Veronica Mars: Piz Makes His Move! Plus, Twisty Mysteries
Veronica’s back! Oh, how we’ve missed her. And she’s just like we remembered, with snappy dialogue, twisty mysteries, great father-daughter moments, no clear-cut heroes or villains, and, oh yeah, a healthy dose of relationship angst. It was worth the wait.
We’re undecided about which part of the plot had us more enthralled – the mysteries or the relationship issues. We’ll start with the latter, because did you see the kissing? And the awkwardness? And what was up with Mac and Max? And oh, that look Logan and Veronica refused to exchange in the elevator at the end… wow.
We kind of feel like we need a flow chart to keep all the relationships straight. A quick refresher: Logan is dating Parker, and it’s going well. Veronica claims to be ok with it, but she’s not. Piz still pines for Veronica, and Veronica is oblivious. Dick is still a horndog and a bit of a schmuck. Mac is still dating Bronson, but things may not be perfect. Wallace is … well, Wallace is on the prowl. Go Wallace.
So, Logan invites Veronica to a birthday party he’s throwing for Parker. Right off, we were arguing. Should he have done that? Yeah, technically, they’re friends, but should Logan really be rubbing Veronica’s nose in his relationship – or is Veronica at fault for refusing to admit that she’s uncomfortable with it all? It’s a sticky situation. Which moment did you think was the most awkward?
Then there’s the deal with Piz. Did anyone else find his approach to the pool hustler at the bar kind of adorable? He’s a dork, but he’s a lovable dork. Do you think Veronica was honestly oblivious to how Piz feels about her, or was she willfully ignoring it because she just didn’t want to deal with the drama? And did anyone else cheer when Wallace finally took her aside and called her on how she was torturing Piz? Ah, Wallace, now we’re remembering why we liked you so much.
And oh, what about the kiss? Piz finally – finally! – makes his move and kisses Veronica, right when she’s in mid-“let’s-be-friends” speech. Look, we’re big fans of Logan, but we’ll admit there was a certain amount of squealing when Piz finally took the plunge. But we’re concerned about Veronica kissing him back – we can’t help but think she’s using Piz to rebound from Logan, and that she’s going to break Piz’s heart. This could get ugly.
On to the mysteries. Both Veronica and Keith has some nicely noir-ish situations to sink their teeth into, and we actually think the stand-alone mysteries worked well. But satisfying as the mysteries were, we can’t help but admit that the romantic entanglements between Veronica, Piz, Logan, Parker, Wallace and even Mac had us on the edge of our seats. The mysteries may not have multi-episode arcs anymore, but the relationship issues are still playing out over the whole scope of the season. It’s delicious.
First, the mysteries. Veronica’s case revolved around a local Middle Eastern family restaurant that was the target of vandalism – someone kept breaking windows and spray-painting “Terrorist” on the front of the building. After a couple of false leads – one involving a bunch of idiot teens who drove around Neptune shooting passers-by with paint guns, another about a relationship between the Middle-Eastern daughter and her Jewish boyfriend – Veronica caught the real culprit on camera. He was a guy pissed off because his brother got paralyzed in Iraq, and he decided the restaurant was a terrorist hangout because he saw an employee handing out nasty flyers about US soldiers. Veronica brings the Middle-Eastern restaurant owners to meet the disgruntled vandal. He’s unmoved, but Mr. Kirmani decides not to press charges – in America, everyone gets another chance. Stirring speech, says his wife – do our daughter and her boyfriend get the same consideration?
What did you think of this case? We loved how the show didn’t dumb down the issues, making it a matter of one side being completely angelic and the other evil. The Kirmanis didn’t deserve to be targeted with vandalism, but they had their own blind spots. Derek was a schmuck to spray-paint the restaurant, but he had a reason to be disgruntled. The only one who came out completely wrong was Naseer, and that’s as much because he was stalking Amira as because he was passing out those objectionable flyers. Do you think Kirmani was right to give Naseer up to immigration for overstaying his visa? Should they have pressed charges against Derek or were they right to give him a chance? Will that action change his mind, or will he keep targeting them? What do you think?
