Magazines, News and Interviews #26

[vinni2]

http://www.givememyremote.com/remote...ive-interview/

The O.C. Creator Josh Schwartz - GMMR Exclusive Interview

You gotta love Josh Schwartz. At just 27 years old, Josh was the creator on what was the most buzz worthy show to hit primetime in years, The O.C.. Now at the ripe old age of 30, Josh will be letting go of his baby and moving on to create new television that will we soon all be talking about.

On a personal note, I can’t even begin to tell you what a cool cat Josh is. Here is a the creator of The O.C. and he takes time to write bloggers and thank them individually for their support of the show. Josh is incredibly accessible. Whenever there was a rumor about the show flying around, or if I had a question or comment about what I just saw in an episode, Josh was right there with a response…usually just minutes after I emailed him. How amazing is that? That is someone that truly cares about the fans.

In honor of the series finale of The O.C., Josh was kind enough to answer some questions exclusively for Give Me My Remote. Here’s his take on all things Newport.

GMMR: Season 4 had a major resurgence with the fans and the critics - do you think The OC had stories to tell past this season or was it time to go?
Josh Schwartz: This feels like the perfect time to bring the story to a close. It’s a rare gift to end a show on a creative high note. It wasn’t necessarily our choice, but it was the perfect time for The OC to end.

GMMR: What would you say is your favorite on-screen moment?
JS: #1: Sandy drives Ryan home leaving Marissa in the driveway at the end of THE PILOT. #2 Seth and Summer lose their virginity to each other in THE HEARTBREAK. #3 Seth / Summer Spiderman kiss in THE RAINY DAY WOMEN. #4 Ryan and Taylor share their first kiss in THE METAMORPHISIS.

GMMR: And your favorite off-screen memory?
JS: The filming of the pilot was incredibly exciting. With Doug Liman directing, it was amazing to see the Cohens and the Coopers come to life for the first time. My number two favorite off-screen memory was meeting George Lucas.


GMMR: Josh, your “I Wish I Could Take that One Back Award” (the biggest oops) goes to…
JS: I would have to say poor, sad Johnny.

GMMR: The O.C. was a very quotable show…do you have a favorite?
JS: “Welcome to the OC, bitch!” — Luke (THE PILOT) and “What if I did rent a homosexual for the evening and pay him with rare collectibles from Asian cinema? ” — Ryan (THE SUMMER BUMMER)

GMMR: Dream Guest Star The O.C. Never Landed…
JS: Kathie Skerry (GMMR: aww, how sweet. I would have gladly taken over the Drunk!Coop role)

GMMR: The show hasn’t gone off the air yet, but I’m going to ask…is the prospect of a reunion show completely out of the question?
JS: Expect in 20 years, “The OC: The Movie” with Colin Farrell playing Ryan and Jamie Foxx playing Seth.

GMMR: In tonight’s finale we’ll get a glimpse as to where our beloved characters are in their lives in the not so distant future. Any thoughts on where each of the main characters would be 5 or 10 years from now?
JS: You’ll just have to watch and see…

GMMR: Anything you want to say to the fans of The OC….
JS: Thank you so much for watching. These past four years have been an incredible experience. I hope one day, when you’re in your car and Phantom Planet’s “California” comes on the radio, you’ll remember the Cohens, the Coopers and the County fondly.

…no thank you Josh Schwartz!! Best of luck from your fans at GMMR!!

[d1ppy]

aww i wanna cry ^^

[x-fallenstars-x]

I can't listen to phantom planet without crying. God i love Josh for writing the O.C =]

[iwantalexback]

I still can't believe it's over.

[vinni2]

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20013240,00.html

The Q&A
You Asked, He Answered

The morning after the series finale of ''The O.C.,'' its creator, Josh Schwartz, answers reader questions about his favorite music montage, the thinking behind Marissa's death, the birth of the Ryan/Taylor romance, and more

SCHWARTZ (INSET) ''So many of the episodes from [season 4] rank among my favorites, and I am so grateful to those fans who have stuck with the show — I hope you felt rewarded.''
Schwartz: Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage.com; The O.C: Michael Desmond
All AboutThe O.C. EDITOR'S NOTE: Last week on PopWatch, Annie Barrett prompted O.C. fans to send us the questions they'd most want to ask series creator Josh Schwartz about his teen drama, which ended its four-season run on Feb. 23. Close to 100 of you responded, with queries about everything from the reasons Marissa (Mischa Barton) was killed off at the end of season 3, to what kind of bunny Summer's beloved pet Pancakes is. Here, Schwartz answers five of your most burning questions...

