Veronica Mars, character by character
Oct. 3rd, 2005 12:14 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dangermousieBecause I am anal, I wanted to do a breakdown, character by character of the trait I like the most and least about each. Oh, and favorite scenes.
Veronica Mars
Best trait: She is emotionally honest. When she thought things with Logan were more than just one random out-of-the-blue kiss, she broke up with Leo. When she thought she shouldn't date Logan any more, she told him so, etc etc.
Worst trait: She is manipulative. She manipulates everyone: various boyfriends, Dad, Wallace. The most unforgivable one, IMO, is when she was looking for evidence that Koontz's daughter might have had and neglected to tell her Koontz was dying because she knew the daughter wouldn't give the info then.
Favorite scene: In flashback, Veronica going to the Sheriff to report her rape. My heart just broke for her.
Logan Echolls
Best trait: Well, angsty snark is not really a character trait, so I'd have to go with the whole "if he cares for you, he is willing to put up with a lot and will do anything." He loved Lilly, Veronica and his Mom despite the obvious problems.
Worst trait: If you aren't one of those he loves, but instead are on his hit list, he is not going to be ethical or understanding. He'll do anything to yank your chain and hurt. The boy needs a shrink.
Favorite scene: Too many. But I think for now, the one where he unhesitatingly acknowledges Veronica as his girlfriend in front of all 09ers and when someone makes a crack, he replies that if he has a problem with Veronica "you are basically dead to me, so start heading towards the rectangle with the knob." Or maybe the one where he breaks down in Veronica's arms after learning that his mother is definitely dead (btw, is it just me, or did Veronica have this horrified look on her face when Trina and Logan were having their slinging match and Trina mentioned about abuse?)
Duncan Kane
Best trait: He is a genuinly decent and nice guy. All the privilege hasn't spoiled him.
Worst trait: Avoidance. Avoidance after thinking Veronica was his sister (tell her something, don't leave her hanging), avoidance the morning-after, and worst of all, avoidance after the murder. He just stood back and let his best friend, the guy who I think he could check at least somewhat, make his ex and half-sister's life a living hell.
Favorite scene: Telling Veronica about that night of the party, and breaking down because he clearly loved her.
Wallance Fennel
Best trait: He is always there for Veronica
Worst trait: I wish he wouldn't always knuckle down to her
Favorite scene: Too many. Actually every single one where he says he won't do it and then does.
Weevil
Best trait: Sense of rough justice. You do him a favor, he will always repay.
Worst trait: Penchant for disobeying the law.
Favorite scene: "Weevil love you a long time." I can't help it. Best quote ever.
Keith Mars
Best trait: Best Daddy ever. He is warm and open and loving and will do anything for Veronica, even try a second go with Mommy Dearest.
Worst trait: None really. The guy is a teddybear. Unless having a Dad who can run a thorough background check on all your dates is a liability.
Favorite scene: When he hugs Veronica, telling her he is her real father.
Lilly Kane
Best trait: Outgoing, peppy and lots of fun
Worst trait: Skank ho. I have a thing about cheating to begin with, but by anybody's standards, the girl should have been on Springer. She had Logan as a boyfriend, Weevil as a fling from the wrong side of the tracks and Aaron for statutory-type kink at the same time and those were just the regulars. As Logan put it "I loved Lilly. And Lilly loved men."
Favorite scene: "I am doomed to walk the earth until justice has been served. And to dispence fashion advice."
Lianne Mars
Best trait: She does love her daughter
Worst trait: Except for the part where she takes all her college money and runs off. After cheating on her husband for years.
Favorite scene: Cooking with Veronica
Lynn Echolls
Best trait: She tried to stick it to Aaron.
Worst trait: Let him abuse Logan
Favorite scene: Yes, I am sick. But the scene of her sitting perfectly dressed and poised with her glass as Aaron is whaling on Logan in another room is just...I love it. So good.
Meg
Best trait: Cartoon birds braided her hair in the morning.
Worst trait: being mad at Veronica because she is dating Meg's ex. That's being unreasonable
Favorite scene: In 2.01 when she snarks that being a pot smoker interfered with her cheering.
