Ep 13. Ain't No Magic Mountain High Enough

Veronica Mars season 2 episode 13, titled "Ain't No Magic Mountain High Enough," follows the titular character as she investigates missing funds from a charity event.

Veronica is hired by the student council president of Neptune High to investigate the disappearance of $5,000 from the proceeds of a charity carnival. Suspects include a group of stoners who were selling pot brownies and a classmate who runs an ear-piercing booth. Despite the lack of tangible evidence, Veronica uncovers some interesting information about the missing funds, leading her to believe that a more sinister plot may be at play.

Meanwhile, Keith Mars is struggling with his own investigation. He's digging into corruption within the Neptune Police Department, but his leads are thinning. He receives some surprising news about one of his suspects that leaves him questioning his own moral code.

As the episodes progress, the mystery deepens. Veronica discovers that the charity funds weren't the only thing stolen at the carnival. She also learns that a group of upperclassmen are running a fake ID business out of a local motel. Veronica's involvement in both cases puts her in danger, but her thirst for justice keeps her determined to see them through.

The theme of family is prevalent throughout the episode. Veronica's relationship with her father, Keith, is highlighted as they both face challenges in their respective investigations. While Keith juggles the blurred lines of right and wrong, Veronica is reminded of her estranged mother, Lianne, who abandoned their family years ago. The episode provides insight into Veronica's past and offers glimpses into her motivations for fighting for justice.

"Ain't No Magic Mountain High Enough" also touches on themes of privilege and social status. Neptune High is divided into cliques, with the wealthy and popular students at the top. The episode shows how this hierarchy affects students who fall below the upper echelon. Veronica's clients, the student council president and his girlfriend, are both marginalized for their lack of social capital. Their struggle for justice serves as a microcosm for the larger societal issues at play in Neptune.

The episode features the usual cast of characters, including Logan, Wallace, and Weevil. Veronica and Logan's complicated relationship takes a backseat to the main mystery, but their interactions provide moments of levity amidst the seriousness of the case.

Overall, Veronica Mars season 2 episode 13 is a solid entry in the series. It's a well-crafted mystery that showcases the show's penchant for tackling complex social issues. The writing is sharp, the acting is top-notch, and the episode provides a satisfying conclusion to its various plot threads.