Justin Smith is a young, somewhat nerdy student at Neptune High, who is attracted to Veronica Mars. In a ploy to get to spend time with her, he hired her to track down his father, John Smith, whom his mother had told him was dead. In actuality, his father is a transgender female who his mother had divorced. Although initially shocked and disgusted at what became of his father, Justin decided to work past his feelings and pursue a relationship with her.