1. “THE TIES THAT BIND” (1.27)
I would consider the first season finale of The O.C. to be the series’s saddest episode (yes, I am aware that Marissa Cooper dies at the end of the third season, and no, I’m not retracting my statement). Everything is brought full circle in pretty much the worst way—Ryan’s departure unravels most of the relationships and friendships that had come together over the past year. Seth leaves for Tahiti on his tiny boat, Marissa is stuck living with her mother and stepfather (and once again begins drinking alone), and the Cohen family is lost. Tell me you don’t get choked up watching Kirsten weep while taking Ryan’s sheets off of his poolhouse bed and I’ll call you a liar.
2. “PILOT” (1.01)
You can’t talk about The O.C. without discussing the episode that introduced everyone to Ryan, Seth, Marissa, Summer, and the parents Cohen. Featuring a car theft, underage drinking at a teen fashion show, and a brawl that spawned the immortal, “Welcome to the O.C., bitch!” the pilot started The O.C. with a bang.
3. “THE BEST CHRISMUKKAH EVER” (1.13)
The list would be incomplete without the episode that brought us America’s favorite hybrid holiday: Chrismukkah. As Seth says, “So, what’s it gonna be, huh? You want your menorah or a candy cane? Christmas or Hanukkah? Don’t worry about it buddy, because in this house, you don’t have to choose.”
4. “THE ESCAPE” (1.07)
The trip to Tijuana provides the catalyst for the rest of the first season—it’s the first time that Ryan, Seth, Marissa and Summer are seen as a unit. Seth and Summer bicker like an old married couple, Jimmy moves out, and Marissa catching Luke cheating on her leads to a tequila/painkiller overdose. Talk about a cliffhanger. I still curse the 2003 World Series for making me wait for the next episodes.
Advertisement
5. “THE THIRD WHEEL” (1.15)
THE GANG GOES TO A ROONEY CONCERT! Any show that features my favorite band is a friend of mine. Luke yelling the words to “Shakin’” will forever be burned into my brain. And is also something that people often reference while at Rooney concerts, it turns out.
6. “THE L.A.” (1.22)
One of the best aspects of The O.C. was its willingness to make fun of itself—something that is quite evident in “The L.A.” The foursome goes to a strip club to attend the birthday part of Grady Bridges (played by Colin Hanks), who plays the “tv version of Seth Cohen” on a show called The Valley. He was even dating his costar April, which Summer (played by Rachel Bilson who was dating costar Adam Brody at the time) points out is a terrible idea. LOL, Josh Schwartz. I see what you did there.
Advertisement
7. “THE DEBUT” (1.04)
Cotillion! We really start to see the sexual tension build between Ryan and Marissa—that is, before Marissa’s dad gets punched out by one of his friends in the middle of the event. Nothing like a dramatic brawl at a rich people party. The episode also brings us the character of Anna Stern, the smart, spunky girl from the east coast that tries to bring some confidence to Cohen.
8. “THE HOMECOMING” (1.11)
Kirsten is forbidden from touching the food, instead getting drunk on wine and margaritas to avoid her father and his new girlfriend, Julie Cooper. Seth tries to balance both Anna and Summer as romantic interests, while Ryan deals with his ex-girlfriend and new girlfriend meeting one another. Ryan’s visit to Chino reveals more about his past and introduces past girlfriend/best friend/neighbor Theresa.
Advertisement
9. “THE TRUTH” (1.18)
Marissa realizes that Oliver is craaaaay when he holds her at gunpoint. Ryan shows up with Sandy and talks Oliver down before anyone gets hurt. However, the original promo spot for this one featured a gunshot THAT DIDN’T ACTUALLY EXIST! Also, Anna breaks up with Seth for good, since he’s obviously in love with Summer. Hate on me all you want, but it’s sad because I thought Seth and Anna were great.
10. “THE LINKS” (1.16)
While the episode has its drawbacks (the storyline with Seth, Summer and Anna), the episode shows how crazy manipulative Oliver is—having a plate-smashing breakdown and fake overdose, anyone? Also, Luke is awesome with pretty much everyone.
Advertisement