Premiered: July 19, 2019

On: Hulu

Starring: Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni, Jason Dohring, Francis Capra, Clifton Collins Jr., Percy Daggs III, Frank Gallegos, Max Greenfield, Mido Hamada, Ryan Hansen, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Dawnn Lewis, Patton Oswalt, David Starzyk, Izabela Vidovic, Jacqueline Antaramian, Paul Karmiryan, J. K. Simmons, Daran Norris, Ken Marino, Clark Duke, Dannah Phirman, Tyler Alvarez, Onahoua Rodriguez & Patrick Wolff

Five years after the film and 13 years after the show’s original conclusion, former teen sleuth Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) is back in a season that shows the growth of its characters over the years.

After a beachside motel is bombed during Spring Break killing four people, Veronica, now living with Logan (Jason Dohring), and her father Keith (Enrico Colantoni), who’s dealing with health issues, investigate the crime.

The stakes are upped here more than any previous season. Other than season three’s rape cases, this is the only one where the threat in continual.

There’s great development for Veronica, Keith and Logan with some new and old characters making interesting returns. However, some former favorite characters get little screen time – Wallace (Percy Daggs III) – or don’t return at all – Mac (Tina Majorino).

Final say: A reputable crime drama. ★★★★★