| Picture |
Title |
Writer(s) |
Director |
Original Airdate |
# season |
# total |
 |
Premiere |
Josh Schwartz |
Doug Liman |
August 5, 2003 |
1 |
1 |
| A new life for Ryan Atwood, the Cohens and the Coopers, and basically everyone else in the wealthy, picturesque, secretive, turbulent community of Orange County, California. |
 |
The Model Home |
Allan Heinberg and Josh Schwartz |
Doug Liman |
August 12, 2003 |
2 |
2 |
| Faced with the prospect of life in a group home, Ryan decides to run away from Newport, but Seth and Marissa convince him to stay and hide in one of Kirsten's vacant building projects. Jimmy discusses his recent financial woes with Kirsten, so she offers a solution. After Luke misinterprets an encounter between Marissa and Ryan, he confronts Ryan and a fight breaks loose, burning down Kirsten's "model home" in the process. Luke and Ryan are arrested. |
 |
The Gamble |
Jane Espenson |
Ian Toynton |
August 19, 2003 |
3 |
3 |
| Sandy comes to Ryan's rescue once again after he has a difficult stay in juvie hall. Seth makes Kirsten aware of his anger over Ryan's situation, so Kirsten makes a compromise. Ryan's mother, Dawn, makes a surprise visit to Newport, and things don't go quite as she and Ryan may have planned. The monetary secret involving Julie, Jimmy, Kirsten and Sandy comes to a head. Also, Marissa chooses Luke over Ryan. |
 |
The Debut |
Allan Heinberg and Josh Schwartz |
Daniel Attias |
August 26, 2003 |
4 |
4 |
| It's time for the annual Cotillion Ball. Cherished by many, hated by most, it's the time when Newport's finest young ladies enter society. Luke and Marissa break up, so Ryan does the honourable thing and escorts her at her Cotillion. More information about Jimmy's business trouble comes to light when Holly's father punches him at Cotillion, yelling, "Thief! He's a thief!" Not how Jimmy wanted everyone to find out. |
 |
The Outsider |
Melissa Rosenberg |
Jesús Salvador Treviño |
September 2, 2003 |
5 |
5 |
| Ryan takes a job at the Crab Shack. A co-worker at the diner means bad news for the Newport kids. Ryan asks Marissa out on a date. Sandy attempts to help Jimmy sort out his life, but gives him some bad news. Julie reveals her plans to divorce Jimmy. Disaster strikes at another one of Holly's parties after Ryan's co-worker shoots Luke. |
 |
The Girlfriend |
Josh Schwartz, Debra J. Fisher and Erica Messer |
Steve Robman |
September 9, 2003 |
6 |
6 |
| Kirsten's father, Caleb Nichol, comes for a visit along with his new girlfriend, Gabrielle. Twenty-four-year-old Grandma Nichol has arrived. Kirsten finds her job in jeopardy, while Sandy considers making a change and moving to Berkeley. Much to Ryan's disappointment, Luke decides he wants a second chance with Marissa...and Marissa is reluctant to agree. She chooses Ryan in the end, but it's too late because Ryan is making out with Gabrielle in the pool house. Marissa lets Luke be her "first". Summer makes a move on Seth, but he wonders if her feelings are real. |
 |
The Escape |
Josh Schwartz |
Sanford Bookstaver |
September 16, 2003 |
7 |
7 |
| The Newport kids plan an end-of-summer trip down to Tijuana, Mexico. Marissa and Luke break up once again (this time for good) after she catches him with Holly. Sandy gets a new job, which Kirsten can't understand. Jimmy and Julie announce their divorce. Marissa ODs on painkillers and tequila. |
 |
The Rescue |
Melissa Rosenberg and Allan Heinberg |
Michael Lange |
October 29, 2003 |
8 |
8 |
| Everyone is back home in Newport and Marissa is recovering. Julie points the finger at Ryan and forbids him from seeing Marissa, who does not appreciate the help. Sandy starts his new job, but finds himself surprised by the casework. Kirsten finds herself surprised by Sandy's hot new co-worker. Ryan enrolls at Harbor School, with conditions. Julie betrays Jimmy and Marissa. Marissa moves in with her father. |
 |
The Heights |
Debra J. Fisher and Erica Messer |
Patrick Norris |
November 5, 2003 |
9 |
9 |
| Back to school for the O.C. kids. No one really wants to be there, except for the gossips. Ryan doesn't feel like he fits in at his new school and of course Luke doesn't make the situation any better. Sandy accepts a case at his new job, a case that will test his relationship with Kirsten and her father. Anna and Seth hatch a plan for Seth to win Summer over. Marissa and Ryan share their first kiss while stuck on the ferris wheel. |
 |
The Perfect Couple |
Allan Heinberg |
Michael Fresco |
November 12, 2003 |
10 |
10 |
| Couples are plentiful in Orange County. It is a night of firsts. Now that they are free to love one another, Ryan and Marissa plan their first official date. Kirsten sees her father with a new woman, and fears Sandy has found a new woman of his own. Summer passionately kisses Seth and admits she likes him, but if he tells anyone he's dead. |
 |
The Homecoming |
Josh Schwartz and Brian Oh |
Keith Samples |
November 19, 2003 |
11 |
11 |
