The O.C. Season 3 | |||
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DVD cover art |
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Country of origin | United States | ||
No. of episodes | 25 | ||
Broadcast | |||
Original channel | FOX | ||
Original run | September 8, 2005 | – May 18, 2006||
Home video release | |||
DVD release date | October 24, 2006 | ||
Season chronology | |||
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The third season of the television series The O.C. commenced airing in the United States on September 8, 2005, concluded on May 18, 2006, and consisted of 25 episodes. The first ten episodes of season three aired Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET in the US on FOX, a terrestrial television network;[1] however, from January 12, 2006 onwards, The O.C. was shifted to a later time of Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET.[2]
Following on from season two, the series continues to follow the characters' lives in the wealthy community of Newport Beach, Orange County, California, with the main characters entering their final year of high school. Series creator Josh Schwartz said he wanted to explore the characters moving away as he "didn't want to be one of the shows that stayed in high school too long". He added that "graduating from high school is such a seminal moment for kids and parents. It's something we knew we wanted to mine and explore."[3] The season revolves around Ryan Atwood's savior complex causing trouble, and Seth Cohen's lies posing problems in his relationship with Summer Roberts. Seth's mother Kirsten attends rehab in an attempt to put her life back together, while her husband Sandy assumes leadership of the Newport Group after Caleb Nichol's death and finds himself the heir-apparent to a legacy of scandal, and Marissa Cooper spirals out of control after younger sister Kaitlin causes trouble on her return home from boarding school.[4] The season was released on DVD as a seven disc boxed set under the title The O.C.: The Complete Third Season on October 24, 2006 by Warner Bros. Home Video.[5]
Season three was also broadcast outside of the United States. In Canada, the season was simulcast on the terrestrial network CTV Television Network.[6] It was broadcast on Network Ten on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. (local time) in Australia, and premiered several months after it did in the US.[7] In New Zealand the season started February 11, 2006 on TV NZ.[8] It premiered in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2006 on the digital terrestrial channel E4, airing Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. GMT. The episodes were rebroadcast the following week on the analogue Channel 4, E4's parent channel, on Sundays at 1:50 p.m. GMT.[9]
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The season was produced by Warner Bros. Television and Wonderland Sound and Vision. The executive producers were series creator Josh Schwartz, McG, a co-founder of Wonderland, and Bob DeLaurentis.[10] Stephanie Savage, the other co-founder of Wonderland, served as co-executive producer, whilst Ian Toynton served as supervising producer.[11] The staff writers were Schwartz, Savage, DeLaurentis, John Stephens, J.J. Philbin and Mike Kelley. The regular directors throughout the season were Toynton, Michael Lange, Michael Fresco, Norman Buckley and Tony Wharmby.
The third season had star billing for seven major roles. Mischa Barton as Marissa, Rachel Bilson as Summer, Adam Brody as Seth, Melinda Clarke as Julie, Peter Gallagher as Sandy, Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan, and Kelly Rowan as Kirsten all returned to the main cast.[12] Former main cast member Alan Dale did not return due to his character, Caleb, dying at the end of the second season, while Tate Donovan, as Jimmy Cooper, returned only in a recurring role.[13]
Logan Marshall-Green returned for the season premiere, portraying Trey Atwood, comatosed as a result of the shooting in the second season finale.[13] Additionally Navi Rawat, Samaire Armstrong, Daphne Ashbrook and Nikki Griffin all made brief returns to guest star as Theresa Diaz,[14] Anna Stern,[14] Dawn Atwood,[15] and Jess Sathers,[16] respectively. Willa Holland took over from Shailene Woodley in portraying Marissa's younger sister Kaitlin, who returns to the show after being away at boarding school last year.[11] Cast member Michael Nouri continued as Summer's dad, Dr. Neil Roberts, who became a larger part of the series.[17] Other actors to leave the series were Nicholas Gonzalez (D.J.), Michael Cassidy (Zach), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay), Olivia Wilde (Alex), Billy Campbell (Carter), Kim Delaney (Rebecca), Johnny Messner (Lance), Kathleen York (Renee), and Marguerite Moreau (Reed).