Meanwhile, Keith was tracking down a different set of evil-doers after a 19-year-old college student with a fake ID gets plastered at a bar near campus, then drunkenly wandered into the path of a speeding car. Keith wanted to crack down on the bars that serve underage patrons with fake IDs, but his staff—or rather, Sheriff Lamb’s erstwhile staff – isn’t happy about it. When they do ID checks at the bars, there are miraculously no underage drinkers present. That may have something to do with the fact that the bar owners sponsor the police softball team, and give generously to the police raffle every year. Heck, most bar owners and Lamb had an understanding, if you know what we mean. Keith does his own check, and finds a couple of underage drinkers he knows – Piz and Wallace. Doh! What’s more, they have stellar fake IDs – which were provided by Veronica. Double doh! Keith is pissed, Veronica ashamed, and Wallace and Piz are somewhat terrified. Keith decides to use Wallace and Piz in a sting – he sends them to a bar with flagrantly shoddy IDs (the pic on Piz’s ID is Jon Bon Jovi, while Wallace’s is Biggie Smalls). When one of the deputies does a blatantly half-assed ID check, Wallace and Piz record the interaction. Keith fires the four officers who were protecting the bar owners. The officers try to stage a staff-wide walkout, but Keith won’t back down. Score one for Sheriff Mars.
OK, if we were Veronica, we would have pretty much disintegrated under Keith scowl when he showed her the fake IDs she made. But, um, isn’t producing fake IDs a rather substantial crime? Should Keith have done more than give Veronica a stern talking-to? What makes her actions less objectionable than the bar owners letting underaged drinkers ink, or the deputies not checking IDs?
So what did you think? Did the one-shot mystery work for you? Did you find any clear-cut villains in Veronica’s case? Is Keith off to a good start as sheriff? Do you think Veronica and Piz could work out, or is she just using him to get over Logan – or even make Logan jealous? What was up with Mac and Max – can you imagine those two brilliant, Machiavellian schemers getting together and taking over the world? Tell all in the comments!
Comments
All i have to say is that, thank you SOOOOOOOO much for this little review, i thought i was the only one that liked season 3!! i thought changing the structure of the show was iffy, but the relationship stuff made it all ok:):)
Posted by: Melissa | July 7, 2008 4:25 AM
YEh well i got to ask is what is Pizs real name?? And this is my fav show.... Jason Dohring is mine bak off!!! XD nah but i soooo want him
Posted by: Sam | October 15, 2007 11:40 PM
I LOVE Veronica Mars, i watch it every week and I hope Piz and Veronica end up with each other they make a really cute couple.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 9, 2007 8:10 AM
I never got to watch the episode because of the stupid brush fire in L.A. the news was on for like 3 hours man, so they never aired it. Does anyone know when they will reschedule to have it aired or do we have to wake till next tuesday? 'Cuz I can't wait that long!!!!!!
Posted by: Susan | May 9, 2007 2:09 AM
OMG!!!!! these stupid fires!! i cant watch veronica mars. ive been waiting all day. this really stinkS!!!!
Posted by: Janette Fondath | May 8, 2007 11:23 PM
i thought it was great when veronica and piz kissed. i have been waiting for something like this to happen all season.piz has liked her from the first second he saw her. everyone knows that. and as much as i like logan with veronica, piz will just do her better. cuz she knows if she gets with piz he won't go behind her back and go and sleep with girls she hates. like logan did with madison. even tho u mite say they were taking a break, who cares he should of done better. but if that didn't happen they mite still b together. and then parker would of never had that party. and her and piz wuld of never kissed. but all that happenned for a reason. right. so i think the thing between veronica adn piz should grow. even tho they mite think its weird. just look, she use to hate logan. but even tho piz is a good friend, i hope they do get together. adn if they do, i hope it doesn't mess with her friendship with wallace and wallaces and pizs friendship. and maybe logan will get jealous. but who cares. hes the one who messed up with her. plus he has parker.
Posted by: danielle | May 8, 2007 11:22 PM
I LOVE PIZ AND VERONICA TOGETHER!! Me being a Veronica, I totally LOVE them together!! Everyone that uses the whole "LoVe" argument... just remember that he is the bigest jerk EVER and he slept with, even though they were not together, with the one girl that Veronica HATES!! With good reasoning! I have wanted Piz and Veronica together since the beginning of the season!!
Posted by: Veronica | May 8, 2007 11:19 PM
hey, what is piz' real name???
but he is HOTT!!!!!!!
Posted by: lexie | May 8, 2007 11:19 PM
I'm happy Piz made his move. But the only reason I like Piz and Veronica together (still not the best couple) is to make Logan jealous and realize he might acutally lose her. Total drama. But I hope Viz doesn't last, because I just love Logan and Veronica together even though their relationship in the 3rd season wasnt as great. But it could be improved. Cuhz obviously, RT is the one who is controlling the relationship going on between them.
It might take time and heartache, but Logan might have another chance, because I know their feelings for each other can't just go away. <333
Posted by: Savannah | May 8, 2007 5:06 PM
I love the fact that Piz kissed Veronica, and I just can't wait for Logan to get Jealous! Goooooooooooooooooooo Piz!