If there's anything you could go back to the pilot and change so that it would affect the rest of the show (like a character trait or a line, etc.), what would it be? —TheOCismylife
JOSH SCHWARTZ: I wouldn't change anything in the pilot. I am really proud of the world we created and how we set the stage for the show. Maybe I'd have Luke say, ''Welcome to the O.C., bitch!'' twice to see if we'd be twice as popular... and could've run for eight years! But to be able to start with the pilot and have it plant the seeds for how we would end, 92 episodes and four years later, makes me value it even more.

When, exactly, did the idea for a Ryan/Taylor romance begin? And was it because of fan demand, or did the writers think it up completely on their own? —monnie44
Their romance was percolating in our minds last year, but we really started thinking about it when we were planning for season 4. It was conceived out of our deep love of Autumn Reeser (Taylor) and how much fun the writers knew we could have with Taylor and Ryan. It seemed the perfect salvation to the darkness Ryan would be in after losing Marissa.

Did you ever consider that to have other plotlines for Marissa [besides death], you could have had her evolve as a happier person and truly discover herself, even if it wasn't in Newport? Did you ever consider that you could have pulled the storylines away from her for a while if you felt she was being overdeveloped? —Kat
Marissa's character has always been a lightning rod for fan reactions. Having her gain redemption and strength, and the opportunity to say goodbye to her family and friends, before a tragic ending — there was no more fitting, appropriate end for Marissa. I think her character will resonate more powerfully for having ended in this way. And she was honored in the finale episode.

The final scene of the episode ''The Dearly Beloved,'' with Imogen Heap's ''Hide & Seek,'' will probably go down as my favorite music moment from The O.C. — even though there were several others that I really enjoyed, such as Caleb's heart attack to Coldplay's ''Fix You,'' or ''Dice'' in ''The Countdown.'' What was your favorite musical moment/montage ? —latteluver
There are so many... Joseph Arthur's ''Honey and the Moon'' in the pilot, matt pond PA's cover of ''Champagne Supernova'' in ''The Rainy Day Women'' episode, South's ''Paint the Silence'' in ''The Heights,'' and Jason Schwartzman's ''The West Coast'' in ''The French Connection.'' But I think my favorite is Patrick Park's ''Life Is a Song,'' which closes out the final minutes of the episode and The O.C. series. That was our point of view: Life is a song.

What was YOUR favorite season and favorite episode? —BB
The first season will always be my favorite because everything was so new for me — the characters, the cast, the crew — it was a blast! The second season — especially the latter half — was really great, too. I have to say, season 4 comes as a close second. So many of the episodes from this season rank among my favorites, and I am so grateful to those fans who have stuck with the show — I hope you felt rewarded. The finale was for you guys. (And my mom. And the part with the bagel slicer was for Annie...)

http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Columnists/Ask-Matt/default.aspx?posting={E88D7C40-CE48-4566-9F4C-5100321F1C47}


Matt Roush TV Guide

Friday, February 23, 2007
Question: Do you think Fox put The O.C. up against CSI and Grey's Anatomy just so it would fail and they would have an excuse to cancel it? It was starting to pick up some steam this season after the death of Marissa. I know the ratings slipped over the last couple of seasons, but that's no reason to schedule it in a time slot where it is doomed to failure.— Rhonda

Matt Roush: I don't subscribe to the notion that networks ever aim to have their shows fail, no matter how it sometimes looks. That said, Fox did The O.C. no favors with this move to Thursdays the last few seasons. The network never found a compatible companion series, and as more networks developed bigger hits to put on the night (ABC the latest), The O.C. was further marginalized. It's a fact that if Fox truly wanted to boost its fortunes, it would have moved the show to a less competitive night. But given the network's success with thrillers (Prison Break and 24) on Mondays, and more traditional medical (House) and procedural (Bones) dramas on other nights, there was no good place to program a show that was in many ways a throwback to the days when Fox was kept aloft by Aaron Spelling-esque guilty pleasures. Fox's evolution into a network catering to grown-ups is probably what doomed The O.C. most. Too bad this didn't air on the WB/CW (as that network continues to run One Tree Hill, which I once described as the "no-see" in comparison to the much superior O.C.).

