The O.C. Season 2 | |
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Poster |
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Series | The O.C. |
Country of origin | ![]() |
Network | FOX |
Original run | November 4, 2004 | – May 19, 2005
No. of episodes | 24 |
DVD release date | August 23, 2005 |
Previous season | Season 1 |
Next season | Season 3 |
The second season of the television series The O.C. commenced airing in the United States on November 5, 2004, concluded on May 19, 2005, and consisted of 24 episodes. It aired Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET in the US on FOX, a terrestrial television network. In addition to the regular 24 episodes, two special episodes aired before the season premiere. "The O.C.: Obsess Completely" documented the shows' impact on popular culture, and the following week "Welcome to The O.C.: A Day in the Life" provided a behind-the-scenes look at the show.[1]
Continuing the stories about the characters living in Newport Beach, California, the second season would be "no longer about Ryan's past; now it's going to be about Ryan's future", said Josh Schwartz, The O.C.'s creator. Schwartz went on to add that this season would "slow down the storytelling a little bit (...) and evolve the characters".[2] The focus of the series was on the romantic developments between Ryan and Marissa, and Seth and Summer, while Sandy and Kirsten face choices that could ruin their 20-year marriage, Julie's past comes back to haunt her, and Ryan's ex-con brother Trey gives living in Newport a try.[3] The season was released on DVD as a seven-disc boxed set under the title The O.C.: The Complete Second Season on August 23, 2005 by Warner Bros. Home Video.[4] On September 7, 2008 the season became available to purchase for registered users of the US iTunes Store. In the United Kingdom the season premiered January 11, 2005 on Channel 4.[5] In Canada the season aired on CTV Television Network and in Australia it was broadcast by Network Ten.
Contents |
The season was produced by Warner Bros. Television and Wonderland Sound and Vision. The executive producers were series creator Josh Schwartz, McG and Bob DeLaurentis. Stephanie Savage and Allan Heinberg served as co-executive producers, with Loucas George credited as producer.[6] The staff writers were Schwartz, Savage, Heinberg, John Stephens, J.J. Philbin and Mike Kelley. The regular directors throughout the season were Michael Lange, Ian Toynton, Michael Fresco and Tony Wharmby.[7]
The second season had star billing for nine major roles. Mischa Barton as Marissa, Rachel Bilson as Summer, Adam Brody as Seth, Melinda Clarke as recently married Julie Cooper-Nichol, Peter Gallagher as Sandy, Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan and Kelly Rowan as Kirsten all returned to the main cast. Tate Donovan also initially reprised his major character role as Jimmy, but as was written out of the series in the seventh episode.[8] However Donovan returned with Jimmy as a guest star in the season finale.[9] Alan Dale, as newly wed Caleb, joined the main cast, having previously been a recurring role.[5]
Nicholas Gonzalez (as D.J.), Michael Cassidy (as Zach Stevens), Shannon Lucio (as Lindsay Gardner) and Olivia Wilde (as Alex Kelly) all took up recurring roles in the show as love interests of existing characters,[10] Marissa, Ryan, Summer and Seth, who are all now single.[11] Former main cast member Chris Carmack, as Luke Ward, left the show as did actors Samaire Armstrong, Taylor Handley, Ashley Hartman and Bonnie Somerville, who had recurring roles as Anna, Oliver, Holly and Rachel Hoffman respectively.
