The O.C. (season 1)

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The O.C. Season 1
"Pilot," the first episode of The O.C.
Country of origin	United States
Network	Fox
Original run	August 8, 2003 – May 5, 2004
No. of episodes	27
DVD release date	October 26, 2004
Next season	Season 2

The first season of The O.C. premiered on August 5, 2003 in the United States, featuring a total of 27 episodes. Originally, main cast consisted of Benjamin McKenzie (Ryan Atwood), Mischa Barton (Marissa Cooper), Adam Brody (Seth Cohen), Peter Gallagher (Sandy Cohen), Kelly Rowan (Kirsten Cohen), Chris Carmack (Luke Ward) and Tate Donovan (Jimmy Cooper). Beginning on episode 14 (The Countdown), former guest stars Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) and Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) were credited as regular cast members.

1 Plot Overview
2 Episodes
3 Notes
4 DVD Release

[edit] Plot Overview

The premiere shows a new life for Ryan Atwood, a struggling 16 year old high school student from Chino, California. He is sent to jail and meets his attorney, Sanford Cohen, who gets him out. Sandy accepts him in his house and Ryan is introduced to this new life of luxury and wealth. He now lives with Sandy, his wife Kirsten, and their 16-year-old son, the geeky-good looking Seth. During the season, Ryan and Marissa, the beautiful next-door neighbor, develop a relationship despite Marissa having a boyfriend, the jock Luke. Seth had always been in love with Summer, Marissa's best friend, but she didn't even know his name. Later on they fall in love despite Seth's brief relationship with Anna Stern. Jimmy, Marissa's dad, lands in financial trouble, so Julie, his wife, leaves him. Ryan and Marissa's relationship falls apart when new kid on the block Oliver Trask comes to town. His overpossessive and turbulent past drives a wedge in between Ryan and Marissa's relationship leading to their break up. Trask then threatens to kill himself but is talked out of doing so by Ryan. Luke starts dating Julie secretly. Marissa finds out and the couple has to break up. Near the end of the season, Julie and Caleb, Kirsten's father, get married. Ryan discovers that he may be the father of the unborn child of his ex-girlfriend, Theresa, who Ryan has a brief relationship with after his break up with Marissa. He decides to leave the Cohen family and his current girlfriend, Marissa, to support her through her pregnancy. Upon finding out that Ryan is moving back to Chino with Theresa, Seth sails away in his boat, leaving farewell notes for his parents and Summer.