| It's Thanksgiving time in Orange County. It's time for family reunions, and Ryan gets called home by his family. Is it because of the holiday, or is it for a favor? Marissa decides to go along for the ride, but ends up going down Ryan's bad-memory lane instead. Seth plays the player role, but not very well. |
 |
The Secret |
Allan Heinberg and Josh Schwartz |
James Marshall |
November 26, 2003 |
12 |
12 |
| Seth and Kirsten want to avoid facing the world after their respective displays at Thanksgiving. Sandy has some advice for Jimmy, which doesn't sit well with Julie. Ryan and Luke find themselves getting along after an O.C. loved-one comes out of the closet to face negative reactions. |
 |
The Best Chrismukkah Ever |
Stephanie Savage |
Sanford Bookstaver |
December 3, 2003 |
13 |
13 |
| Ryan, and the World, are officially introduced to the bi-religious holiday Chrismukkah, thanks to Seth. And Seth insists he has two Godly forces helping him as he plays two girls. Marissa has some 'discount shopping' to do, and finds herself in an embarrassing situation, or two, or three. Kirsten does something that could cost her more than just her job. Summer and Anna each have very special gifts for Seth, but which one will he like the most? And a new boy enters the Newport scene. |
 |
The Countdown |
Josh Schwartz |
Michael Fresco |
December 17, 2003 |
14 |
14 |
| It's New Years and "love" is in the air. A sister returns home, and throws a party. Oliver casts his spell. Sandy and Kirsten find themselves in a rut, and out of their environment. Seth finally makes a decision between Summer and Anna. 2004 is born. |
 |
The Third Wheel |
Melissa Rosenberg |
Sandy Smolan |
January 7, 2004 |
15 |
15 |
| Hailey discovers she isn't as welcome as she might have thought. Perhaps the Cohen house is full? Luke makes some new friends, while Seth and Anna try to tell a friend about their decision. Rooney sings, a lot, and Oliver noses, a lot. Trouble brews. |
 |
The Links |
Debra J. Fisher and Erica Messer |
Michael Lange |
January 14, 2004 |
16 |
16 |
| Oliver plans a trip for the gang, but things don't go as well as everyone might have hoped- except for Oliver of course. Summer really plants herself into "friendship" within Anna and Seth's relationship. Jimmy and Sandy decide to go into business together. Caleb and Julie return from Europe, and Hailey and Kirsten butt heads. Ryan finds himself in the cold. |
 |
The Rivals |
Josh Schwartz |
Ian Toynton |
January 21, 2004 |
17 |
17 |
| Sandy and Jimmy have plans to sign papers for the Lighthouse... but is Jimmy ready? Oliver makes his plans official to Ryan, but Ryan just cannot catch a break from anyone and finds himself in an all too familiar position. Summer has a "big" new boyfriend... for a little while. And Julie gets a job. |
 |
The Truth |
Allan Heinberg |
Rodman Flender |
February 11, 2004 |
18 |
18 |
| Changes are happening within the couple hoods of the O.C.ers. Lines seem to be blurred. Oliver reveals himself as he falls apart, but not before Ryan is completely left in the cold. Someone loses school, one loses work, two lose their partners, and one more loses it all. |
 |
The Heartbreak |
Josh Schwartz |
Lev L. Spiro |
February 18, 2004 |
19 |
19 |
| It's Valentine's Day in Newport, and everyone is preparing for the Valentine's singles benefit. Luke has a new crush, while Sandy gives Seth some sex advice. An old friend of Ryan's shows up in town, which forces Marissa to lay her feelings on the table. Seth and Summer take their relationship to another level. |
 |
The Telenovela |
Stephanie Savage |
Sanford Bookstaver |
February 25, 2004 |
20 |
20 |
| Ryan and Marissa begin their life together as "friends", but both discover that it might be harder to do than to say. Theresa drops into Newport for work, and another visit. Julie and Luke realize the meaning of "booty calls", and Seth and Summer make a declaration. |
 |
The Goodbye Girl |
Josh Schwartz |
Patrick Norris |
March 3, 2004 |
21 |
21 |
| Anna announces that she is leaving Newport to go back to Pittsburgh, which leaves Seth feeling saddened and guilt-ridden. Legal troubles brew for Caleb and Kirsten while Sandy works to solve them. Luke and Julie's secret romance is getting harder to contain, and Theresa brings a bit of trouble from Chino to the O.C. |
 |
The L.A. |
Josh Schwartz |
David M. Barrett |
March 24, 2004 |
22 |
22 |
| When Summer and Marissa run into Grady Bridges, the star of Summer's favourite prime-time soap 'The Valley', he invites them to an LA party, and they accept. On the road trip to LA, Seth, Summer, Marissa, and Ryan run into Hailey, now working at a strip club. Jimmy and Sandy present their restaurant to Newport's finest and approach Caleb for some financial help. Special Guest Star: Paris Hilton |
 |
The Nana |
Allan Heinberg |
Michael Lange |
March 31, 2004 |
23 |
23 |
| Nana Cohen (Linda Lavin) comes to California for Passover with some sad news. Ryan searches for Marissa, who'd gone missing after learning Julie and Luke's secret, and he finds her in the most unlikely of places. Summer tries to impress Nana. Jimmy and Hailey take a step forward. |