Actors returning as guest stars included Amanda Righetti (as Hailey), Michael Nouri (as Dr. Neil Roberts), Navi Rawat (as Theresa Diaz) (only in the premiere) and Linda Lavin (as The Nana).[12][13] Ryan's brother Trey also returned, but Logan Marshall-Green replaced Bradley Stryker in portraying him.[14] Other guest stars in new recurring roles included Billy Campbell, as magazine editor Carter Buckley,[15] Kim Delaney, as Sandy's ex-fiancée Rebecca Bloom,[16] Johnny Messner, as Julie's ex-boyfriend Lance Baldwin,[15] Kathleen York, as mother of Caleb's illegitimate child Renee Wheeler,[17] Nikki Griffin as party girl and drug addict Jess Sathers,[18] and Marguerite Moreau, as Reed Carlson the Vice President of a graphic novel company.[19] George Lucas also guest-starred as himself in one episode.[20]
The second season was widely received as inferior to the first,[21] but it has been noted that this maybe slightly unfair.[22] The show moved to "ultra-competitive Thursday"[23] nights which Schwartz described as a "real vote of confidence [from] the network",[24] but many attributed placing The O.C. against the likes of Survivor, Joey and Will & Grace as part of The O.C.'s decline in popularity.[25][26] The move improved FOX's performance at the new time slot, but lost the show viewers.[27] The season premiere attracted 8.6 million viewers,[28] but average viewing figures decreased thirty percent from the previous season to 7 million.[29]
For the second season the show was nominated for five Teen Choice Awards winning four of them, including best drama. It was also nominated for the Favorite Television Drama People's Choice Award. Kelly Rowan won a PRISM Award for Performance in a Drama Series Episode, with Peter Gallagher also getting nominated. Additionally the season finale was nominated for the TV Drama Series Episode award.[30] The introduction of bisexual character Alex, was praised as "an especially charismatic new presence",[22] with the show was praised for it's handling of her lesbian relationship with Marissa.[31] However Mischa Barton was criticized for her acting skills in portraying Marissa, along side other noted flaws including "flavorless plots," and "flat new characters who failed to grab the audience's interest".[32] IGN faulted the move to quickly rekindle the Ryan and Marissa relationship and "abruptly write off Alex and Lindsay, after [making] them a pretty big part of the show" but commended a "compelling story centering on Ryan's brother Trey coming to town, leading to a very dramatic season finale"[22] Tate Donovan, who played Jimmy, credited a drop in ratings to "the show moving away from the family dynamic to focus more on the kids".[33]
"Series #" refers to the episode's number in the overall series, whereas "Episode #" refers to the episode's number in this particular season. The second season's episodes are altogether 1048 minutes in length.
Series # |
Episode # |
Title | Directed by | Written by | American viewers in millions | Original airdate | Production code |
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28 | 1 | "The Distance" | Ian Toynton | Josh Schwartz | 8.56[34] | November 4, 2004 | 2T5101 |
With the school holidays coming to an end, the Cohen family are desperate to convince Seth, who ran away at the beginning of summer, to return home. Meanwhile in Chino, Ryan is working construction while a pregnant Theresa waits at home. Back in Newport Beach, while Summer is finding ways to deal with Seth's disappearance, Marissa is distancing herself from the world and masking her problems by reverting to old habits. | |||||||
29 | 2 | "The Way We Were" | Michael Lange | Allan Heinberg | 8.08[35] | November 11, 2004 | 2T5102 |
Summer is over, and school is in session. Seth and Ryan hope to win back the attention they once had from Summer and Marissa. With opportunity beckoning, Hailey tells Jimmy about her plans to move in order to pursue her unfulfilled fashion ambitions. Hoping to keep her near, Jimmy does something unimaginable and proposes. Meanwhile, Sandy explains to Julie that the district attorney is keeping a close watch on Caleb, and without representation, he might be in for a confrontation. Julie threatens Sandy to do something about Caleb's messy situation or face her wrath. | |||||||