[vinni2]

http://memles.wordpress.com/2007/02/...-oc-2003-2007/

Obituary: The O.C. (2003-2007)

Orange County or “The O.C.” – With great sorrow we announce the passing of Orange County, affectionately known as “The O.C.” on February 22nd. After living a long life of four television seasons, it will pass away in a flourish this evening at 9pm EST, 10pm CST. Check your local listings. Please. We need you to watch.

It was brought into the world on August 5th, 2003, and millions of bitches were welcomed to Orange County with juvenile delinquents, drug laced parties and alcohol infused fighting. We were introduced to the life of Ryan Atwood, a young offender brought into the home of Sandy and Kirsten Cohen. We met the Cohen’s son, Seth, and the Cohen family’s neighbour Marissa Cooper. There was Summer, Luke, Julie, and the whole O.C. crew.

Dubbed the next 90210, it grew in success over that summer and became a runaway hit. Fans yearned to see Ryan and Marissa come together, for Seth and Summer to come together, for Julie to sex up her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, for Sandy and Kirsten to find happiness amongst their own problems. Over its four seasons, there were many trials and tribulations, but through it all the drama reigned supreme.

The O.C. is predeceased by numerous of its inhabitants. The beloved cranky patriarch, Caleb; Johnny, the random public school surfer who hilariously tore his ACL and then fell off a cliff; and, of course, Marissa Cooper. Her death at the end of Season Three was a tragic event within the world of The O.C., but some people were kind of happy.

The O.C., as far as we know, is survived by Ryan Atwood, Seth Cohen, Summer Roberts, Sandy and Kirsten Cohen, and Julie Cooper. Along with these initial cast members, recent additions Kaitlin Cooper and Taylor Townsend have become an integral part of the core dynamic. Other characters remain wandering the universe: Jimmy Cooper, Anna, Oliver, Dr. Roberts, Theresa, Lindsay, Sade, Eddie, Rebecca, DJ, Che and, of course, Princess Sparkle and Captain Oats.

Donations can be made to the Josh Schwartz Pilot Fund, supporting the various scripts which the O.C.’s creator will be pushing this upcoming year. Memorial services will be held on the FOX Network at 9pm EST. We know that you have other commitments at that time, including the finale of the Drowning arc on that doctor show, and some sort of mystery on that lab show, but you’re going to be watching American Idol anyways; why not just stick around?

ETA:

Adding this:

http://www.towriteablog.com/2007/02/...you-need-help/

http://blog.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/?p=54

http://dannybaram.blogspot.com/2007/...last-ever.html

[vinni2]

Reviews of the final episode:

I've posted text excerpts for some.


Ew.com

http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2007...le_i.html#more


'The O.C.' finale: Life is a dream
Feb 23, 2007, 04:29 PM | by Annie Barrett

Categories: Television

I cried... let's just say "numerous" times during the last O.C. ever. Opening titles. Seth's childhood growth chart that the midwife and wedding planner (whoa, convenient) thought were termites. Sophie Cohen. The Marissa locket. Flapjacks. Summer's final "Ew!" regarding Taylor's blog. The G.E.O.R.G.E. bus pulling away, which led into AN ENTIRE SCENE ABOUT THE BAGEL SLICER in which Sandy and Kirsten treated it like a member of the family, which it was, OH MY GOD. At that point, I progressed into a flailing combination of sobs, giggles, and awe. I was a total mess. There was so much couch-writhing I think I even turned a somersault. It was unattractive.

Then there were the last few minutes or so of just absolute O.C. perfection, from the moment Kirsten called out "It's time to go!" and Sandy said "Yep." Oh, hey, my own tears, I'd really missed you for the last 45 seconds. Glad you're back. Cue the best Seth-Ryan moment ever, in which they consummated their blood-brotherly love with a real hug! And then they couldn't stop grinning about each other, but to themselves, if that makes any sense. I watched it 14 times so I know exactly what I'm talking about, obviously.

Ryan walking through the empty Cohen house made me break down the hardest. Each new room triggered a different scene from the first episodes of the series. That, plus the way the house resembled season 1's model home, made it seem like the whole story was starting over. I probably melted the most right after the shot of Sandy and Kirsten saying Ryan would be staying with them for awhile cut to present-day Ryan, launching a meaningful power-glare towards the kitchen. Even he had a tear. How could you not?