The season introduced a number of new students to the show. Additions to the cast included Autumn Reeser, Cam Gigandet, Ryan Donowho and Johnny Lewis, as new social chair Taylor Townsend,[18] rival surfers Kevin Volchok[19] and Johnny Harper, and Johnny's best friend Chili.[20] Jeri Ryan and Jeff Hephner also joined the cast to portray new adult characters Charlotte Morgan, a mysterious woman Kristen befriends in rehab,[12] and Matt Ramsey, an overzealous business partner working at the Newport Group.[21] New guest stars in recurring roles included Paula Trickey as Taylor's mother, Veronica Townsend; Erin Foster as a Newport Union student called Heather; Kayla Ewell and Nikki Reed as Johnny's girlfriend, Casey, and cousin Sadie;[22] Eric Mabius as new Dean of Discipline, Jack Hess;[23] Shaun Duke as Henry Griffin, head of the board at Newport Hospital; and Morena Baccarin as Griffin's daughter Maya.
Season three was widely regarded by both fans and critics as the worst season of The O.C.[24] The season premiere attracted 7.5 million viewers, but average viewing figures decreased twenty percent from the previous season to 5.6 million.[25] The first half of the season averaged 6.3 million viewers, representing a substantial decrease in the show's popularity. However Marcy Ross, head of current programming at FOX said that the "ratings are perfectly fine and acceptable".[3] After the eventual cancellation of the show, Schwartz admitted that "the whole first half of the third season was a total mess".[26]
The third season was nominated for five Teen Choice Awards and won four of them, including "Choice Drama/Action Adventure Show" and "Choice Actor: Drama/Action Adventure", which Adam Brody won for the third consecutive year.[27] IGN faulted a season which, in their opinion, had "far too much time and too many episodes spent with the less than beloved character Johnny". IGN also noted that "Kirsten and Sandy both suffered from unsatisfying stories", and that the departure of character Caleb Nichol had been a mistake "as he had been a great character to bounce off both of the elder Cohens".[24] In September 2007, Schwartz admitted in an interview for New York that the show "went down the wrong road" with Johnny.[26] The season did, however, receive some praise. The new character Taylor Townsend was stated as being "played to perfection by Autumn Reeser" and her character was described as "one of the greatest elements of The O.C."[24] Jeffrey Robinson of DVD Talk described the storylines as "very intelligent and also incorporate a great deal of humor to keep your interest".[28]
USA Today critic Robert Bianco said that the season premiere was "as dreary and ridiculous as any episode the show ever gave us",[29] but the season finale was commended by IGN's Eric Goldman for killing off main character Marissa Cooper. Goldman said that "the episode documenting her demise was a fairly strong one" and that the following season "would really pay off this shocking twist".[24] Despite not being the final season it was also noted that the graduation of characters gave "the show a feeling of ending".[3]
"Series #" refers to the episode's number in the overall series, whereas "Season #" refers to the episode's number in this particular season. The third season's episodes are altogether 1089 minutes in length.
Series # |
Season # |
Title | Directed by | Written by | American viewers in millions | Original airdate | Production Code |
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52 | 1 | "The Aftermath" | Ian Toynton | Josh Schwartz | 7.50[30] | September 8, 2005 | 2T6251 |
Trey is still in a coma after the shooting, and the police are still investigating. Jimmy and Julie are determined to protect their daughter at any cost. Kirsten meets another recovering alcoholic in rehab, while Seth, Ryan and Sandy deal with things at home without her. | |||||||
53 | 2 | "The Shape of Things to Come" | Tony Wharmby | J. J. Philbin | 6.22[31] | September 15, 2005 | 2T6252 |
Sandy encourages Kirsten to come home, but she doesn't want to leave Charlotte alone. The new dean of discipline determines Ryan and Marissa's fate at Harbor. Meanwhile, Summer is not pleased with Taylor Townsend arranging the school's Kick-Off carnival. Jimmy unexpectedly proposes to Julie. | |||||||
54 | 3 | "The End of Innocence" | Michael Lange | Stephanie Savage | 6.45[32] | September 22, 2005 | 2T6253 |
