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Veronica Mars Season 1 Episode 10

An Echolls Family Christmas

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9.4

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Episode Summary

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AIRED: 12/14/04

A holiday poker game at Logan's gets nasty when Weevil's winnings disappear, leaving Veronica to determine the guilty party. Meanwhile, Keith helps Lynn Echolls find out who is sending threatening messages to her husband, Aaron, before their big Christmas party.

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The Veronica Mars Season 1 Dossier: Episodes 9-16

Set your time machines for 2004: We're taking a closer look at one of TV's most beloved cult series.

By Price Peterson, May 23, 2012

Fan Episode Reviews (21)

They're creepy and they're kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They're all together ooky, The Echolls Family.

10

By electricpeppers, Jun 21, 2010

This has to be one of the best episodes of season one. I loved Logan a great deal since Credit Where Credits Due despite that whore Paris Hilton being in the episode (urgh). I was overjoyed when I first saw the name of this episode seeing as I knew it would be about my favourite character Logan Echolls. While I wasn't keen on this episode initially it wasn't until re-watching it recently that I realized how brilliant it is. Especially in the light of some of the season three episodes we were subjected to lately. Since this episode was centric to Logan for the most part there was some great interaction between he and Veronica. I love their snarky banter and this episode marks the point where the audience pretty much realizes Logan has a thing for Veronica. If one observes season one knowing that they get together Logan's behavior is pretty provocative toward Ronnie and highlights his need for her attention, no matter in what form that comes in. This episode especially (even though there are hints in every episode prior to this) shows that Logan wants Veronica - after he says that classic line: 'annoy tiny blonde one, annoy like the wind' he looks after at her for a few beats too long. As with other episodes prior to this we do begin to see that Logan is always very aware of what Ronnie is upto and is constantly staring in her direction (often for too long than is appropriate). Seeing as though Jason Dohring and Kristin Bell learned that their characters were going to get together around episode four (The Wrath of Con - hence the reason we got that scene between them in the limo where Logan says he thought Veronica was hot) their characters actions regarding one another, or specifically Logan's crush make more sense. Rob obviously planned for this near the start of the show and its evident even in the Pilot. Veronica and Logan are very aware of one another and Logan is staring albeit mockingly. Ah, when hate turns to LoVe! It was obviously very frustrating for Logan to have a crush on Veronica when he partly hated her at the same time. The reason he was so bashful in his admission to thinking she was hot in The Wrath of Con was most likely because he still felt that way about her and Lilly knew it which is why she asked. The lessening of the hate between them occurred once Veronica gave Logan those tapes of Lilly in the Wrath of Con; they bonded albeit in an oblique sense. Once that happened and he playfully batted her car with his jacket in You Think You Know Somebody, he was able to just go back to crushing on her rather than hating her. This progression is most evident in this episode An Echolls Family Christmas. It shows just how far they have come in terms of their relationship. Also Logan was the only one to look very impressed with Veronicas card skills... he unlike those around him never underestimated her. He respects and admires her intelligence which is partly why he always enjoyed her attention - the verbal sparring. But it's not enough for him at this point and this episode sets off the chain reaction that leads to their kiss in WOCD.

So, while the groundwork of LoVe has been laid this episodes mystery also had interesting twist and I liked that Weevil wasn't the culprit in this instance. The very end of the episode was cheesy... and the B plot about Aaron's stalker remains my least favourite plot in this episode. I liked that he was stabbed though! There were some great lines here and it's a shame we were not treated to this amount of consistency and quality during season three.moreless
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An return to top form.

8.7

By verbaldaggers, Apr 23, 2008

Weevil is ripped off at an 09ers poker game run by Logan while Keith tries to track down Aaron Echolls stalker. An Echolls Family Christmas is a return to the high quality of the first few episode of Veronica Mars. Both plots play well. The first poker game scene is a great use of Duncan, Logan and Weevil who have been very under used in the last few episodes. The two new characters are both well produced and played. The story has two intriguing mystery's that you don't really work out until the climax. The tension of the episode builds well and the final moments are pretty stunning. Personally I really hated the last narration it would have been more powerful jut to leave it. An Echolls Family Christmas is a great Veronica Mars that is only lacking in the fact it does not bring the Lilly Kane story forward.moreless
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9.6

By cavanagh15, Jan 31, 2008

After three episodes on a downward spiral it seems that the writing staff on Veronica Mars got it right on this one. The case was simple, yet so fun to watch. There wasn't the high school drama going around that made the episode less watchable by any means. This was one of the first cases where I thought it could have been anybody and a case where you could have actually played along at home if you really wanted to. Any of the five people could have taken the money, which is what made the episode so amazing to me. Kristin Bell was amazing in this episode, better then she has been in any other so far (Not saying shes ever been bad, but I really liked her acting in this episode). The side plot with the Echolls was kind of easy to see. I didnt really get a feel for that investigation while it was going on - all I knew is that he slept with three beautiful women and one was stalking him. I kind of figured she would approach him at the party - though I thought he would be confirmed dead in this episode. I like the cliffhanger ending of not knowing if he did in fact make it or not. Veronica also makes a little advance in the Lily Kane murder (little by little for the season long arch) and I think there is much more to the story then what meets the eye. But thats just stating the clearly obvious at this point. I expect many more twists before I can come up with a prediction. I still dont know yet. Overall - not perfect because at times the Keith MArs scenes dragged on a little longer then I would have liked - but still one of the better episoodes of season one.moreless
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Not the kind of Christmas Aaron Echolls wished for...