30 | 3 | "The New Kids on the Block" | Lev L. Spiro | Stephanie Savage | 7.42[36] | November 18, 2004 | 2T5103 |
At the Bait Shop, the new music club on the pier, Seth gets some help from his attractive and tough-talking manager, Alex, to prove that his friends do not know him as well as they think. Meanwhile, Summer gives some thought to how she really feels about Seth after she learns more information about her new boyfriend, Zach. Marissa is happy to share an evening with Ryan. But at school, Ryan is embarrassed and frustrated after a confrontation with new classmate Lindsay. Caleb's legal problems threaten to leave both Sandy and Kirsten unemployed as Julie makes sure she stays in power – even if Caleb is ruined. | |||||||
31 | 4 | "The New Era" | Michael Fresco | J. J. Philbin | 6.51[37] | December 2, 2004 | 2T5104 |
Seth, who is now without a girlfriend, and Sandy, who has just been fired from the law firm, embark on new eras in their lives and vow to take the whole family with them. Ryan and Seth go on an awkward double date to see The Killers perform at the Bait Shop, with unexpected results. Meanwhile, Julie finds herself overwhelmed by her new role at the Newport Group and, as usual, is forced to turn to Kirsten for help. | |||||||
32 | 5 | "The SnO.C." | Ian Toynton | John Stephens | 6.36[38] | December 9, 2004 | 2T5105 |
The winter season finally comes to Newport, and Seth, Ryan, Summer and Marissa attend the annual "SnO.C. Winter Ball", a school dance for charity. Julie and Jimmy spend some quality time together as the chairs of the host committee, and Sandy gets closer to the truth Caleb has been hiding. Meanwhile, Julie discovers Marissa's secret when Marissa leaves school at lunch and goes home to meet D.J. | |||||||
33 | 6 | "The Chrismukkah That Almost Wasn't" | Tony Wharmby | Josh Schwartz | 6.36[39] | December 16, 2004 | 2T5106 |
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. | |||||||
34 | 7 | "The Family Ties" | Lesli Glatter | Drew Greenberg & Josh Schwartz | 7.65[40] | January 6, 2005 | 2T5107 |
Ryan tries to come to terms with his feelings for Lindsay, who is now a member of the Cohen family, and keeps the relationship hidden from Kirsten. In an effort to impress Alex, Seth attempts a "bad boy" image by dressing like Ryan, getting drunk and stealing Caleb's prized sports car. Marissa spots her parents kissing on Jimmy's boat and is angry with her father. Jimmy realizes that after all the trouble he's caused, the best thing he can do is to leave Newport and move to Maui. Marissa, devastated by the situation with her parents, comes to the Cohens' house for Jimmy's going-away party intoxicated, yelling at both her parents. She later reconciles with her father on the beach. | |||||||
35 | 8 | "The Power of Love" | Michael Lange | John Stephens | 7.46[41] | January 13, 2005 | 2T5108 |
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 with the help of Seth and Ryan. Lindsay and Ryan grapple with their new relationship: Is Lindsay Ryan's step-aunt or his girlfriend? Meanwhile, Summer meets Zach's family and it does not go so well. In the end it's an anniversary to remember as Sandy surprises Kirsten with a serenade at the Bait Shop. But Marissa ends up alone as D.J. leaves Newport Beach. | |||||||
36 | 9 | "The Ex-Factor" | Michael Fresco | J. J. Philbin | 7.87[42] | January 20, 2005 | 2T5109 |
It's girls against boys when Marissa and Summer decide to plan a girls' night out and include Lindsay in the festivities. Ryan, Seth and Zach, left to their own devices, have a bonding session over video games and pizza but find it hard to stay away from their female counterparts. Julie and Kirsten collaborate on an idea to help the image of the Newport Group while Sandy and Caleb try to convince them there may be a better way. | |||||||
