film / tv / substack / social media / lists / web / celeb / pajiba love / misc / about / cbr
film / tv / substack / web / celeb

S-S-333-summer-and-seth-15449216-1280-723.jpg

Welcome to Your 10th Anniversary, Bitch: Celebrating "The OC"

By Courtney Enlow | TV | August 8, 2013 |

By Courtney Enlow | TV | August 8, 2013 |


A couple weeks back, Emily Nussbaum wrote an excellent article on “Sex and the City” and its minimized role in television history, how its excellence has been whitewashed in favor of placing focus almost solely on its superficial nature and less savory footprints on society.

That’s how I feel about “The OC.”

Ten years ago this week, Josh Schwartz’s seminal teen drama zeitgasm premiered. Then and still today, it is often laughed off, disregarded as bubblegum frivolity with a radio-friendly indie soundtrack.

But, we fans know it was so much more. And, ten years later, my love remains. And I want to celebrate its wonder.

Please read the rest of this post while playing this:

This version would be acceptable as well.

Ryan Atwood. Sigh.

A man of few words, but much angst.

juliebrooding.gif

And damn adept at punching things.

rypunch1.gifrypunch3.gif
rypunch4.gifrypunch6.gif

But, he’s basicaly a softie.

tumblr_lu0gg86e6v1qe0deco1_500.png

Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you, Seth Cohen.

happyseth.gif

Much more than mere comic relief, you were the joyful beating heart of the whole show, and, often, the voice of reason.

conveymorewithalook.gif

The opposite of the voice of reason would be one Marisa Cooper.

marisaeyeroll.gif

I’m sure she feels bad for the dramz, guys.

marisasorry.jpg

She probably feels worst about one instance in particular.

olivertrask.gif

But, while her taste in most boys was questionable, she did have pretty amazing taste in girls.

sethalexmarisa.gif
sethalexmarisa2.gif

While much whiny focus is placed upon the majorly toxic Ryan and Marisa coupling, the soft and fuzzy center of the show was the adorable relationship between Seth and Summer.

alwaysbeenyou1.gifalwaysbeenyou2.gif
alwaysbeenyou3.gifalwaysbeenyou4.gif

Of course, there was a superior OTP.

captainoatsprincesssparkle.jpg
captainoatsprincesssparkle2.jpg

Well, make that two. But, chief among them was the pairing of Sandy and Kirsten Cohen.

tumblr_m6hpehwFbs1qcw7xno1_250.gif

tumblr_m7s9c9trBZ1rq0997.gif

Because, while they had their issues, they were phenomenal TV parents.

cohenfam.jpg

Sandy was basically a hotter Mr. Feeny…

With way better eyebrows.

sandycoheneyebrows.jpg
setheyebrows.gif

And, together they created a new family, making Ryan and Seth more than best friends—they were brothers.

rysethbfg.gif

rysethbff3.gif

rysethbff4.jpg

Supporting each other in all of life’s best moments.

sethmop.gif

While the show gave us many gifts, it will be remembered for one above all else.

christmukkah.gif

The uberest of holidays.

chrismukkahunruinable.gif

Resplendent with accessory opportunities.

holymoses.gif

Sadly, Newport wasn’t all holiday cheer.

julieamoral.jpg

Julie Cooper Nichol was astounding in her greatness. Though, she could be pretty scary.

juliecoopercircumcizhe.gif

But, that’s because she was misunderstood.

juliecooperpimp.gif

She also had a sharp mind for business.

juliebusiness.jpg
juliebusiness2.jpg

But, don’t think Julie was dumb. Chick knew what she was talking about.

juliecooperswallow.png

Julie was also quite possibly the most self-aware character in the entire series.

juliemanipbitch.gifjulienakedmistake.gif

Probably because she had quite the past.

julieporn.gifjulieporn2.gif

Now, the show wasn’t flawless. I mean, what was up with Jeri Ryan’s whole story arc?

sandywhoknows.gif

Or that time Sandy almost cheated on Kirsten with Kim Delaney?

sethryanwhoknows.gif

That said, I loved all four seasons. And if you don’t? Well, we’ll just have to agree to disagree.

sethflipbird.gif

So, my sweet show, you weren’t perfect. But I love you anyway.

flawsandquirks.gif

Yogalates.

yogalates.gif