Discover the Shocking Truth: What Watching The OC 20 Years Later Reveals

Summary

The O.C.

The show's self-awareness and use of meta-humor contributed to its charm, although upon revisiting it after 20 years, certain harsh realities become evident. Interestingly, Marissa's death had a positive impact on the show, as it resulted in a more authentic portrayal of Ryan's relationship with Taylor, and the return of comedic elements in season 4.

The O.C.

's first season had a weak plot with the Oliver Trask storyline, and Seth and Summer's love story started off poorly.

The sunny veneer of The O.C., a classic teen dramedy, crumbles when re-watched twenty years later, revealing previously unnoticed flaws. Debuting in 2003, this teen soap won over audiences with the tale of Ryan Atwood, a troubled youngster from the wrong side of the tracks who finds a new home with the well-intentioned, affluent Cohen family. Embarking on relationships with Marissa Cooper, the troubled girl-next-door, and Summer, the spoiled rich kid, Ryan gradually bonds with the family's nerdy son, Seth. The O.C.'s appeal lies in its amalgamation of coming-of-age clichés. This self-aware teen dramedy humorously acknowledges its own melodramatic moments and exaggerated tropes. It may be unfathomable, but The O.C. and Arrested Development almost crossed over, showcasing the characters' unexpected level of self-awareness as they playfully ridicule the conventions of teen shows, despite being immersed in one. Unlike later shows such as Gossip Girl, which adopted a more serious tone for their dramatic storylines, The O.C. consistently injected meta-humor into its narrative. Nevertheless, this can cause viewers to overlook the aspects of The O.C. that haven't aged well.

10 The O.C. Season 3 Is The Worst

Upon a re-watch, Marissa’s final appearance is actually worse than the show’s ultimate season. The O.C. season 2 receives a lot of online criticism solely because it did not live up to the debut of the show, and season 4 is often criticized for excluding Marissa. However, The O.C. season 3 is unquestionably the weakest standalone season in the series. The most irritating aspect of season 3 was the influx of unnecessary new characters, including the unsettling Dean Hess, Johnny Harper, and the blatantly villainous Charlotte Morgan. These characters were introduced and given significant screen time, but their actions only contributed to the season's overall bleakness.

9 The O.C. Was Actually Better After Marissa's Death

When Marissa was killed off in The O.C., many commentators assumed that the show was doomed. Mischa Barton, as part of the show's beloved "core four," had a fan-favorite character, making it seem impossible for the series to continue without her. However, the relationship between Ryan and Taylor in season 4 was more authentic and earned compared to his messy involvement with Marissa. Additionally, season 1's comedic focus returned after the gloomy melodrama of season 3. In the end, despite the tragedy, Marissa's death actually benefitted the series.

8 The O.C. Season 2 Finale Was Silly Before SNL

7 The O.C. Season 1 Has One of its Worst Plots

: The conclusion of The O.C.'s second season finale was deemed laughable by many due to the widely popular "Dear Sister" skit on Saturday Night Live. However, the reality is that the scene was inherently absurd from the start, which is precisely why the sketch resonated so well. The exaggerated melodrama of the ending, coupled with the impactful use of Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek," marked the definitive moment when The O.C. irreversibly lost its appeal.

Regarded as a teenage television drama gem, The O.C. season 1 holds a significant place in the genre. However, amidst its outstanding narrative, there exists an unresolved plot that lacks justification. The Oliver Trask storyline portrays a minor antagonist who becomes dangerously infatuated with Marissa, but its slow start and predictability strip away its impact. Consequently, it becomes challenging to fully empathize with Marissa from the beginning, ultimately detracting from an otherwise commendable season.

6 Seth and Summer’s Love Story Started Terribly

Speaking about the challenges faced in The O.C.'s initial episodes, the subsequent connection between Summer and Seth didn't quite improve their rough start. Initially, Seth attempted to simultaneously pursue both Anna, a sweet and endearingly nerdy girl, and Summer, who was initially portrayed as mean and superficial. However, Summer underwent a significant transformation from being a typical mean girl to becoming one of the most admirable heroines within the realm of teen drama series. When reflecting upon the events of The O.C. season 1, it becomes difficult not to consider the possibility that Seth made an incorrect choice in selecting his partner.

5 The O.C’s Activist Character Is Insufferable

Anna's departure from The O.C. happened before Seth could have a change of heart, however, she was not the sole character who stood between Seth and Summer. Chris Pratt portrayed Summer's college roommate Che, who unfortunately became an unlikeable character, failing to fulfill his intended role as a source of comic relief upon revisiting the show. His humorous attempts at advocating for animal rights were rather predictable and his portrayal epitomized the overused stereotype of a self-centered activist. Ultimately, Che's presence in the series lacked a clear purpose.

4 The O.C. Wasted Kaitlin

Kaitlin's personal storyline in The O.C. fell short, as her grief over Marissa's death and her sense of isolation from her family were not adequately explored. Instead, the show predominantly portrayed her as a partygoer, transforming her into a replica of her older sister who was written more effectively. Although Chris Pratt's involvement in The O.C. propelled him into subsequent significant roles, it is difficult to overlook the squandered dramatic potential of Willa Holland's character when re-watching the series.

3 Jimmy Cooper Was A Monster

Marissa's father, Jimmy Cooper, was a reckless stockbroker who suffered heavy losses in the stock market and resorted to embezzlement in order to conceal his financial downfall. The way the show handles his character after the 2008 crash is unsettling. Despite the severe repercussions caused by his actions, Jimmy Cooper is arguably portrayed as one of the most unlikeable characters in The O.C. However, the show predominantly presents him as a charming individual.

2 Sandy Cohen Isn’t A Great Guy Either

1 Taylor Was The O.C’s Real Heroine

On discovering Summer's revelation about the school's Dean engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student, Sandy resorted to utilizing this information as leverage to blackmail the Dean, ultimately ensuring Ryan's reinstatement in the educational institution. However, it is concerning that Seth's father chose not to report this matter to the authorities, as it raises questions about potential negligence regarding the safety and well-being of minors. If The O.C. were to ever receive a reboot, it is highly doubtful that actions of this nature would depict Sandy as a virtuous family man and a heroic figure.

In season 3 of The O.C., the spotlight shifted to Taylor Townsend, played by Autumn Reeser. Unfortunately, her character was unjustly portrayed as a villain, which didn't do justice to her potential. Taylor, a delightful combination of Paris Geller from Gilmore Girls and Tracy Flick from Election, truly showcased her hilarious, ambitious, and razor-sharp personality after Marissa's death. Although it may be hard for some viewers to accept, Taylor was actually a better match for Ryan than Marissa and a more captivating and multifaceted character for the series as a whole. Surprisingly, she didn't become the true heroine of The O.C. until season 4.