 |
The Proposal |
Liz Friedman and Josh Schwartz |
Helen Shaver |
April 14, 2004 |
24 |
24 |
| Jimmy and Sandy run into a roadblock in their effort to re-open the Balboa Lighthouse restaurant. Summer and Seth take it upon themselves to finally make Marissa feel more at home at Jimmy's. Everyone is shocked when Caleb makes a proposal, which sparks a near-fatal accident for Luke. Marissa, and Sandy and Jimmy each strike deals with Caleb. An old O.C. friend moves away. |
 |
The Shower |
J.J. Philbin |
Sandy Smolan |
April 21, 2004 |
25 |
25 |
| Everyone is still reacting to the surprise engagement of Julie and Caleb. Kirsten is shocked, and a little burdened to find she's been asked to be Julie's Maid of Honour. Kirsten and Marissa end up in charge of throwing Julie's wedding shower, and Marissa invites an unwanted guest. Theresa calls Sandy for help and tries to avoid Ryan. Jimmy and Hailey continue their romance, and Seth awkwardly meets Summer's father. |
 |
The Strip |
Allan Heinberg |
James Marshall |
April 28, 2004 |
26 |
26 |
| It's Bachelor and Bachelorette party time for Caleb and Julie. Caleb and the boys head off to Las Vegas while Kirsten organizes an evening at the Cohen house for Julie, strippers included. Seth and Ryan get themselves into a tricky situation in Vegas while back home, Summer pines over lost love, and Marissa comforts Theresa. Jimmy and Sandy learn of Caleb's true motives. Julie and Hailey take a swim, while Theresa has some shocking news for Ryan and Marissa. |
 |
The Ties That Bind |
Josh Schwartz |
Patrick Norris |
May 5, 2004 |
27 |
27 |
| Julie and Caleb walk down the aisle, as Ryan and Theresa face a difficult decision regarding their pregnancy. Marissa moves into Caleb and Julie's new castle on the cliff, and Seth struggles to find himself when things around him seem to fall apart. Life in The O.C. comes full circle from one year before. |
| Picture |
Title |
Writer(s) |
Director |
Original Airdate |
# season |
# total |
 |
The Distance |
Josh Schwartz |
Ian Toynton |
November 4, 2004 |
1 |
28 |
| The summer is coming to an end, and Seth hasn't returned home to Newport. In the midst of home renovations, Sandy and Kirsten are strained and missing their son. Ryan has begun his new life with Theresa in Chino, as Marissa is alone and in a dark place. Summer is slowly getting over Seth. |
 |
The Way We Were |
Allan Heinberg |
Michael Lange |
November 11, 2004 |
2 |
29 |
| Now that Ryan and Seth have returned to Newport, its time to get back to school. The boys reunite with their former girlfriends but it becomes apparent that things will not be going back to the way they were. Caleb's legal troubles catch up with him, and Hailey has bad news for Jimmy. |
 |
The New Kids on the Block |
Stephanie Savage |
Lev L. Spiro |
November 18, 2004 |
3 |
30 |
| After being released from jail, Caleb appoints Julie instead of Kirsten as CEO of the Newport Goup. Seth wants to win Summer back as a friend and starts working at the Bait Shop. Ryan meets a new girl at school, Lindsay. |
 |
The New Era |
J.J. Philbin |
Michael Fresco |
December 2, 2004 |
4 |
31 |
| It's a new era in Newport Beach. Kirsten and Julie try and work together at The Newport Group, while Sandy tries to find out what Caleb is hiding. Seth and Ryan go on a double date with Lindsay and Alex, but it ends differently than the four of them might have expected. |
 |
The SnO.C. |
John Stephens |
Ian Toynton |
December 9, 2004 |
5 |
32 |
| It's the annual "SnO.C." winter dance. Seth wants to take his relationship with Alex further, but she might have other plans. Marissa's secret relationship with D.J. is exposed, while Zach continues his pursuit of a Seth-free relationship with Summer. Sandy solves Caleb's legal puzzle ending with a shocking twist. |
 |
The Chrismukkah That Almost Wasn't |
Josh Schwartz |
Tony Wharmby |
December 16, 2004 |
6 |
33 |
| It's Chrismukkah once again in The O.C. and this year, Seth wants to take it global. As Caleb is faced with the looming prospect of going to prison, Sandy convinces him to come forward and reveal the truth about his involvement with Renee. Julie and Jimmy spend some quality time together. Caleb's confession shocks the Cohen and Nichol family to the core, and nothing will be the same again. |
 |
The Family Ties |
Drew Z. Greenberg and Josh Schwartz |
Lesli Glatter |
January 6, 2005 |
7 |
34 |
| After Caleb's confession, The Cohens try to welcome Lindsay as part of the family. Jimmy is faced with a choice when Marissa finds out about his relationship with his ex-wife, Julie. Seth attempts to be a "bad boy" like Ryan to impress Alex. Summer finds out what Zach did on his Christmas break while Ryan and Lindsay want to know if it is too awkward for them to be together. |
 |
The Power of Love |
John Stephens |
Michael Lange |
January 13, 2005 |
8 |
35 |