Posted by: Abby | May 8, 2007 1:58 PM
OMG, i cant wait for logan to be jealous! GO PIZ!!!
Veronica deserves him!
Posted by: Marie Brown | May 8, 2007 1:04 AM
wow tht last episode was awsome i cannot wait till tomorrow i love piz and his actor in all of the shows i ahve seen him in he is just sooo cute. i hope him and veronica stay together at least for a little while!!!!
Posted by: carisue | May 7, 2007 9:41 PM
Veronica and Logan were a great couple but they have no where to go from there. I love Veronica and Piz together i think it will be very cute and so romantic.
<3 Veronica Mars
Posted by: Lacy | May 7, 2007 5:15 PM
Anyone noticed how Logan just totally changed since season 1? I mean in the first season Logan is a jackass by kinda sweet in the end. But now what has RT turn Logan into!!! He's becoming all lovey dovey with Parker. And the picture on the cake thing? Kinda cheesy if you ask me.
RT is making Piz kind of like Logan in season 1. Or actually the end of it. Well, at least that's what everyone else is saying.
RT, seriously are you running outta ideas?
I liked the scene where Mac and Logan bantered a bit. It was cute, but that was Logan and Veronica's thing. They used to banter and have these sarcastic and witty comments with each other. I miss season 1 and 2.
Posted by: Lisa | May 7, 2007 9:39 AM
Seriously, if Piz makes it to the 4th season, I'd totally quit watch Veronica Mars. The mysteries and all don't appeal to me as much as LoVe. The reason I'm so addicted to Veronica Mars is, obviously Veronica, and Logan...together.
Well hey, this is just an opinion from a Veronica Mars fan, a viewer (who has seen many shows), and a lover. Annnnddd a Jason Dohring/Kristen Bell fan. :]
Posted by: xRoxyx | May 6, 2007 9:29 PM
Piz is cute. but veronica and Piz?? ehhh. doesnt..click. Get Piz off the freeakin show!!!!!
Posted by: Jenny | May 6, 2007 9:15 PM
!!!!!!!!!!
ok, Someone has to take logan out of the picture! Piz and veronica mars make the perfect couple. Logan Has way toooo much luggage, and the relationship w/ veronica is way too complicated. Personally i think that at one point Logan and Veronica really loved each other, but for them to get together again would be just discusing. All of my friends aggree. If they get back together, then well, then i will not watvh veronica mars ever again....Piz has been waiting for way too long.
Posted by: Nats | May 5, 2007 8:15 PM
Quote by LoVer [What-eeeever 'kristenbellfan' there are like a gazillion other people who'd rather have LoVe then Viz. K? So you can quit threatening by saying that you'd stop watching the show if Piz leaves.
Think all you want about the low ratings due to the 'long Hiatus'. It's because Logan and Veronica were broken up and Logan hooked up with Parker.] End of Quote
Oh grow up "LoVer"....."I'm not sure if I'm on board" does not constitute a threat. Just the truth.
And are you saying that LoVe doesn't put Veronica in a bad light? With or without Piz in the LoVe equation, I was starting to have a low opinion of this show's heroine simply because of the Charmer that would also be a Jack Ass that is Logan. His charm gets him off the hook a lot (even I can't stay mad at him), but in the end, Veronica (and I do love her) is a twit for letting herself be jerked around like that. I actually wasn't sure if I wanted to watch it anymore for just that reason....not just the fact that it looked like PiVe wasn't going to happen. But the stories were still pretty good!Thus the reason why I am still here. And don't worry, Parker will soon be getting the same Logan treatment.....Logan likes to spread the wealth......yeah, seriously.
And judging from the next episode preview, it looks like it's going to be a triangle between Piz, Logan, and you know who. So you mean to tell me no one is going to be watching to see what happens either way.....even though Logan and Parker are still together, and Logan and Veronica are still broken up through most of this? No offense, but if you were handling the storylines for this show....the show would never have gone past the first season. And despite looking forward to Veronica Mars' return....I had to keep reminding myself that it was coming back this week....even then, with such a busy schedule, I THANK GOD FOR MY DVR!
-Kristen Bell Fan hits "play" on the remote-
-Cue Music and then suddenly we hear the unmistakable sound of lips smacking-
"Look Around You See
There's nothing to say but the things I know
I've got nothing to say but the things I know"
Pause a Beat
-Cue Big Grin on Kristen Bell fan-
Posted by: Kristin Bell Fan | May 5, 2007 3:50 AM
Piz or the actor who plays him should stick to Grey's Anatomy. His character in G.A. is much cooler than Piz.