Jake Kane
Best trait: He is actually a good and loving father, very supportive of Duncan.
Worst trait: Continued adultery with another woman
Favorite scene: When he breaks down, after finding out Aaron killed Lilly and tries to go for his throat.
Celeste Kane
Best trait: She really did love her children. Even Lilly
Worst trait: Selfish manipulative bitch who wrecked Veronica's life
Favorite scene: Explaining to V why she hates her.
Dick Casablancas
Best trait: He's blond and not too ugly. Also, he's loyal to Logan. It's nice to know he can be loyal to somebody
Worst trait: Forget shallow snob part. The whole "attempted rapist" part and the whole "trying to get his brother to commit rape" part are a lot more appropriate. I do wonder what would have happened if Veronica told Logan about Dick while they were still together...
Favorite scene: In 2.01, when he all but bows and scrapes every time he sees Veronica
Aaron Echolls
Best trait: Ummmm...he knows how to grill swordfish?
Worst trait: Would it be the part where he abuses his son? Or where his serial infidelity drove his wife to kill herself? Or the part where he tried to kill Keith and burn Veronica down in a freezer? Or maybe the whole "having affair with underage girlfriend of his son and then murdering her when she wouldn't give back secret porn of the two of them?" So many choices, so little time!
Favorite scene: When he pauses in the middle of the beating his daughter's boyfriend to ask his son how his day was. Nothing like a caring parent, is there?
You know, a complete nonsequitur. yet another reason it's good Logan/Veronica are over for now (besides the old rule of you never end the season with the same person you started it with). That relationship has a severe power imbalance. As in Veronica has all the power. It's pretty clear he is desperate for her and she? Not so much. That does NOT make for a healthy relationship. What Duncan and she have is a lot healthier: they both like each other, are happy with each other, but it's not unbalanced. Neither of them is going to be standing on the ledge of a bridge any time soon. But I definitely want Logan and Veronica back eventually (hopefully on a more even footing).
Veronica Mars
Best trait: She is emotionally honest. When she thought things with Logan were more than just one random out-of-the-blue kiss, she broke up with Leo. When she thought she shouldn't date Logan any more, she told him so, etc etc.
Worst trait: She is manipulative. She manipulates everyone: various boyfriends, Dad, Wallace. The most unforgivable one, IMO, is when she was looking for evidence that Koontz's daughter might have had and neglected to tell her Koontz was dying because she knew the daughter wouldn't give the info then.
Favorite scene: In flashback, Veronica going to the Sheriff to report her rape. My heart just broke for her.
Logan Echolls
Best trait: Well, angsty snark is not really a character trait, so I'd have to go with the whole "if he cares for you, he is willing to put up with a lot and will do anything." He loved Lilly, Veronica and his Mom despite the obvious problems.
Worst trait: If you aren't one of those he loves, but instead are on his hit list, he is not going to be ethical or understanding. He'll do anything to yank your chain and hurt. The boy needs a shrink.
Favorite scene: Too many. But I think for now, the one where he unhesitatingly acknowledges Veronica as his girlfriend in front of all 09ers and when someone makes a crack, he replies that if he has a problem with Veronica "you are basically dead to me, so start heading towards the rectangle with the knob." Or maybe the one where he breaks down in Veronica's arms after learning that his mother is definitely dead (btw, is it just me, or did Veronica have this horrified look on her face when Trina and Logan were having their slinging match and Trina mentioned about abuse?)
Duncan Kane
Best trait: He is a genuinly decent and nice guy. All the privilege hasn't spoiled him.
Worst trait: Avoidance. Avoidance after thinking Veronica was his sister (tell her something, don't leave her hanging), avoidance the morning-after, and worst of all, avoidance after the murder. He just stood back and let his best friend, the guy who I think he could check at least somewhat, make his ex and half-sister's life a living hell.
Favorite scene: Telling Veronica about that night of the party, and breaking down because he clearly loved her.