Sandy and Julie try to get Ryan and Marissa to take their relationship slow. Dean Hess pressures Seth and Summer into Harbor spirit. Meanwhile, Caleb's will leaves the family in shock, and Jimmy in trouble. This episode is named after an album by Don Henley. |
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55 | 4 | "The Last Waltz" | Ian Toynton | John Stephens | 6.56[33] | September 29, 2005 | 2T6254 |
Marissa adjusts to Newport Union, but Ryan is concerned the separation will affect their relationship. Seth's feud with Dean Hess leads Summer to trouble, but a shocking discovery could help her. Meanwhile, Charlotte arrives in Newport with big plans for Kirsten. Sandy takes over the future of the Newport Group. Also, Julie may no longer be considered a Newport Beach socialite. This episode is named after an album by The Band. |
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56 | 5 | "The Perfect Storm" | Tony Wharmby | Mike Kelley | 6.65[34] | November 3, 2005 | 2T6255 |
Sandy's scheme to support Ryan's new life plan does not go as planned. Dean Hess continues to threaten Ryan's future, but Seth and Summer are determined to reveal his secret affair with Taylor. Meanwhile, Charlotte makes Julie an offer she may not be able to refuse. This episode is named after the film of the same name. |
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57 | 6 | "The Swells" | Michael Fresco | J. J. Philbin | 5.76[35] | November 10, 2005 | 2T6256 |
Taylor throws a Harbor event and plans to distance Seth and Summer. Ryan becomes concerned of Marissa's new life at Newport Union. Meanwhile, Sandy works on a plan for the Newport Group and forms a new partnership. Charlotte convinces Julie to involve Kirsten in her scheme. | |||||||
58 | 7 | "The Anger Management" | Michael Fresco | John Stephens | 6.20[36] | November 17, 2005 | 2T6257 |
Marissa is determined to get Volchok to stay away from Ryan. Taylor begins to cause major rifts between Seth and Summer's relationship. Meanwhile, Sandy's new business partner goes above and beyond the call of duty. Julie makes a bold move ruining Charlotte's scheme. | |||||||
59 | 8 | "The Game Plan" | Tate Donovan | Cory Martin | 5.90[37] | December 1, 2005 | 2T6258 |
The senior students of Harbor think of their future and which college to apply to, but Marissa has other plans. Julie is forced to move into a trailor park, and Kirsten is determined to help. Meanwhile, Sandy invites an old friend from UC Berkeley to dinner with Seth and Ryan. | |||||||
60 | 9 | "The Disconnect" | Tony Wharmby | Stephanie Savage | 5.88[38] | December 8, 2005 | 2T6259 |
Ryan takes an internship working for Sandy at the Newport Group, but he ends up working to save Matt's career. Summer and Seth are determined to get accepted into Brown. Johnny tells Marissa how he feels about her. | |||||||
61 | 10 | "The Chrismukkah Bar-Mitzvahkkah" | Ian Toynton | Josh Schwartz | 6.22[39] | December 15, 2005 | 2T6260 |
Johnny's sudden misfortune forces him to take matters into his own hands, but Marissa and Ryan are determined to help. Kirsten reaches out to Julie about her living situation. Meanwhile, the holidays lead to Summer turning to Neil about her mom. | |||||||
62 | 11 | "The Safe Harbor" | Tony Wharmby | Mike Kelley | 5.13[40] | January 12, 2006 | 2T6261 |
Seth, Summer and Ryan lauch a campaign to bring Marissa back to Harbor, much to Johnny's displease, but Sandy must make an ethical decision which could affect the judge's decision. Meanwhile, Neil and Julie are determined to tell their daughters about what they've been hiding from them. | |||||||
63 | 12 | "The Sister Act" | Ian Toynton | Leila Gerstein | 5.36[41] | January 19, 2006 | 2T6262 |
Kaitlin returns to Newport, but brings trouble with her and asks Ryan for help. Meanwhile, Kirsten turns to Sandy for advice when Veronica Townsend asks her for a personal favor. | |||||||
64 | 13 | "The Pot Stirrer" | Norman Buckley | John Stephens | 5.70[42] | January 26, 2006 | 2T6263 |
Marissa does all she can rebuild her relationship with Kaitlin, whom teaches Seth an alternate stress reliever. Sandy and Matt work together to secure a contract for the new hospital. Meanwhile, Julie is determined to bring her family together. | |||||||
65 | 14 | "The Cliffhanger" | Michael Lange | J. J. Philbin | 5.70[43] | February 2, 2006 | 2T6264 |
