Welcome Back to The OC….Bitch
October 26, 2006 by Kath Skerry
The show that brought Chrismukkah into the lexicon and introduced us to the fabulosity of Julie Cooper Nichol is back next Thursday to kick off its fourth season. Now I know what you are thinking, and yes I agree. The OC has had it shares of bumps and bruises over the last two seasons, but this is a new season and a new OC.
I was lucky enough to get my grubby little hands on the first four episodes of the new season, and once I started watching, I was quickly sucked back into the beautiful world of Newport Beach. I’ve watched the show since day one and stuck with it through the ups (Summer/Seth/Anna) and the downs (Oliver and later Johnny). And despite a rather painful third season, The OC is back and ready to recapture the glory of yesteryear.
What we’ve always known and loved about The OC is still present. Seth is still adorkable and witty. Ryan is still brooding. Sandy & Kirsten are still the coolest parents on the planet. And Julie is still damaged and slutty. But our favorite characters are living in a new Newport Beach – one that doesn’t include Marissa Cooper.
So what is the world of The OC like without our fair Marissa Cooper? For those who loved her, Marissa’s death proved to shake up their sunny and martini filled worlds. The death of Marissa is not mentioned in passing and then shoved away in a drawer. It’s dealt with and respected. Fans who were sad to see the departure of Mischa Barton and Marissa (of which I was not one), should feel fully compensated by how the writers handled this delicate story.
Marissa’s passing has had a profound effect on those who loved her. Julie and Ryan are cemented down by their loss, not able to move forward. They live in a dark place where anger and vengeance prevail – it’s not a happy place to visit.
Summer is off saving the world at Brown, one tree at a time. Yes, little Miss Vixen has ditched her Jimmy Choo’s for Birkenstocks and hairy legs. She’s got a new best friend in a hippy named Che (aptly played by the amazing Chris Pratt who many of you will recognize as Bright Abbott from the sadly departed Everwood). With saving chickens and Che keeping her busy, Summer isn’t really finding (or making) the time for Seth.
And Seth. My Seth. He’s just trying to figure out his new life without his best friend and his girlfriend. At least Coop’s death hasn’t affected Seth’s ability to pull out the snappiest one liners at completely inappropriate times.
I want to be careful to not give too much away, because I really, really want you all to check it out. But here’s a few things you should know…
Kaitlin Cooper is sticking around The OC, and I’m happy to report that despite my fears Josh Schwartz and crew aren’t making this season all about Kaitlin and her HS friends. Kaitlin is going to prove to be a good ally to Julie. And if more Kaitlin means more Julie, then bring it on.
Taylor Townsend is back, and as hyper as ever. I wasn’t an immediate fan of Ms. T last season. But over the first few episodes, you see her develop from the wacky neighbor (so to speak) into an interesting addition to the crew. Autumn Reeser, who plays Taylor, is a force to be reckoned and she’s got a really incredible storyline which begins to play around Ep 4. I can’t wait until you all get caught up so we can chat.
The writers seem to realize that we like Sandy and Kirsten Cohen happy and solid as a rock. Sandy is back as a public defender and Kirsten is back trying to cook and loving her boys. Here’s to hoping they don’t mess with Mama and Papa Cohen anymore, because they bring stability to a crazy world.
And finally Julie Cooper Nichol. One of the best characters every to hit the small screen. I always think the sign of a great actor is when you can’t imagine that there is another living soul that could play this role. Melinda Clarke infuses such life into Julie – a character that in the hands of a lesser actor could easily come off as cartoonish. Season four brings us more Julie and her struggle between being the mother she knows she should be and the Riverside-raised bad girl we know she is.
Ok, ok, by now I think you get my point. I am LOVING what I’ve seen so far of The OC. If you’ve given up and moved on then come back. It’s worth the spot on your TiVo. You won’t be disappointed…trust me.
And speaking on TiVos, The OC’s biggest challege this season will be to found among the ridiculously crowded Thursday night lineup. Fox has scheduled the show up against the #1 and #2 shows on TV – Grey’s Anatomy and CSI, and NBC’s just yesterday announced that Scrubs and 30 Rock will also be vying for those same viewers. It’s nights like this that I am happy to be a TV addict with multiple TiVos. Because I am NOT giving up The OC, and neither should you.
Seriously, tell Josh Schwartz to send the first 4 my way! Hello, for two years I’ve sent out Chrismukkah cards! And PS-Ryan all Fight Club is hot business.
And Chris Pratt, damn I miss that kid. I love that the Everwoodians are getting some screen time again!
I’m looking forward to watching the OC this year. Despite my waning interest in the OC last year, I’m hoping that the first few episodes will reinvigorate my addiction to this show. From what I read here, I think it is going to do just that! Thanks GMMR!
Oooo, very nice preview. It is interesting to know how the show will develop and move forward after the big change at the end of last season.
The first episode was amazing. If you are reading this Josh Schwartz you are doing an amazing job. Keep up the great work. I stayed up till 3 AM just to watch the premier online and it was well worth the loss of sleep. If anyone wants to talk to me about the OC you can always send me an e-mail at themonkeytree@gmail.com It would be really cool if Josh Schwartz read this and sent me an e-mail. I know he is very busy, but I am such a huge fan of the show it would be an honor of mine to talk to him.
I cannot wait for episode 2. I am curious to see if there is going to be a traditional Chrismukkah episode. Summer is currently not in the right place to celebrate any holiday, neither is ryan. I hope there will be a Chrismukkah episode, because that is one of my favorite episodes each year.
hmmm, maybe I should try to watch The OC again, I’ve only seen a couple of episodes, but know whats going on, and the fact the Chris Pratt is on it, definitely is a reason, ooo how I miss my Bright Abbott!
Wow! That’s great! It’s a cool show, and got good moments.
[…] Watch The OC NOW… If you have a PC and live in this country then you can check out the first episode of The OC Season 4 on MySpace. And in case you missed it, here’s my review of Season 4 of The OC. […]
[…] Check out GMMR’s take on The OC Season 4 and catch up with OC creator Josh Schwartz in this great Zap2it interview. […]
I’ve seen the first episode of the new season and agree with you completely. Especially the parts about Julie; she is, afterall, my favorite character. And yeah, if more Kaitlin means more Julie, bring it on!!
I don’t suppose you’d be willing to give spoilers for the next three episodes, would you? XD
The new season is darker and edgier and I like it! It seems promising and the turn around is interesting! I LOVE the new OC!
i would like Marissa back
Is really Marissa dead?Still hope that she’ll appear again in Season 4!If someone knows something about it please help me see it clear!
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Is really Marissa dead?Still hope that she’ll appear again in Season 4!If someone knows something about it please help me see it clear!