And the song hadn't even begun! The last and best-ever O.C. music montage showed the future versions of everyone. Summer took activism a little too far and wore peace-sign earrings. Seth had a bedroom. Sandy became a law professor, which is so perfect because it was either that or surf instructor and I suppose his undying work ethic translates better in the classroom. Kaitlin and (Team) Julie went to college! Summer and Seth got married, and Ryan wore a yarmulke (of the non-"claus" variety). Sophie and the adorable Little Boy Coop looked just like Kiki and JuJu. And, like the series, the entire song opened and closed on Ryan. This time, instead of pairing up with Sandy, Architectural Ryan noticed a kid in bad shape and became Sandy. You couldn't ask for a better parting shot.

"Hey, kid. Need any help?"


TVGuide.com

http://community.tvguide.com/thread....adID=800009601

February 22, 2007: Right Back Where They Started From

I had been dreading this final episode of The O.C. all week. I was so curious about how it would all end, yet not wanting it to end at the same time. But as the oh-so-wise Sandy said, “Nothing lasts forever.” OK, so if it had to end, I wanted a really good finale. And I’m tough on series finales: They have to be both happy and bittersweet, and look back with nostalgia while they move forward. I’m happy to report that I was not at all disappointed.

They hit us with a lot of surprises right off the bat: Ryan and Taylor had broken up; Julie was preggers and about to marry the Bullitt. I loved the “Buffet of Bullitts” — all 12 of his sons, named after (mostly) Texas towns. For a little while, I was afraid this last episode was going to turn into a sap-fest, but The O.C. didn’t let me down. They, of course, piled on the drama: Julie was pregnant with Frank’s son, not Bullitt’s. But Frank wimped out, and Bullitt was there for her to pick up the pieces. Always a fan of team Bullitt, I was really feeling bad for him last night. After already losing Julie once, she stops the wedding mid-ceremony. I was happy she didn’t wind up marrying Frank instead, on that same day — now that would have been sappy. "Julie Cooper, single gal" had a nice ring to it for a change. (And bonus points for this plot twist because I didn’t see it coming — I thought for sure Julie would walk down the aisle again before the credits rolled.) I really liked how they let her character grow and go to college. And both the Bullitt and Frank were among her “Team Julie” supporters in the graduation audience. I’m glad she kept them both in her life. An interesting and possibly complicated scenario, but if anyone can make it work, it’s Julie.

Julie and Summer shared a few heartfelt moments last night. The eye-tearing scene where Summer gave Julie the locket with Marissa’s picture.... Well, it just felt right. I know the show moved on from dealing with Marissa, but she just had to be a part of the last episode. And then Julie’s honest admission of regret for marrying too young — this revelation helped both her and Summer. Wise move for Summer and Seth not to get married at 19, because they were just too young. They let each other go, and grow. And it worked out for the best, as we saw in the flash-forward that they did indeed get married several years later, when baby Sophie was a little girl. (Sophie Rose — pretty name, and I'm so glad they didn’t name her Marissa as some of you predicted and others feared). So it turns out they were indeed each other’s “destiny.”

Likewise, it was good to see Ryan and Taylor get back together, yet also not get hitched at 19. And neither sacrificed his or her dreams: Ryan went to Berkeley as planned, and Taylor returned to school in Paris, as was best for her.

But it wasn’t all romance, drama and personal growth last night. There were plenty of lighthearted moments as well, such as the adorable gay couple that owned Sandy and Kirsten’s old house. Could their professions have been more useful? A midwife and a wedding planner, just what Kirsten and Julie needed! Also fun were Summer’s favorite TV shows: her new discovery, “Briefcase or No Briefcase” (hmm, what show could that thinly veiled title be mocking?), and her old favorite, “The Valley.” Of course, Summer’s fave fared better than it’s real-life stand-in, having just gotten picked up for five more seasons. “These teen dramas, they just run forever,” she explained. (Unfortunately, not in the real world, Summer.) And then the show-within-a-show reference went even further when Rachel Bilson delivered the line, “Aww, real-life Jake broke up with real-life April.”