| When Sandy forgets his and Kirsten's 20th wedding anniversary, he finds himself going to a lot of trouble to make it up to her. Seth and Ryan's respective relationships with Alex and Lindsay add to the trouble, and doubt falls upon their futures together. Marissa and Julie continue to butt heads over DJ, and Summer wants to take her relationship with Zach to the next level. |
 |
The Ex-Factor |
J.J. Philbin |
Michael Fresco |
January 20, 2005 |
9 |
36 |
| Alex's ex visits her and Seth is surprised that the ex is female. He, Ryan and Zach want to have a guys' night in, while Marissa, Summer and Lindsay go to the Bait Shop. Julie wants to launch a magazine to improve the Newport Group's image. |
 |
The Accomplice |
Allan Heinberg |
Ian Toynton |
January 27, 2005 |
10 |
37 |
| Things heat up between Sandy and Kirsten when Sandy decides to help his mentor in law school find his daughter, Rebecca, whom was Sandy's first love. Seth and Zach start up a comic book based on their lives in Newport, while Summer questions why she's been left out. Ryan makes the attempt to unite Lindsay and Caleb after Lindsay tells Ryan she is curious in getting to know her "new" father. While Julie is in Paris, Marissa looks for new ways to rebel; in doing so, her friendship with Alex increases. |
 |
The Second Chance |
Drew Z. Greenberg and Josh Schwartz |
Tony Wharmby |
February 3, 2005 |
11 |
38 |
| After hearing about Lindsay and Ryan's failed attempt at dinner with Caleb the night before, Kirsten arranges a dinner that she can supervise. But her presence makes no difference when Ryan and Caleb butt heads and disaster strikes. Sandy keeps Rebecca's presence in Newport a secret from Kirsten after deciding to take her case to court. Marissa and Alex's relationship intensifies, while Seth and Summer spend a lot of time together at Zach's insistence. |
 |
The Lonely Hearts Club |
J.J. Philbin |
Ian Toynton |
February 10, 2005 |
12 |
39 |
| It's Valentines Day 2005 in Orange County when Sandy and Kirsten's conflict about Rebecca continues. Ryan tries to make peace with Caleb to spend Valentines Day with Lindsay. While Seth, Zach, and Summer head to San Diego in hope to make their Comic Book idea succeed Seth has a breakdown and ends up in a lonely state. Marissa and Alex take a step forward in their relationship while Julie returns from her trip in hope to reconnect with Marissa. |
 |
The Test |
John Stephens |
Michael Lange |
February 17, 2005 |
13 |
40 |
| As Sandy continues working on Rebecca's case, Kirsten questions how strong their feelings are for one another. Seth continues his downward spiral in the aftermath of Zach and Summer's Valentine's night together, while Marissa confronts her fear about her relationship with Alex. Caleb offers Lindsay a place in his family, but not without a paternity test. |
 |
The Rainy Day Women |
Josh Schwartz |
Michael Fresco |
February 24, 2005 |
14 |
41 |
| It's a rainy day in Newport where Lindsay decides to take the DNA test and makes a difficult choice regarding her life with Caleb while Ryan helps her through it. Sandy still wants to help Rebecca with her case and tries to convince her not to run again. Kirsten is still upset and wishes her marriage would go back to normal and for Rebecca's case to be over with. Meanwhile, Seth thinks he's lost Summer forever until Summer is unable to hide from her feelings once and for all. Marissa moves out of the Cooper-Nichol mansion and moves in with Alex after she tells her mother about Alex being her girlfriend. |
 |
The Mallpisode |
Stephanie Savage |
Ian Toynton |
March 10, 2005 |
15 |
42 |
| After Lindsay moves to Chicago with her mom, Ryan is heartbroken and Caleb's confused. Seth, Summer, and Marissa invite Ryan to the mall to get his mind off things. Caleb tags along to vent when Sandy tries to make amends with Kirsten by searching for her wedding ring or even a grand gesture that will take her back to when Sandy first proposed. Meanwhile, Alex learns that Marissa might not be as into her as she thought she would be. Kirsten and Julie call an editor for Newport Living but at the same time Julie's Riverside past catches up to her. |
 |
The Blaze of Glory |
Mike Kelley |
Robert Duncan McNeill |
March 17, 2005 |
16 |
43 |
| Spring has flung in Newport where Marissa recruits Ryan to help her with Harbor School's Pep Rally Bonfire. Alex accepts that her and Marissa are from two different lives and knows she is fighting a lost cause. Seth is stuck and misses last year's good times while Summer disagrees and tells him it's time to move on. Meanwhile, Julie still doesn't know what she is gonna do about her blackmailer and seeks some advice from Sandy. Kirsten wants Carter to stick with the magazine despite his reservations. |
 |
The Brothers Grim |
J.J. Philbin |
Michael Lange |
March 24, 2005 |
17 |
44 |
| When Ryan's brother, Trey, gets out of jail and gives Ryan a call, the Cohens give him a warm welcome. Though, Ryan knows nothing good can come from it. Zach returns from his Italy trip and gives some news leaving Summer curious and Seth ... not really sure what to think. Meanwhile, after Julie admits her naked mistake to Kirsten, they both agree to get Caleb in on it for more help. Newport Living is officially launched. |