37 | 10 | "The Accomplice" | Ian Toynton | Allan Heinberg | 8.11[43] | January 27, 2005 | 2T5110 |
Seth and Zach decide to create a comic book based on their lives in Newport Beach. While browsing through the sketches, Summer wonders why she's been left out. Sandy decides to help an old friend, Professor Max Bloom, find his daughter, Rebecca, but the search leads to even more questions. While Julie is away, Marissa's contempt for Caleb grows as she looks for new ways to rebel. Meanwhile, Ryan tries to help Lindsay satisfy her curiosity about Caleb. | |||||||
38 | 11 | "The Second Chance" | Tony Wharmby | Drew Greenberg & Josh Schwartz | 7.25[44] | February 3, 2005 | 2T5111 |
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. | |||||||
39 | 12 | "The Lonely Hearts Club" | Ian Toynton | J. J. Philbin | 8.15[45] | February 10, 2005 | 2T5112 |
Sandy tries to make amends with Kirsten for keeping Rebecca's return a secret by showering his wife with Valentine's Day gifts. Zach, Summer and Seth drive to San Diego to pitch their comic book idea, and Seth is determined to use the trip to get Summer back. Julie returns from her European vacation and has decided to reconnect with Marissa. Meanwhile, Ryan wants to spend Valentine's Day with Lindsay, but her loyalty to Caleb gets in the way. | |||||||
40 | 13 | "The Test" | Michael Lange | John Stephens | 7.79[46] | February 17, 2005 | 2T5113 |
While Rebecca pays her last respects to her father, Sandy is forced to choose between his old love and his current life. Ryan is left to pick up the pieces with Lindsay after Caleb requests a paternity test. Meanwhile, Seth fears that he may have lost Summer forever, as she prepares for a trip with Zach. Marissa's new relationship with Alex intensifies. | |||||||
41 | 14 | "The Rainy Day Women" | Michael Fresco | Josh Schwartz | 7.23[47] | February 24, 2005 | 2T5114 |
It's raining in Newport. Marissa tells Julie that she and Alex are dating and decides she has to get out of Caleb's house. Summer is faced with a big decision as she prepares to go to Italy with Zach. Ryan convinces Lindsay to take the paternity test, and everyone anxiously awaits the results. Meanwhile, Sandy is stranded in a motel room with nothing but a few snacks, champagne and Rebecca. | |||||||
42 | 15 | "The Mallpisode" | Ian Toynton | Stephanie Savage | 6.99[48] | March 10, 2005 | 2T5115 |
Lindsay's moves to Chicago with her mom have left Ryan and Caleb confused. Marissa is trying hard to make her new living situation work, but she needs a break and agrees to join Summer, Seth and Ryan at the mall. Julie and Kirsten await the arrival of Carter, the new editor of Newport Living, but Julie is distracted when she's visited by Lance, an opportunistic man from her past. Meanwhile, Sandy and Caleb finally bond over all of their recent experiences. | |||||||
43 | 16 | "The Blaze of Glory" | Robert Duncan McNeill | Mike Kelley | 7.55[49] | March 17, 2005 | 2T5116 |
Seth is determined to bring back the spirit and fun times of last year and will not stop until his plan is successful. Alex's jealousy is fueled when Marissa enlists an unlikely partner to help her with the school bonfire. Meanwhile, Kirsten wants Carter to continue with the magazine despite his reservations, and Sandy helps Julie keep her blackmailer at bay. | |||||||
44 | 17 | "The Brothers Grim" | Michael Lange | J. J. Philbin | 8.59[50] | March 24, 2005 | 2T5117 |
When someone from Ryan's past comes for a visit, he worries that nothing good can come of it; while the Cohen family welcomes the Chino visitor with open arms. As Marissa and Ryan continue to explore their newfound friendship, Zach returns from his Italy trip Seth and Summer face some unforeseen news. Meanwhile, Julie admits her mistake to Kirsten and looks to Caleb for help. | |||||||
45 | 18 | "The Risky Business" | Norman Buckley | Cory Martin | 6.79[51] | April 7, 2005 | 2T5118 |