Nevertheless, the “in-jokes” as well as the drama had to eventually come to an end. It seemed like things were wrapping up, but then I looked at the clock and saw there were still about eight minutes to go. That's when Ryan entered the old house and the flashbacks rolled. Not too many, but just enough. You really need some flashbacks in a series finale, as it helps things come full circle. Seeing those iconic O.C. images — scruffy, beat-up Ryan (with bangs!) in a wife beater; in front of his pool house; in the car with Sandy, looking at Marissa as he pulls away — they all brought back a lot of fond TV memories.

It also brought to mind a movie, as did several scenes last night. First, when Frank attempted to stop Julie’s wedding, I immediately thought of The Graduate, with a nice modern cell-phone twist (and a Berkeley background to boot). Then, when Summer got on the bus and Seth watched her go, I couldn’t help but think of Forrest Gump and Jenny. And finally, when Ryan walked through the Cohens' front door one last time, the closing scenes of Titanic came to mind, when a ruined structure came to life with memories of the past.

So with the memories we had the bittersweet elements, yet still a few minutes remained on the clock. And that’s when we had the flash-forward, which is also always a nice touch in a series finale. To see where these people (OK, characters — I know they’re not real people, though sometimes they feel like it) end up down the road. And it was all good: Julie graduating college, Seth and Summer getting married, Ryan fulfilling his dream of becoming an architect, Sandy teaching (what a perfect job for him!), and the Cohens living in Berkeley — truly “back where they started from.” Oh, and let’s not forget about Ryan “paying it forward,” possibly helping out a troubled kid like himself, just like the way Sandy reached out to him years before. Nice shot to end on.

And just like that, it ended. I’m going to really miss this show, as I know all of you will. And I’ll miss this blog — I’m grateful to have been able to host it for this show’s final season. What a great season it was, and what a great show it was. I definitely think it went out on top (in spite of this season’s ratings). I hope we get to see the cast members in lots of new TV and movie projects. And so, California, there we go... may The O.C. have a long afterlife on Soapnet and DVD. Can’t wait to read all of your comments on this final episode.

http://community.tvguide.com/thread....adID=800009604

http://community.tvguide.com/thread....adID=800009626

http://community.tvguide.com/thread....adID=800009587

Zap2it.com

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethe...e_to_the_.html

Good-bye to 'The O.C.,' B**ch
By Daniel Fienberg
February 22, 10:49 PM

As pleased as I am that American Idol is going to give The O.C. finale what's sure to be its biggest audience of the season, this is a show that FOX probably owed a two-hour finale. As it was, the creative team had to deliver a lot of information -- past, present and future -- in a very short period of time (did the episode really need to end three or four minutes early to promo a David E. Kelley drama that'll last half a season?) and the result was rushed, albeit undeniably emotional.

How much got packed into the episode? From beginning to end, there were at least two weddings (only one that went through, I guess), at least two human births, potentially countless bunny births, college enrollments and graduations, separations and reconciliations, plus trailers for at least two movies that seemed specifically edited to sucker in disconsolate O.C. fans. There was hugging and tears and more hugging and more tears and the show came full circle -- the pilot began with the Cohens giving Ryan a home and the finale featured Ryan helping the Cohens get a home -- and then came full-circle again. It was exhausting, but satisfying.

As for the actual end, an ending that Josh Schwartz told me they've had in mind for some time, I was of two minds. Ryan's departure from Casa Cohen, cut between pilot footage of his arrival, was perfect. If I didn't have to find out whether Meredith Grey lives or dies, I would finish this recap and throw the pilot into my DVD player. But how wonderful would it have been if the last shot had been Ryan pulling out of the driveway and, in his memories, seeing Marissa in a short from the pilot that ends in a sun-flare.

That flare could have been the end. I didn't need the piecemeal flash-forwards, because they just left me with questions and left me wanting more. Summer and Seth having a Jewish wedding? Mazel Tov! But where was Dr. Roberts walking Summer down the aisle? Where was the Nana? Should we assume that since Sandy and Kirsten named their daughter after her, she passed away without anybody mentioning? Too many questions. But then, it ended really the only way it could end. Future Ryan, now an architect -- moving beyond his days as a construction worker -- spies Past Ryan and says "Hey kid... Need any help?" The child becomes the man and all that. Sure. That's how it ends.

I didn't cry. I only do that in underdog sports movies or films where dogs die. But I got choked up.

Eonline

http://www.eonline.com/gossip/kristi...e-2cf3cd3413ef

The O.C.: Ryan Atwood, that sentimental little sap. He did the same thing I always do right before leaving a place I’ve lived for the last time. He walked through all the rooms and tried to remember the important things that happened to him there. He stayed back so he could say goodbye and close this chapter of his life. But he didn’t cry. I, however, totally did.