Posted by: anonymous | May 4, 2007 10:12 PM
What-eeeever 'kristenbellfan' there are like a gazillion other people who'd rather have LoVe then Viz. K? So you can quit threatening by saying that you'd stop watching the show if Piz leaves.
Think all you want about the low ratings due to the 'long Hiatus'. It's because Logan and Veronica were broken up and Logan hooked up with Parker.
Posted by: LoVer | May 4, 2007 8:24 PM
I LOVED IT! When I first watched the show, I definitely saw the chemistry between Logan & Veronica, but I also noticed it almost right off the bat with Piz & Veronica. And It seems like a lot of LoVe fans want to put blinders on when it comes to how bad the LoVe relationship puts Veronica in a terrible light. I like Logan, but come on, all the things that he's done, and some fans still say, that LoVe is meant to be? And people wonder why the Divorce Rate is so high now a days when it should be obvious : )
ANYWAY....I AM DEFINITELY LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE VERONICA MARS EPISODES.
And yeah, the ratings were a little low, but mostly because of the long Hiatus. If the stories remain good, the ratings will slowly climb. But they also have to play the angst just right between all the characters.
But if Piz gets shafted, or if he leaves to do that Grey Anatomy spin off, then I'm not so sure if I'm on board or not for a fourth season.
Posted by: Kristin Bell Fan | May 4, 2007 4:52 PM
OMG! Seriously. Logan DID NOT cheat on Veronica. They were BROKEN UP and no, they weren't on a "break," this is not Friends and they are not Ross and Rachel.
I'm happy Piz "went all in," but seriously when Veronica went after him it was because she was lonely AND that is USING a person for their personal gain. She saw Max and Mac and how they were connecting, and Wallace had ditched her for Miranda, and Logan has Parker, for the time being. Veronica went after Piz because she needed to be with somebody, the girl hates being/feeling lonely. Veronica needs to learn how to be single again, even Wallace told her to put Piz "out of his misery." Because he knows her and how she treats people when she is trying to "move on" and avoid reality.
Posted by: nicole | May 4, 2007 3:31 PM
Piz is sort of adorable as a character, but let's face it-- he's Duncan redux. All Veronica ever wants is to be normal, so she takes up with the guys who don't make her fear what she feels for them. There's a good reason why three seasons after the show began, LoVe is still the predominant fandom. What she and Logan have isn't going to go away because of this. It'll frustrate the hell out of LoVe devotees, but keeping the faith is what it's all about. Epic is never easy.
I did cheer for Piz, because he finally took a shot at what he wanted, but Veronica was wrong for kissing him back, I think. It's pretty clear that she doesn't feel the same way about him. When it comes down to it, Piz is nice and sweet, but he's bland and unchallenging, and she's Veronica Mars-- she's going to chew him up and spit him back out.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 3, 2007 9:29 PM
THIS SHOW STINKS!!!!!!!!!
7TH HEAVEN ROX!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous | May 3, 2007 9:17 PM
Ugh. I was FREAKING out when Piz kissed Veronica and Veronica kissed Piz. And not in a good way. I don't mind Piz, I actually kind of like him, but I HATE Veronica/Piz. It's not even that he's an obstacle to LoVe, but that he's SO not V's type. That being said, I do really REALLY miss LoVe.
Oh, and I really liked that ep.
Posted by: Caroline | May 3, 2007 6:36 PM
Can't anyone see the bigger picture??! With LoVe there's drama, there's action, there's chemistry. I mean even before Veronica and Logan hooked in Season 1, there was chemistry between them. And season 2? The love triangle? major drama. I suspect that Viz and Logan/Parker's relationship would be boring. True it might be good for Veronica and Logan to take some time apart, because well their relationship was a bust. But if you really want the show to go on, don't you think their should be some sparks flyin'? action? drama? I'm not sure if the one-shot mystery episodes are good enough to actually make the show last.
Posted by: anonymous | May 3, 2007 5:04 PM
I used to be LoVe shipper.. but now I'm soooo with Piz!! He was like, uhm, Logan in prev season, sweeter I guess I might add?? ^^ I hope he can do both Tv Shows with PP and VM
Posted by: steffi | May 3, 2007 2:05 PM
well,well i relly like the show a lot but wat do my man is doing ...and u know wAT I WONT TO MEET MY MAN IF U DONT MIND
Posted by: shakeva | May 3, 2007 12:18 PM
Here's the thing, there is no way Veronica kissed Piz to get back at Logan. Veronica didn't even have Logan on her mind when she tracked Piz down before he left. Veronica may still have feelings for Logan and may even end up with him again, but she did not use Piz.
