Editorial: The Journey
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After being pleasantly delighted by “The Road Warrior”, I was in eager anticipation for the latest episode of The O.C. Was I equally sustained and pleased this week as I was last week? The simple answer is no. But it isn’t a quick and definite reason why. There were parts to the show that were interesting, engaging and even entertaining. But about half way through, just after Julie muttered words about picking a new bikini for her impromptu cruise with Dr. Roberts, Summer extended the word “awkward”. It was then it perfectly clicked with me that this word was a defining response to the episode.
However interesting a certain scene would be, the execution was off. The show was muddled, strangely paced, and, to take from Summer’s word for her moment with Julie, awkward. What I assumed would be natural, based on the wonderful ease of last week, was now seeming a bit forced and inept. And worse, it stuck to a now overused and tiresome format combining flashbacks, cover-songs and montages. All of these elements were shown in their weakest forms to date.
Marissa, again, owned the flashback, but this time it was to come full circle to origin moments with Ryan and the infamous model home. The flashback should have been both essential and fervent. But ultimately it’s impact was lost due to the lowered quality of this season overall. We, as viewers, were subjected to seeing scenes from The O.C’s far superior history juxtaposed with a one-note Marissa floating between her feelings for Ryan and seeking comfort and understanding from Volchok.
In the end, the main objective served was showcasing how easy it is for Marissa to listen to, understand and take comfort from a seedy character like Volchok. If she truly loved Ryan why is it that people like Oliver and Volchok are the ones who get and, or, got her? She should have had this desire to share her thoughts and build a connection with Ryan. It only furthers my support of Ryan breaking up with her.
The revisit to the model home was contrasted with Ryan reflecting on his past with Marissa as he listened to a remade CD of her infamous model home mix. Then, just before he can take one more note of this infectious, but obviously not Journey, music he hits the stop button and throws down the photo of Marissa and he at happier times. But were those really happy times? Perhaps it was all an illusion or façade they chose to build an entire relationship on. Perhaps the later use of Marissa’s words from “The Model Home”, “we’re from two different worlds”, was less about their social classes and more about the fact that they were two different individuals holding different characteristics and ways of thinking. They have a mysticism and attraction, but they never had a solid foundation and this is the fundamental reason why.
The direct ties to early season one continued as we saw the return of Ryan’s mom. Unfortunately she was misused and underused. It was a complete copout from the writers to simply have Dawn jump ship and leave Ryan a mere letter. It would have been fiercely more powerful if Ryan had to deal with visiting his mom in prison. The grittiness of the show would have been back in his court as it naturally, and rightly, was in season one.
Summer battled with the truth of her father and Julie’s relationship. And finally she was forced to come face to face with Julie and admit the secrets she knew. Julie was then forced to come clean to Marissa who was only as shocked as she was affirmatively heartbroken over her relationship with Ryan ending, which wasn’t much. She was a mix of indifference and casualness. I wasn’t surprised. I just wish there could have been a stronger reaction over all. And I was left wondering when two best friends who could soon become sisters would address the issue together.
Mr. Apprentice should officially here the classic Donald Trump tagline, “you’re fired”. Why? The simple response is because he can’t sustain a solid storyline on his. Moreover, he’s being used as Marissa’s assistant. He files her papers. Runs her errands. And then listens to painfully boring chatter about her life and problems. Any corporate radar with real gusto would have stood up to this clear offense and misuse of his duties. If this is going to be the Matt we see for the rest of the season I at least hope is exit is sealed in the season finale.
The more charming scenes came from Seth who happily appointed himself general of Ryan’’s 18th birthday party. It was typical Cohen, yet oddly fascinating and fresh. And Ryan, he was actually coming back to himself. He was speechless and brooding as Seth forced him into making a choice in whether or not to invite Marissa. It was classic Seth and Ryan repartee. The Journey, excuse me, Foreigner, cover-band was the perfect Cohen touch. Regrettably the band’s covering of ““Waiting for a Girl Like You” unfittingly went with ending montage. And I ask the question why another montage? It’s beginning to feel as though an episode can’t end without one.
As for the party, I imagined Ryan coming in from a metaphorically battered encounter with Dawn to a room full of strangers, family and dear friends. He longs for someone, but in typical Ryan fashion he remains meek, numb and silent. Marissa looms in the background. But then there’s Sadie, already waiting and eager to take his hand. Maybe she could of even trailed along on Ryan’s journey to visit Dawn. But perhaps that would have been too in line with what Marissa would have done in season one. Still, why even ponder? None of this was given a chance to ever prosper because Ryan had to take a whole episode to internalize his thoughts and emotions mixed with Marissa. However indirectly, Marissa had control over the show yet again.
*** ½ out of ***** stars.