 |
The Risky Business |
Cory Martin |
Norman Buckley |
April 7, 2005 |
18 |
45 |
| Sandy reluctantly serves as host/auctioneer at yet another OC benefit; Trey lies to Ryan to prove that he can be self-dependent; Carter reinvigorates Seth and Zach's comic book dream, much to the annoyance of Summer. Marissa moves in with the Cohens. |
 |
The Rager |
John Stephens |
Tony Wharmby |
April 14, 2005 |
19 |
46 |
| It's Trey's 21st birthday and Marissa, anxious to help Trey and Ryan forge a relationship, throws a birthday party for Trey at the Cooper-Nichol mansion that turns out to be a rager. Seth is left in hot water by both Summer and Zach, but why? Sandy wants to continue his friendship with Carter, leaving a confused Kirsten. Meanwhile, Julie shares some memories with an "old" friend and in the process learns a few things and gains a few ideas. |
 |
The O.C. Confidential |
Mike Kelley |
Tony Wharmby |
April 21, 2005 |
20 |
47 |
| Sandy and the boys devise a plan to save Trey from going to jail after he took the fall for supplying drugs at his birthday party. Kirsten and Carter, fulfilling more than their editorial duties, take a trip to Featherbrook's winery. Meanwhile, Caleb returns home and questions his marriage with Julie. |
 |
The Return of the Nana |
Josh Schwartz |
Ian Toynton |
May 5, 2005 |
21 |
48 |
| Sandy, Seth and Ryan travel to Miami to visit the Nana after she tells Sandy she is getting married. Unable to go because of work, Kirsten is left on her own to deal with her feelings for Carter. Trey misinterprets Marissa's friendship; Zach invites Summer to a home-cooked dinner. |
 |
The Showdown |
John Stephens |
Michael Fresco |
May 5, 2005 |
22 |
49 |
| Seth and Zach declare themselves rivals for Summer's affections; Marissa is still reeling from being nearly raped by Trey; Sandy confronts Kirsten when her drinking problem becomes very apparent; Caleb hands divorce papers to Julie. |
 |
The O.Sea |
J.J. Philbin |
Michael Lange |
May 12, 2005 |
23 |
50 |
| Seth and Zach squabble over who should take Summer to the prom and who will meet George Lucas for dinner; Sandy takes drastic actions with a recovering Kirsten; Ryan starts to piece together what happened between Trey and Marissa, courtesy of Theresa; Julie's attempts to poison Caleb take a surprise turn. |
 |
The Dearly Beloved |
Josh Schwartz |
Ian Toynton |
May 19, 2005 |
24 |
51 |
| Kirsten hits rock bottom after Caleb's funeral, prompting Sandy to finally take action; Jimmy Cooper resurfaces and almost immediately renews ties with a mourning Julie; Jess bullies Trey into participating in a drug deal that turns into a shootout; Ryan finally learns the truth about what happened between Trey and Marissa, leading to a bloody confrontation. |
| Picture |
Title |
Writer(s) |
Director |
Original Airdate |
# season |
# total |
 |
The Aftermath |
Josh Schwartz |
Ian Toynton |
September 8, 2005 |
1 |
52 |
| It has been a couple of months since the shooting. Trey has been in a coma all this time leaving the District Attorney impatiently waiting for his side of the story. Feeling the pressure from the community the D.A. continues to put pressure on Ryan, Marissa, Seth, Summer and others for more information. Meanwhile Julie is steaming mad because Caleb’s accountant won’t give up the goods on Caleb’s will and Kirsten is still in rehab. |
 |
The Shape of Things to Come |
J.J. Philbin |
Tony Wharmby |
September 15, 2005 |
2 |
53 |
| Social Chair Summer tries to plan this year’s carnival but is having much difficulty due to a little pest named Taylor. Sandy is surprised to find Kirsten has been released from rehab but instead of informing him, she has been living with another woman named Charlotte who she met in rehab. Julie and Sandy meet with the Dean and Dr. Kim to discuss Ryan and Marissa’s future at Harbor High. Later Ryan and Marissa partake in a similar meeting. Elsewhere Jimmy meets a man and feels more than open to discuss his money problems with him. |
 |
The End of Innocence |
Stephanie Savage |
Michael Lange |
September 22, 2005 |
3 |
54 |
| Jimmy must make once more the difficult decision to leave or stay with his family; Kirsten returns to the Cohen household while Charlotte has to leave her house; Marissa and Ryan face a possible separation; Taylor lords over the school musical and makes Summer and Seth her stooges. |
 |
The Last Waltz |
John Stephens |
Ian Toynton |
September 29, 2005 |
4 |
55 |
| Marissa begins her first day at Newport Union Public School and Ryan doesn't seem to take a liking to the new friends she's made; Charlotte's true intentions towards Kirsten are revealed; Summer finds out the horrifying truth between the Dean and Taylor; Kirsten has a big decision to make regarding the Company. |
 |
The Perfect Storm |
Mike Kelley |
Tony Wharmby |
November 3, 2005 |
5 |
56 |