When Sandy becomes the honorary chairman of the Newport Beach charity yard sale, he solicits help from Trey, who has his first confrontation with the Newpsies. While Sandy auctions off Newport's finest, Kirsten and Carter share a table. When one of the auction's most expensive pieces goes missing, Ryan and Seth could also use some help. Meanwhile, Trey looks for a more permanent place to live as the Cohens welcome yet another houseguest. | |||||||
46 | 19 | "The Rager" | Tony Wharmby | John Stephens | 7.05[52] | April 14, 2005 | 2T5119 |
It's Trey's 21st birthday and Marissa, anxious to help Trey and Ryan forge a relationship, throws a birthday party for Trey at Caleb's mansion that quickly gets out of control. Sandy and Carter hit the waves together and decide to double-date and Summer discovers Reed's true identity, leaving Seth in hot water. Meanwhile, Julie leaves town on the heels of her disgrace, but comes home and reminisces about the Whitesnake concert with an "old" friend. | |||||||
47 | 20 | "The O.C. Confidential" | Tony Wharmby | Mike Kelley | 7.05[53] | April 21, 2005 | 2T5120 |
After the wild party at Caleb's mansion, Sandy, Seth and Ryan devise a plan to save another Atwood from going to jail. Kirsten and Carter, fulfilling more than their editorial duties, take a trip to the wine country. Meanwhile, Caleb returns from Europe and rebuffs Julie's romantic advances. | |||||||
48 | 21 | "The Return of the Nana" | Ian Toynton | Josh Schwartz | 6.77[54] | April 28, 2005 | 2T5121 |
Sandy, Seth and Ryan travel to South Beach, Florida to visit the Nana, who is living in Miami. While playing shuffleboard at the Nana's coastal-living retirement community, Seth and Ryan meet Mary-Sue, who helps Seth get center stage on "Music Video Nation's" Spring Break 2005 television show hosted by Swerve and Pixie, star of "Sherman Oaks: The Real Valley." Meanwhile, on the Pacific Coast, Carter packs his bags and leaves Kirsten alone at "Newport Living" and Trey misinterprets Marissa's friendship. | |||||||
49 | 22 | "The Showdown" | Michael Fresco | John Stephens | 7.19[54] | May 5, 2005 | 2T5122 |
Since Carter's departure, Kirsten has been drinking more than just tomato juice for breakfast, and when Sandy questions her, he's left to sleep alone in the bedroom. Marissa's nervousness around Ryan leads him to wonder if something has happened between her and Trey. Summer, tired of Seth and Zach behaving foolishly, confronts Reed about the graphic novel and finds herself center stage at the "Atomic County" launch party. Meanwhile, Caleb shows Julie that a picture is worth a thousand words. | |||||||
50 | 23 | "The O.Sea" | Michael Lange | J. J. Philbin | 6.12[55] | May 12, 2005 | 2T5123 |
Sandy and Caleb confront Kirsten about her behavior. Ryan, looking for the truth about Trey and Marissa, heads home to Chino. Meanwhile, Summer will not let her love triangle with Zach and Seth get in the way of her attending the prom, and Julie and Caleb toast to their final evening together as husband and wife. | |||||||
51 | 24 | "The Dearly Beloved" | Ian Toynton | Josh Schwartz | 7.63[56] | May 19, 2005 | 2T5124 |
Kirsten hits rock bottom after Caleb's funeral, prompting Sandy to make a life-changing decision to save his marriage. Seth, Summer, Marissa and Ryan are caught in the crossfire at the Bait Shop, and Jimmy Cooper, worried about Marissa and his family, rushes home to Newport Beach. Ryan finally learns the truth about what happened between Trey and Marissa, leading to a bloody confrontation. |
The DVD release of season two was released by Warner Bros. in the US on 23 August, 2005 after it had completed broadcast on television. As well as every episode from the season, the DVD release features bonus material including a gag reel, audio commentary and a fashion featurette.
The O.C. - The Complete Second Season | |||
Set details[58] | Special features[58] | ||
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Release dates[58][59][60] | |||
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August 23, 2005 | August 8, 2005 | September 7, 2005 |
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