Well after becoming highly addicted to the first series of the O.C, it was no wonder that I was scanning the Internet waiting to see when the second series was going to start. After the departure of Ryan at the end of the first series and Seth going off in his sail boat trying to 'find himself' I watched with apprehension as to whether the old gang would be reunited or if it was going to be completely different story.
Well what can I say about the O.C, the first time I watched it I thought it would just be like Hollyoaks or something like that, I was on holiday when I saw the first episode, so there was nothing else on and I thought why not, I think the first episode I saw was around half way through the first series. What can I say but I was immediately hooked, the actors were mostly quite young and it followed their lives in and around their school and the surrounding beautiful coastline, the two main characters or what I think are the two main characters are Seth and Ryan, their both at high school. They have two absolutely stunning girlfriends called Summer and Marissa, summer goes out with Seth on and off, and Ryan, Marissa again on and off. Ryan is the out of Towner tough guy who gets into quite a few fights; Seth is the token high school Geek. Summer is a stylish it girl, and Marissa is one of the most popular girls in the school but gets into quite a bit of trouble when Ryan turns up. The episodes are highly thought out and must be a challenge for the writers to try and keep the show fresh in its second season, but I feel that they have succeeded, and hope for this to continue into the third season and hopefully for even longer. However in the third season they are in their last year of high school, so I don't know if it will go on after this. Shame if it doesn't.
For those of you that don't know anything about the O.C I am going to give you a quick run down before I introduce the episodes.
BACKGROUND
The O.C. - also known as Orange County, California - is a tranquil paradise, on the surface a wealthy, harbour-front community where everything and everyone appears to be near perfect. All the people are beautiful and most the families are extremely rich. But beneath the surface is a world of shifting loyalties and identities, of kids living secret lives hidden from their parents, and of parents living secret lives hidden from their children. 'The O.C.' tells the story of the Cohen, Cooper, and Nichol families, and Ryan Atwood, a troubled teen from the wrong side of the tracks, who is brought into this world by the Cohen family after being nearly put in juvee Prison but being saved by the father of the Cohen family taking Pity on him and trying to help him amend his ways.
CHARACTERS
Here are some of the main characters and a bit about their background.
Ben McKenzie who plays Ryan Atwood one of the main characters. On September 12, 1978, Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan was born. Benjamin was both born and raised in Texas. Following, his graduation from the University of Virginia where he was a Foreign Affairs and Economics major, he moved to New York to pursue his passion for acting.
Tate Donovan plays James 'Jimmy' Cooper, son of a retired surgeon J. Timothy Donovan & Eileen Donovan. And having 5 older siblings. Tate Donovan started his career at such a young age. He gained notice as an airman on World War 2 theatrical film Memphis Belle (1990).
Chris Carmack Plays Luke Ward grew up in Rockville, Maryland. He attended New York University but left after his sophomore year. Chris played baseball, basketball, football and wrestling in high school. He plays the saxophone and guitar. In 2004 he was the spokes model for Ezra Fitch, the newest offspring brand from Abercrombie and Fitch.
Melinda Clarke Plays Julie Cooper-Nichol She has a brother named Josh. She also has a sister, Heidi, who died from a tumour in 1994. She has been married to Ernest "Ernie" Mirich since 1994 and has one daughter with him named Kathryn Grace. She is a trained soprano and has a beautiful voice that your can hear a sample of in a scene in the movie "Hot Under The Collar".
Rachael Bilson plays Summer Roberts. Rachel Bilson is enjoying a successful and continually developing acting career in television, feature films and on the stage. After playing parts in "Bye Bye Birdie," "Once Upon A Mattress" and "The Crucible," Bilson moved on to co-starring roles in the television series "Human Target," "It's True," "8 Simple Rules" and "Buffy The Vampire Slayer."
Mischa Barton plays Marissa Cooper. She was born Mischa Anne Barton on January 24, 1986 in London, England, UK. Mischa moved to the US at a young age and experienced her childhood here. Now, at the age of 18, Mischa has developed an extensive filmography and theatrical resume that will surely make her one of the most sought after young actresses of her generation.
Adam Brody plays Seth Cohen. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Brody spent his teen years living the California Dream: surfing, sunning and swimming. So when it became clear that there was more to his ambition than a career as a professional surfer, he needed to make a decision on his future. And he chose his acting Career.
Kelly Rowan plays Kirsten Cohen Born in Ottawa and then raised in Toronto, natural blonde Kelly Rowan first found acting opportunities on Canadian television when she was 19. At this time Kelly was still training in workshops and classes such as Shakespeare and Second City for which she did a little fashion modelling in New York to help with the finances.
Peter Gallagher plays Sanford 'Sandy' Cohen. A stage-trained actor who has begun to come into his own on film following his success as the slimy lawyer John Millaney in Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989). Gallagher made an auspicious debut as pop singer Caesare in The Idol maker (1980), which failed miserably at the box office, and later appeared as part of the ménage ê trios in Summer Lovers (1982).
Alan Dale plays Caleb Nichol. Alan Dale was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he started appearing in his parents' amateur theatre group at age 12. In his first play, his leading lady turned out to be the mother of one of his mates, and he was so embarrassed about having to kiss her, they just pretended to kiss. After school, he moved to Auckland. He married at twenty-one, and found work as a milkman.
