veronica mars was smarter than all of us

For the last few weeks, ever since the rather disappointing conclusion to Veronica Mars‘ Who killed Dean O’Dell mystery arc, I’ve been anticipating the news of its cancellation with a sort of sinking acceptance and resignation.

I really don’t think that network of Crack Whores (an old joke, but come on, the CW programming department can’t not be under the influence of something) is going to give Rob Thomas & Co. a fourth season.

Nothing’s set in stone, of course, and we won’t know for sure until the upfronts in May, but consider the following clues:

• From all accounts and purposes, Michael Muhney was beloved by cast and crew and went from an intended limited-arc guest star in Season 1 to a series regular in Season 3. So why kill him off rather than stick him in a coma in a hospital room?
• Chris Lowell has already been cast in the Addison’s Grey’s Anatomy spin-off. (Which you can bet I’ll watch. With Shonda Rhimes orchestrating and the remarkable Kate Walsh starring? I’ll at least give it a shot. Plus, two three words: Taye frakking Diggs.)
• The inexplicably good ratings for Who Wants to be a Vapid Whore Pussycat Doll.

So I’m preparing myself for the inevitability. I never really doubted VM’s renewal in years past, because despite its permanent spot on the bubble, you could hear the confidence in Rob’s and Kristen’s voices when they gave interviews, and none of the top three TV critics (Ausiello, KV, Matt Roush) seemed anything but sure it was coming back.

Until now.

They’re starting to sound the death knell, and even Rob gave his odds as “60/40″ this time. Which is why I don’t understand his decision to end the season with a season finale rather than a series finale. It’s a decision bordering on hubris, and it’s not sitting well with me. I’m not one of those insane internet fans who go around screeching about what’s due them or whatever, but it just doesn’t seem fair that those of us who recognized and loved the show for the brilliance it’s exuded for the past three seasons won’t get some sort of closure.

Greg Berlanti was hoping that Everwood would get brought over to the CW, and he’d arranged a typical season finale. But he’d also planned a series finale as well, so that the fans who loved the show could properly say goodbye.

I am hoping against hope that I get a chance to say goodbye to Veronica as well.