Last night’s series finale was a sweet sayonara, don’t you think? Sure, with all the Gordon Bullit business, there was a bit of ridiculousness, characteristic of
The O.C. as of late, but I was feelin’ it. The ep stayed true to the spirit of the show, with Taylor and her mile-a-minute airport monologue and Summer with her tongue-in-cheek Valley talk: “Awww, real-life Jake broke up with real-life April!” A reference to Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson’s real-life breakup? But of course. And that’s the light-hearted, self-deprecating humor for which we love The O.C. It has had its ups and downs over the years, but it will absolutely be missed. The show may be over, but my love affair with Seth Cohen lives on.

Silly Pipe Dreams Blog

http://sillypipedreams.blogspot.com/...ion-bitch.html

Welcome To Syndication, Bitch
THE O.C.
August 5, 2003 - February 22, 2007

It's not nice to speak ill of the dead, so I'm not going to talk about the finale that much. At least not the first forty minutes. I did notice the trailer for Adam Brody's upcoming movie, and I kind of can't wait to see it. I know, I know, email me if you find my testicles.

I will say that Taylor was great as usual, and it was nice to see that last montage: Ryan's flashbacks as he walked around the house one last time, Sandy as a law professor, Julie finishing college, Seth and Summer getting married... it was happily ever after, and for that, I am happy.

Anyway, I know many of you stopped watching this show a long time ago, but my moniker is Captain Oats for heaven's sake, so bear with me as I wax nostalgic.

I started watching this show when I first moved to NYC. I lived in Greenpoint, Brooklyn at the time, it was winter, and it was quite a trek to the G Train, which shouldn't even be considered a real subway train. Thus, I stayed in and watched a LOT of OC episodes. Hot, I know. Ladies?

While in the NBC Page Program, I was leading a group of high-schoolers through 30 Rock and a few 14 year old girls turned to me and said very loudly, "God, you're SO Seth Cohen!!!" I smiled, took it as a compliment, and looked up to find another Page shaking his head at me in disgust. I would later be beat down by all the Pages.

A year later, I went to a Halloween party dressed as Seth Cohen from "The Rainy Day Women" episode. Again, a group of 19 year old girls walked in and screamed, "O.M.G. You're Seth Cohen!!!" They took pictures with me, I smiled, then looked up to find that all my friends had deserted me. I would later be beat down by Jose Cuervo, as I got very, very drunk.

Oh yes, we had ours up and downs, but my dear show and I stuck by each other until the very end, braving all the naysayers and bullies out there. No one else could understand what we had, O.C. Thanks for the good times (Taylor) and the bad (Johnny). I will remember you. Especially when in syndication on SoapNet. R.I.P. old friend. R.I.P.

Click below and you'll find my top ten musical moments and the tunes from last night. Leave your thoughts and goodbyes in the comments!

Gawker.com

http://www.gawker.com/news/the-o.c./...3.php#c1013638

NY Post

http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232007...hael_starr.htm

Tapeworthy blog

http://tapeworthy.blogspot.com/2007/02/oc-end.html

The Finale.

It's really over. It's Really Really The End for The OC.

I don't know what to say, cause I'm actually saddened by this. Though I guess I'm okay with the wrap up they did at the end (though the roundabout way with Bullet and Frank and Julie seemed a little filler to me). Still, I was glad they came all around back to Ryan as the central focus and that he succeeded as an architect like they had hinted back in season 2. Except for the fact that I'm working on something similar and would LOVE to see someone like Ben McKenzie in the title role...

Still, while sappy, I enjoyed seeing Seth and Summer part ways as they should of, but still see them get married as they flashed forward 6 years. They got to have their (wedding) cake and eat it too. Splitting up and being somewhat realistic about the situation and still getting the Hollywood happening ending we all secretly want (I mean, we DO watch The OC, what are we expecting? Pulitzer Prize winning depth?)

Plus Julie getting her degree, Bullet still being apart of their life, Frank too... ah, it all works out perfectly doesn't it? But I'll forgive them for it. It is the finale and we deserved it don't we.

Now, when does the spinoff The Berkeley start with The Cohens and Ryan?...


