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February 1, 2007: A Case of the Franks
So were you rooting for Team Bullit or Team Frank? Or Mondale and Ferraro? But we’ll get to the ‘80s Democrats in a minute. Up first: Julie’s double-engagement dilemma — and on Valentine’s Day, no less! I really enjoyed the playful tug-of-war between Bullit’s top crusader, Kaitlin, and Frank supporters Taylor and Ryan. The deception, the GPS tracking, the hot-dog stand versus the private plane — it was all in good fun.
I only wish I could use the phrase “fun” to describe Frank as well, but I can’t. He’s adorable and... boring. On one hand, he reminds me a lot of Ryan: the physical resemblance, the quietly distant persona. But while Ryan’s detachment and sulkiness come off as appealing, Frank’s come off as just kind of... well, blah. I don’t think the fault lies with Kevin Sorbo. The main problem is that we viewers haven’t gotten much of a chance to know Frank (though he was more charming the last time we saw him). And what we do know of Papa Atwood is a bit of a contradiction: he’s a former bad boy with a record for larceny and domestic abuse. I guess years in prison really mellowed the guy out, because now he’s pretty laid-back. I don’t think he would have even fought for Julie if Taylor and Ryan hadn’t helped him. He certainly wouldn’t have thought of any creative schemes.
Nevertheless, the show made it pretty clear that Frank was the one meant for Julie, because she had “a case of the Franks” and was in love with him. I’m just not sure why (other than his looks). True, there was that common background they share. But I feel like this relationship was forced on the viewers, without giving us a chance to become invested in it. Now, if Jimmy Cooper had come back and tried to win Julie back (yet again), that would have been more believable. And he would have proved a far more interesting foe for the Bullit. Like Kaitlin, I’m gonna miss that rich, ping-pong-playing Texan. He had a big personality, which seemed to be a good match for drama queen Julie. I think Julie did try, but alas, she didn’t love him. At least Julie has gotten over her habit of marrying for money.
So no more of the old gold-digging Julie Cooper. But we did get to see glimpses of the old Kirsten, Sandy, Seth and Summer. I don’t think The O.C. has ever gone the flashback route before, and it was done well here. Particularly Kirsten’s story. I completely forgot that back when Theresa became pregnant, Kirsten alluded to having an abortion years ago. Now that Kirsten finds herself pregnant again, it did seem like a good time to explore that story further. So it was Jimmy’s baby, and she never told him. And she never told Sandy — until now. I would have liked it if they'd explored that story even deeper, plus seen more of political activist Sandy circa 1984. We could have sacrificed some of the Seth 1998 flashback, which was just OK. (Although little Summer’s Spice Girls song-and-dance was adorable.) Question: where was little Marissa? Apparently every other Newport fifth-grader was in that class, even little Taylor and little Luke! It was just weird that Marissa was missing.
Ultimately, it seems like Valentine’s Day was a success for most Newport couples: Seth and Summer, Ryan and Taylor, Sandy and Kirsten, and Julie and Frank. They all seem to be on solid ground... until next week, that is (yes, pun intended).
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Feb 1, 2007 11:59 PM
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I loved this episode. IMO it was the best episode all season.
I was rooting for team Frank. Julie always falls for the money and never the man. It was a nice change for her to really want to be with someone because she felt a connection not because he had a ton of money.
I loved the flashbacks for both couples. It was so nice to see and I totally forgot about Kirsten telling Theresa about the abortion.
Also it never crossed my mind that Marissa’s name was not mentioned during the 5th grade class flashbacks.
Good looking out Jennifer.
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Feb 2, 2007 11:19 AM
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This episode was great and just as good as the rest of the season. I'm glad we got one lasst Orange county valentines day, and this one was the best so far through all four seasons. Anyway, it was great all around. I was on Team Frank-mainly, because Ryan was finally doing something for his Dad, instead of just ignoring him.
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Feb 2, 2007 1:40 PM
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Good episode. I enjoyed the flashbacks. I guess Jimmy had some moles removed from the flashbacks to present day. A lot of moles on his face. It distracted me to no end. I almost forgot about Kirsten's abortion. That was interesting that they brought that up after not mentioned it for a couple of years.
Sometimes Taylor annoys me a little. Surprising that she would want Julie to become involved with Frank because he is a former wife beater. Just a little odd. It seems she gets involved a bit too much at times with peoples lives. Like when she thought Summer might have been pregnant. She couldn't keep her mouth shut about that either. Her child self was amusing though. Acting just like her.
Not a huge fan of Seth and Summer wrestling whether they are meant for each other. They are like 19 years old for crying out loud!! It is not the end of the world if they aren't meant for each other.
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Feb 2, 2007 9:33 PM
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speedy, you obviously forgot what is was like to be 19 - it is a big deal.
i liked the dynamic that kaitlyn had on julies decision. kaitlyn loved having a "dad" around... and i totally want jimmy cooper back.
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Feb 2, 2007 9:53 PM
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I certainly remember that age. I wasn't thinking about marriage. That's for sure. Way too young. Kirsten had good advice for Summer. If it is meant to be it is meant to be. I have a bad feeling that they are going to end the series with a wedding between them.
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Feb 3, 2007 4:31 AM
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It's too bad that they couldn't make Autmumn Reeser's character more visible, last season. She's the reason i still watch!
Gilmore Girl fans, do y'all think with the OC's imminent demise in a few more weeks, that Benjamin McKenzie will come back as Lane's ex boyfriend? There could be a storyline there...
Speaking of Seth....is Seth Sandy's son or Jimmy's son?
just wondering
daveedt
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Feb 3, 2007 11:23 AM
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Adam Brody played Lane's boyfriend on GG, not Ben McKenzie. But that would be funny if he came back. I love him!
And for about a second I thought maybe Seth was Jimmy's son, but come on----the boy's a Cohen if there ever was one. Plus he came after the marriage, and I don't think Kirsten would have had an affair with Jimmy after just marrying Sandy. If there was another season of the show...maybe....but it's not something they would do with 3 eps left.
Also...I love Taylor! Just had to put that!
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Feb 3, 2007 12:29 PM
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I was rooting for Team Bullit myself. Money aside, how could you not grow to love such a character? Julie was noble in rejecting Frank at first because of Kaitlin's great relationship with Bullitt, but caved in the end...to what? A "former" wife beater? YIKES! Can Jules really give up living in a mansion and having a nice wardrobe? Yes, she was living in a trailer park for awhile, but only until the next gold-digging opportunity presented itself.
Good thing the show is ending, because I don't see a happy ending for Jules and Frank. Would have loved to see the new Cohen baby, though...
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Feb 5, 2007 11:22 AM
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I was rooting for Bullitt too, and not because he has money. He's such a charmer, and a sweetie too. Did you catch the bit about him just wanting Julie to be happy. I thought the actor played his rejection very well. You could see he was hurt, but he pulled it together for Kaitlin. Frank was just kind of a downer. And I can't see Julie being happy with him long-term.
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Feb 5, 2007 7:40 PM
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I was for Team Frank all the way! To me, Frank & Julie seem right for each other-they come from the same side of the tracks,if you know what I mean. I truly believe the man has changed and I'm glad that Ryan has finally seen that. Julie may have been initally drawn
to Bullit because of his money,but money can't buy love,and Julie knows that.
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Feb 6, 2007 11:53 AM
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To Huntress....I think the finale is supposed to take place about 6 months later than the episode before. And the way that they having been jumping weeks at a time this season, maybe we will get a glimpse, albeit a brief one, and baby Cohen!
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Feb 7, 2007 2:43 PM
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