O.C., The : The Complete 2 Season
Warner Bros. (2004)
TV Shows
In Collection
#917
0*
Seen ItNo
012569704770
IMDB   7.5
1048 mins USA/English
DVD  Region 1   NR (Not Rated)
Mischa Barton Marissa Cooper
Adam Brody Seth Cohan
Melinda Clarke Julie Cooper-Nichol
Tate Donovan Jimmy Cooper
Peter Gallagher Sandy Cohan
Kelly Rowan Kirstin Cohan
Chris Carmack Luke Ward
Benjamin McKenzie Ryan Atwood
Rachel Bilson Summer Roberts
Alan Dale Caleb Nichol
O.C.
Ben McKenzie
Director Various Directors
Ian Toynton
Michael Lange
Producer Loucas George
Drew Z. Greenberg
McG
Josh Schwartz
Writer Josh Schwartz
J.J. Philbin
Musician Richard Marvin


The drama was poured on aplenty in the second season of The O.C., as the sun-dappled denizens of Orange County found their lives massively upended and then some. At the end of the first season, the Cohen household had been reduced to two--parents Sandy and Kirsten (Peter Gallagher and Kelly Rowan)--as the boys had flown the coop, moody Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie) back to Chino and goofy Seth (Adam Brody) for the wide expanse of the Pacific (somehow ending up in Portland, Oregon). Once the prodigal sons returned home, thanks to a lot of persuading, both tried to mend relationships with their former girlfriends, Marissa (Mischa Barton) and Summer (Rachel Bilson). While friendships were solidified, everyone was dating someone else: Seth was with sultry club manager Alex (Olivia Wilde), Summer with sensitive polo jock Zach (Michael Cassidy), Ryan with smart girl Lindsay (Shannon Lucio), and Marissa with her family's pool guy and a bottle of vodka.

That's just the first half of this year of The O.C., and we haven't even gotten to the adults yet. Both Sandy and Kirsten found themselves tempted away by more-than-willing suitors, and wicked Julie (Melinda Clarke), Marissa's mom, cheated on new husband Caleb (Alan Dale) with ex-husband Jimmy (Tate Donovan). An extremely tangled web was woven, one from which the show almost didn't recover: the Lindsay storyline started out strong but went nowhere, Sandy's ex-girlfriend (Kim Delaney) was a bit of a bore, and the same-sex relationship between Marissa and Alex never really gelled. All seemed like sure-fire character additions, but it was the later peripheral characters, including Billy Campbell as a magazine editor smitten with Kirsten and the menacing yet sexy Logan Marshall-Green as Ryan's ex-con brother, who injected The O.C. with energy, and helped steer the show back on course. Brody, who became the show's de facto poster boy, got to show off his comedic talents with the wonderful Bilson (who rode the Zach-Seth-Summer romantic triangle most smoothly), and the heretofore sullen McKenzie got to lighten up quite a bit, until the show's violent yet effective season finale.

Forsaking a good amount of its comedy for drama, The O.C. got a little too seriously soapy, but its characters were so compelling you couldn't stop watching--even waiflike Marissa grew some edges. Clarke's scheming Julie was a constant pleasure to watch, and Rowan turned Kirsten's late-season downturn into a steely yet heartfelt portrayal. Despite the bumps, The O.C. remained one of the most exciting shows to look forward to week after week, a soap with smarts thanks to its fresh dialogue, gifted cast, and careening plot arcs. --Mark Englehart

Episodes
 60 mins    11/4/2004  1.  the distance
The summer is coming to an end, and Seth hasn't returned home to Newport. In the midst of home renovations, Sandy and Kirsten are strained and missing their son. Ryan has begun his new life with Theresa in Chino, as Marissa is alone and in a dark place. Summer is slowly getting over Seth.
Director:  Ian Toynton  Writer:  Josh Schwartz 
Guest starring:  Tyler Bruhn, Chris Carmack, Bruno Amato, Brian McNamara, Cynthia Avila, Robin Paul, Julie Skon
 60 mins    11/11/2004  2.  the way we were
Now that Ryan and Seth have returned to Newport, its time to get back to school. The boys reunite with their former girlfriends but it becomes apparent that things will not be going back to the way they were. Caleb's legal troubles catch up with him, and Hailey has bad news for Jimmy.
Director:  Michael Lange  Writer:  Allan Heinberg 
Guest starring:  Bruno Amato, Michelle Hurd, Greg Callahan
 60 mins    11/18/2004  3.  the new kids on the block
After Caleb is released from custody, he must make some decisions about the Newport Group, and his decisions don't sit well with Kirsten. Seth is determined to win back Summer's friendship, even if it means getting a job. Ryan has a string of awkward encounters with a new girl at school, while Marissa faces being alone.