Alan Sepinwall

http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2007/0...-equal-to.html

The O.C.: And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

Sigh... It's all over. Spoilers for "The O.C." finale coming up...

That was just 60 straight minutes of "awwww," wasn't it? Really lovely, and I don't say that just because Sandy's daughter and mine share a middle name.

Happy endings for everyone! Ryan and Kirsten move back to Berkeley, where of course Sandy becomes the professor that all the kids love. Seth and Summer find a way for her to save the world and yet remain a couple. Julie pulls the Kelly Taylor Memorial "I Choose Me" Maneuver on her wedding day and turns it to her advantage by turning Frank and Gordon into Team Julie. (I can just picture her spending the rest of her life stringing both guys along, acting like she's going to pick just one of them very soon, and both of them recognizing what she's doing and not caring, because she's awesome enough for two men.) Ryan and Taylor stay together (I think), Ryan becomes the guy designing the building instead of the guy working construction, and maybe finds a way to pay forward what Sandy did for him oh so many years ago. Pancakes reproduces! (Loved Summer telling Ryan not to use the cage for cage fights.) And, presumably, the Magical Homos (second cousin to the Magical Negro) got a ton of money for selling a beautiful Bay Area Craftsman house...

Stay Tuned

http://media.herald-dispatch.com/blo...ut-on-top.html

The O.C." Finale: Going Out On Top

So, if you read my previous post, you know that I was very worried about “The O.C.” finale. There were just too many things in the previews that I didn’t like and I was concerned we were headed for another gutwrenching moment like the end of season one.

But in the words of the late, great Jerry Orbach (from “Dirty Dancing”), when I’m wrong, I say I’m wrong. And I couldn’t have been more wrong about this one…

Warning: The remainder of this post contains details of tonight’s series finale of “The O.C.”…

From the incredibly confusing opening scene, it was obvious that this episode was going to be classic “O.C.”—smart, funny, and not taking itself too seriously. When I first heard that the final episode would pick up six months after last week’s, I didn’t like it since the show had been playing stupid time tricks all season. But this time, it actually made a lot of sense as it helped move the story along more quickly and produced the best five minutes of the whole season—even if it did confuse the crap out of me.

The Cohens were living with Julie and Kaitlyn. Taylor and Ryan had broken up and Taylor had gone back to Paris. Seth and Summer were living a slothful existence in Summer’s room, a la Joey and Chandler in their La-Z-Boys in season two of “Friends.” But most shocking was that Julie was pregnant and engaged to the Bullet—not Frank.

But by the end of the hour, everything was back to normal. Taylor and Ryan patched things up, Frank finally admitted that he wanted to be a part of his child’s life, Julie decided to try and make it on her own and the Cohens returned to their Berkeley home with their new baby, Sophie.

As I said, classic “O.C.”…

“The O.C.” was always at its best when it was funny and this episode was full of funny moments. I especially liked how the show mocked soap operas by having the guys who owned the Berkeley house conveniently be a midwife and a wedding planner (“I know this sounds a little random…”). It was also great when Bullet decided to move the whole wedding ceremony to the house because Julie wouldn’t do it without “KiKi.”

In fact, it was all so great that I didn’t even mind the episode’s most heartbreaking moment—when Seth and Summer said goodbye. As much as I hated it, it actually made sense. But that didn’t stop me from crying anyway…

Thankfully, though, it didn’t end there as there were a few things the previews didn’t give away…

With Patrick Park’s “Life’s A Song” playing over it, we got a montage showing us the future of all of the characters. Julie graduated college with Kaitlyn, Bullet, Frank and Frank and Julie’s son cheering her on (in a scene extremely reminiscent of “The Object of My Affection”). Ryan went to Berkeley and became a part of the class of 2012.

But the moment that made me actually clap my hands was the sight of Summer in a wedding dress as she walked down the aisle to her beloved Seth. It was a wonderful moment we had waited four years to see. Granted, we didn’t get to see the whole thing, but just knowing they ended up together was enough for me.

We can’t really say the same about Taylor and Ryan since their future was left a little ambiguous. The two shared a meaningful look at the wedding, but that was all we got. And even that was okay with me.

The final scene showed Ryan, the architect, walking away from a building site and noticing a young kid sitting by himself, looking very much like Ryan after he was kicked out by his mom in the pilot (which we saw in flashback).

“Hey, kid. Do you need some help?”

