Veronica Mars season 4

Last updated

Contents

Veronica Mars
Season 4
Veronica Mars 2019 Hulu.jpg
Promotional poster
Starring
No. of episodes8
Release
Original network Hulu
Original releaseJuly 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)
Season chronology
 Previous
Season 3
List of episodes

The fourth and final season of Veronica Mars , an American drama television series created by Rob Thomas, consists of eight episodes that were all released on Hulu on July 19, 2019. [1] It serves as a continuation of the 2004–07 television series as well as the 2014 film. Kristen Bell reprises her role as the title character, and it features the return of several characters from the original series as well as the introduction of new ones. [2]

Production and development

On August 21, 2018, it was reported that Hulu was planning an eight-episode revival of Veronica Mars with Kristen Bell returning in the title role and series creator Rob Thomas returning as well. [3] On September 6, 2018, it was reported that production would begin in October 2018 and continue through March 2019 in Los Angeles. Diane Ruggiero-Wright and Dan Etheridge returned as executive producers. [4] On September 20, 2018, Hulu officially confirmed the revival, and announced it would premiere in 2019. [5] The season was originally scheduled for release on July 26, 2019, [2] however, during the series' appearance at San Diego Comic-Con on July 19, it was announced that season would be available that day. [1]

Along with Thomas and Ruggiero, the writing staff consists of Heather V. Regnier, David Walpert, Raymond Obstfeld, and former NBA player and author Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. [6]

Bell stated that the season was going to be darker and bigger and more cinematic, a little bit different" in comparison to the original series. [7] Thomas stated the season takes place five years after the film and would "take Veronica Mars back to its hardcore So-Cal noir roots" and that it is "One big case [...] This is a detective show." [8]

The revival features a new version of the original theme song, "We Used to Be Friends" by The Dandy Warhols, covered by Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. [9]

Plot

Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) and her father Keith (Enrico Colantoni) are private investigators in Neptune, California, a popular spring break vacation destination. Real estate developer Richard "Big Dick" Casablancas (David Starzyk) campaigns for the enactment of city beautification laws; local business owners protest the likely expense of complying with such laws. Meanwhile, Veronica rejects a marriage proposal from her longtime boyfriend Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring).

When a beachside motel is bombed, the Marses are hired to investigate by US Representative Daniel Maloof (Mido Hamada), whose brother's fiancée was killed in the explosion. A Mexican crime boss, whose nephew was another victim, sends two assassins, Alonzo (Clifton Collins Jr.) and Dodie (Frank Gallegos), to find and kill the bomber. Injured in the blast is Penn Epner (Patton Oswalt), a true crime enthusiast, who seizes the spotlight to accuse Maloof of the crime. The late motel owner's daughter, Matty Ross (Izabela Vidovic), investigates on her own; Veronica eventually takes her under her wing to supervise her. Veronica also befriends nightclub owner Nicole Malloy (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), and occasionally consults with Penn and his club of amateur crime-solvers.

Their investigation implicates a local ex-con, who apparently commits suicide before he can be arrested. However, after his death, three more bombs explode in Neptune over several days. The Marses uncover evidence that Casablancas' fixer Clyde Pickett (J. K. Simmons) has hired the local juvenile delinquents, organized by Veronica's former friend Eli "Weevil" Navarro (Francis Capra), to mug spring break visitors, driving away tourism. Casablancas will then buy beachfront property cheaply, planning to redevelop the land for more upscale businesses.

Veronica's ex-boyfriend Leo D'Amato (Max Greenfield), an FBI agent, arrives to investigate the case. His rekindled flirtation with Veronica eventually makes her realize how much she values her relationship with Logan. She loses her friendship with Nicole when she confesses to considering Nicole a suspect in the case and bugging her office, and decides to accept Logan's proposal.

The Marses eventually conclude that Casablancas was responsible for the bomb at the motel, but the subsequent bombs were the work of a copycat. Casablancas is murdered by Alonzo and Dodie after Clyde tips them off to his guilt. The Marses arrest Penn as the copycat, but he hires them to prove his own innocence. Evidence is uncovered which briefly implicates Penn's fellow amateur crime-solver Don (Clark Duke), but Matty spots that the evidence has been tampered with: Penn was the copycat bomber all along, out for glory and attention. The Marses deduce the site of the next bomb, and Keith disarms the bomb with seconds to spare; but Penn gloats to Veronica as he is being arrested.

