No show has had more mixed messages about its fate this season than "Veronica Mars." First, it was rumored to be canceled. Then it was going to come back but be set four years in the future. Then that pitch was dropped. Then it wasn't. After all that, plus an eight-week absence to make room for the Pussycat Dolls show, I'd understand it if "Mars" fans were feeling a little put out right now.

So here's the good news: "Veronica Mars" will show five new episodes in a row now, starting tonight and ending May 22. Whether the two episodes airing on May 22 will serve as the season or the series finale won't be known until the CW announces its fall schedule on May 17, but I'd say fans should seize their time with the young supersleuth while they can. In tonight's episode, Veronica is hired to help solve a hate crime, and a death outside a bar prompts Keith to do his own investigation into the fake ID situation in Neptune. To see the first few minutes of the episode, read more

Photo courtesy of The CW