Veronica Mars - TV-14

Harriet the Spy meets Peyton Place; teens OK.

TV Rating: TV-14 Network: CW Cast: Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni Genre: Drama
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents should know that this series features violence and sexual references. Although the program is set in high school, it deals with very adult themes -- including murder, greed, infidelity, gang violence, and date rape -- and should be prescreened before allowing kids to tune in.

Families can discuss the positives and negatives of high school popularity. How does Veronica's change in status affect her actions? They can also talk about the race and class issues that the show raises -- do teens see these types of problems in their own community?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Marjorie Kase

Set in the wealthy California town of Neptune, VERONICA MARS is the story of a plucky 17-year-old detective (Kristin Bell) whose picture-perfect popular existence is cut short when her best friend/boyfriend's sister, Lilly Kane, is murdered. After a lowlife is arrested and convicted of the crime, Veronica's dad, town sheriff Keith (Enrico Colantoni), becomes convinced that Lilly's much-admired father is the real murderer.

While Keith is deposed from office for his unpopular opinions and abandoned by his wife, Veronica remains steadfastly by his side. Shortly after these events, Veronica is date-raped at a party when someone spikes her drink with GHB. Vicious rumors fly about her family troubles and her rabid "promiscuity," resulting in Veronica's banishment from the upper echelons of high school society.

To support himself and his daughter, Keith sets up shop as a private eye. While he investigates crimes, a now-hardened Veronica does her own work on the sly for students falsely accused of crimes. Armed with a telephoto lens that would make even Hitchcock jealous, Veronica stalks adulterers, identity thieves, and Internet scammers, all the while pursuing the larger mysteries that dog her footsteps. Meanwhile, Keith unsuccessfully attempts to reclaim his post as sheriff, thanks in part to the shady dealings of his inept successor.

On the surface, Veronica Mars may appear to be yet another rich-kids-gone-bad teen melodrama, but thanks to witty dialogue, unique direction, and exceptional acting, this unpredictable neo-noir sets itself a cut above the rest. (That said, the show's storylines can often be dark, complicated, and scary for young viewers; one episode features a bus of school kids that goes off a cliff.)

Veronica Mars is a superior guilty pleasure for older teens and adults. Fans may also want to check out Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, Twin Peaks, and Peyton Place.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Frank sexual innuendo, images of teenagers making out in cars.
Violence Fights, gang violence, destruction of property. The main character is seemingly a victim of date rape.
Language Mild profanity -- "ass," "hell," etc.
Message
	Social Behavior Veronica is strong, independent, has a great relationship with her dad, and makes it a priority to stand up for the little people. But she often gets carried away in her quest to punish wrongdoers by lying, cheating, and/or breaking the law to get to the truth. Issues of race and class are integral to the show's premise.
	Commercialism Macintosh products are featured prominently.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Flashback scenes feature teens drinking without consequences. Drug use is treated with negative consequences. The main character is unknowingly given GHB. Her mother is an alcoholic.