Wallance Fennel
Best trait: He is always there for Veronica
Worst trait: I wish he wouldn't always knuckle down to her
Favorite scene: Too many. Actually every single one where he says he won't do it and then does.
Weevil
Best trait: Sense of rough justice. You do him a favor, he will always repay.
Worst trait: Penchant for disobeying the law.
Favorite scene: "Weevil love you a long time." I can't help it. Best quote ever.
Keith Mars
Best trait: Best Daddy ever. He is warm and open and loving and will do anything for Veronica, even try a second go with Mommy Dearest.
Worst trait: None really. The guy is a teddybear. Unless having a Dad who can run a thorough background check on all your dates is a liability.
Favorite scene: When he hugs Veronica, telling her he is her real father.
Lilly Kane
Best trait: Outgoing, peppy and lots of fun
Worst trait: Skank ho. I have a thing about cheating to begin with, but by anybody's standards, the girl should have been on Springer. She had Logan as a boyfriend, Weevil as a fling from the wrong side of the tracks and Aaron for statutory-type kink at the same time and those were just the regulars. As Logan put it "I loved Lilly. And Lilly loved men."
Favorite scene: "I am doomed to walk the earth until justice has been served. And to dispence fashion advice."
Lianne Mars
Best trait: She does love her daughter
Worst trait: Except for the part where she takes all her college money and runs off. After cheating on her husband for years.
Favorite scene: Cooking with Veronica
Lynn Echolls
Best trait: She tried to stick it to Aaron.
Worst trait: Let him abuse Logan
Favorite scene: Yes, I am sick. But the scene of her sitting perfectly dressed and poised with her glass as Aaron is whaling on Logan in another room is just...I love it. So good.
Meg
Best trait: Cartoon birds braided her hair in the morning.
Worst trait: being mad at Veronica because she is dating Meg's ex. That's being unreasonable
Favorite scene: In 2.01 when she snarks that being a pot smoker interfered with her cheering.
Jake Kane
Best trait: He is actually a good and loving father, very supportive of Duncan.
Worst trait: Continued adultery with another woman
Favorite scene: When he breaks down, after finding out Aaron killed Lilly and tries to go for his throat.
Celeste Kane
Best trait: She really did love her children. Even Lilly
Worst trait: Selfish manipulative bitch who wrecked Veronica's life
Favorite scene: Explaining to V why she hates her.
Dick Casablancas
Best trait: He's blond and not too ugly. Also, he's loyal to Logan. It's nice to know he can be loyal to somebody
Worst trait: Forget shallow snob part. The whole "attempted rapist" part and the whole "trying to get his brother to commit rape" part are a lot more appropriate. I do wonder what would have happened if Veronica told Logan about Dick while they were still together...
Favorite scene: In 2.01, when he all but bows and scrapes every time he sees Veronica
Aaron Echolls
Best trait: Ummmm...he knows how to grill swordfish?
Worst trait: Would it be the part where he abuses his son? Or where his serial infidelity drove his wife to kill herself? Or the part where he tried to kill Keith and burn Veronica down in a freezer? Or maybe the whole "having affair with underage girlfriend of his son and then murdering her when she wouldn't give back secret porn of the two of them?" So many choices, so little time!
Favorite scene: When he pauses in the middle of the beating his daughter's boyfriend to ask his son how his day was. Nothing like a caring parent, is there?
You know, a complete nonsequitur. yet another reason it's good Logan/Veronica are over for now (besides the old rule of you never end the season with the same person you started it with). That relationship has a severe power imbalance. As in Veronica has all the power. It's pretty clear he is desperate for her and she? Not so much. That does NOT make for a healthy relationship. What Duncan and she have is a lot healthier: they both like each other, are happy with each other, but it's not unbalanced. Neither of them is going to be standing on the ledge of a bridge any time soon. But I definitely want Logan and Veronica back eventually (hopefully on a more even footing).
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no subject
Date: 2005-10-03 04:36 pm (UTC)Great list!
I wonder what Logan would be like as a healthy, whole person? The mind boggles. Sometimes I wonder if his entire sense of self is built on his damage, which is just too, too sad.