Director:  Lev L. Spiro  Writer:  Stephanie Savage 
Guest starring:  Sterling Jones, The Walkmen, Natasha Rouhani, Perry Anzilotti, Payden LoPachin, Kady Cole, Mark L. Young
 60 mins    12/2/2004  4.  the new era
It's a new era in Newport Beach. Kirsten and Julie try and work together at The Newport Group, while Sandy tries to find out what Caleb is hiding. Seth and Ryan go on a double date with Lindsay and Alex, but it ends differently than the four of them might have expected.
Director:  Michael Fresco  Writer:  J.J. Philbin 
Guest starring:  The Killers, Gregory Itzin
 60 mins    12/9/2004  5.  the SN O.C.
It's the annual "SnO.C." winter dance. Seth wants to take his relationship with Alex further, but she might have other plans. Marissa's secret relationship with D.J. is exposed, while Zach continues his pursuit of a Seth-free relationship with Summer. Sandy solves Caleb's legal puzzle ending with a shocking twist.
Director:  Ian Toynton  Writer:  John Stephens 
Guest starring:  Kathleen York, Chriss Anglin, Monika Jolly
 60 mins    12/16/2004  6.  the chrismukkah that almost wasn't
It's Chrismukkah once again in The O.C. and this year, Seth wants to take it global. As Caleb is faced with the looming prospect of going to prison, Sandy convinces him to come forward and reveal the truth about his involvement with Renee. Julie and Jimmy spend some quality time together. Caleb's confession shocks the Cohen and Nichol family to the core, and nothing will be the same again.
Director:  Tony Wharmby  Writer:  Josh Schwartz 
Guest starring:  Kathleen York
 60 mins    1/6/2005  7.  the family ties
After Caleb's confession, The Cohens try to welcome Lindsay as part of the family. Jimmy is faced with a choice when Marissa finds out about his relationship with his ex-wife, Julie. Seth attempts to be a "bad boy" like Ryan to impress Alex. Summer finds out what Zach did on his Christmas break while Ryan and Lindsay want to know if it is too awkward for them to be together.
Director:  Lesli Linka Glatter  Writer:  Josh Schwartz  / Drew Z. Greenberg 
Guest starring:  Modest Mouse, John Beach, George Contreras, Dejon Mayes, Veronique Vicari
 60 mins    1/13/2005  8.  the power of love
When Sandy forgets his and Kirsten's 20th wedding anniversary, he finds himself going to a lot of trouble to make it up to her. Seth and Ryan's respective relationships with Alex and Lindsay add to the trouble, and doubt falls upon their futures together. Marissa and Julie continue to butt heads over DJ, and Summer wants to take her relationship with Zach to the next level.
Director:  Michael Lange  Writer:  John Stephens 
Guest starring:  Jordan Baker, Devin Sidell, Stephon Fuller, Michael Bailey Smith
 60 mins    1/20/2005  9.  the ex-factor
Seth is thrown when Alex's ex arrives in town for a visit, and is even more thrown when he finds out who it is. Julie has a plan to try and save The Newport Group, which to everyone's surprise, might actually work. Lindsay sticks out when she joins Summer and Marissa for a girls night out; meanwhile, Ryan, Seth and Zach contemplate playing it safe on a guys' night in. But nothing ever goes as planned.
Director:  Michael Fresco  Writer:  J.J. Philbin 
Guest starring:  Padraic McMahon, Conor Deasy, Kevin Horan, Ben Carrigan, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Michael Simpson, Todd Bosley, Benjamin Diskin, Kristin Pate, Mark L. Young
 60 mins    1/27/2005  10.  the accomplice
Things heat up between Sandy and Kirsten when Sandy decides to help his mentor in law school find his daughter, Rebecca, whom was Sandy's first love. Seth and Zach start up a comic book based on their lives in Newport, while Summer questions why she's been left out. Ryan makes the attempt to unite Lindsay and Caleb after Lindsay tells Ryan she is curious in getting to know her "new" father. While Julie is in Paris, Marissa looks for new ways to rebel; in doing so, her friendship with Alex increases.
Director:  Ian Toynton  Writer:  Allan Heinberg 
Guest starring:  Natalie Blalock, Barry Newman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Emmanuelle Chriqui
 60 mins    2/3/2005  11.  the second chance
After hearing about Lindsay and Ryan's failed attempt at dinner with Caleb the night before, Kirsten arranges a dinner that she can supervise. But her presence makes no difference when Ryan and Caleb butt heads and disaster strikes. Sandy keeps Rebecca's presence in Newport a secret from Kirsten after deciding to take her case to court. Marissa and Alex's relationship intensifies, while Seth and Summer spend a lot of time together at Zach's insistence.
