In This Section
TV Guide Spotlight
Also on TVGuide.com
|
« The O.C.
December 7, 2006: Blog Smog
So it’s really no surprise that Taylor keeps a blog, one that no less details “the erotic memoirs of a soulful college girl” (even though technically she’s not in college at the moment). What is surprising is how this show manages to keep Taylor and Ryan’s budding relationship so refreshingly adorable. I love how Taylor doesn’t even realize that Ryan’s asking her out at first, and gets all apologetic about their kiss (“I’m a lip-biter... sometimes I draw blood”). She’s self-deprecating, while he’s inadvertently insulting, calling her “weird” and “strange.” She stages elaborate soap-opera schemes (“What if I did rent a homosexual for the evening, and pay him with rare collectibles from Asian cinema?”), while he has fantasies involving roller skates and soapy window-washing that Seth deems “pedestrian” and “average.” This opposites-attract plotline isn’t an original concept, but it is something new for Ryan, and it’s just what he (and The O.C.) needed. In the past, pairing Ryan with mopey girlfriends (Marissa, Lindsay, Sadie) resulted in things soon getting boring. (Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been a Ryan fan.) Taylor, on the other hand, seems to really keep Ryan on his toes. It’s as if her inherent comedy spills over to him and makes him funny, too. Now, cute can easily cross the line into annoying territory, but I don’t think that’s gonna happen here. This show has managed to keep Seth and Summer’s relationship cute yet annoying-free for years. Plus, I think Ryan and Taylor have the necessary chemistry to be not only cute but hot as well.
Now let’s talk about that original teddy bear of a couple, Seth and Summer. I’m all for continuing education, but if Summer’s forced leave from Brown and Seth’s voluntary delay of the spring semester at RISD means that we no longer have to suffer through their strained long-distance relationship and stolen-bunny story lines, then to hell with college. Though I am upset that Che (or should I call him Winchester?) basically got away with putting all of the blame on Summer for their crimes. It’s not fair that she has to pay a steep price while he pays nothing. But how sweet of Seth to try to play Ryan and seek out Che to beat him up. There was actually quite a bit of role-playing going on in last night’s episode, what with both Kirsten and Sandy auditioning to be the “substitute Seth” for a needy Ryan. I was glad those two renewed their vows at the end of the episode, even if it was unplanned. Their romance going rocky was one of the low points of last season, so this show definitely needs the Cohens firmly together.
Speaking of low points, I’m not too crazy about Kaitlin’s new classmates. Snotty Riley and her clique of wannabes all felt so phony and one-dimensional. I still like Kaitlin, though. And the party she threw was fun, but mostly because of the last-minute chaperones. I laughed out loud when Taylor, shopping around her Pictionary and her “get high on life” slogan, had water thrown on her. (Although it was way too much liquid to be a drink – maybe someone jumped in the pool? Whatever it was, it was funny). Meanwhile, Che was passing out condoms and don’t-drink-and-drive messages, while Summer was looking out for the safety of her tanning chair... shades of the old Summer? Perhaps she’ll be back just in time for the return of another O.C. classic: Chrismukkah, which arrives next week. Only seven shopping days left, better hurry!
|
TVGuide Links:
|
|
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 12:09 AM
|
I think that that was the best epi. since first season. I loved the Julie and the Bullet, Kaitlyn and the showing up of the popular bizich.
Gayness rules. I loved Ryan and Taylor and Seth and Summer...I could do without Che though.
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 1:40 AM
|
Fun episode. I do think Ryan and Taylor look good together. That is a very interesting couple who will probably have a lot of fun together.
The Bullet had some good lines, but did they have to make him such a buffoon? I also like it that the Cohens have a strong marriage again. The fighting Cohens wasn't that pleasant to be around.
I am also relieved that we don't have to see the causes anymore. That just didn't work on the show. I also don't need the show becoming Will and Grace.
Good season so far this year. I still laugh knowing that Summer's father is at the Grey's Anaotomy hospital. Too bad it will probably be the last season. That's a shame.
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 3:52 AM
|
Well, if this is the kind of writing and acting we can expect for this "final" season, then I say bring it on!
I'd much rather have 4 great seasons of O.C. than to have it dragged out.