EPISODE GUIDE
Anyway after that brief introduction to the characters I am now going to name all the episodes in the season 2 box set and briefly explain what happens in each episode.
THE DISTANCE 2X01 The summer is coming to an end, and Seth still has not returned home even after pleas from his family. Kirsten still in shock from he son running away tries to take her mind of it by renovating the house. Ryan is with Theresa in Chino, Marissa is alone and depressed, and Summer is slowly trying to get over Seth leaving her.
THE WAY WE WERE 2X02 As you can probably tell from the title things are slowly returning to the way they were before the end of the last season. The boys reunite with their former girlfriends but it becomes clear 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 2X03 After Caleb is released from custody, he must make some decisions about the Newport Group, and his decisions don't sit well with Kirsten. Seth is determined to win back Summer's friendship, even if it means getting a job. Ryan has a string of awkward encounters with a new girl at school, while Marissa faces being alone.
THE NEW ERA 2X04 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 2X05 This is personally one of my favourite episodes. 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 their garden boy 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 2X06 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 2X07 After Caleb's confession, The Cohen's 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 2X08 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 2X09 Seth is thrown when Alex's ex arrives in town for a visit, and is even more thrown when he finds out who it is. Julie has a plan to try and save The Newport Group, which to everyone's surprise, might actually work. Lindsay sticks out when she joins Summer and Marissa for a girl's night out; meanwhile, Ryan, Seth and Zach contemplate playing it safe on a guys' night in. But nothing ever goes as planned.
THE ACCOMPLICE 2X10 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 2X11 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 2X12 It's Valentines Day 2005 in O.C. 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 2X13 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 2X14 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 2X15 This is my best episode so far out of all series it is just so funny, and wouldn't we all love to have done this in our lives get locked in a Mall. 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 2X16 Spring has flung in Newport where Marissa recruits Ryan to help her with Harbour 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 going to do about her blackmailer and seeks some advice from Sandy. Kirsten wants Carter to stick with the magazine despite his reservations.
THE BROTHERS GRIM 2X17 When Ryan's brother, Trey, gets out of jail and gives Ryan a call, the Cohen's 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 2X18 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 Cohen's.
THE RAGER 2X19 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 2X20 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 Feather brook's winery. Meanwhile, Caleb returns home and questions his marriage with Julie.
THE RETURN OF THE NANA 2X21 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 2X22 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 2X23 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 2X24 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.
So that's the guide to all the episodes in the season two box set, I am now going to explain some of the great music that is played on the O.C.
EXTRA DVD FEATURES
If you buy the DVD box set you also get some special features, these are as follows; • Special Feature Information: Rainy Day Women Commentary The OC Unseen A Kiss Is A Kiss Or Is It
Only one commentary compared to the first season when there was around seven the only slight downside is the pretty poor extra features.
THE BOX SET ITS SELF
As you can see from the picture at the top of the review and one i posted at the bottom of the review the box set comes in a very nicely put together display box, where it fits its six dvd's in perfectly it is a lovely colour blue in a similar style to the first series but in a contrasting colour, it also has a very nice picture on the front of the box showing most of the cast, it has a very nice pull out inside aswell which gives you a good episode guide aswell.
MUSIC OF THE O.C
The O.C has been a trend setter in the musical department since the first series, in the second series it feature some great up and coming band including the Killers and the Walkmen, both of course actually play in the Club on the Beach in the O.C episodes. Some of this music has been complied into a season two soundtrack, it includes hits used on the show to great effect, and these are the following; 1. The Eels - Saturday Morning 2. Super Furry Animals - Hello Sunshine (radio edit) 3. The Killers - Smile Like You Mean It 4. Death Cab For Cutie - A Lack Of Colour 5. Interpol - Specialist 6. Patrick Park - Something Pretty 7. Dios Malos - You Got Me All Wrong 8. Nada Surf - If You Leave 9. The Thrills - Big Sur 10. The Walkmen - Little House Of Savages (live) 11. The Perishers - Trouble Sleeping 12. Jonathan Rice - So Sweet 13. Beulah - Popular Mechanics For Lovers 14. Keane - Walnut Tree 15. Jem - Maybe I m Amazed 16. The Album Leaf - Eastern Glow
AVALIABILITY
The cheapest price that I have found for the O.C season two box set at the moment is around £39.99 but can be found cheaper if searched around in the shops, as it might be on offer. The rrp is £59.99. I've found that the season two soundtracks could also be picked up for around £9.99 online, and roughly about £11.99 RRP in most music stores.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion I would thoroughly recommend buying this box set it is 24 episodes of pure enjoyment, you think that each episode is around 45 minutes long then that is a lot of viewing time and will keep everyone busy for weeks. You should go out and buy it you won't be disappointed.
denizens of Orange County found their lives massively upended and then some. At the end of the first season, the Cohen household had been reduced to two--parents Sandy ...
denizens of Orange County found their lives massively upended and then some. At the end of the first season, the Cohen household had been reduced to two--parents Sandy ...