Director:  Tony Wharmby  Writer:  Drew Z. Greenberg  / Josh Schwartz 
Guest starring:  Barry Newman, Bruce Katzman, Rachel Yamagata
 60 mins    2/10/2005  12.  the loleny hearts club
It's Valentines Day 2005 in O.C. when Sandy and Kirsten's conflict about Rebecca continues. Ryan tries to make peace with Caleb to spend Valentines Day with Lindsay. While Seth, Zach, and Summer head to San Diego in hope to make their Comic Book idea succeed Seth has a breakdown and ends up in a lonely state. Marissa and Alex take a step forward in their relationship while Julie returns from her trip in hope to reconnect with Marissa.
Director:  Ian Toynton  Writer:  J.J. Philbin 
Guest starring:  Barry Newman, T.J. Thyne, Samantha Quan
 60 mins    2/17/2005  13.  the father knows best
As Sandy continues working on Rebecca's case, Kirsten questions how strong their feelings are for one another. Seth continues his downward spiral in the aftermath of Zach and Summer's Valentine's night together, while Marissa confronts her fear about her relationship with Alex. Caleb offers Lindsay a place in his family, but not without a paternity test.
Director:  Michael Lange  Writer:  John Stephens 
Guest starring:  Deirdre M. Smith, Danielle Bisutti, Christopher Lawford, Kathleen York
 60 mins    2/24/2005  14.  the rainy day women
It's a rainy day in Newport where Lindsay decides to take the DNA test and makes a difficult choice regarding her life with Caleb while Ryan helps her through it. Sandy still wants to help Rebecca with her case and tries to convince her not to run again. Kirsten is still upset and wishes her marriage would go back to normal and for Rebecca's case to be over with. Meanwhile, Seth thinks he's lost Summer forever untill Summer is unable to hide from her feelings once and for all. Marissa moves out of the Cooper-Nichol mansion and moves in with Alex after she tells her mother about Alex being her girlfriend.
Director:  Michael Fresco  Writer:  Josh Schwartz 
Guest starring:  Jordan Baker, Kathleen York, Devin Sidell, John Maynard, Kathleen Mary Carthy, Jeff Holman, Marcus Lavck, Max Burcholder, Lisa May, Bonnie Parker
 60 mins    3/10/2005  15.  the mallpisode
After Lindsay moves to Chicago with her mom, Ryan is heartbroken and Caleb's confused. Seth, Summer, and Marissa invite Ryan to the mall to get his mind off things. Caleb tags along to vent when Sandy tries to make amends with Kirsten by searching for her wedding ring or even a grand gesture that will take her back to when Sandy first proposed. Meanwhile, Alex learns that Marissa might not be as into her as she thought she would be. Kirsten and Julie call an editor for Newport Living but at the same time Julie's Riverside past catches up to her.
Director:  Ian Toynton  Writer:  Stephanie Savage 
Guest starring:  Carrie Ann Nagy, Amber Heard, Shaun Cozzens, John Michael Vaughn
 60 mins    3/17/2005  16.  the blaze of glory
Spring has flung in Newport where Marissa recruits Ryan to help her with Harbor School's Pep Rally Bonfire. Alex accepts that her and Marissa are from two different lives and knows she is fighting a lost cause. Seth is stuck and misses last year's good times while Summer disagrees and tells him it's time to move on. Meanwhile, Julie still doesn't know what she is gonna do about her blackmailer and seeks some advice from Sandy. Kirsten wants Carter to stick with the magazine despite his reservations.
Director:  Robert Duncan McNeill  Writer:  Mike Kelley 
Guest starring:  Carrie Ann Nagy, Leanna Campbell, George Contreras, Brandt Jacobus, Taivon McKinney
 60 mins    3/24/2005  17.  the brothers Grim
When Ryan's brother, Trey, gets out of jail and gives Ryan a call, the Cohens give him a warm welcome. Though, Ryan knows nothing good can come from it. Zach returns from his Italy trip and gives some news leaving Summer curious and Seth ... not really sure what to think. Meanwhile, after Julie admits her naked mistake to Kirsten, they both agree to get Caleb in on it for more help. Newport Living is officially launched.
Director:  Michael Lange  Writer:  J.J. Philbin 
Guest starring:  Jordan Baker, Christopher Backus, Shaun Cozzens, Jeff Witzke
 60 mins    4/7/2005  18.  the risky business
Sandy reluctantly serves as host/auctioneer at yet another OC benefit; Trey lies to Ryan to prove that he can be self-dependent; Carter reinvigorates Seth and Zach's comic book dream, much to the annoyance of Summer. Marissa moves in with the Cohens.