Veronica and Logan are married that day. But a few hours later, Veronica's car explodes, killing Logan—one last bomb that Penn had set earlier. The next year, when Neptune is fully gentrified and spring break tourism is a thing of the past, Veronica leaves Neptune to solve cases on the road.

Cast

Kristen Bell by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Enrico Colantoni by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Jason Dohring by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Returning cast members Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni and Jason Dohring
Percy Daggs III by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Francis Capra by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Ryan Hansen by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Returning cast members Percy Daggs III, Francis Capra and Ryan Hansen
Patton Oswalt (36172702786) (cropped).jpg
JK Simmons 2009.jpg
Clifton Collins Jr 2013 (cropped).jpg
New cast members include Patton Oswalt, J. K. Simmons and Clifton Collins Jr.

Main

Starring

Recurring

Guest stars

Episodes

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release dateProd.
code
651"Spring Break Forever" Michael Lehmann Rob Thomas July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)T13.21601
Panic spreads throughout Neptune when a bomb goes off during spring break; the wealthy family of one of the bombing's victims hires Veronica and Keith to find out who is responsible.
662"Chino and the Man" Michael Fields Diane Ruggiero-Wright July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)T13.21602
Police Chief Langdon is put on edge when Veronica and Keith begin their investigation into the bombing. Plus, Penn goes public with a wild theory about the bomber's identity and local teen Matty Ross starts her own hunt for her father's killer.
673"Keep Calm and Party On"Joaquin SedilloHeather V. RegnierJuly 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)T13.21603
Veronica and Keith's client, Daniel Maloof, makes a shocking confession; Langdon closes in on her top suspect; Veronica and Matty join forces as the entire investigation is flipped on its head.
684"Heads You Lose" Rachel Goldberg David WalpertJuly 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)T13.21604
Convinced that the bomber is still at large, Veronica visits Chino to learn more about Clyde and Big Dick; Mayor Dobbins' request for help from the FBI brings an old flame to Neptune; Veronica confronts her mugger.
695"Losing Streak" Scott Winant David WalpertJuly 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)T13.21605
Veronica discovers that Keith has been hiding something scary from her; the real reason for Penn's latest theory on the bomber comes to light; Veronica loses confidence in new friend Nicole, owner of Comrade Quacks.
706"Entering a World of Pain"Tessa Blake Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Raymond Obstfeld July 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)T13.21606
As Veronica learns more about Nicole's past, her suspicions deepen; a frantic phone call from Paris leads to a search for Matty; Veronica unwittingly does legwork for Leo.
717"Gods of War" Amanda Marsalis Diane Ruggiero-Wright & Heather V. RenierJuly 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)T13.21607
Veronica debates whether to come clean to Nicole; Veronica's fidelity is tested; Veronica and Keith discover that they aren't the only ones who believe they have found the bomber; a surprising potential client tries to hire Mars Investigations.
728"Years, Continents, Bloodshed"Scott WinantRob ThomasJuly 19, 2019 (2019-07-19)T13.21608
Veronica and Keith follow a new lead -- and discover another victim; Matty follows her own instincts, landing herself dangerously close to a killer; Veronica has a tragic epiphany as the clock continues ticking.

Marketing and promotion

The first teaser trailer for the season was released on April 12, [25] and the second on May 1, 2019. [26] A panel for Veronica Mars took place in June 2019 at the ATX Television Festival. [27] A full-length trailer was released on June 14. [28]

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the fourth season has an approval rating of 89% with an average score of 8 out of 10 based on 66 reviews. The site's critical consensus is, "Marshmallows, rejoice! Veronica Mars returns in fine form, capturing much of what made the series so beloved while adding new wrinkles that satisfy more often than they mystify." [29] On Metacritic, the fourth season has a score of 75 out of 100 based on 16 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [30]

Home media

The season was released on DVD and Blu-ray (as "The Complete First Season (2019)") via the Warner Archive Collection in region 1 on October 22, 2019. Special features include the 2019 Veronica Mars San Diego Comic-Con panel. [31]

