You’d think Veronica Mars might have learned from the widespread criticism they got for mishandling the portrayal of sexual assault that treading into such territory requires a good deal of caution and dexterity. At least, I would hope so, but apparently I’m a baseless optimist.

The most recent episode (“Debasement Tapes”) features, as one of multiple storylines, Logan working on a “business plan” proposal for one of his classes. It seems this project can deal with any business at all, and … READ MORE

As my final post on this topic (for now anyway), I’d like to look back a bit on the portrayal of survivors’ reactions to sexual assault. The overall grade? Not good.

Veronica’s own reaction is the only one that approximates complexity, which is fitting, given that she is, in fact, a complex, three-dimensional character. She’s clearly traumatized, struggling to trust people, and plagued by a sense of betrayal, while at the same time attempting to maintain her tough, … READ MORE

In which I address the idea that since Veronica Mars is a great female role model, it’s okay to mock feminists.

I can appreciate where Rob Thomas is coming from here. I do think Veronica is phenomenal–she’s smart, snappy, and real. She’s had a tough time and dealt with traumas including her own drug-induced rape, and while she’s certainly jaded, she’s capable of love, growth and generosity. She’s balancing appreciating and needing people with independence. I don’t, … READ MORE

Veronica Mars, in its short life, has dealt an awful lot with rape. It has also received a lot of criticism for its approach during the first 9-episode story arc of the third season, which followed Veronica arriving at college and trying to solve the mystery of a serial rapist who drugs and shaves the heads of his victims. Recently, an interview with VM creator Rob Thomas was posted on Television Without Pity, in which, among other things, … READ MORE