Director:  Norman Buckley  Writer:  Cory Martin 
Guest starring:  Jon Ryckman, Kyle Bornheimer, Frank Crim, Danielle Bisutti
 60 mins    4/14/2005  19.  the rager
It's Trey's 21st birthday and Marissa, anxious to help Trey and Ryan forge a relationship, throws a birthday party for Trey at the Cooper-Nichol mansion that turns out to be a rager. Seth is left in hot water by both Summer and Zach, but why? Sandy wants to continue his friendship with Carter, leaving a confused Kirsten. Meanwhile, Julie shares some memories with an "old" friend and in the process learns a few things and gains a few ideas.
Director:  Tony Wharmby  Writer:  John Stephens 
Guest starring:  Tom Ohmer, Brandon Michael Vayda, Aya Sumika, Marguerite Moreau, Paul Walia, Kristin Cobb, Artie Baxter, Eric Mcintire
 60 mins    4/21/2005  20.  the O.C. confidential
Sandy and the boys devise a plan to save Trey from going to jail after he took the fall for supplying drugs at his birthday party. Kirsten and Carter, fulfilling more than their editorial duties, take a trip to Featherbrook's winery. Meanwhile, Caleb returns home and questions his marriage with Julie.
Director:  Tony Wharmby  Writer:  Mike Kelley 
Guest starring:  Jennifer Elizabeth Davis, Death Cab for Cutie, Graham Sibley, Marguerite Moreau, Travis Van Winkle, Garrison Hershberger, Grant Thompson, Catherine Kresge, Alex Ryan, David Paluck, Nathan Peterson, Eric Mcintire
 60 mins    5/5/2005  21.  the return of the nana
Sandy, Seth and Ryan travel to Miami to visit the Nana after she tells Sandy she is getting married. Unable to go because of work, Kirsten is left on her own to deal with her feelings for Carter. Trey misinterprets Marissa's friendship; Zach invites Summer to a home-cooked dinner.
Director:  Ian Toynton  Writer:  Josh Schwartz 
Guest starring:  Linda Lavin, Jaime King, Bret Harrison, T.I., Krista Kalmus, Todd Sherry, Anthony John Denison, Jason Bartley, Amie Dellavalle, Brian F. Durkin, Burt Greenburg, Sid Raymond, Allen Reed, Al Scheckwitz
 60 mins    5/5/2005  22.  the showdown
Seth and Zach declare themselves rivals for Summer's affections; Marissa is still reeling from being nearly raped by Trey; Sandy confronts Kirsten when her drinking problem becomes very apparent; Caleb hands divorce papers to Julie.
Director:  Michael Fresco  Writer:  John Stephens 
Guest starring:  Marguerite Moreau, Todd Bosley, Jesse Heiman, Burnadean Jones, Carrie Ann Nagy, Matthew J. Williamson
 60 mins    5/12/2005  23.  the O.sea
Seth and Zach squabble over who should take Summer to the prom and who will meet George Lucas for dinner; Sandy takes drastic actions with a recovering Kirsten; Ryan starts to piece together what happened between Trey and Marissa, courtesy of Theresa; Julie's attempts to poison Caleb take a surprise turn.
Director:  Michael Lange  Writer:  J.J. Philbin 
Guest starring:  Marguerite Moreau, George Lucas, Cynthia Avila, Gilbert Glenn Brown, Matt McKenzie
 60 mins    5/19/2005  24.  the dearly beloved
Kirsten hits rock bottom after Caleb's funeral, prompting Sandy to finally take action; Jimmy Cooper resurfaces and almost immediately renews ties with a mourning Julie; Jess bullies Trey into participating in a drug deal that turns into a shootout; Ryan finally learns the truth about what happened between Trey and Marissa, leading to a bloody confrontation.
Director:  Ian Toynton  Writer:  Josh Schwartz 
Guest starring:  Garrett M. Brown, Darion Basco, Doug Burch, Kathleen M. Darcy
Edition Details
Edition The Complete Second Season
Series The O.C.
Distributor Warner Home Video
Release Date 8/23/2005
Packaging Keep Case
Screen Ratio Fullscreen (4:3)
Subtitles English; French; Spanish
Audio Tracks Dolby Digital Stereo [English]
Layers Single Side, Single Layer
No. of Disks/Tapes 7

Features
Disc 01 Extended Creator's Cut of "The Rainy Day Women"
Commentary on Selected Episodes by Cast & Crew
Beachy Couture - How O.C. Fashion in Made
The O.C.: Obsess Completely - Retrospective TV Special
Gags & Goofs from Seasons 1 & 2