Editorial: The Cold Turkey
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Pounding out more classically funny, genuine and gratifyingly touching moments, the show continues on its ratings descend. I’d say rather sadly, but the truth is that as long as the ratings don’t fall so low that Fox refuses to even continue production on the remaining untapped episodes of the 16 episodes ordered, that I assume are fully arced at this point, then I’m not going to concern myself with ratings and all the people that are choosing to miss out on what I believe is the most improved television show of the season and the best primetime soap opera geared to varying demographics.
Twice is the charm for The O.C., which aired two strong episodes in the same week. The second, was the tender, honest and funny, “The Cold Turkey”. And while it didn’t match the gleaming quality of “The Home Coming””, it was an honorable and earnest effort.
It’s a clear difference between then and now. The situations of most of the characters are vastly more adult and emotionally drenched. Seth’s Woody Allen like escapades with Summer and Anna are swapped with haphazard survival tactics to keep both the love he and Summer share alive, and the everyday normalcy’s of life from disappearing altogether. The painful gravity of the situation is shaded in brief moments of humor that merely attempt to ease the situation, not define it or drown it out entirely. But when it comes to Ryan, who is still on a mission to find Volchok, and is not at all pleased that Sandy too has used his own methods to keep Volchok at bay, there is no room for humor only realism and hurt. Yet this time he’s not simply doing Trey’s dirty work and there’s no Marissa to adamantly aid his side.
When Sandy finally offers Ryan a hand of trust and takes him to Volchok, things take a surprising turn. Just after a measly few punches, and a broken beer bottle, they’re already at opposing directions with Volchok honestly expressing his personal hell since Marissa’s death. Benjamin McKenzie gives a perfectly taut performance throughout the entire scene. But unfortunately the scene becomes marred when Volchok opens his mouth and passively, and with lack of emotion, retells of the events of that night and why he did it. It was a mix of unconvincing sentiment and a loose retelling of what really happen the night Marissa died. And to be honest I expected a twist that would of left a slightly contrite moment of closure to never have had happened. But combated with the convenient story writing for Volchok in the episode, these were the only other glaringly apparent flaws.
Imaging Summer and Julie sharing such a connected and compassionate moment at any other time would be improbable and unbelievable. But when grounded by shared pain, the moment where they are alone at the dinning room table holding hands is frank and sincere. Looking back at “The Home Coming”, one remembers that Julie was ready to call the cops on Ryan when her daughter followed him to Chino. Now she has wanted Ryan to avenge her daughter’s death. But then finally she concedes and is left back at the pool house simply asking Ryan to share memories of Marissa. Ironically the memories that come to him are from a time when Julie and Ryan were soon to be on opposing ends. This is how far they have come. And it’s the pain of Marissa’s death that is the stronghold tying them together and allowing them to find a sense of peace. It’s convincing, heartrending and equally blissful as they come together to be begin a process of healing.
The closing moments of the episodes didn’t have all characters surrendering inside the Cohen house. But each character had their own moment of semi-closure, striking forthrightness and, or, a stabilizing moment with someone they loved. It closed warmly and fittingly. [Side note: It also left me hungry as it included one of the best and possibly indiscrete commercial tie-ins as Summer opted to take a later flight so she could spend quality time with her dad. The Chili's restaurant sign hovers in the background never being in legible view until Dr. Roberts mentions how he loves the restaurant. Touché Dr. Roberts. I too love Chili's. It appears the common grounds that have tied our characters together have managed to seep their way into this viewer’s life.]
Carrying out the season with dignity and quality for the fans is all I can continue to ask for. But it looks like I’m already getting my wish.
**** stars out of ***** stars