Related Research Articles

<i>Veronica Mars</i> American teen mystery drama TV series (2004–2007, 2019)

Veronica Mars is an American teen noir mystery drama television series created by screenwriter Rob Thomas. The series is set in the fictional town of Neptune, California, and stars Kristen Bell as the eponymous character. The series premiered on September 22, 2004, during television network UPN's final two years, and ended on May 22, 2007, after a season on UPN's successor, The CW, airing for three seasons total. Veronica Mars was produced by Warner Bros. Television, Silver Pictures Television, Stu Segall Productions, and Rob Thomas Productions. Joel Silver and Thomas were executive producers for the entire run of the series, while Diane Ruggiero was promoted in the third season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veronica Mars (character)</span> Fictional character

Veronica Mars is the fictional protagonist, occasional narrator, and antiheroine of the American television series Veronica Mars, which aired on UPN from 2004 to 2006 and on The CW from 2006 to 2007. The character, portrayed by Kristen Bell, remained the central figure throughout the show's run. After the series was canceled, Bell reprised her role in the 2014 film continuation and the 2019 revival on Hulu. The character was created by Rob Thomas and was originally conceived as a male protagonist for his unproduced novel Untitled Rob Thomas Teen Detective Novel. However, when the concept transitioned into a television series, Thomas changed the character's gender, believing that a noir narrative from a female perspective would be more compelling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Dohring</span> American actor

Jason William Dohring is an American stage, television and voice actor who is best known for his role as Logan Echolls on the television show Veronica Mars and the 2014 film continuation as well as his roles as Josef Kostan on Moonlight (2007), Adam Carpenter on Ringer (2011), Detective Will Kinney on The Originals (2013) and Chase Graves on iZombie (2015). He is also known as the voice of Terra, one of the main protagonists of the Kingdom Hearts franchise (2010–2019).

Pilot (<i>Veronica Mars</i>) 1st episode of the 1st season of Veronica Mars

The pilot episode of the television series Veronica Mars premiered on UPN on September 22, 2004. It was written by series creator Rob Thomas, and directed by Mark Piznarski. Set in the fictional town of Neptune, the pilot introduces Kristen Bell as the title character, a high-school student moonlighting as a private investigator under the wing of her detective father. Two separate mysteries are presented in the episode, which are explored throughout the season and resolved in the final and penultimate episodes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Weapons of Class Destruction</span> 18th episode of the 1st season of Veronica Mars

"Weapons of Class Destruction" is the eighteenth episode of the first season of the American mystery television series Veronica Mars. Written by Jed Seidel and directed by John Kretchmer, the episode premiered on UPN on April 12, 2005.

Leave It to Beaver (<i>Veronica Mars</i>) 22nd episode of the 1st season of Veronica Mars

"Leave It to Beaver" is the twenty-second and final episode of the first season of the American television series Veronica Mars. Series creator Rob Thomas wrote the story, and collaborated with Diane Ruggiero to write the teleplay. The season finale was directed by Michael Fields, and was first aired on May 10, 2005, in the United States on UPN.

"Rat Saw God" is the sixth episode of the second season of the American mystery television series Veronica Mars, and the twenty-eighth episode overall. Written by Phil Klemmer and John Enbom and directed by Kevin Bray, the episode premiered on UPN on November 9, 2005.

"Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner" is the seventh episode of the second season of the American mystery television series Veronica Mars, and the twenty-ninth episode overall. Written by Diane Ruggiero and directed by Nick Marck, the episode premiered on UPN on November 16, 2005.

"My Mother, the Fiend" is the ninth episode of the second season of the American mystery television series Veronica Mars and the thirty-first episode overall. Directed by Nick Marck, the episode was co-written by Phil Klemmer and Dayna Lynne North. It was first aired on November 30, 2005, on UPN.

"The Quick and the Wed" is the fifteenth episode of the second season of the American mystery television series Veronica Mars, and the thirty-seventh episode overall. Written by John Serge and directed by Rick Rosenthal, the episode premiered on UPN on March 22, 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Am God</span> 18th episode of the 2nd season of Veronica Mars

"I Am God" is the eighteenth episode of the second season of the American mystery television series Veronica Mars, and the fortieth episode overall. Written by Diane Ruggiero and Cathy Belben and directed by Martha Mitchell, the episode premiered on UPN on April 11, 2006.

