The bad news is that Hearst isn't much of actress. Also, a subplot involving the attack on a frat boy (likely by feminists making a statement about the rapes plaguing Hearst's campus) was treated a bit too glibly.
However, the plot involving Hearst was a delicious take on the movie "The Big Lebowski," with Hearst's character, much like Tara Reid's in "Lebowski," possessing a shady husband who may be happy to have her out of the way. Also, like The Big Lebowski himself, hubby had a syncophantic manservant named Brant. It was also twisty and turny and hilarious, and the scene where Veronica and her dad broke into the Hearst's guest house was beyond amusing.
Now, I saw in a recent issue that Entertainment Weekly reviewed this particularly episode and gave it a "D" rating. Oof. Way out of line, EW. Yes, the episode maybe wasn't among the show's best, but it had plenty of good moments. Then again, this same review claimed Veronica has turned into a "moody, clingy, sourpuss."
Moody, yes. But the character has always been that way. You'd be moody too if half the people you cared about died or abandoned you. However, calling her "clingy" is completely off-base. Her whole character is based on her need to push people away. And sourpuss? Her "Six Million Dollar Man" and "National Lampoon's Vacation" bits while breaking into the Rose guest house showed she's no sourpuss. Our girl is still funny as heck.