| Ryan decides to make a life-changing decision that Sandy surprisingly supports, and Marissa turns to her new public school friends for help with Ryan. Meanwhile, Harbor High's Dean of Discipline, Dean Hess, continues his crusade to ruin Ryan's future, and Summer and Seth go on their own crusade to reveal Dean Hess's secret. Meanwhile, Charlotte makes Julie an offer she cannot refuse. |
 |
The Swells |
J.J. Philbin |
Michael Fresco |
November 10, 2005 |
6 |
57 |
| Taylor Townsend locks up Seth's night when she throws a Harbor School event that keeps Summer at a distance. Meanwhile, Marissa's new friendships at public school worry Summer and she enlists Ryan's help. Meanwhile, Sandy works on a plan for the Newport Group and forms a new partnership, Charlotte convinces Julie and Kirsten to edge back into Newport society while Julie figures out Charlottes real intentions. |
 |
The Anger Management |
John Stephens |
Michael Fresco |
November 17, 2005 |
7 |
58 |
| When the gang heads to The Bait Shop to see The Subways, Taylor's horsing around causes a major rift between Seth and Summer. Marissa, determined to end the potentially explosive rift between Ryan and Volchok, does whatever it takes to watch out for Ryan. Meanwhile, Matt, Sandy's Newport Group partner, goes above and beyond the call of duty; Julie Cooper reigns supreme as the only "bitch" in Orange County; and Ryan needs to use his head for once. |
 |
The Game Plan |
Cory Martin |
Tate Donovan |
December 1, 2005 |
8 |
59 |
| As college options are weighed, Seth looks east, Summer west and Taylor looks happy with their possible separation. Ryan, meanwhile, tries to persuade Marissa to go to school at all before Johnny proposes another direction. Elsewhere, Kirsten offers Julie a business opportunity. |
 |
The Disconnect |
Stephanie Savage |
Tony Wharmby |
December 8, 2005 |
9 |
60 |
| Ryan takes an internship working for Sandy and Matt at the Newport Group, but he ends up working harder to save Matt's reputation. Summer and Seth, determined to get accepted to Brown University, do whatever it takes to stand out at Harbor School. Johnny finally tells Marissa how he really feels. After Ryan and Marissa cross paths, they end up telling each other the truth. |
 |
The Chrismukkah Bar-Mitzvahkkah |
Josh Schwartz |
Ian Toynton |
December 15, 2005 |
10 |
61 |
| After the gang spends hours picking out the perfect Christmas trees, they devise a special plan to help a friend in need. Meanwhile, the holidays bring out a sombre Summer who misses her mom, and Johnny's sudden misfortune forces him to take matters into his own hands. Kirsten, meanwhile, puts the past behind her and reaches out to Julie Cooper. And when a reminiscing Seth vows to put a little "mukkah" into Ryan's "Chris," Ryan gets Bar-Mitz-vahkkahed on the third annual O.C. "Chrismukkah" episode. |
 |
The Safe Harbor |
Mike Kelley |
Tony Wharmby |
January 12, 2006 |
11 |
62 |
| Summer, Seth and Ryan launch a mission-impossible campaign to get Marissa back into Harbor, and Johnny struggles between a friend's happiness and his own feelings. Meanwhile, Sandy must make an ethical decision that could change Marissa's fate, and Julie Cooper and Dr. Roberts are apprehensive about admitting to the lies they have told their daughters. |
 |
The Sister Act |
Leila Gerstein |
Ian Toynton |
January 19, 2006 |
12 |
63 |
| Kaitlin Cooper, returns to the O.C. during her winter break from an exclusive Montecito boarding school, bringing a lot of attitude and a few secrets of her own. Much more in the mould of her mother Julie Cooper than her sister Marissa, Kaitlin turns heads as she tries to get closer to her family the only way she knows how. |
 |
The Pot Stirrer |
John Stephens |
Norman Buckley |
January 26, 2006 |
13 |
64 |
| While Marissa does all she can to get to know her sister, Kaitlin just stirs up trouble for the gang as she prepares to celebrate her birthday. Sandy encourages Seth about college, but Seth finds a better alternative. Sandy and Matt work together to secure a contract for the new hospital. And Julie continues her quest to put her family back together again. |
 |
The Cliffhanger |
J.J. Philbin |
Michael Lange |
February 2, 2006 |
14 |
65 |
| Summer discovers the truth about Cohen, while Sandy and Matt encounter an obstacle with their hospital project. Meanwhile, Kirsten and Julie take their matchmaking business a little too far, causing Julie to go into hiding. Marissa finally tells Johnny how she truly feels and Kaitlin wonders which "Cooper" Johnny really likes. When Johnny and Kaitlin head to the beach, Kaitlin finds Johnny at the edge of reason. |
 |
The Heavy Lifting |
Stephanie Savage |
Ian Toynton |
February 9, 2006 |
15 |
66 |
| Tragic news forces the gang to sort out their problems and face the reality of the situation. After Sadie arrives in Newport, Ryan helps her move and get rid of Volchok, causing Ryan to question his and Marissa's relationship. Meanwhile, Kaitlin's winter break is over - just as she gets close to her family, she once again has to say goodbye. Will she ever return to the O.C.? And in the wake of Newport's latest events, Kirsten and Julie press on with their Valentine's Day party. |
