Thu, May 10, 2007

I admit it. I watched a couple episodes of The Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll on CW this Spring – because, you have to give these things a try sometimes. Especially if hot, emotionally fragile teenagers will be bumping and grinding in outfits like the Bratz dolls wear, only comprised of less total fabric.

The first episode had a unique, compelling "Outbreak-meets-Bring It On" flair, as a stomach flu ravaged the contestants on the day of their first major audition. And, in a trainwreck kind of way, it was impossible to look away from the eerie countenance of PCD creator/choreograher Robin Antin (imagine a female impersonator inexplicably choosing to impersonate Jocelyn Wildenstein). But the show was pointless and awful, as expected. In the nascent sexploitation-reality genre, the crown easily goes to Showtime's Debbie Does Dallas Again.

I quit after two weeks, but I never worried about the show's time slot forebear, Veronica Mars. I just assumed we were being told the truth – it was a temporary schedule shift, and she'd be back. (I was told this about Grey's Anatomy vs. Boston Legal once, too – I should've been wary.) I honestly didn't consider Veronica Mars to be in any trouble until one day that delusion was shattered by an episode of Cat and Girl, which ended: "We could have saved Veronica Mars!" What?

Could she need saving? All I knew was, the show had a gently modified structure (three mini-mysteries instead of one big season-long mystery), a kickass new opening sequence (now scribble-free!), and had picked up a million new viewers. Everything seemed so promising! Then Cat and Girl really freaked me out. (But I stayed mum, because I hate to perpetuate these vicious rumors if I don't have to.)

Now Veronica's back, and awesome as ever. All the Big Lebowski quotes you've grown to love, plus a cameo from Paul Rudd! And sure, no definite fourth season pickup has been announced yet. And yes, it's wise to assume the worst because the universe fucking hates me. (Seriously; ask Claudine.) But surely everything will be okay, right?

Well... maybe. Because today brought a flurry of good news for the show. Apparently some openings in CW's fall schedule have increased the chance that Veronica Mars will stick around to prop things up. (Few shows are more popular, even if the numbers are low by professional network standards.) Also, creator Rob Thomas has added to the show a soupçon of Alias (itself another well-loved underperformer) – offering to set season four at the FBI Academy, where Veronica plans to head after college. Reportedly, CW is receptive.

There's some concern as to whether the show can retain its charm if it adjusts its premise and its cast. I say it can. With Rob Thomas and Kristen Bell aboard (and presumably Enrico Colantoni, for the occasional cameo), it has plenty of potential. The show has weathered change well enough, in the transition from high school to college, and has sustained a fair amount of casting turnover as well. (Teddy Dunn out, Francis Capra sidelined; Tina Majorino to the front, plus new college buddies.) If the choice is a retooled Veronica Mars or no Veronica Mars at all – for me, it's a no-brainer.

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