"Not Pictured" is the second season finale of the American mystery television series Veronica Mars, serving as the twenty-second episode of the season and the forty-fourth episode overall. Co-written by series creator Rob Thomas and John Enbom and directed by John Kretchmer, the episode premiered on UPN on May 9, 2006. In this episode, Veronica learns the identity of the person responsible for the Neptune High bus crash. Meanwhile, Veronica and her classmates graduate from high school, and Neptune reacts to Aaron Echolls being acquitted.

"I Know What You'll Do Next Summer" is the eighteenth episode of the third season of the American mystery television series Veronica Mars, and the 62nd episode overall. Written by Jonathan Moskin and David Mulei and directed by Nick Marck, the episode premiered on The CW on May 15, 2007. The series depicts the adventures of Veronica Mars as she deals with life as a college student while moonlighting as a private detective.

<i>Veronica Mars</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of Veronica Mars, an American drama television series created by Rob Thomas, began airing on The CW in the United States on October 3, 2006. The season was produced by Warner Bros. Television, Silver Pictures Television, Stu Segall Productions, Inc and Rob Thomas Productions, and Joel Silver, Diane Ruggiero and Thomas served as executive producers. The third season comprises 20 episodes and concluded its initial airing on May 22, 2007.

Veronica Mars is an American television series created by Rob Thomas. The series premiered on September 22, 2004, during UPN's last two years, and ended its original run on May 22, 2007, after a season on UPN's successor, The CW Television Network. Later being continued with a film released on March 14,2014, and by an eight-episode fourth season. Set in the fictional town of Neptune, the series starred Kristen Bell as the title character, a student who progressed from high school to college during the series while moonlighting as a private investigator under the wing of her detective father.

<i>Veronica Mars</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of Veronica Mars, an American drama television series created by Rob Thomas, premiered on UPN in the United States on September 22, 2004. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Television, Silver Pictures Television and Rob Thomas Productions, and Joel Silver and Thomas served as the executive producers.

<i>Veronica Mars</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of Veronica Mars, an American drama television series created by Rob Thomas, premiered on UPN in the United States on September 28, 2005. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Television, Silver Pictures Television and Rob Thomas Productions, and Joel Silver and Thomas served as the executive producers.

<i>Veronica Mars</i> (film) 2014 American film

Veronica Mars is a 2014 American neo-noir comedy-drama mystery film directed and produced by Rob Thomas, who co-wrote the script with Diane Ruggiero. It is a continuing film adaptation based on the television series of the same name created by Thomas. The film stars Kristen Bell as the title character, alongside an ensemble supporting cast that includes Jason Dohring, Francis Capra, Krysten Ritter, Percy Daggs III, Tina Majorino, Ryan Hansen, Chris Lowell, Max Greenfield and Enrico Colantoni, each reprising their roles. Set nine years after the events of the third season, the plot follows Veronica Mars returning to her hometown in Neptune to investigate the death of a former classmate allegedly murdered by Mars' ex-boyfriend, Logan Echolls.