 |
The Road Warrior |
Mike Kelley |
Michael Fresco |
March 9, 2006 |
16 |
67 |
| Summer asks Julie and Kirsten, via their matchmaking company, to find a woman for her father. Ryan helps Sadie find her trouble-ridden uncle Jack, and Sadie wants to collect. Marissa is yet again involved in another police investigation, and she and Ryan break up. |
 |
The Journey |
John Stephens |
Roxann Dawson |
March 16, 2006 |
17 |
68 |
| Summer and Julie talk about the latter's relationship with Dr. Roberts. Sandy goes to jail to visit Dawn Atwood. Volchok insists a little too much to have a talk with Marissa. Matt comes to her rescue. Later, she decides not to go to Ryan's birthday party, goes to the beach and rings Volchok, to talk to him. The episode ends with Marissa resting her head on Volchok's shoulder. |
 |
The Undertow |
Mark Fish & J.J. Philbin |
Robert Duncan McNeill |
March 23, 2006 |
18 |
69 |
| Ryan has problems opening up to Sadie. Henry Griffin drops by the Newport Group and wants to talk to Sandy about problems with Matt's personal life. Taylor helps Seth and Summer deal with their couple problems. Marissa shows weakness towards Volchok, and one thing leads to another. |
 |
The Secrets and Lies |
Stephanie Savage & Josh Schwartz |
Michael Fresco |
March 30, 2006 |
19 |
70 |
| Julie and Dr. Roberts announce their engagement; Marissa seeks solace with some bad company. Ryan tries to move on with Sadie, Kirsten surprises Seth with a night out, and Sandy's woes with Matt continue. |
 |
The Day After Tomorrow |
Leila Gerstein |
Norman Buckley |
April 6, 2006 |
20 |
71 |
| The college acceptance and rejection letters arrive leaving the kids to consider their future. Taylor organises a college bonfire party; Summer and Marissa fix their problems. Seth tells Summer she should go to Brown but he will go elsewhere causing them to break up |
 |
The Dawn Patrol |
Mike Kelley |
Ian Toynton |
April 13, 2006 |
21 |
72 |
| Ryan visits his mother but there's a problem. Taylor and Summer aim to find out Seth's secret. Julie helps Marissa out of a bad situation. Sandy solves his work problems but hurts Kirsten in the process. |
 |
The College Try |
J.J. Philbin |
Tony Wharmby |
April 20, 2006 |
22 |
73 |
| Graduation is just weeks away and Ryan, Seth, Summer and Marissa leave Newport to attend their respective pre-frosh orientations at UC Berkeley and Brown. Kirsten is surprised by who she sees at the airport. Seth is surprised by who he meets at Brown. Later, Sandy and Kirsten attend a hospital benefit where Kirsten returns to an old habit. |
 |
The Party Favor |
John Stephens |
Michael Lange |
April 27, 2006 |
23 |
74 |
| Taylor hits a high at prom, while Summer falls flat with her date. Seth and Anna plan to win Summer back. Marissa convinces Volchok to go to the prom and Ryan brings an unexpected old flame. When one of the girls is elected prom queen, it truly becomes a night to remember. Later, Taylor's prom funds are missing and Ryan returns to his old ways. |
 |
The Man of The Year |
Stephanie Savage |
Tony Wharmby |
May 4, 2006 |
24 |
75 |
| Ryan and Volchok make a deal after a fallout at prom. Sandy is chosen as Man of the Year, but this sparks the DA to dig deeper into his involvement with the hospital problems. Marissa goes and visits Kaitlin at her boarding school and Theresa has to make a difficult decision about her child. |
 |
The Graduates |
Bob DeLaurentus & Josh Schwartz |
Ian Toynton |
May 18, 2006 |
25 |
76 |
| The end of senior year is finally here, bringing the excitement of graduation and the anticipation of new lives in college and beyond. The kids look back on the amazing journey that has brought the four of them this far. Seth must confront his recent misdeeds or deal with the wrath of Sandy – and the police. Ryan's proud mom arrives with a surprise for him. Marissa receives an astounding proposal that may radically change her plans. And Summer can't stop crying and hugging her best friends as they say their farewells. But even amidst the speeches and toasts, nothing is ever simple in Newport. An intoxicated Volchok, still reeling from his break-up with Marissa, runs her and Ryan off the road and over a cliff. Ryan survives. He tells her that he is going to go get help. She says tells him to stay, and quickly dies in his arms. |
| Picture |
Title |
Writer(s) |
Director |
Original Airdate |
# Episode |
# total |
 |
The Avengers |
Josh Schwartz |
Ian Toynton |
November 2, 2006 |
1 |
77 |
| Five months after Marissa's death, Ryan attempts to move on with his life. Julie develops a medication addiction and Dr. Roberts has second thoughts about their relationship as Gloria (The Stepmonster) begins to come back into his life, as found out by Kaitlin. Seth and Summer reunite and the status of their relationship is unknown as the time they share together is painfully awkward for both of them. Julie meets up with Ryan and shares some inside information to the whereabouts of Volchok. |
 |
The Gringos |
