Veronica Mars - Agent Mars?

Veronica Mars is an hour-long drama on the CW (formerly on the WB, until they merged with UPN) that follows a college student (formerly high school student) that investigates wrong doings as she helps her Private Investigator father. It debuted on September 22, 2004. The show stars Kristen Bell in the title role, with Enrico Colantoni as her father, Keith Mars. Other cast members include, Jason Dohring, Tina Majorino, and Percy Daggs III as Veronica’s best friend and frequent partner, Wallace Fennel.

Now, I know that sounds like the premise for a cutesy, bubbly Disney Show program, but it’s the complete opposite. Veronica Mars is an oftentimes gritty detective show that borrows a lot of elements from the film noir genre. Sure, it does have its rather lighthearted drama, especially with Veronica’s on again/off again boyfriend Logan Echolls (Dohring), but it also has its dark, disturbing murder mysteries. The entire first season of the show revolved around the murder of Veronica’s best friend, Lilly Kane. The outcome was not only shocking, but it was along the lines of something you would see on Homicide or Law and Order.

Since the first season, the show has continued to gain critical acclaim, despite its low ratings. Unfortunately, it looks like the show may get the axe after this season airs its final five episodes. However, the CW is also looking at an alternative to canceling the show: a complete format change.

Rob Thomas, the creator of the show, put together a video to serve as a pitch for a new show format. This change will result in the show jumping four years ahead, where we will follow Veronica as student in the FBI academy. This would tie in nicely with the show, as just this season Veronica applied as FBI intern.

It’s unknown what members of the cast would remain if this change were to take place.

Check out this clip of Veronica Mars.