Retro Recaps: The O.C. – 1×01, 1×02 & 1×03

I’ve really enjoyed doing recaps of old episodes of One Tree Hill over the past few months and the plan has always been to recap other old(ish) shows as well. The O.C. is and will always be one of my favorites. I try to watch all 94 episodes at least once a year and I quote it out loud at least once a week. Even to people who have zero idea of what I’m talking about. The characters and the music of The O.C. have become a part of me and I look forward to sharing that with all of you! Enjoy!

1×01 – “Pilot”

Most Quotable: Sandy: “… Have you given any thought at all to your future?” Ryan: “Modern medicine is advancing to the point where the average human life span will be one-hundred, but I read this article that said social security is supposed to run out by the year 2025, which means people are going to have to stay at their jobs until they’re… eighty. I don’t want to commit to anything too soon.”

“Welcome to the Darkside.”

“Way to salt his game Mr. Cohen.”

“Welcome to The OC bitch!”

Sweet as a Balboa Bar: WhenMarissa has one too many, Ryan lifts her off of the sidewalk and carries her to a safe place to sleep.

Ryan Atwood Saves: Even after Seth blows his cover, Ryan rushes to the beach to save him from the ever oppressive Water Polo Team.

The Best of Death Breath Seth: “Why do they even need a fashion show? Every day’s a fashion show for these people.”

Orange colored thoughts: This is one of few shows that I watched from the very beginning and never missed. This Pilot, to this day, is one of my favorite episodes of television EVER. And I have watched a lot of TV. Everything about it is iconic and memorable and burned into my brain better than if it had actually happened to me. It’s moving and sexy, fun and smart. I keep this episode on my iPod at all times and take it with me everywhere I go.

On My iPod: “Into Dust” by Mazzy Star, “Honey and the Moon” by Joseph Arthur & “California” by Phantom Planet

1×02 – “The Model Home”

Most Quotable: “I think the black turtleneck in August tipped her off.”

“You know what I like about rich kids? Nothing!”

“We’re from different worlds.”

Sweet as a Balboa Bar: Marissa is so disturbed by Ryan’s lack of music knowledge that she makes him a mix CD. Love letter of the turn of the century.

Ryan Atwood Saves: He stands up for Seth and punches Luke in the face. Again.

The Best of Death Breath Seth: “Yeah, because everyone wants a brand new teenager.” “You know what I like about rich kids? Bam, nothing. Hey, Ryan, you wouldn’t consider me rich, would you? I’d be more upper middle class?”

Orange colored thoughts: This episode was the first great view at how the Cohen family actually functioned. All of their own neurosis and intricacies were laid out for us to see through not only our own eyes, but through Ryan’s as well. His face at the Cohen dinner table told the story. He had never had such an experience. Spending time with Ryan helps Seth find a place where he finally belongs: outside of the nonsense he was born into while still swimming chest deep in it.

On My iPod: “California” by Rufus Wainwright, “I’m A Terrible Person” by Rooney, “Caught By The River” by The Doves & “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley

1×03 – “The Gamble”

Most Quotable: “Well, I should be off. Got to find the next kid to jeopardize the community. Maybe a black kid. Or an Asian kid. Bye, ladies.”

“I never knew you to be an impulse shopper.”

“Ryan’s gonna stay with us now.”

“I’ll unpack later.”

Sweet as a Balboa Bar: Luke is mostly a dick but he does try to help Ryan’s mom off of the floor.

Ryan Atwood Saves: When some juvenile delinquent (hello Weevil from Veronica Mars) goes after Kirsten, Ryan jumps in to protect her.

The Best of Death Breath Seth: “Star Wars convention? I’m sorry, her top was off. You couldn’t at least have said X-Men for me?”

Orange colored thoughts: I was in love with this show from the very beginning but this is the episode that lays the first sturdy bricks on the already poured foundation. There are so many moving and emotional scenes that it’s hard to know where to start. We get to meet the Newpsies and see just how out of place Kirsten feels in her own community. We are privilege to exactly the kind of mess Ryan’s mom really is. Most importantly, this episode gives us our first Ryan/Kirsten moment. And, as a true O.C. fan knows, those moments come few and far between, each one more precious than the last.

On My iPod: “Rain City” by Turin Brakes