The thing I miss most about “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” is the witty, pop culture-relevant banter among the characters.

Fortunately, Rob Thomas and Joel Silver have picked up where “Buffy’s” Joss Whedon left off with “Veronica Mars,” the hippest show on television.

In fact, Whedon, the brains behind “Buffy” and “Angel,” is a big fan of Thomas’ and Silver’s work. On his Web site, he called “Veronica” the “Best. Show. Ever.”

Thomas and Silver repaid the compliment by giving Whedon a small part in the Nov. 9 episode as a car rental clerk. It was hoot to see.

If you’re not watching “Veronica Mars,” you should be — just for the writing alone. More than once, I’ve found myself replaying scenes for the dialogue.

For example, on the Nov. 9 episode, Veronica, a modern-day Nancy Drew played by Kristen Bell, teamed up with a scary enforcer guy to get some information out of a young man.

The scary enforcer guy hung the young fellow upside down out of a third-floor window while Veronica begged the man not to hurt him. Afterward, Veronica asked enforcer dude where he learned his interrogation technique

“Harvard,” he answered. “That’s a pretty convincing hysterical routine you’ve got. Where’d you learn that?”

“Watching cheerleading tryout results,” Veronica deadpanned.

Priceless.

UPN, for the most part, has been an afterthought as a network, especially around here.

Until recently, it was available on a limited basis on Fox affiliate KSNB (channel 4), which showed select programs after 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday nights. KOLN/KGIN-TV launched UPN Nebraska in September, giving viewers the entire lineup.

“Veronica Mars” is one of the shows — along with “America’s Top Model” and “Everybody Hates Chris” — that is finally giving UPN some much-needed credibility.

The teen drama is good. Really good. It’s “The O.C.” with more of an edge.

Bell, as the protagonist, will make viewers forget Sarah Michelle Gellar. Her supporting cast — which until recently included “Buffy/Angel” alum Charisma Carpenter — also is stellar.

My favorite is Jason Dohring, who plays Veronica’s bad-boy ex-boyfriend. In the Nov. 9 episode, Dohring took jabs at the Olsen twins, Ellen DeGeneres and Martha Stewart. I watched all three of them more than once.

“Veronica Mars” isn’t, as Whedon claims, the best show ever, but it’s pretty darn close. It’s light-hearted fun and something I look forward to every week.

Around the dial

*Ted Koppel’s last “Nightline” is set for Tuesday night.

I’ve been a hit-and-miss viewer over the years, taking it in when Koppel has had stories of interest to me.

But I’ve always admired Koppel’s talent and skills. He’s become one of the most trusted broadcasters in the business because he’s so good at what he does.

He’ll be missed.

*The WB announced its longest-running series, “7th Heaven,” is ending this spring after 10 seasons on the air.

A Monday-night staple, “7th Heaven” is one of, if not the best, family shows on television. It also helped give the network some credibility in its early years.

Expect The WB to pull out the stops as “7th Heaven” nears it conclusion.

*In the where-has-my-show gone department, CBS has switched “Close at Home” and “Threshold.” “Home” already has aired twice in its new timeslot on Friday nights. “Threshold” returns at 9 p.m. Tuesday. Neither series has yet to earn full-season pick-ups.

Fox, after giving a full hour to “Arrested Development” on Nov. 7, is pulling the sitcom for the rest of the month. The freshman comedy series “Kitchen Confidential” also has been placed on the shelf.

Both, which air back to back on Monday nights, are expected to return Dec. 5, although my gut tells me “Kitchen” may be done. It’s aired three times to mediocre ratings.

 The network plans to air reruns of its breakout hit “Prison Break” in the timeslot.

*ABC has picked up “Freddie” for the rest of the season, joining “Commander in Chief” and “Invasion” as new shows with full-season orders. CBS has given a full season to the Monday night sitcom, “Out of Practice.”

Elsewhere, The WB has ordered more episodes of “Related” and “Twins.” NBC has asked for more episodes of “Three Wishes” and “The Office,” which, after a slow start, has become a gem of a comedy series. I can’t say as much for “Freddie.”

*In casting news, ABC has canned Page Kennedy, the actor who played the young man kept captive in the basement of Alfre Woodard’s character on “Desperate Housewives,” for improper conduct. No details were released.

Lauren Holly has become a permanent member of the cast on the CBS drama “NCIS.” She plays Mark Harmon’s boss/love interest.

*Quick hits … FX decided not to give “Over There” a second season … CBS has ordered two more editions of “Survivor” … Connie Chung and husband Maury Povich will host a weekend news show together on MSNBC beginning in January … Nickelodeon has ordered 20 more episodes of “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.

“Veronica Mars”

8 p.m. Wednesdays

UPN (channel 110)

3½ stars