The Oldest Teenager This Side Of Dylan McKay

On Last Night's "The O.C."




- Why does every show seem to do that episode where its all, "Hey, it's your birthday? WHO KNEW!" I mean, Ryan's been living with the Cohens for what, two years now? Why is everyone surprised that it's his birthday? And I realize the 18^th birthday is a big deal, but maybe you "O.C." folks could not rip off an entire "That '70s Show" episode, only instead of stealing a street sign, Sandy steals Ryan's alcoholic mother from jail.

- I really hope you guys get your act together and keep Ryan and Marissa apart, because it was like you took Pinocchio Ryan and breathed life into him and turned him into a Real Live Boy last night. He's much hotter as slightly confused, trying to overcome his life's bad hand Ryan than as Marissa-whipped, beleaguered Ryan. Ben McKenzie can be a great actor, but he definitely does much better when he has chemistry with people. He and Sadie seem to have some. He and Marissa do NOT. If that's where you were going with all "The Model Home" flashbacks -- that they had something lost that is now gone, or burned to the ground, if you will, then nice job. If it was to make us all yearn for Their Great Love, then...not so much.

- I love Julie Cooper, and am charmed by her social ineptitude, but PLEASE don't have her throw herself at Dr. Neal's feet. It's great to have someone to share your Hot Pockets with, but not at the expense of your spine.

- Although Foreigner is so not better than Journey, that whole thing was worth it for Ryan's adorable reaction to Seth's excitement.

- It was great that Summer finally got to do something besides abuse Seth and worry about Marissa. Loyalty is one of Summer's sweetest qualities, and seeing her look out for her dad was very nice. Rachel Bilson is very good in her role. Please stop wasting her...

- ...And speaking of wasted actors, not only did her hair look lovely, but Kelly Rowan got to speak tonight -- thanks! They really should have a required class in school: "Be a Man, Not a Douchebag: Gentle Smackdowns by Kirsten." Although maybe with a less porny-sounding course title.

- When we last saw Marissa, she was with alcohol and a bad boy. Good job. Those two things have made her semi-interesting in the past. Throw in some Tijuana Vicodin and/or another purple-haired girlfriend, and I might actually get invested in her character again.

- The end of the episode left me with hope, because you were focusing on what "The O.C." does best -- interaction among the core characters that involves continuity and genuine emotion. The great thing about old-school "O.C." was the irony that in such a seemingly homogeneous community, a group of people with widely different backgrounds and dysfunctions could come together and be stronger for their unlikely, familial relationships. So keep it up. And keep Ryan and Marissa apart -- this cannot be said enough.


©2006