Funny, quirky and absolutely delightful. Yes, I love the OC! Whats not to love? It’s over-the-top, clichéd corny, predictable, unbelievable at times and melodramatic as hell. Really, whats not to love?
Having recently finished seeing the entire
series, watching the re-runs of season on TV, was a trip down memory lane for me. How I had missed seeing the quintessential humor, romance, emotion and angst that The OC dished out every week, for it’s loyal viewers.
The first season was a roller-coaster ride, as it had many storylines going on at the same time. They had enough material to pack over three seasons of Gilmore Girls. Forget other teen dramas, The OC, at times, may have had unbelievable storylines, but they made
up for it by giving us extremely likable characters, and introduced us to the wonderful Christan/Jew combined, uber-holiday - Chrismukkah!!
Based in a seemingly idyllic paradise, where the seemingly rich people, reside in their seemingly perfect lives, where nothing is what it seems.
What made this show work so well is its witty dialog, sharp sense of humor and a fantastic array of actors, who could (to my surprise) actually act!
The plot revolves around Ryan Atwood, a troubled youth from Chino, who’s family has abandoned him and who’s family’s disregard for him, influences his lawyer - Public Defender Sandy Cohen - to take him into his own household situated in Newport, Orange
County, where the rich and fabulous reside.
What follows are many engrossing episodes, involving the experiences of an overwhelmed Ryan, a newbie to the lifestyles of the extremely wealthy of Newport Beach. As well as observing the relationship that he establishes with the girl next door - Marissa Cooper, and his budding friendship with the Cohen’s son - Seth.
The best aspect of the OC is its characters. Not only are they very well written, each character provokes a strong emotion in the viewer. After a few episodes you find yourself really caring about the protagonists.
Seth Cohen, being the best of the lot. Growing up in Orange County as an awkward socially handicapped kid, who loves comic books and talks to a plastic horse. His life changes somewhat when Ryan moves into town. Apart from finding a life-long friend in Ryan, he finally musters up enough courage, to make his presence known to the girl he’s infatuated with.
Adam Brody plays the extremely sarcastic yet lovable geek in the best possible fashion.
Ryan Atwood, is the misunderstood, brooding bad boy trying to be good. A smart and flawed hero. Ryan’s impulsive by nature, he mostly thinks everything can be solved by fighting. Although sporting a tough exterior, Ryan is wonderfully warm and surprisingly even romantic at times. Ben McKenzie is brilliant as Ryan. It doesn’t take long to completely fall in love with the guy. The chemistry that Ryan and Seth share is nothing short of amazing. The two guys are the life of the show.
Marissa Cooper, is the misunderstood good girl trying to be bad. Tall, blonde and pretty, Marrissa, often the victim of her mothers selfish ways, not surprisingly harbors ill feelings for her mom and that pushes Marissa into alcoholism, shop-lifting and dating psychopaths.
Mischa Barton contributes to the glamor of the show, but is rather patchy when it comes to her acting. Despite having great chemistry with McKenzie, her acting in several scenes leaves a lot to be desired.
Summer Roberts, completes the fabulous quartet. Initially, she reminded me of annoying Jackie from ’That 70’s Show’. Playing the typical, spoiled, rich California girl. Summer epitomized shallowness, and didn’t have anything going for her in the first few episodes.
But as the show progressed, different shades of her character was revealed. Her ’moments’ with Seth are very well crafted.
Rachel Bilson shines as the pretty girl with a great sense of comic timing.
Unlike other teen dramas, The OC doesn’t only focus on the teens, but gives ample importance to the adult characters as well. The parents aren’t treated as secondary characters, which I very much liked.
Sanford (Sandy) Cohen, a lower-class Jew from the Bronx, got married into wealth. Sandy is very much a fish out of water in Newport Beach. Working as a Public Defender, Sandy’s decision to bring a troubled teen into his home received mixed reaction from his wife and members of the community. Due to his righteous nature, he’s often the voice of reason in the Cohen household.
Peter Gallagher turns in a masterful performance as the morally correct, compassionate husband and father. His dry wit is spot on, which makes him the second most humorous character after Seth.
Kirsten Cohen, a top-level executive in her father’s multi-billion dollar real estate
corporation - The Newport Group. Initially, Kirsten is portrayed as a hardcore, work-obsessed individual, who isn’t too happy about adopting Ryan. But later onwards we begin to see a relatively reserved, emotional woman, who would go to any lengths for her family. Despite their differences, Sandy and Kirsten’s relationship is rock-solid. Often portrayed as the perfect couple, their bond is so strong no one can break it.
Kelly Rowan, manages to rake up a competent and believable performance.
Julie Cooper, the manipulative gold-digger, who would do almost anything to live the high life. Her constant efforts to stay rich comes from never wanting to go back to the ’trailer park’ life in Riverside, where she originally came from. A character we can’t help but like.
Looking at Julie, one can understand where Marrissa gets her good looks from.
Melinda Clarke plays the part with extreme gusto. She is just perfect as Julie.
Jimmy Cooper, A financial planner who gets himself in a massive legal mess. Lying to his family, stealing from his clients, begging from his friends, Jimmy is seriously screwed up. Since he’s one of the oldest friends of Kirsten, Sandy agrees to help him sort out the
legal stuff. Jimmy scarcely manages to generate some amount of sympathy to his character, who is going through the worst phase in life.
Tate Donovan essaying the role, is strictly adequate. He doesn’t impress much, largely due to his boring character.
The OC provided enough eye candy to get me hooked initially. The ensemble cast is gorgeous. The characters dress mostly as if their life is a fashion show. The setting - Newport Beach is probably on of the most beautiful places I’ve seen. Cinematography is par- excellence.
The music is what really brings the show together. It’s probably the only show I’ve seen that uses music to set the mood so effectively. Most of the songs played in season one are simply amazing. Specially mentioning ’Hallelujah’ by Jeff Buckley and ’Something Pretty’ by Patrick Park.
Creator, Josh Schwartz has done a splendid job in creating a show that is funny, compelling and filled with drama.
Don’t look for intelligent storylines, or breakthrough television. It is humorous, romantic and great entertainment! The OC doesn’t take itself too seriously, neither should you.
Rating: 9/10.