Johnny's feelings bring him to rock bottom, and a scared Kaitlin calls for help. Ryan confronts Marissa about her feelings for Johnny. Seth confronts Summer about his Brown interview. Meanwhile, Kirsten and Julie take their dating service a little too far. | |||||||
66 | 15 | "The Heavy Lifting" | Ian Toynton | Stephanie Savage | 5.25[44] | February 9, 2006 | 2T6265 |
Johnny's death brings his cousin, Sadie, to Newport, who makes Ryan question his relationship with Marissa. Summer confronts Seth about the marijuana and his lies. Kaitlin returns to boarding school. Meanwhile, Kirsten and Julie throw a Valentine's Day party to promote NewMatch. | |||||||
67 | 16 | "The Road Warrior" | Michael Fresco | Mike Kelley | 7.36[45] | March 9, 2006 | 2T6266 |
Ryan and Sadie go on a road trip to find Johnny's Dad, which brings them closer. Marissa is implicated in Johnny's death. Meanwhile, Seth and Summer discover Julie and Neil's secret relationship. | |||||||
68 | 17 | "The Journey" | Roxann Dawson | John Stephens | 5.40[46] | March 16, 2006 | 2T6267 |
Sandy wants to invite one of Ryan's family members to his birthday, but Ryan questions whether to invite Marissa or not. Julie and Neil tell Marissa and Summer about their secret relationship. Meanwhile, Ryan and Sadie's relationship intensifies, while Marissa and Volchok grow closer. | |||||||
69 | 18 | "The Undertow" | Robert Duncan McNeill | Mark Fish & J. J. Philbin | 5.36[47] | March 23, 2006 | 2T6268 |
An old nemesis returns to Newport, causing rifts in Ryan and Sadie's relationship. Seth and Summer are faced with a new problem that Taylor can help solve. Marissa finds herself all alone in Newport and spends the night with Volchok. Meanwhile, Sandy grapples with business pressure. | |||||||
70 | 19 | "The Secrets and Lies" | Michael Fresco | Stephanie Savage & Josh Schwartz | 5.50[48] | March 30, 2006 | 2T6269 |
Julie and Neil announce their engagement to their daughters. Marissa drifts away from Summer and seeks company from Volchok. Ryan tries to move on with his relationship with Sadie. Meanwhile, Kirsten and Seth have a night out. At the Newport Group, Sandy's woes with Matt continue. | |||||||
71 | 20 | "The Day After Tomorrow" | Norman Buckley | Leila Gerstein | 5.06[49] | April 6, 2006 | 2T6270 |
Ryan and Sadie plan their future after high school, but their decision concerns Sandy and Kirsten. Marissa and Summer begins to rebuild their friendship. Meanwhile, the drama surrounding Sandy's job intensifies and seeps into the Cohen household. | |||||||
72 | 21 | "The Dawn Patrol" | Ian Toynton | Mike Kelley | 4.33[50] | April 13, 2006 | 2T6271 |
Ryan leaves Newport to invite Dawn to his graduation, but things don't go as planned. Summer and Taylor devise a plan to find out what Seth is hiding. Julie confronts Volchok about his relationship with Marissa. Meanwhile, Sandy's paying more attention to the Newport Group than his family. | |||||||
73 | 22 | "The College Try" | Tony Wharmby | J. J. Philbin | 5.36[51] | April 20, 2006 | 2T6272 |
Ryan and Marissa leave Newport to attend an orientation at UC Berkeley, while Seth visits Brown with Summer, and sees a familiar friend. Kirsten is surprised to see someone from the family's past at the airport, and turns to Sandy for support. | |||||||
74 | 23 | "The Party Favor" | Michael Lange | John Stephens | 5.41[52] | April 27, 2006 | 2T6273 |
Ryan invites Theresa to his prom, while Marissa bring Volchok, who only causes trouble. Anna helps Seth rebuild his relationship with Summer. Meanwhile, Kirsten turns to Julie for support. Sandy finds trouble in the hospital development. | |||||||
75 | 24 | "The Man of the Year" | Tony Wharmby | Stephanie Savage | 5.10[53] | May 4, 2006 | 2T6274 |
Sandy and Seth confront each other about their recent behaviors. Volchok leads Ryan to more trouble. Kirsten worries Sandy is controlling the Newport Group like her father. Meanwhile, Marissa leaves Newport when Kaitlin asks for a favor. | |||||||
76 | 25 | "The Graduates" | Ian Toynton | Bob DeLaurentis & Josh Schwartz | 6.40[54] | May 18, 2006 | 2T6275 |
Marissa receives an unexpected proposal from Jimmy that may change her future plans. Dawn returns to Newport to support Ryan on his graduation, but Volchok's threat might make it hard. Seth comes clean about his recent behavior. Summer faces the prospect of going away without Seth. Meanwhile, Kaitlin returns to Newport and decides to enroll in Harbor. |
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