I remember scrolling the message boards pre-September 8, trying to feed my thirst for Season Three material (and simultaneously destroying all future surprises and twists for myself), and then I stumbled across a list of episodes. The “Aftermath” sounded pretty unoriginal, the “Shape of Things to Come” was atypical of second-episode-reminiscing, and the “End of Innocence” I assumed had to do with Marissa being totally traumatized over shooting her boyfriend’s only relative, which admittedly is a step up from shoplifting at Southcoast Plaza. I’ve been anticipating “The Last Waltz” for a very long time, because for the first time I couldn’t predict what was to come.
It also reminded me of the first season’s episode four, which surrounded a theme of Cotillion and debut’s and such, which I also thought would be reminiscent in this episodes theme. I was totally off course as you can tell, but for the first time this season, I finished the episode feeling totally satisfied and eager for more. Not to say the previous episodes were bad, but “The Last Waltz” was just totally fantastic in my book. So we can glorify in the scenes as a happy ending note, I’ll get the negatives out of the way first.
If you read the review for episode three, you’ll notice I opened with a rather harsh paragraph on my annoyance with Ryan (I’ll be honest, I was bashing my keyboard with frustration). It did seem harsh, and I considered editing it to make myself seem less of a bitch, but after seeing this episode, I’ll leave it. That kid is totally pissing me off. He may be trying to care, but he’s taken it too far, and his insensibilities seem really evident this season. Trey leaving must have screwed with his head a bit, because last season we saw a different Ryan. He cracked one-liners, and even laughed every fifth episode. It was different, it wasn’t necessarily good, but I think most viewers enjoyed “the brooder” from season one. This is where the writers come in. I can already see many elements this season which are similar to the first, but you know what – it’s working. Not perfectly, but the chemistry is there, so I think it’s safe to say that the rest of this season will turn out brilliantly.
Second and final negative is the writing. The jokes just weren’t as funny today. I mean they were funny, and they made me laugh, but somehow they were just… lame? Not all of them, mind, but watching Summer say “quagmire” for an overly-dragged period just shut me up.
Yeah, that’s it for the [big, categorized] negatives. Impressive, huh? I’m such a critic (Drew here has influenced me majorly), but fortunately, this episode was A class.
Marissa Cooper. If one girl in the world needs stress therapy (and perhaps a heavy weekly drinking night – go figure), it’s her. I didn’t really admire her for her lack of backbone, but it’s understandable. This new school is the first threatening environment she has had to face, without any back-up. From the moment she left the comfort of the car, she was ridiculed and had to cope with people’s muttering behind her back. Then she had to cope with plain nastiness up-front, in the [ugly] form of Heather. As a character, she’s interesting, but I’d like Marissa to shoot her. Seriously. This is where Johnny Harper, Casey and Dennis Childress (Chili) step in and befriend her.
I’ve wanted to meet these characters for weeks, and I love them. Admittedly Chili’s demeanor is a little annoying, but the three of them make nice friends. And for the first time since season one, I can’t find something solid to hate about these new arrivals. They have the chemistry of Anna, and no matter what potential complications they offer in relationships, they are honest and have no hidden agenda, so they can be likeable.
At first I was scared of Johnny a bit - he’s a brown-haired Jesse McCartney! It reminded me of Summerland, in which I promptly ran from my computer screaming (seriously, look at next episode’s trailer). But he’s cool and Chili spiking the punch made me laugh while Casey’s eagerness to include Marissa warmed me. I’m looking forward to seeing them again next episode.
On a side note, how freaking HUGE is Summer’s house? My God, it dwarfs The Nichol Mansion, and that’s saying something. But it only means we must be getting closer to meeting the drunken step-monster, so I’m not complaining.
Summer and Seth seem to be functioning really well and there relationship seems very stable. It means I don’t have much to say about them (as a couple), which is sad, ‘cos it shows I can only focus on the drama. I’m happy though, we deserve a break from the petty fights. Seth/Adam, on the other hand, has come round. About time, his enthusiasm is slowly returning and it’s refreshing.
As for Taylor Townsend and Dean Hess, I’m afraid we all saw it coming; we were just waiting on how it should be delivered. I’m glad (and I’m right) that Summer was the one to catch them, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how she’ll play this story next episode. I gotta say, Summer’s matured a bit, and her sensibilities are coming into place. From the outside, I guess she’s the golden girl now – Prom Queen and [former] Social Chair.
Leaving the adult world to last, I’m not sure if it took the back seat or front seat this episode, but I can’t complain about them. I loved seeing Sandy wising up to the “oregano” deploy. He’s solid as a rock this season, which is what he should be. The marriage is coming back and is just getting stronger.
Which brings us to Kirsten. For once, I sensed a fleeting doubt in her expressions about Charlotte. She kind of knew what was going on, and for the first time, she didn’t let Charlotte influence her. And that children, is called growth. Charlotte's storyline finally came round, and now that we know her motives, I'm willing to bet the focus will move onto someone else...
The decision to leave the Newport Group behind didn’t seem so dramatic in my mind, but it soon influenced me while Kirsten was going through its history. It is sad, and the Cohens won’t be as financially well-off anymore, but I doubt it will become an issue, seeing Julie has already taken care of that for now.
Again, her crying kind of set me off. I’m actually feeling for her, and it shows how life can just so quickly take a turn in a different direction. Like Marissa said, she will no doubt build herself back up, and I’m looking forward to witnessing that journey (which will be aided by Charlotte – not sure how I feel about that one). One of the most telling moments was of her covering of her financial problems from Sandy. Whether it is to protect her reputation, or to appear friendly, her authenticity to be polite and warm in this conversation was something great to watch. When I see her now, I won’t be hugely apprehensive, but I’ll show the keenness that every other story deserves.
It wrapped up very nicely. I’m an evident fan of Musical Moments; I find they wrap up story lines with smooth transition and stylish effect. “Forever Young” by Youth Group (which will appear on The OC: Mix 5 – November 8th) was no exception, and was one of the best musical moments ever done on this show. I’m always out watching for how well the song syncs with the scene, and this time, Charlotte smoking to the chorus was executed brilliantly.
So that’s the end. I’m in Australia, so I don’t understand this… “baseball” (I could’ve cheaply copied Seth on that quote, but I’m more mature then that), and I’m sure Fox and America feel it is a huge national event that is essential to the development on their culture, but seriously, use Fox Sports or something (Australia even has that channel). I’m gonna die in between now and November 3rd, because I’m really into this season and finally, it’s pushing all my buttons.