Great episode last night. I love, love, love Taylor!
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 10:42 AM
|
|
Last year I watch this show out of habit not because I was actually enjoying it. However this year my opinion has completely changed. This year has been exceptional and really enjoyable. Ryan and Taylor have great chemistry and are a true joy to watch. If the writing keeps up, I look forward to the rest of the season even another season.
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 11:01 AM
|
Seriously, last season was a chore watching it. This season, I can't wait for each episode. I laugh the entire time. Basically I'm lovin it again. It's like I renewed my vows with The OC. 
I love Ryan and Taylor together. If this is the last season, at least they are going to go out on top of their game.
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 11:07 AM
|
|
I loved this episode. They are bringing in so many things that they've never done before, finally new story lines. I love it all, except Che, i think it's time to get rid of him. Anyway, hopefully we'll get additional episodes added, and maybe even another season. It definitely deserves it.
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 11:07 AM
|
I love this season of the OC. Taylor and Ryan should be tv's newest it couple. I agree that Ryan has had a lot of mopey girlfriends. Taylor, however neurotic she may be, should help him have a little fun without getting into trouble or punching anyone.
Loved how Seth threatened to go all "Ryan Atwood" on Che!
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 11:44 AM
|
Get rid of Che....he's overstayed his welcome. He's a total bore. I want the old Summer back.
LOVE Ryan and Taylor together, they are hot!!! Marissa who??????
The previews for next week seem really weird? Is Marissa back for some flackback episode?
Love Julie and the Bullet. I hope that they tone him down a bit.
I don't want this show to end at 4 seasons, let's hope it gets picked up for a fifth!!!
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 12:36 PM
|
|
sheilab: next week's episode is an alternate reality Christmakah episode, where Sandy & Julie are married, and Marissa never died. It's basically life as if Ryan hadn't showed up. It should be interesting.
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 1:48 PM
|
|
is mischa barton coming back next week for an appearance???
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 2:46 PM
|
I would die of shock if that was actually Mischa in the flash back. First of all....how the heck was that kept quiet all this time? Second, she didn't exactly leave of the best of terms, so I doubt that they would bring her back for that. If they didn't bring her back for any closure (last moments...funeral) I doubt they would bring her back for this. She probably turns around and as it happens, it cuts back to reality.
Anyway......ditto to everyone else's posts! I love this season!! I LOVE RYAN AND TAYLOR!! GOOD RIDDANCE MARISSA!! Ryan needs someone that doesn't whine or need him for help every 5 seconds. They are adorable, and I hope they keep it going and don't ruin it if this season is the end.
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 2:51 PM
|
I about fell out of my chair from Taylor wiping "I love poop" off of that one twins' face. The way she delivered that line was CLASSIC! 
I'm back to looking FORWARD to The O.C. every week - yay!!! 
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 3:14 PM
|
|
To me this was the best episode of this season and definitely last season. I love Taylor and Ryan, I thought last year they would be an interesting pairing when she went out with him that one time, but I never thought I would totally love them. Loved when Seth said he was going to get all Atwood on him, meaning Che.Kirsten and Sandy were great as replacement Seth, the only thing I can do with out is baby Marissa, send her back to school.
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 3:19 PM
|
Little off topic, but according to Matt Mitovich's ratings report, the show last night hit a season high with approximately 4 million viewers. I think that's a whole million increase from last week, so hopefully it's a good sign for things to come.
Anyways, I agree that this week's episode was continuing the recent trend of great shows. I absolutely laughed at all of Ryan's hallucinations and at Seth taking a page out of Ryan's playbook and threatening to go all Atwood on Che. Also laughed a lot at the Summer/Che scenes. I know not everyone here is a fan of him or that storyline, but I find it to be absolutely hilarious. When he showed up to Summer's door and she closed the door twice on him, I actually laughed out loud. Chris Pratt is a great comedic presence on the show for me.
One last thing, I really enjoyed the auditioning for substitute Seth scenes with Kirsten, Sandy, and Ryan. I like when the parents interact with Ryan, makes me feel warm inside. Can't wait till next week, looks like a good take on the It's A Wonderful Life storyline.
|
|
Dec 8, 2006 3:41 PM
|
|
|