10

By PabloExobar, Jan 30, 2008

After 3 episodes being under 9 Veronica Mars strikes back with a perfect 10. Very few episodes earn that with my rating, even with my new system which is a bit more merciful.

A 10 needs to be flawless which means every character should act the way they do, the pacing should be consistent and each and every storyline is superb.

Well this episode is all of that. While at some degree it is a filler episode, a Christmas episode, it still delivers extremely well.

Starts off very similiar to 1x05 - You think you know somebody . In that episode the boys were hanging out in Mexico having party and are about to return home when they find their car stolen. In this one, they are playing cards for money when they find the money's gone. In both cases it was an "inside" job.

But this episode is far more better than that. Because it's really unpredictable and fun. Lots of humor and Logan moments. I loved the reveal near the end, it was a really nice twist and finally nothing overly serious. The sideplot also involves the Echolls: Aaron is receiving interesting threats from an anonymous "lover". Keith is suspecting one of the staff members. The Echolls family is planning a christmas party and despite Keith's recommendation they won't call it off. Not so surprising that Aaron has slept with half of the people there, at least women. So there are a couple of potential targets. His character is so.. I don't know, good. Bit over the top but that makes it good. He's trying to look as if he was the best husband, father, actor in the world yet he comes off really bad. He's a terrible person with no inside values. So him getting stabbed in the end was really deserved and funny. The way the writers composed that scene was really well done, cool contrast with the christmas song. They didn't attempt to make it dramatic because it wasn't.

Also finally Veronica confronts Jake Kane. This is a good thing especially after last episode's disappointing ending. Hmm and Kristen Bell looked hawt as usual.

This episode I find really hard to review. It was a light hearted episode, yet so perfect. Very rewatchable.moreless
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A poker night at Logan's goes awry when Weevil's winnings are stolen which results in him stealing an item from each person there. Veronica sets out to find the stolen money. Lynn comes to Keith for help in hope that he can track down Aaron's stalker.moreless

10

By Steph__x, Jun 02, 2007

Awesome episode! Some very funny moments. Whenever Logan opened his mouth you were in for a laugh as usual. Some great one liners on his part! Not to mention a shock as to who actually stole the money! A good storyline with Aaron's stalker as well. A glimpse of just how sleazy and unfaithful he truly is. It goes to show that even at Christmas the corrupt little town of Neptune...is still the corrupt little town of Neptune! Another fine installment of Veronica Mars. Kudos to the writers of the show...some of their finest work in this episode, in my opinion. Loved every minute and every second of it!moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Enrico Colantoni	Keith Mars
Jason Dohring	Logan Echolls
Francis Capra	Eli "Weevil" Navarro
Percy Daggs III	Wallace Fennel
Kristen Bell	Veronica Mars
Teddy Dunn	Duncan Kane

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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Lisa Rinna	Lynn Echolls	Guest Star
Kevin Sheridan	Sean Friedrich	Guest Star
Travis Schuldt	Connor Larkin	Guest Star
Brad Bufanda	Felix	Recurring Role
Lisa Thornhill	Celeste Kane	Recurring Role
Harry Hamlin	Aaron Echolls	Recurring Role