The kid didn’t answer as the show faded on Ryan’s concerned face.

And yes, I cried again, because my beloved “The O.C.”—that had frustrated me for two long years—had gone out on top...


Thus Spake Drake

http://drakelelane.blogspot.com/

Bismarck Tribune

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/artic...gen/129250.txt


Minor reviews:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07053/764363-352.stm

http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catli..._series_f.html

http://ladypuppy.livejournal.com/208330.html

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/tv/200...th_lives_.html

http://thetvaddict.com/2007/02/23/ca...ast-of-the-oc/

http://mondoproject.com/342

http://www.torontoist.com/archives/2...ike_a_lion.php

http://anorangecountygirl.blogspot.c...02/rip-oc.html

http://ficangel.livejournal.com/456178.html

http://petetv.blogspot.com/2007/02/h...temporary.html

http://blogher.org/node/15972

http://www.stylusmagazine.com/suburbs/?p=50

http://confessionsofabi-guy.blogspot...es-finale.html

http://jonathansolomon.blogspot.com/...finale-bh.html

http://wolfi1976.blogspot.com/2007/02/oc-is-over.html

http://memles.wordpress.com/2007/02/...-oc-2003-2007/

http://melsungit.livejournal.com/28051.html

[vinni2]

Ratings:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=14&cs=1

http://www.zap2it.com/tv/ratings/zap...news-headlines

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/art...=Breaking+News

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/24/ar...ts&oref=slogin

http://popsurfing.blogspot.com/2007/...oodbye-oc.html

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006583312

[TheOCer]

God Bless you Vinni, what would do without ya? Thanks.

[vinni2]

Some minor additions. Will add if I find anything else.

http://www.theocinsider.com/backstag...rchive/24.html

http://notesandtotes.blogspot.com/2007/02/rip-oc.html

http://thetvaddict.com/2007/02/24/th...final-moments/

http://swsa.livejournal.com/158285.html

ETA:

http://theartsnob.blogspot.com/2007/...b-23-2007.html

http://www.whedon.info/article.php3?id_article=20972

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/02/25/063432.php

http://www.tuftsdaily.com/home/index...8-43704afbefd5

http://www.dailycal.org/sharticle.php?id=23114

http://newyorksteve.livejournal.com/40193.html

http://tubetalk.blogspot.com/2007/02...bye-to-oc.html

[impik]

Originally Posted by TheOCer

God Bless you Vinni, what would do without ya? Thanks.

Amen to that. I actually think we should open a special "Thank you Vinni" thread. You rock, girl.

[TheOCer]

Originally Posted by impik

Amen to that. I actually think we should open a special "Thank you Vinni" thread. You rock, girl.

Yeah, I Vinni appreciation thread for her awesomeness

[vinni2]

Originally Posted by impik

Amen to that. I actually think we should open a special "Thank you Vinni" thread. You rock, girl.

No need for thanks. Just take care of Benny's bod, okay?
Now anyone who needs to write a term paper on the show knows where to look.

[vinni2]

http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-go...p-tv-headlines

Pilots: 'Gossip' Gets Lively, 'Reaper' Collects Labine
Private school enrolls two divas

February 26, 2007


Blake Lively

Now that "The O.C." is over, creator Josh Schwartz can turn his eyes to "Gossip Girl."

The CW pilot has cast Blake Lively and Leighton Meester as two of the leads in its drama pilot "Gossip Girl," based on Cecily von Ziegesar's popular books of the same name.

The hourlong drama centers on the titular anonymous blogger who gives the scoop about the rich and spoiled teenagers living in New York's Upper East Side. Her focus shifts among the many teens who live only for drugs, alcohol, glamour, partying, backstabbing and lots of sex.

Lively will play Serena who attends Constance Billard private school with her pal Blair (Meester). Their friendship is a rocky one, however, since they're often competing for the same things and the same guy, Blair's boyfriend Nate.

In other CW casting news, Tyler Labine ("Boston Legal," "Flyboys") has come aboard the drama pilot "Reaper," about a bounty hunter who works for the devil.

Lively is best known for her big-screen work in "Accepted" and "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." Meester has appeared on numerous TV shows including "Entourage," "24," "Veronica Mars," "Surface," "House" and "CSI: Miami.

[TheOCer]

Damn it! And I was looking forward to that show...sigh, perhaps I'll stand her in that.

Anyways, Thanks Vinni