Ep 7. The Girl Next Door

Veronica Mars season 1 episode 7, titled "The Girl Next Door," centers around a babysitter who has gone missing, and the investigation that follows.

The episode begins with Veronica being tasked by a classmate to find her missing babysitter, who just happens to be the girl next door. Veronica initially brushes off the request, but is later forced to reconsider after the girl's parents offer a hefty reward for any information leading to their daughter's whereabouts.

As Veronica begins to dig into the case, she discovers that the babysitter had a secret relationship with a much older man, and that this relationship may have something to do with her disappearance. Veronica's investigation takes her to a seedy motel where she uncovers a shocking revelation that shifts the case in an unexpected direction.

Meanwhile, Veronica's relationship with Duncan begins to crumble as he becomes more and more distant, leaving her feeling confused and heartbroken.

Throughout the episode, we also see flashbacks to Veronica's relationship with her former best friend Lilly, who was murdered a year prior. The flashbacks provide insight into the complicated and intertwined relationships between the characters on the show.

In the end, Veronica is able to crack the case and find the missing babysitter, but not before facing danger and deception along the way. The episode ends with a cliffhanger that leaves the viewer eagerly anticipating the next installment of the series.

Overall, "The Girl Next Door" is a gripping and emotionally charged episode of Veronica Mars that highlights the show's strong character development and nuanced storytelling.