[edit] Episodes

#	Title	Writer(s)	Director	Original Airdate	# season
1	"Pilot"	Josh Schwartz	Doug Liman	August 5, 2003	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. After Ryan is caught stealing a car with his brother, Trey, he is put in jail and meets Sandy Cohen for the first time, bring him good fortune. Sandy sees the good in Ryan and takes him home after Ryan's mother kicks him out.
2	"The Model Home"	Allan Heinberg & Josh Schwartz	Doug Liman	August 12, 2003	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.
3	"The Gamble"	Jane Espenson	Ian Toynton	August 19, 2003	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.
4	"The Debut"	Allan Heinberg & Josh Schwartz	Daniel Attias	August 26, 2003	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.
5	"The Outsider"	Melissa Rosenberg	Jesús Salvador Treviño	September 2, 2003	5
Ryan takes a job at the Crab Shack diner. Donny, 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.
6	"The Girlfriend"	Josh Schwartz & Debra J. Fisher	Steve Robman	September 9, 2003	6
Kirsten's uptight father, Caleb Nichol, comes for a visit along with his new girlfriend, Gabrielle, a 24-year-old fashion model. Kirsten finds her job in jeopardy. To Ryan's disappointment, Luke decides he wants a second chance with Marissa, but she chooses Ryan. However Ryan makes out with Gabrielle in the pool house, so Marissa lets Luke be her "first". Summer makes a move on Seth.
7	"The Escape"	Josh Schwartz	Sanford Bookstaver	September 16, 2003	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 Fischer. Sandy gets a new job, which Kirsten can't understand. Jimmy and Julie announce their divorce. Marissa ODs on painkillers and tequila.
8	"The Rescue"	Melissa Rosenberg & Allan Heinberg	Michael Lange	October 29, 2003	8
Everyone is back home in Newport and Marissa is recovering. Julie unfairly blames Ryan for the incident and forbids him from seeing Marissa, who does not appreciate the help. Sandy starts his new job, but finds himself surprised by the heavy casework. Kirsten finds herself surprised by Sandy's hot new co-worker, Rachel. Ryan enrolls at Harbor High School. Julie betrays Jimmy and Marissa.
9	"The Heights"	Debra J. Fisher & Erica Messer	Patrick Norris	November 5, 2003	9
During the opening day of the new school year at Harbor High, 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.
10	"The Perfect Couple"	Allan Heinberg	Michael Fresco	November 12, 2003	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.
11	"The Homecoming"	Josh Schwartz & Brian Oh	Keith Samples	November 19, 2003	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. Back in Newport, Seth plays the player role, but not very well by inviting both Anna and Summer over at his house.
12	"The Secret"	Allan Heinberg & Josh Schwartz	James Marshall	November 26, 2003	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 Luke's father comes out of the closet to face negative reactions.
13	"The Best Chrismukkah Ever"	Stephanie Savage	Sanford Bookstaver	December 3, 2003	13
Ryan, and the World, are officially introduced to the bi-religious holiday Chrismukkah, thanks to Seth. Marissa has some 'discount shopping' to do, and finds herself in an embarrassing situation. Kirsten does something that could cost her more than just her job. Summer and Anna each have very special gifts for Seth. And a new boy enters the Newport scene.
14	"The Countdown"	Josh Schwartz	Michael Fresco	December 17, 2003	14
On New Year's Eve, Kirsten's outgoing and spoiled younger sister Hailey, notorious for not doing anything with her life, arrives in Newport for a visit, and shows her true unwholesome colors by locking Ryan and Seth in the pool house to throw a wild house party. Oliver casts his spell over Marissa by inviting her to his penthouse New Year's Party. Seth finally makes a decision between Summer and Anna.
15	"The Third Wheel"	Melissa Rosenberg	Sandy Smolan	January 7, 2004	15
Hailey discovers she isn't as welcome as she might have thought because of her irresponsible habits and lifestyle. Oliver invites the gang to a concert where the band Rooney is performing. There, the outcast Luke makes some new friends, while Seth and Anna try to tell Summer about them being together. Also, trouble brews when Ryan catches Oliver in the mist of a drug buying deal in the parking lot.
16	"The Links"	Debra J. Fisher & Erica Messer	Michael Lange	January 14, 2004	16
Oliver plans another trip for the gang by taking them to a golf course in Palm Springs. 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 when he expresses his thoughts to Marissa that Oliver is not what he appears to be.
17	"The Rivals"	Josh Schwartz	Ian Toynton	January 21, 2004	17
Sandy and Jimmy have plans to sign papers for the Lighthouse... but is Jimmy ready? Oliver makes his presence known by transferring to Harbor High, and Ryan's attempts to expose him for who he really is, is met with negative reactions from everybody. When the devious Oliver makes his plans official to Ryan, he finds himself in an all too familiar position. Summer has a "big" new boyfriend... for a little while. And Julie gets a job.
18	"The Truth"	Allan Heinberg	Rodman Flender	February 11, 2004	18
Changes are happening within the couple hoods of the O.C.ers. Thanks to Oliver, Ryan gets suspended from school and is shunned by everyone, who refuse to believe him that Oliver is a dangerous psychopath and obsessed with Marissa. Only Luke believes Ryan and offers to help him. Seth drifts further apart from Anna and is drawn to Summer. Oliver finally loses it all when Marissa rejects him and he holds her hostage with a gun.
19	"The Heartbreak"	Josh Schwartz	Lev L. Spiro	February 18, 2004	19
It's Valentine's Day in Newport, and everyone is preparing for the Valentine's singles benefit. Luke has a new crush: Marissa's mother Julie. Sandy gives Seth some sex advice about wanting to go all the way. Theresa, 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.
20	"The Telenovela"	Stephanie Savage	Sanford Bookstaver	February 25, 2004	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 declares his love for Summer by standing on a coffee cart and saying "acknolege me now or lose me forever."
21	"The Goodbye Girl"	Josh Schwartz	Patrick Norris	March 3, 2004	21
Anna announces that she is leaving Newport to go back to Pittsburgh, which leaves Seth feeling saddened and guilt-ridden for the way he treated her. 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. in the form of her possessive boyfriend.
22	"The L.A."	Josh Schwartz	David M. Barrett	March 24, 2004	22
When Summer and Marissa run into Grady Bridges, the star of Summer's favourite prime-time soap 'The Valley', he invites them to a party in Los Angeles, and they accept. At the L.A. party, 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
23	"The Nana"	Allan Heinberg	Michael Lange	March 31, 2004	23
Sandy's overbearing and obnoxious mother, Sofia "Nana" Cohen (Linda Lavin) arrives in California for Passover with some sad news. Ryan searches for Marissa, who'd gone missing after learning Julie and Luke's romantic secret, and he finds her in the most unlikely of places. Summer tries to impress Nana. Jimmy and Hailey take a step forward with their newfound romance.
24	"The Proposal"	Liz Friedman & Josh Schwartz	Helen Shaver	April 14, 2004	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 car accident for Luke. Marissa, and Sandy and Jimmy each strike deals with Caleb. Luke moves away to Portland to live with his father.
25	"The Shower"	J. J. Philbin	Sandy Smolan	April 21, 2004	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 Honor. Kirsten and Marissa end up in charge of throwing Julie's wedding shower, and Marissa invites an unwanted guest, that of Julie's estranged sister Cindy. Theresa calls Sandy for help and tries to avoid Ryan. Jimmy and Hailey continue their romance, and Seth awkwardly meets Summer's father.
26	"The Strip"	Allan Heinberg	James Marshall	April 28, 2004	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. Jimmy and Sandy learn of Caleb's true motives. Julie and Hailey take a swim and a catfight, while Theresa has some shocking news for Ryan and Marissa.
27	"The Ties That Bind"	Josh Schwartz	Patrick Norris	May 5, 2004	27
Julie and Caleb officially get married, as Ryan and Theresa face a difficult decision regarding her 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.

[edit] Notes

Recurring cast members in season one included:

[edit] DVD Release

The O.C. The Complete First Season was released in the United States on October 26, 2004 and contains seven discs with 27 episodes (1186 minutes). The episodes have 1:33:1 aspect ratio (Fullscreen) and are in English (Dolby 2.0 Surround) with the option of English, Spanish, or French subtitles. Special features include commentary by creator Josh Schwartz and co-executive producer Stephanie Savage on the pilot episode, an on-screen music track guide available for six episodes, and unaired scenes. Featurettes on the DVD include Casting The O.C., The Music of The O.C., Inside the Real O.C. with Executive Producer McG, and a Season 2 Sneak Peak. Season one was also released on DVD in Canada on October 26, 2004, the United Kingdom on October 18, 2004 and Australia on February 2, 2005.