percy must have spent a lot of time in the gym this summer; he was working that sleeveless shirt in the parking lot scene.
- Wallace's "Whatcha doin?" complete with head tilt on the phone with Veronica. It killed me!
- Kevin Smith (Duane, clerk) rocked his scenes! And you do look at little pudgy in that shirt, but I still love you.
- Veronica does have a very soothing phone voice.
- Lamb's panicked look at Veronica being alone in the interrogation room.
- Logan twink at the "Heart and Head" line.
- The article that Wallace is reading has a byline by Diane Ruggiero-this episode's writer.
- Dawn Lamb -- Ha!
- Jason Dohring killed with the delivery on the "He's not doing it right" line.
- In the hallway, Logan blows a kiss to Veronica. And keeps looking at the door.
- What exactly are Veronica's job duties at Java the Hut? Last week she was the only person wearing a vest; this week other people have them on. She seats people, dishes up dessert and (seems to) make drinks, but doesn't take orders. It seems a little random to me.
- How the hell did Meg survive? She was the furthest back in the bus, did that make a difference? Or did her hairdressing cartoon birds pull her to safety? Also, where was her body? When the camera pans over the cliff at the end of Normal is the Watchword, we certainly don't see her.
- Who did the costumes for this episode? I thought Duncan's diamond argyle sweater was horrific until I laid eyes on the purple-tied monstrosity and the Flashdance sweatshirt look. Blech. Oh, and Woody's tone-on-tone shorts and ties also deserve a yuck, especially the one in salmon. And I cannot let the opportunity pass to express my hatred of Jackie's denim bolero jacket with the blue sparkly t-shirt. Just appalling, did someone slash their clothing budget or what?
- Where was the girl covering the front desk when Jackie came in? And what is up with the 'tude? Also, she was close enough to hear their conversation, why did she think Duncan and Veronica were breaking up? And was her comment about Duncan doing better a come on, or her idea of small talk?
- Why is Lamb holding a press conference in the lobby of the sheriff's department? I would think the steps outside would have been more photogenic.
- Why was Woody Goodman at the press conference and what is the deal with his wigged out look at the question regarding the investigation? (I mean, his weirder than normal look. I know it is difficult to tell them apart.)
- Why was Lamb commenting on an open investigation? Telling the reporters that he suspected the bus driver before finishing the investigation seems like even shoddier police work than usual from him. Also, how did he know that Doyle had tried to kill himself before? If he had been hospitalized, the reporters would have already had the story.
- Why is the school board letting the reporters on school grounds? I would think that they would be discouraging them, not letting them use the school parking lot.
- Veronica went to the bathroom to wash her hands?
- Who was the bitch in the bathroom?
- Did Logan really have a life is short party, or was Bitchy McBitch just living up to her name?
- Why wasn't Jessie expelled or at least suspended for hitting another student?
- What was the guy in the Hawaiian shirt doing at the crash site?
- Did Woody arrange the bus accident somehow to maneuver Keith into running for Sheriff again?
- Why is it that no one else is running for county supervisor? Isn't that odd? Anyway, last week didn't he say he was running for mayor?
- Why is no one interviewing Veronica? I would think the fact that Veronica almost died in the crash a few months after bringing in Aaron would make for pretty exciting copy.
- When the bus stopped, I didn't see the bus driver get off the bus, or walk anywhere behind Veronica when she is talking to Weevil. Did anyone else? Why were they the only ones to get off? And why stop in the first place? He had plenty of time for supplies when the kids were getting their tour of the stadium.
- Does Veronica have the same Wallace-adjacent locker as last year?
- Why is Duncan so unaffected by Meg's almost death? Is he on happy pills or just able to really compartmentalize his life in a way that defies logic?
- Why did Jackie's mother ship her to Neptune to live with her gorgeous, but apparently absentee, father? And, why didn't he lock up the Porsche if he didn't want her to take it.
- What are the chances that '09er girls like the ones in Wallace's class would have know a PCH biker guy? Also, what are the chances that someone in the gang would be all that and more? And, if they are going to have a subplot about a biker, why not have Weevil show up to comment? Where is the Weevil love?
- Is Logan going to school at all? Why bother going to summer school if he was just going to drop out his senior year?
- What is up with the lack of chemistry between Jason Dohring and Charisma Carpenter?
- Why did Duncan have to smile goofily while saying that he was struggling? Way to lose the message in the delivery, buddy.
