(S04E08) If this keeps up, the current season of The OC won't just rival the first -- it'll beat it. Everything that was great about this show in its debut season has returned. The writing is stronger than either of the middle seasons and it seems clear that Josh Schwartz and Co. are flexing their creative muscles fully knowing that this may be their last chance to do so. Seth's dry wit is in full force. The storylines are funny again (no more Marissa to bring it all down). But they're believable storylines too. And the relationships? I actually care about them again.
To illustrate what I'm saying, just look at this episode. It ripped a page right from the Alias playbook and gave us an opening scene only to jump back seven hours earlier. Before this season, I would have never expected to see something like that on The OC.
Granted, the core of the episode became a little cliched when the whole pregnancy fiasco got out of hand and it devolved into a he said/she said/jump to conclusions sort of scramble, but you have to admit -- it was funny, well acted, and it felt real coming from these characters. I'm not so sure about the whole Area 51 New Year's Rave as the setting for it though. I hope Seth proposing to Summer doesn't become a crutch for the rest of the season either. It could easily become the fall-back for conflict (will they or won't they get married?) when things get dry.
For those that have been on the fence about the whole Ryan/Taylor thing, this episode definitely should have sold you on the idea. It's even forcing me to use words I never say. They're... cute. Adorable even. My point? They work together. I know this will anger many by me saying this, but if you ask me, the chemistry between Ryan and Taylor is what the writers had always hoped for with him and Marissa but never achieved. They can have a lot of fun with these two over the final(?) eight episodes.
OK, nit-picky question time. First up? Does anyone else find it weird that Julie and Spencer's male escort service has become über-profitable in a month's time? They're already bringing in $80 grand a night? I'm not saying this business wouldn't do well but that sounds crazy. Regardless, I'm digging it only because it fits Julie. She wouldn't be herself if she didn't have her hands tied up somewhere they shouldn't be.
On top of that we have the emergence of Ryan's father. I honestly never saw this coming but I guess it's the logical step. He's the only member of the Atwood clan that we haven't met yet. Why all the devious behavior though? If he wants to see his son so bad, go ring the doorbell and say "hi." There has to be more than what we saw in Sandy's file on Frank.
I do like how they've crafted a relationship between Bullitt and Kaitlin. Without Jimmy Cooper in her life, she needs a father figure and Bullitt, while the unlikely candidate, seems to be open to it. I wonder if Jimmy will be back again? He was there for the Chrismukkah coma dreams. Maybe Tate Donovan shot another episode? Who knows but I wonder who else we might see back before the season is done. Oliver wouldn't make sense any more and Anna was back last season. What about Lindsey? Give Taylor someone to fight with over Ryan? That could be funny. After this episode, I'd say anything is possible.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-22-2006 @ 7:51AM
jake said...
The last second of the show -- jaw dropping -- you should preface your review that a spoiler is there. I am Shocked and just reinforces the idea that this is such a great show again.
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12-22-2006 @ 7:51AM
Geoffrey M. said...
Josh Schwartz and his group rocks! Everything very climatic from beginning to end. This season could rival the first season but maybe we have to see how this turns out. Thing is.....Im loyal to this show.....I really want see this next year....but less episodes and have the same anticipation that Nip/Tuck has. (Nip/tuck is really good show & is airing for season 5). The OC is really back (I
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12-22-2006 @ 7:51AM
Philip said...
This show is SO GOOD now. This wasn't my fave episode but even a not great episode is awesome and funny and surprising and romantic. Good stuff!
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12-22-2006 @ 7:51AM
Vi Nguyen said...
Marissa killed the show, i'm so glad they moved on. This season is best so far.
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12-22-2006 @ 7:52AM
Jordan said...
I was watching this episode with about 6 of my friends, some of which had not been watching the show this season. However, this episode, especially the shocker at the end had the craving for more similar to the cliffhangers in season 1. All we could say was WOW!! Because it was something so unseen. Good job writers in creating a very viable cliffhanger to gauge and maintain interest.
I must say the rest of the episode was good, but not the best of the season...the cliffhanger at the end really helped seem like a good episode. I felt it was a good episode but nothing like what we have seen.
I look forward to see what materializes between Seth/Summer and Ryan and his dad...this is definately a sign of good things to come.
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12-22-2006 @ 7:52AM
rockmonaco said...
I think they should bring back Luke one last time.
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12-22-2006 @ 9:40AM
tiff said...
At first I thought the previews were going to ruin the big surprise, the proposal between Seth/Summer. But they fooled me - Ryan's dad was the big shocker! I'm scared, excited and happy that The O.C. is only gone two weeks!
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12-22-2006 @ 4:04PM
Bradg said...
They weren't bringing in $80k a night- just the one night. You know... that whole New Year's Eve thing?
Otherwise, a solid review of my old favorite show which is becoming my new favorite show again.
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12-22-2006 @ 4:04PM
Chris said...
Dam the OC is fire this season,maybe fox will pull off a christmakkuh miracle and grant it more eps. and another season, but the interview with autum says they will rap it up in sixteen. I would rather they put more OC on than some bullshit like the RICH LIST.
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12-23-2006 @ 4:02PM
johns said...
Finally another good episode. The story was good, although it wasn't that surprising after all. Taylor was the best once again. I disagree about what you said about Seth. He's not the same anymore. Not that funny.
I really don't like the male escort service thing. it's kinda stupid. I'm really surprised about Kaitlin and Bullit. Kaitlin seems to be alone all the time, so see her having fun with someone was nice.
I'd like to see what's gonna happen with Ryan's dad. I hope they have something good for the next episodes.
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12-23-2006 @ 4:58AM
Kelly said...
I love the Taylor/Ryan chemistry. Marissa needed to go. Taylor fills the spot with flair and perfection. This cast has hit a perfect note.
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12-28-2006 @ 2:47PM
sara said...
I wasn't a fan of this show but watched it because of my sis, but this season made me a fan!! I am HOOKED on the taylor/ryan love story and wish the whole show was on them. I really hope they don't cancel the show beacause it is AMAZINGG!!
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12-28-2006 @ 2:49PM
big t said...
i totally agree! season 2 and 3 of the oc had me wondering if the oc was becoming a crappy show but this season has totally changed my mind.
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1-03-2007 @ 11:24PM
CM said...
I disagree about Marissa. I think the off/on romance between Marissa and Ryan kept the show interesting. I dont think the show will be the same EVER without Marissa. I have watched every episode and think the show is way less exciting to watch this season. I will miss the old O.C. .....
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1-04-2007 @ 1:16PM
Allison said...
THIS IS BULL$HIT!!!!! AHHHH JOSH SCHWARTZ RUINED MY LIFE!!!! THE OC WAS THE ONLY GOOD SHOW ON TV AND NOW THERE IS ONLY CRAP ON TV! THANX A LOT! GRRRRRRR!!!
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