In 2004, the world was blessed with a savvy, sassy petite blonde teenage detective named Veronica Mars (played by Kristen Bell). After three seasons, we lost her and the crazy, cookey world of Neptune, California. We got another taste of Veronica in 2014 with the “Veronica Mars” movie, but us marshmallows know it wasn’t enough to satisfy our Mars-quotas. Thanks to Hulu, though, Veronica Mars will be back and snarkier than ever in the just-announced reboot.
That’s right, marshmallows. Veronica Mars is BACK.
For those of you who don’t know (what a shame), the TV show revolves around Veronica’s life after a major 180 from peppy cheerleader with a rich, jock boyfriend to an edgy social outcast — all after the high-profile murder of her best friend Lily (played by Amanda Seyfried). Following in her former-sheriff father’s footsteps, Veronica begins investigating Lily’s murder and picks up a few more cases along the way in her drama-filled town of Neptune. Along the way, Veronica deals with mean girls, finds new friends, deals with burgeoning romances and copes with the mystery of figuring out who raped her at a party following Lily’s death.
And that’s just the beginning.
In celebration of the show’s revival, and a heads up to those of you who haven’t seen it to start binging now, we’re counting down the top five episodes of the show:
1. Season 1, Episode 1: “Pilot”
Gif courtesy of Wiffle Gif
For obvious reasons, you must begin with the pilot. Not only does the episode set up the two main mysteries in the season, but the way Veronica meets her new best friend Wallace (played by Percy Daggs III) when she cuts him loose from where he’s been duct taped naked to the flagpole on the first day of school by the town’s biker gang. What ’s even better is the creatively malicious way Veronica helps Wallace get revenge on the bikers AND wins the leader’s respect in the end.
2. Season 1, Episode 12: “Clash of the Tritons
Gif courtesy of Gifer
In this episode, Veronica chases down her high school’s secret society after a boy is sent to hospital during the hazing ceremony. Watch this episode not so much for the mystery or how Veronica solves it (although it’s seriously genius how she does), instead, watch it for Veronica’s pitch-perfect karaoke rendition of “I’m Gonna Getcha Good!” by Shania Twain that puts “For the First Time in Forever” to shame. Take that Anna!
3. Season 1, Episode 18: “Weapons of Class Destruction”
Gif courtesy of Gif-Free
“Weapons of Class Destruction” is probably our all-time favorite episode of the series. Without giving away too many spoilers, let’s just say Veronica finds an unexpected new beau (who will ruin your love life forever). This episode isn’t just about romance, though. Watch for the mystery and stay for how Veronica uses the power of journalism to bring justice to a wronged suspect.
4. Season 2, Episode 11: “Donut Run”
Gif courtesy of Giphy
Three letters for you: FBI. This episode is chalk-full of spoilers, so we’ll leave you with this teaser: Watch Veronica outsmart the FBI (and seriously break the law while she’s at it).
5. Season 3, Episode 1: “Welcome Wagon”
Gif courtesy of Tumblr
In the inaugural first episode of the last season featuring Veronica in her first year of college, “Welcome Wagon” introduces a new beau for Veronica — a quirky, charming guy named Piz (played by Chris Lowell) — and a new mystery on-campus having to do with serial rapes, murders, and affairs.
6. *Bonus* The “Veronica Mars” movie (2014)
Gif courtesy of Tenor
After you’ve finished binging all three seasons, fast forward to after Veronica has graduated law school in the “Veronica Mars” movie and returns to Neptune to clear an old beau’s name after his Hollywood girlfriend winds up dead in the bathtub. Now that you’re an official marshmallow, you’re all caught up and ready for what is sure to be a kick ass next season of the show!