And yeah, I want Logan & Veronica back together, eventually. After my initial shock, meltdown, and reconsideration, I'm actually glad that they're not together right now.
no subject
Date: 2005-10-03 04:52 pm (UTC)Probably completely unrecognizable. Because I agree with you when you said that:
Sometimes I wonder if his entire sense of self is built on his damage, which is just too, too sad.
Because I think that this is indeed the case. Both his bad traits and good traits come from that. His most problematic quality, i.e. ability to hurt unerringly and viciously and not think about collateral damage is surely the result of the "loving" household. I doubt Aaron or Lynn were great role models.
His best quality: the ability to keep on loving and giving second (or a hundred-and-second) chances to the person he loves also stems from his damage: because of the awful family background he is just too hideously grateful for any crumbs of affection he gets and is willing to put up with almost anything to get it. He's hardly had any examples of healthy relationships. Plus, he must have all sorts of self-esteem issues which is where gratitude ties in.
Snark (which is neither good nor bad) is a coping mechanism. Even his lack of desire to explain anything to anyone (which seems to be a really consistent thing with him) probably stems from the hints we get that when he did tell someone (Trina?) about Aaron's abuse it just got disbelieved. That sort of thing will teach you to keep your mouth shut.
I think all the damage just shaped his personality pretty irreversibly (of course, with some normalcy he could have a chance to develop a normal life with the personality he's got, but that's another matter).
no subject
Date: 2005-10-03 05:30 pm (UTC)Love your round up but Weevil, sorry. His best quote is: "And your little dog, too". Come on - the big bad bikie references Wizard of Oz? Hee hee
no subject
Date: 2005-10-03 05:42 pm (UTC)ROFL! No, he was actually even cooler (and angstier) than the spoilage led me to believe. As to Duncan, I really wanted to like him, but he is just...not there. I don't hate him, I don't like him. He's awfully boring.
Actually, The Husband ended up really liking Logan, so it's not just my hormones :)
"And your little dog, too".
True, true, true :P
Oy. Between the past few posts on my flist...
Date: 2005-10-03 06:50 pm (UTC)Please, for my sanity's sake, 'splain what happened?
Re: Oy. Between the past few posts on my flist...
Date: 2005-10-03 07:03 pm (UTC)Short version:
Logan was at the door. He was beaten really badly by Weevil's gang and woke up unconscious with a knife and a gang member dead. He was acquitted. There is class war in Neptune now (e.g. someone fired a shotgun at Logan's car while Veronica and Logan were there making out). Logan and Veronica were dating but she broke up with him because she wanted things to go back to normal but he won't let it (and was engaging in some class warfare). A few weeks later she started dating Duncan.
Duncan and Logan don't talk now. Logan took the break-up badly. Now he is sleeping around with the Casablancas brothers' stepmom, a former Lakers girl.
Veronica is popular again, has given up investigation and tries to pretend previous year didn't happen. She does investigate a athlete-drug scandal.
On the way back from a school trip, the bus on which she and Duncan and the Casablancas brothers etc were supposed to be, crashes very mysteriously. Duncan and the Casablancas were in a limo, however, and Veronica got a ride from Weevil.
Re: Oy. Between the past few posts on my flist...
Date: 2005-10-03 07:27 pm (UTC)Re: Oy. Between the past few posts on my flist...
Date: 2005-10-03 07:29 pm (UTC)I am afraid I am a Logan/Veronica girl all the way, though, so i really hope they get back together.
no subject
Date: 2005-10-03 07:57 pm (UTC)Weevil is awesome. One of the things I love is that he does have a "heart of gold", but that doesn't mean he isn't dangerous. He's still a gang member, while a lot of shows will make you forget that with the niceness.
The whole Meg being a bitch thing makes more sense after you see Veronica's reaction to Meg dating Duncan.
Hey, don't undermine the importance of grilling swordfish. It's gotten me through a lot of things in my day...
no subject
Date: 2005-10-03 08:13 pm (UTC)ROFL.
I did finish all the eps so I have seen everything :P