And to those who believe Logan deserves another chance here is a question for you: Would you give someone another chance after he has lied to you, cheated on you and hurt you? I would hope the answer to be no, but if you do then that is just weak. Veronica needs to do just as everyone else should when they are hurt by a man: move on. besides the LoVe storyline has been pretty bad of late, I can't believe more of you are not bored with it by now.
Posted by: anonymous | May 3, 2007 10:11 AM
Obviously, Veronica isn't over Logan. But she is a smart girl, she realized that she needed to move on with her life. I don't think she is using Piz to get over logan after Walance told her to torture Piz. I think she honestly think there is a chace between them. That is why she made her move.
Posted by: jenny | May 3, 2007 9:27 AM
all you'll fans need to give veronica and piz a chance i think it can work he likes her and she likes him as a friend but obveslty it is more than a friendships cause he kissed her and she let him kiss her so she must have feelings for he. Also parker is good for logan so let him and veronicas relatiionship go cause they don't need to be togher they are a miss match. she needs someone who can let her be like piz and let her do what she likes. also he won't smother her like logan did.
Posted by: melissa V | May 3, 2007 9:25 AM
i wanted to have aparty when piz kissed vm and when she kissed him go piz whoo!!!!!
Posted by: bri | May 3, 2007 9:19 AM
Hey, Matt! Let us Veronica Mars fans enjoy the final episodes in peace. We don't need naysayers like you posting doomsday news every week. Really, you won't be missed.
Posted by: Lindsay | May 2, 2007 10:18 PM
My comment on that last episode? Well first I really miss Logan and Veronica as a couple. When Piz kissed Veronica I was like.
"Noo.." Softly.
and then when Veronica went after Piz and kissed him. My reaction?
"Nooooo!!!!"
And besides, Veronica is probably just using him to get over Logan.
..and that should explain it all. I don't hate Piz I just hate Piz and Veronica together. Big difference!
Posted by: Staci | May 2, 2007 9:52 PM
Gosh.. I have to admit, I was so disappointed to see Veronica and Piz kissing even though I expected Piz to make a move sooner or later. I know Veronica still has feelings for Logan, because she can't just get over it so quickly with their history and everything. Gosh I just can't get over the fact that there might be no more LoVe. Waaahhhh! I'm trying have to get used to it. It might take awhile.
Posted by: Lilliane | May 2, 2007 7:50 PM
I must say, even though Logan did mess up his relationship with Veronica, I think he deserves another chance because I absolutely do not like Piz and Veronica together. Piz is sooo...not her type. And in my opinion, Veronica is probably just using Piz to help her get over Logan. I mean when Veronica saw what Logan did for Parker with the cake and all, I saw a hint of jealously in her expression. Like she's probably thinking as to why he never did something like this on her birthdays. But it just shows a change in Logan and he's become a more normal boyfriend type of guy so he can be in a normal relationship. Also, I loved Logan's reaction when he saw her and Piz kissing. OoOOh jealoussssssy.
Posted by: Emma | May 2, 2007 4:46 PM
Wow I guess only 2.4 million people wanted to see Veronica back. Even Univision and Telemundo did better!
Posted by: Matt | May 2, 2007 12:55 PM
Being all LoVe I was ready to be anti Pizonica.... but I couldn't help but to cheer for Piz. I'm sorry but Logan broke up with Veronica then they got back together after he slept with A) some random chic and B) Madison Sinclair her mortal enemy and all around evil selfish...(well you get the point). Come on Logan you knew where this was going to go. Then to lie about it *sigh* not good. So I have to say all the pining he was doing and being depressed he deserved it.
Then he 180's and we get Logan in a healthy relationship with Parker and Veronica feeling out of the romantic loop. I'm sorry but Piz has been a good friend to her all season and he finally made his move and you could tell Veronica felt weak at the knees and speechless (reminded me of the first time Logan kissed her.) And I was taken back to season one.
Although it was sad to see LoVe literally go in diff. directions I'm a little peeved at the previews for next week. Veronica has made a point not to talk to thier mutual friends about Logan and Parker and Logan goes full on jealous interagating Mac about Veronica and Piz. *pssh*
LoVe has become something it wasn't and Pizonica is actually really fun so I'm turning the page and embracing what RT has to bring. That ep rocked!
And did anyone else say "There's a new sheriff in town" when Keith fired those deputies?
Total NeoNoir go ahead RT next.
Posted by: Bacio83 | May 2, 2007 10:48 AM