References

  1. 1 2 Ausiello, Michael (July 19, 2019). "Veronica Mars Twist: Hulu Moves Up Revival Premiere Date to... Today (Yes, Season 4 is Available Now)". TVLine. Archived from the original on July 19, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Iannucci, Rebecca (April 12, 2019). "Veronica Mars Revival Set for July Premiere at Hulu — Watch Teaser". TVLine. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved April 12, 2019.
  3. Ausiello, Michael (August 21, 2018). "Veronica Mars: Hulu Eyes 8-Episode Limited Series Revival". TVLine. Archived from the original on August 22, 2018. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  4. Ausiello, Michael (September 6, 2018). "Veronica Mars Revival at Hulu Eyes October Start — Who's Returning?". TVLine. Archived from the original on September 7, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  5. Hibberd, James (September 20, 2018). "Veronica Mars reboot officially happening: New details released". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  6. Porter, Rick (September 25, 2018). "'Veronica Mars' Brings Back Jason Dohring, 3 More Castmembers, Fills Writing Staff". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  7. Hibberd, James (September 27, 2018). "Kristen Bell warns Veronica Mars fans that revival is 'much darker'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ausiello, Michael (September 25, 2018). "Veronica Mars: Jason Dohring Among 4 Vets Returning for Hulu Revival". TVLine. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  9. Bucksbaum, Sydney (June 21, 2019). "Hulu's Veronica Mars revival releases sneak peek at new theme song". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on June 21, 2019. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  10. Andreeva, Nellie (October 15, 2018). "'Veronica Mars': Enrico Colantoni Set To Return For Revival Limited Series At Hulu". Deadline. Archived from the original on October 15, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  11. 1 2 Petski, Denise (November 12, 2018). "'Veronica Mars': Clifton Collins Jr. & Izabela Vidovic To Recur On Hulu Revival". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 13, 2018. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  12. 1 2 Hipes, Patrick (November 8, 2018). "'Veronica Mars': Max Greenfield Back For Hulu Revival; Patton Oswalt Joins Cast". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  13. Ausiello, Michael (October 30, 2018). "Veronica Mars: Ryan Hansen Back as Dick Casablancas for Hulu Revival". TVLine. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved October 30, 2018.
  14. Lawrence, Derek (March 25, 2019). "How The Good Place star Kirby Howell-Baptiste is taking over TV". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 2, 2019. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  15. Nemetz, Dave (November 7, 2018). "Veronica Mars: Kirby Howell-Baptiste Joins Good Place Co-Star Kristen Bell in Cast of Hulu Limited Series Revival". TVLine. Archived from the original on November 8, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  16. Ausiello, Michael (November 6, 2018). "Veronica Mars Taps Dawnn Lewis as Neptune's New Chief of Police". TVLine. Archived from the original on November 7, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  17. Porter, Rick (November 15, 2018). "J.K. Simmons Joins 'Veronica Mars' Revival". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  18. Romano, Nick (November 14, 2018). "Veronica Mars revival shares first cast photo from the table read". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 15, 2018. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  19. Kaitlin, Thomas (February 11, 2019). "Ken Marino Confirms Vinnie's Return in Veronica Mars Revival". TV Guide. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  20. Petski, Denise (January 28, 2019). "'Veronica Mars': Tyler Alvarez To Recur In Hulu Revival". Deadline. Archived from the original on January 30, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
  21. Roots, Kimberly (February 21, 2019). "Veronica Mars: Find Out Which Villain Will Be Back for Hulu Revival". TVLine. Archived from the original on February 21, 2019. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
  22. 1 2 Highfill, Samantha (June 8, 2019). "Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas says revival will find Veronica at a 'crossroads'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on June 8, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
  23. Ausiello, Michael (January 10, 2019). "Veronica Mars: Adam Rose Returning as Max for Hulu Revival". TVLine. Archived from the original on January 10, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  24. Ausiello, Michael (April 3, 2019). "Veronica Mars: Mary McDonnell Joins Hulu Revival in Mystery Role". TVLine. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2019.
  25. Greene, Steve (April 12, 2019). "'Veronica Mars' First Look: Hulu Relaunch Gets Release Date, Spring Break Teaser". IndieWire. Archived from the original on April 17, 2019. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  26. Liptak, Andrew (May 1, 2019). "Hulu's Veronica Mars has a new trailer and its first hints of plot". The Verge. Archived from the original on May 1, 2019. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
  27. Ramos, Dino-Ray (June 8, 2019). "'Veronica Mars' Creator And Cast Share Exclusive "Adult" Clip, Talk Future Of Series, Reveal All Seasons Will Stream Ahead Of Revival – ATX". Deadline. Archived from the original on June 9, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  28. Roots, Kimberly (June 14, 2019). "Veronica Mars Revival: New LoVe-Filled Trailer Offers More Details About Logan's Return, Neptune Crime Wave". TVLine. Archived from the original on June 14, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  29. "Veronica Mars: Season 4 (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  30. "Veronica Mars - Season 4 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 24, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  31. Evangelista, Chris (July 31, 2019). "'Veronica Mars' Season 4 is Confusingly Called 'Veronica Mars' Season 1 on the Blu-ray Release". /Film. Archived from the original on August 8, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.