- Is it just the fact that Dick neglects Kendall that has driven her into Logan's arms? I mean, the man is easy on the eyes and loaded to boot. She's got everything to lose and not a lot to gain from what I can tell.
- Does anyone else call Dick, Dick Junior?
- Does Beaver really knit?
- Why did Jackie get detention? It could not have been her winning disposition, could it?
- Are emus and meerkats really on the brink of extinction? Do people really eat them?
- Why is the convenience store against making change? Are there parking meters nearby?
- How did the clerk have time to have the bus merchandise made up for sale? Hasn't it only been a few days since the crash?
- Why was there no tax on the St. Christopher medal? They were $.25 and she got $.75 back. Sales tax in San Diego is 7.75%.
- Why didn't Ed have a cell phone?
- Why is the police department looking for a part time receptionist? What happened to Inga?
- Why didn't Veronica just call Leo for the phone dump?
- Why does the phone in the interrogation room allow Veronica to make an outside call? The criminals must really appreciate the little touches that make Neptune such a great town to be arrested in.
- Does Big Dick remind Logan of Aaron?
- Is Cervando going to become important later? Because I have no idea why they are spending so much time talking about someone we have never heard of before.
- Why did Mr. Cotter instantly assume Veronica was there to accept donations to save the beaches?
- Who writes a suicide note on a computer? And while we are on the subject, who writes a Dear John letter to their wife on a computer? Martha Stewart will be the first to tell you, handwritten is much more personal.
- Did Mrs. Doyle know about the affair and do something to the bus?
- Why on earth would Lamb give the daughter of a suspect a copy of a supposed suicide letter? Worst. Cop. Ever. Good thing he's so pretty.
- Who else thought that Wallace was going to go all CSI on that piece of paper to see what the journalist was writing about? Show of hands.
- What is the deal with Duncan's hotel room? First, for the Presidential Suite, it is tiny. And per Credit Where Credit's Due, the room is $1200 a night. Second, what is the homage to Italy decorating the foot of the bed? Here is a huge Mona Lisa pillow, a replica of the leaning tower of Pisa, a copy of the David and a gondolier. Is Rob Thomas telling us that Duncan is really Italian? Next, the walls are paper thin, I would ask for my money back. And lastly, that bed is a full, maybe a queen. It should be a king without question. The set designers have some 'splaining to do.
- How did the Mona Lisa make it onto the bed from the foot of the bed?
- Why is Veronica sneaking out of the hotel without waking Duncan? I would think that their relationship has had quite enough sneaking out after sex in it.
- With the way the hotel room doors are set up and with Duncan's bed opposite the door, how was Logan's headboard on that same wall? Maybe Kendall really has the luxurious Presidential Suite and Duncan didn't figure out he was in the wrong room.
- Why has Veronica not said anything directly to Logan in real time of the episodes? That's a little ... strange.
- How did Kendall arrange to sneak away from the party long enough to bang Logan?
- Did Veronica recognize Kendall's voice?
- If the sex was that good, why doesn't Kendall have a hair out of place?
- It looks like there is a used condom in the Live Large wrapper. How was Kendall not looking for that? It's pretty incriminating evidence of hanky panky.
- Why was Woody at the police station for Keith to meet with him?
- How did Lamb close the case already? Has there even been an autopsy or an inquest or hell, just for giggles an investigation into other theories?
- Why didn't the reporter's car have an alarm? Maybe it was a rental?
- Was Veronica upset that another girl was kissing Wallace, or that the queen bitch of the universe was kissing Wallace?
- What does Alicia think of Keith running for Sheriff?
- Anyone else think Keith noticing that Veronica looked different was a little ham-handed for a show that is usually this well written? Show of hands again. If he was going to notice something, shouldn't he have noticed after she thought she was raped?
- Who was the dead guy and why does he have Veronica's name on his hand?
CandiceH04 (Candice): Literature
duchessjms (Jayne): Social Science
holly96 (Holly): Social Science; Literature
JenniferH: Report Card; Yearbook; Drama Club; Chemistry; Band Class (Scene Description); Homeroom
Krissy215 (Krissy): Band Class (Song Identifier); Social Science; Literature
Mastermia (Maria): Study Hall; Extra Credit; Philosophy; Homeroom;
Maxymama: Journalism; Social Science; Literature
ramwitz (Margarita): Yearbook
samwg (Shannon): Social Science
Tar Frimmer (Joanne): Social Science
