This is a good show that could be great with some fine tuning. The dialogue is intelligent and expertly delivered by a (mostly) fabulous cast of seasoned actors who consistently offer interesting performances. But there are a few speedbumps that slow this show down on its way to being great.

1. The Writing - there are few people who can write as masterful dialogue as Aaron Sorkin does. Unfortunately he knows it and his arrogance often comes through in episodes that are purposefully exclusionary. While smart, snappy interchange between characters is always appreciated using lingo most folks in the industry don't even use to create an air of exclusivity is obnoxious. We get it Aaron - you're smart. Now write in a way that communicates your ideas without making you seem like a pompous, overeducated jerk.

2. Sarah Paulson - Golden Globes got it wrong unless she's nominated for "Actor Most Responsible for a Show Sucking". Studio 60 may be doing her an injustice but all evidence points to her being a horrible actress. Certainly her character is extremely unlikeable - I don't find homophobia endearing - but we are supposed to believe that this character is beloved by her co-workers and the object of obsession of a smart, liberal, intelligent man. We are also supposed to believe that the character is the breakout star of this sketch comedy show and considered a comedic genius - except one entire episode was spent in which the running gag was that she is either too stupid or too untalented to tell a joke. Huh? Everything we are told about the character one moment is completely contradicted the next. She's loveable - except the only people who could possible love her are her fellow bigots and homophobes. She's insanely attractive - except the actress they cast is not classically gorgeous and instead is quite plain. She's smart - yet can't remember a joke told to her 3 seconds earlier. The list goes on. The character is a shrill, hateful, idiot whom no one in real life would like and the actress portraying her is doing a very poor job of giving the character any depth.

If Sarah Paulson were to be replaced and the character rewritten to be even slightly more endearing the show would have solved its greatest problem. Then have Aaron Sorkin tone down the attitude and we'd have a fantastic, intelligent show that I'd be proud to say I watched instead of having to make excuses as to why I'm still tuning in (and that reason would be Bradley Whitford / Matthew Perry / Amanda Peet and Steven Weber's amazing performances).

I sorely miss this show. It was a cut above normal tv fare and presented a morally conflicted character in a responsible and intriguing way. As our nation faces another year imbroiled in a war we entered for "vengeance" it is a current topic that needs to be discussed. When is it okay to take the law in to one's own hands? Do the ends justify the means? Would we truly feel safer if we knew there was someone like Mr. Chapel who was willing to exact his own brand of vengeance or would it lead to anarchy? Television is the medium that transcends all boundaries - it was nice that for a while it was used to address issues that were of concern to all of us. A complete shame this show is not still on the air and instead the networks serve us up another round of brainless "reality" shows demonstrating the worst in human behaviour.

The real reason to tune in each week is for Neil Patrick Harris' performance as Barney and to see the sweetly endearing Alyson Hannigan as Lily. Both have risen well above the material they are given and serve as the heart of the show. The main character, Ted, isn't nearly as engaging as his cadre of friends but his quest for love provides many opportunities for laughs and comments on the state of dating and romance in today's world.

This show has genuinely funny moments (almost always provided by Barney or Lilly and her fiance, Marshall) so is worth checking out. It isn't the best sitcom - mainly due to the lackluster performances by Ted and Robin - but you don't want to be caught at the water cooler not having heard the latest outrageous statement from Barney.

Veronica Mars is simply one of the most well made shows on television right now. The writing is excellent - dialogue is witty without being "cutesy", plots are well put together and the episodes are both engaging by themselves while also furthering the season's story arc. Performances across the board are amazing - both the teenage characters and adults are played to perfection. Each character feels real and honest - and in a land of over-the-top and larger-than-life caricatures that is hard to find. Few shows pull you in so completely that you don't notice the time passing and end up being shocked when the hour is over and you have to wait another week for a new episode. Veronica Mars receives my highest compliment - I make sure I am home to watch it because I can't risk my Tivo not recording it. No other show on TV demands that kind of loyalty right now (not even Lost). I simply can't imagine anyone who enjoys well-executed drama that wouldn't fall in love with this show.