Veronica Mars 1.05 'You Think You Know Somebody'

The Keith/Rebecca coupling was a superb way to test the strengths of the father/daughter dynamic and it’s written in such a realistic way so as to make Veronica’s objections to their union seem justified while still painting her as a relatable teenage girl. This episode also details how Veronica’s mistrust though sometimes a curse, can inevitably come in-handy.

‘You Think You Know Somebody’ sees Veronica help Troy when his Dad’s car disappears after a trip to Tijuana. When his friend admits to stolen contraband being with the car when it was taken approaches Veronica, she must think up a way to get the car back, and help him pay off his dealer. Keith begins seeing Veronica's high school guidance counselor Rebecca, but Veronica has trouble accepting their recent coming together.

Veronica and Keith’s faithful relationship was always at the heart of ‘Mars throughout the series. Here, a simple story like a separated parent starting to date again explores that tight bond in a way that is both realistic, and charming. Keith’s loyalty to his daughter never ceases to amaze me and the love the two have for each other is tested so many times, but not matter what manages to hold up.

Veronica has always been closed off and put up a huge front in order to protect herself, adopting a good “Best defence is a good offense” approach to her life; her brief interaction with her stuck up ‘09’er classmate underlines this perfectly. We know many people have hurt her in the past and betrayed her, but Troy’s betrayal was a brilliant way for us to see first-hand just what Veronica means when she say’s sooner or later, the people you love let you down.

‘Veronica Mars’ has such an uncanny ability for making such simple stories into compelling viewing, and this episode is no exception; yet another fantastic hour.

9/10