For most people, the end of the school year can pose many questions and concerns. Will you survive going home for the summer? Will you be able to get a summer job? Where are you going to live next fall? For avid “OC” watchers, however, such end-of-year questions and concerns run much deeper.
The show’s May 5 season finale gave viewers a summer, and then some, to contemplate many important issues. How the hell is Seth going to get to Tahiti by means of his boat? Will Julie and Caleb’s marriage be able to last a summer? Will Ryan be gone from the Cohen family forever? Just how much alcohol can Marissa possibly consume in one summer?
Last Thursday, a predictable 60 minutes revealed to us what became of our favorite rich Californians during the show’s six month hiatus. After some debate, Seth and Ryan both returned to the Cohen home with open arms. Marissa is still drinking. Julie is falling into the same pattern with new hubby Caleb as she did with ex-husband Jimmy. Summer speaks of a new boy she is dating, but she is still not over Seth. Jimmy and Haley are still going strong. We had the chance to see Jimmy and Julie being genuinely civil to each other for the first time ever (including during the time they were married). We were also lucky enough to be temporarily graced with the face of Luke, whom we hadn’t seen in quite some time (why Seth chose to visit him of all people is a mystery to me). I don’t know about everyone else, but I was surely excited to see Luke’s 503 area code number posted on the Cohens’ refrigerator (Seth was visiting him in Portland).
I am hoping tonight’s episode will be a bit more exciting. I am looking forward to seeing what unfolds between Summer and Seth and Marissa and Ryan. From the previews, it looks like Marissa and Ryan are getting back together (or at least hooking up). It will also be interesting to see if Haley will accept Jimmy’s marriage proposal. And what will poor Julie do when she realizes that once again, not everything can be handed to her on a golden platter without the law being involved?
There appears to be a lot in store for the characters this fall. I can say that I am looking forward to more family rivalries, more psychotic characters (Oliver), more betrayal, more fights, more parties and, of course, more fashion. We are also expected to see some new faces, including a few new flames for several of the characters. Here’s to an exciting season!

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