As much as it pains me to say this, last night’s installment of VERONICA MARS, directed by Mars creator himself Rob Thomas, was incredibly disappointing. Is it just me, or did having Mercer as the guilty party seem completely out of left field? With the season one mystery, Lilly’s death was believable, as we were all witness to Aaron Echolls dark side (remember when Logan was literally whipped by his father?). In season two, we spent time with Beav and even though I was completely shocked, could understand his motivation, having been abused by Woody. With Mercer being revealed as the Hearst rapist, I just didn’t get it? More so, why exactly was Moe involved? Hair fetish aside, why was he helping Mercer?
That said, Dean O’Dell being killed was quite the surprise, and will hopefully produce to a fantastic second mystery. Right away I think it will lead to an improved group of episodes, as Dean O’Dell definitely grew on viewers thanks to the way he treated both Veronica and Keith.
I will say that while I’m not sure who killed the Dean, it’s pretty clear that they will have used Veronica’s perfect paper on the “perfect murder” to get away with it (that is until Veronica gets on the case!). An early prediction for me is that Professor Landry or TA Tim are far too obvious choices for the killer. My money’s on one of the three girls who faked the rapes to get the Frat Houses shut down. No doubt they weren’t happy when the Dean re-instated the Greek system. Of course, I also thought Professor Landry may have been the rapist, so don’t take my prediction to Vegas.
Finally as much as I didn’t appreciate Mercer as the rapist, I definitely loved how Logan got himself thrown into prison to inflict his own brand of justice on the culprits. While I’ll miss the Logan/Veronica relationship, I think letting Veronica and Logan date other people will ultimately be good for the show and the characters. 
