90 miles each way just to see Justin while he works at the video store. Veronica soon enough decides to go try to find her mother in Arizona. Meanwhile, Duncan starts taking his antidepressants again. The next day, when Duncan encounters Veronica, he returns to his old, withdrawn self. Keith goes on a coffee date with Rebecca. Justin reconnects with his parent through his video store job. Veronica visits the apartment where her mother stayed, but runs into an old college friend of hers, who does not provide any useful information. In addition, Veronica visits Troy, who embraces her. Cultural references Because several scenes in the episode take place in a video store, several movies are referenced: Julia asks for The Matrix Reloaded. Julia says that she enjoyed the noir film Consenting Adults. Justin then recommends Body Heat. Keith mentions The Cowboys when he is renting a movie with Veronica. Keith also mentions Slap Shot. Justin makes a reference to Marlene Dietrich. In addition, several other cultural references are made: Duncan sings part of "Summer Nights" when he is on the bleachers. Troy hits his fist on the jukebox during his date with Veronica, referencing a move created by the character Fonzie from the sitcom Happy Days. Arc significance Veronica tries to find her mother. Going cold turkey from his medications, Duncan hallucinates Lilly telling him that the secret of what really happened the day she was murdered will come out. Music In addition to the series' theme song, "We Used to Be Friends", by The Dandy Warhols, the following songs are heard in the episode: "No Blue Sky" by The Thorns "Art" by Louque "Goodbye World" by Luke Adams "Edge of the Ocean" by Ivy "Rock and a Hard Place" by Supreme Beings of Leisure "What Are You Afraid Of?" by West Indian Girl Production The episode was written by Jed Seidel and directed by Harry Winer. Series regulars Eli "Weevil" Navarro (Francis Capra) and Mallory Dent (Sydney Tamiia Poitier) do not appear in "Meet John Smith." The episode features the first appearance of recurring character Rebecca James, the school guidance counselor. In addition, future Oscar winner Melissa Leo guest stars as Justin's biological father. This episode's title refers to Justin searching for and eventually finding and meeting his father, John Smith, who is now called Julia. Reception Ratings In its original broadcast, the episode was watched by 2.71