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (3)
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- The game Logan is playing is X-men: Legends for the Xbox.
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- When Veronica deals at the poker game, she is replaced with a double and only close ups are shot of Veronica.
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- The variant of poker they're playing is 'Texas Hold'em'. This is not the first time Weevil and Logan have played it together either, as they also did while serving detention in the "The Girl Next Door" episode.
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QUOTES (19)
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- (As Veronica takes her winnings from yet another poker pot)
  Connor: You must be really unlucky in love.
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- Veronica: My father sent me with paperwork for your mom.
  Logan: And you just wanted to say hi? It's a good thing I didn't have my slam book out.
  Veronica: I wanted to ask you about the game.
  Logan: I've been meaning to ask you something. Did your super-sleuth kit come with a decoder ring? Do you have a pen that writes with invisible ink? Never mind, don't care. Mush! Mush!
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- Weevil: You want a sodee pop or something?
  Veronica: You know? I think I want something with a little more kick. (grabs Duncan's bottle of Jack Daniels)
  Duncan: Hey, no.
  (Veronica chugs from the bottle)
  Weevil: Damn girl!
  Veronica: Hmm, iced tea. How very musical theater of you.
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- Veronica: Oh, I am so sick of not having money. I'd be the best rich person. Seriously. I'd be the perfect combination of frivolous and sensible. Money is so wasted on the wealthy.
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- Logan: My only concern is property values going down if anyone sees you in my house without a leaf blower or a skimmer.
  Weevil: You're concerned? I'm the one who's got to go up into the hills all by myself. What if I run into a pack of you white boys on some clean, well-lit street? I could be bored to death!
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- Logan: (on the phone) Veronica Mars! V as in Virgin.
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- Veronica: Love the smell of testosterone in the morning!
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- Veronica: You lie on the dogs, you're gonna get fleas.
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- Veronica: What do you want for Christmas?
  Keith: Love and respect.
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- Veronica: You know.. there are some people who think Christmas is about the birth of Christ, not baseball.
  Keith: Well.. we're all entitled to our own religions Veronica.
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- Veronica: (voiceover) What was I thinking? Christmas in Neptune is, was and always will be, about the trappings: the lights and the tinsel they use to cover up the sordidness, the corruption. No, Veronica, there is no Santa Claus.
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- Veronica: (voice-over) I don't know if Connor's smile cost a million but his six-pack abs are worth at least double that. Damn. (pauses) I repeat, damn!
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- Logan: Do you even know how to play poker?
  Veronica: No, but it must be really hard if all you guys play.
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- Duncan: When did you get like this? It's like you've been going over to the dark-side bit by bit, so slowly that I didn't even notice when you morphed into a full fledged jackass.
  Logan: I'm a jackass?
  Duncan: Yeah. And I'm over it.
  Logan: What? Are we breaking up now? You want your best friend charm back?
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- Sean: Can it be considered an embarrassment of riches if I'm not embarrassed?
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- Logan: (to Weevil) If you're asking me to the prom again, the answer is still no.
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- Wallace: You know this is for a baseball camp, right? It's not like a hot guy catalogue.
  Veronica: Do they have a hot guy catalogue?
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- Logan: (to Veronica) Annoy, tiny blonde one, annoy like the wind! Whoo!
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- Veronica: I have to say, I was a bit miffed. I was this close to being able to say the butler did it. But no, it was the butler's son.
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NOTES (2)
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- This episode was originally supposed to air after the 11th episode of Season One, "Silence of the Lamb".
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- Music:
  "The Way You Are" by 46 Bliss
  "Brilliant Sky" by Saybia
  "Little Bit More" by Tony C and the Truth
  "Slow Hands" by Interpol
  "Saturday Night" by Ozomatli
  "Camp Fire" by Starling Electric
  "Carol of the Bells" by Jason Lantrip
  "Little Drummer Boy" by The Dandy Warhols
  "Heat Miser Song"
  "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" by unknown
  "Joy to The World" by unknown
  "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by unknown
  "Jingle Bells"
  "What Child Is This" by unknown
  "The Wassail Song"
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ALLUSIONS (8)
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- Veronica: Making a list and checking it twice.
  
  Veronica is referring to the 1934 Christmas song Santa Claus Is Coming to Town written by John Frederick Coots and James Lamont "Haven" Gillespie, where that quote is part of the text. The song has become a Christmas standard and has been covered and recorded by numerous artists during the years.
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- Logan: So, unless his Pavlovian response to a downloaded ringtone is to urinate, then he was up to something.
  Ivan Petrovich Pavlov was a Russian scientist whose experiments into conditional reflexes won him a Nobel Prize, his most famous experiment involved conditioning a dog to salivate on hearing a bell, believing a food reward was about to be delivered.
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- Visual Reference: Rounders
  
  When Duncan recalls being surprised to see Weevil at the poker table, we see Logan eat an Oreo cookie. This is an obvious reference to the movie Rounders, in which the character played by John Malkovich has a knack for eating Oreo cookies at the poker table when he has the best hand possible.
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- Logan: But the river's gonna get you.
  
  The tone in which Logan says (actually sings) is a reference to the 1987 Miami Sound Machine song, "The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You."
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- Weevil: Don't I just blend right in? (stands back) Where's Weevil?
  
  This is an allusion to the famous Where's Waldo? book series. In each page of the books, the reader is tasked to find Waldo within the cartoon picture.
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- Veronica: I love the smell of testosterone in the morning.
  
  An allusion to the line in Apocalypse Now, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning", said by Robert Duvall's character, Colonel Kilgore.
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- Sean: Here's to you, Mrs. Echolls.
  
  This is in reference to a line ("Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson") from the lyrics of the Simon and Garfunkel song, Mrs. Robinson. It is also a quote from the movie The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, in which the much younger Hoffman is seduced by the middle-aged Bancroft. In the episode, the boys were all lusting after Logan's mum.
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- Veronica: No Veronica, there is no Santa Claus.
  This quote is actually a play on an editorial entitled "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" originally published in The New York Sun in 1897 by Francis P. Church. A classic Christmas movie entitled "Yes Virginia There is a Santa Claus" was made about the editorial. The little girl Virginia grew up and died in a nursing home on May 13, 1971, at the age of 81.
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