Veronica Mars: Complete Third Season (6pc) (Ws) [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

Here it is the final season of Veronica Mars, one of the best shows I've ever had the pleasure to watch. It's most certainly a television show I will always love and remember fondly. But the sun has set on Neptune and now I must say goodbye, it's a difficult season to review but here goes nothing.

I've given this season five stars even though it doesn't deserve that many, but it's Veronica Mars and for that reason five stars is a given. I have many quibbles about season three namely the characterization of Logan (he was pretty much Mr Mopey until his last few scenes in the series finale), Veronica's overly smug attitude at the start of the season (which was later rectified thankfully), the inclusion of beyond pointless characters (Piz and Parker), too much focus upon relationships, dropped plot lines and lost opportunities (Veronica not dealing with her rape even though the story was at the perfect point to do so). I don't think it's unfair to say that season three is regarded amongst fans as the weakest season of all and one that does not hold up to those prior. Season three is good in general terms but not in comparison to the exceptional writing and acting of VMs past seasons. VM's Finale 'The B. is Back' is one of the best episodes this show has ever produced. I am not ashamed to admit I welled up much throughout the end of the episode and I could feel once again that the Veronica Mars of season one like proportions was back with a vengeance. Just in time to get cancelled, sadly.

The story arcs themselves this year were structured differently to those in the past, the network wanted the show to gain viewership thus standalone episodes were introduced at the end of the season; the first nine episodes of the season deal with a serial rapist once finished, move promptly onto a short murder mystery. The rape arc I enjoyed more than the second mystery, mainly because the psychology involved was very interesting and it was set up perfectly. The rape arc culminates in the dramatically exciting 'Spit and Eggs' -- the best episode of the season and quite possibly the series. The five standalone episodes bow the show out on 'mediocre' to 'excellent' writing. Personally, I don't believe Veronica Mars should ever have had standalone episodes and this change mandated by the network was unnecessary. The CW was accused of dumbing down VM and I think their influence is apparent in a 'relationship heavy' season. Despite the things I disliked about the season the good certainly outweighs the bad. Indeed the season suffered from wider problems but episode to episode VM was as enjoyable as ever.

One of the best things about the final year is its 'epilogue' quality. The real story occurred in the first two seasons and now we are treated to see what happens next, season three is quieter and perhaps less ludicrous than the past seasons. The characters all grow and change and in the finale episode we are left with a sense of 'life goes on'. There is little closure, but what of that do we get in life? Other surprises include old characters making a return, Dick showing some depth and Piz doing a funny "dance".

Certain characters were marginalized to a large extent in favour of the "newbies" as a result the actors were basically treated to glorified cameos. By the time the finale rolled around however Wallace in particular had a larger role in that episode than he had all season, he had Veronicas back as he always did. The series finale definitely had a 'back to the beginning' quality to it; the plot went full circle. This was a great way to end the series without really ending it. It worked excellently and made my brain go slightly mushy with all the parallels in the process. Now that's good writing! As a fan of Logan and Veronica, I was happy with where they left them. Their final scene was one of my favourites of the entire series and we as an audience are reminded of how much chemistry KB and JD share, even with the none verbals. Most importantly however, Veronica Mars ended on a noir note, one that tells us life goes on and it will always suck.

The sixth disc is dedicated to special features because the season was shortened to 20 episode (boo!hiss). These inlude the ten minute season four preview (Veronica Mars FBI) oh what might have been! It also includes featurettes from Rob Thomas, and a blooper reel.

Highlight episodes include: Spit and Eggs, The B. is Back, Weevils Wobble But They Don't Go Down, Postgame Mortem and Mars, Bars.

The season is just as good as the first two and i love it dearly, but i was disappointed at the ending(as most fans were..) and i know it wasn't their fault but after 3 seasons i would have just liked something....more.... satisfying!

However, Veronica, Keith, Weevil, Logan and Mac are all on top form and the acting is still the best of any tv show around in the last 10 years!

I will miss it dearly but ill always have my boxsets! :)

BEST CANCELLED TV SHOW EVER!!!!

For any fan of Veronica Mars Series 1 and 2 this one is no let down. It combines the sharp wit and humour with interesting cases which can often keep you guessing. This season loses nothing for the fact that it is in a different setting (having graduated from Neptune High). Even the new characters add more interest into a very well oiled cast: see as university (USA-college) changes and reinforces some of the main attributes of the characters with both happy and devastating results!!!
The only downfall is that this is the last season of Veronica Mars and therefore it leaves you wanting even more.