John Stephens |
Patrick Norris |
November 8, 2006 |
2 |
78 |
| Ryan and Seth go to Mexico, trying to find Volchok. Summer is unsure about her relationship with Seth, while Taylor tells her that she got married in France. Kaitlin steals from a clothing drive at her school. Seth helps Kirsten and Sandy to keep Ryan from taking revenge and they return to Newport, where Sandy has a serious conversation with Julie. |
 |
The Cold Turkey |
J.J. Philbin |
Michael Lange |
November 9, 2006 |
3 |
79 |
| Thanksgiving at the Cohens! Summer returns, Julie is outcast, Taylor pops up, and Kaitlin decides to join the Cohens, along with a few other surprise guests. Ryan is still mad at Seth and wants to get revenge on Volchok. Sandy takes Volchok in as his lawyer. Ryan sees Sandy with Volchok and wants answers. Ryan's quest for Volchok continues. Finally, Sandy takes Ryan to the hotel where Volchok is. Volchok is taken into custody. Summer decides to go back to Brown early because she's not ready to face the past. Julie and Ryan end the episode by sharing memories of Marissa |
 |
The Metamorphosis |
Leila Gerstein |
Norman Buckley |
November 16, 2006 |
4 |
80 |
| When Seth visits Summer, she realizes that her materialistic, gossiping self may be forever gone ever since she went to Brown. Ryan helps Taylor with her divorce. Temptation stirs when Kaitlin and Julie vow to stay out of trouble. Sandy longs for a guy's night out. And Taylor attempts to use Ryan to legalize her divorce. |
 |
The Sleeping Beauty |
John Stevens |
Ian Toynton |
November 30, 2006 |
5 |
81 |
| When Taylor learns that Ryan can't sleep, she comes up with her own therapeutic plan to help him get over his insomnia. Meanwhile at Brown, Summer and Che take their activism to a new level, resulting in more freedom than they expected. Kaitlin, after being served by her own mom in tennis lessons, volleys back at Julie but helps save the dating service. And when all of Taylor's schemes backfire, she turns to Kaitlin for help with Ryan and in the end gets her way. |
 |
The Summer Bummer |
Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage |
Michael Lange |
December 7, 2006 |
6 |
82 |
| When Seth visits Summer at Brown, he finds an empty dorm room, and Sandy and Kirsten find an opportunity to bond with Ryan, who is in a Taylor-induced haze. Kaitlin meets the mean girl of Harbor School and takes her down by throwing a rager at the Roberts house. Meanwhile, Julie Cooper learns that Newmatch is more than a dating service and the truth about Che comes out. |
 |
The Chrismukk-huh? |
JJ Philbin & John Stephens |
|
December 14, 2006 |
7 |
83 |
| It’s Chrismukkah in THE O.C. After Ryan falls of the Cohen roof he enters a dream world where nobody knows him, Mayor Sandy is married to Julie, Jimmy to Kirsten, Summer to Che, and Marissa is still alive. In the real world, Julie reads something she wasnt supposed to read, from a person who wasn't supposed to be dead... |
|
The Earth Girls Are Easy |
Mark Fish |
|
December 21, 2006 |
8 |
84 |
| It’s New Year’s Eve in The O.C. and Ryan has planned a special surprise road trip for himself and Taylor, but when Summer confronts Seth about not making any plans, Ryan’s romantic getaway for two is spoiled. Meanwhile, Summer’s future rests in the hands of a raver, the gang meets on the way to Vegas. And the Bullit asks an old friend to take a look at Julie’s accounting. |
|
The My Two Dads |
|
|
TBA |
9 |
85 |
| Kaitlin gets partnered with an uber-nerd for an english assignment. But later discovers there's more to him. Ryan helps Seth out with his relationship with Summer. Julie forces Frank to show his hand, a move which could have deep implications on the Cohen family. |
|
The French Connection |
JJ Philbin |
|
TBA |
10 |
86 |
| Taylor's husband, Henri Michel is in town promoting his new book, "A Season for Peaches", which is all about Taylor, who is not happy with the privacy invasion. Sandy stops off to discuss the hot new book, unaware of it's subject to Ryan. Seth pops the question, and requires Dr. Robert's blessing, while Summer returns to her old party girl ways. |
|
The Dream Lover |
Leila Gerstein |
|
TBA |
11 |
87 |
| Band geek Lucy is jealous of crush Will's newfound love. At a book reading, someone stands at a podium and reads a poem to Taylor. Kirsten and Julie rush to cover up a nasty incident with one of their 'boys'. The band also hosts a bake sale to raise money for new uniforms. While Kaitlin and Lucy have a showdown. |
|
The Groundhog Day |
|
|
TBA |
12 |
88 |
| Seth and Che get in some trouble with the cops, Kirsten gets some life altering news and Taylor gets some extra help to make things different with Ryan. Summer tries to crash a Newport event. |
|
TBA |
|
|
TBA |
13 |
89 |
| The gang takes a trip down memory lane as we see Sandy at 21, Kirsten and Jimmy at 18, Julie at 17 and Ryan, Marissa, Seth, and Summer at 10. We discover who really wrote "I Wish I Was A Mermaid", how Sandy and Kirsten really met, and how long Cohen really had a crush on Summer. |
