Editorial: The Shape of Things to Come
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Well it’s week two and The O.C. has already done a job of distancing itself from the premiere. Finally the writers laid out groundwork. They created a valid and interesting launching pad for the rest of the season.
However interesting and well conceived the ideas and basic structure was, the show still seemed off to me. It was almost like crucial elements that define The O.C. were still missing.
But more importantly, the show’s dynamic was underplayed to startlingly un-dramatic effect. The outline and underlining basic elements of the plots had the potential to make the show be striking, full of life, and poignant. Instead, all those qualities were watered down.
And it didn’t help that most of our characters seemed to be played and written insubstantial. I never thought I’d say this but Summer wasn’t bitchy enough with Taylor. Ryan didn’t convey his misplaced resentment and anger towards Marissa with enough passion. And Seth lost the essential elements to his dialog. It’s almost like the writers and directors told Adam to take this down a notch, to create Seth-light.
I wasn’t overtly impressed with the new dean. I think I was more bothered by why he would take such keen interest in Ryan and Marissa and spout out a line about how it’s good to finally meet the most notorious couple of Harbor/Newport even though I know this will be further explored as time goes on. I also found it rather strange that he would use physical force to pull Marissa away from the fall carnival that I assume is open to student’s friends and guests. -- Marissa shot Trey in self-defense. This over analyzing by the dean on her lack of remorse for shooting Trey just seemed pointless to me. I never understand why writers can’t write the literal and the most logical. If I were Marissa sitting in front of the Dean I would say it straight out. Hey, look buddy, Trey was about to bludgeon Ryan to death with a phone and I had to save Ryan’s life! But I guess it was suppose to be more melodramatic for her to say she had no remorse, would do it again, and then storm out of the Dean‘s office.
Now Taylor I actually enjoyed, even if I’ve seen this type of character so many times before. But it’ll be some time before I get a feel for her dynamic with the men of this show. It’s clear that this character will one day set it’s mark on Seth. Why else would she be in this show? Someone has to upset the Seth/Summer balance. If she doesn’t I’ll applaud the writers for actually bringing in new characters that don’t have to factor as romantic halves for our leads.
The only thing that saved the Jimmy storyline, -- because let’s face it, Tate’s acting couldn’t pull this one from the gutter, it rather put into the gutter -- was Jimmy’s proposal to Julie. I can only hope a scandalous wedding with disastrous results is in the works.
Now, Kirsten, Charlotte and Sandy I loved. Jeri Ryan played her role perfectly. What could of come off as too characterized actually came off as humanized. It worked. Seeing her take the swig of whatever only confirmed to me that she planted herself in the rehab center to get close to Kirsten. Charlotte’s secrets better have lasting impact. Simply writing her out as a stalker and turning Kirsten’s time at this house into a mix of “Cape Fear” and “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane” just doesn’t seem right. This storyline has the potential be so much more. And I am willing to give it a chance.
The fantastic four were far more enjoyable in this episode because they got to function as pairs and individuals as well as a foursome. I couldn’t of taken one more week with them attached at the hips.
So overall the show is moving into the right direction. I just wish the writers and directors would up the effect and impact, allow this show to operate at one hundred percent instead of fifty percent.
*** 1/4 out of ***** stars.
