The OC

[Tasha]

OMG so your saying that the OC is starting next month. OMG that is like the best news ive heard all day, week, month, i dont how long but its great. YAY! Im sooooo exciting. Thanks Chris for making me day

[Drew]

Ten probably know it's going to be a rating-dropping season so they're placing it during the non-ratings season By the sound of the first four episodes, I understand why they're making that choice

[Natasha]

Yes from the sounds of it it doesn't sound too promising. I'll tune in the first episode though.

[~Amy~]

We don't get it till January

[summer_bay_rules]

Can't wait for series 4!

[Tasha]

Its starting on the 7th Nov, 18days, yay, and yes i alwayz countdown till the OC starts *hides*

[I ♥ Baker]

Yay ... I can't wait till the return of The O.C!!!

But i don't think it will be the same without Marissa, and with the main 4, going their seperate ways. I stillcan't wait though!!

[princess_jessik]

Actually, to all those people who are doubting how good these upcomming season 4 episodes are going to be ... I googled The OC season 4 in google news. There are a few reviews of the first episode on there from America and there was alot of positive feedback as to how good the episodes were. Hopefully they are good! I've been waiting.

[Tasha]

Oooo...good feedback, thats sounds good, now i really cant wait, 18 days *dances*

[hazza123]

I'm confused about all you saying the first four eps don't sound promising, IMO, they sound fantastic. A number of critics that recieved the episodes early have been raving on about it, calling them "the best episodes since the start of Season 1". They say that Marrissas death is handled very well, and some the characters long term reactions will be heart-breaking. If anyone wants a first hand account from one of the critics as they go through the episodes, head here.

Heres his review for 4.01 and 4.02:

4.01

The episode jumps five months ahead, not six.

The episode is the most structurally complex episode they've done, and you'll see why I say that when it airs.

There's a definite balance between the comedy and drama, although the comedy is always underscored by pain, and that's what makes it effective.

The cagefighting is really well done, and you can definitely see what Ryan's new life is like.

Ausiello is right in that Ryan didn't go to Marissa's funeral, but it's definitely not because he didn't care enough. He's also got a secret stash of something hidden in his new room that might make you tear up when you see it. And if Ryan didn't go to Marissa's funeral, someone else more than made up for it.

The Stepmonster does make an appearance, just like we'd heard, but she'll remain a mystery.

Those are pills in Julie's cabinet, and she's really messed up. She takes to home improvement.

Seth is just chilling, and yes, his time with the Newpsies is great. You're even going to see a Newpsie favorite in the episode, so that might excite you. The comic book store is really fun, too.

Sandy and Kirsten are definitely more in love than ever, and they work great as a team here. They're parenting like never before. It's never been so obvious how much they love their boys (until episode two).

The episode pulls together nicely at the end with a special return from a group of characters from season two coming back, and it's one of the most poignant moments ever on the show. It honestly did make me tear up.

And then there's a BAD ASS cliffhanger at the end of the episode. It's nothing huge, don't get me wrong, but it's so incredibly intense. You'll love it.

4.02

I know this post is the longest post ever, so I'll cut this one short and tell you that I think you're going to really like Che. He's characterized in much the same way the Newpsies were early on. He's so over the top that he comes back around to being real. And that's good.

There is tons of quality Seth/Ryan time, and most of it is hilarious. And if you thought Seth was clever with "What's the GP, RA?" then you don't know Seth well enough. He tops it here. Or matches it, at least, because let's be honest, that was a great moment. But the quality time isn't them playing video games. No way. They're on a quest. Their relationship is explored really, really well in this episode, and the end will make you want to cry. It's perfect, and it's something the show has needed. I don't know how long it will last, but it's good for now.

This is a funnier episode, I think, and it has some absolutely awesome, intense moments. And you can see how they're flowing one episode to the next. The stories aren't disjointed. No random introduction of Johnny. Marissa's death is definitely playing out.

Most importantly, I don't think you'll feel lost without Marissa. Not at all. I think you'll find that the show is as good as it ever was, and that Taylor and Kaitlin more than fill any type of void that's left.

These episodes are intense, raw, funny, and just really, really good. Or I think so, at least.

Some more Spoilers:

-The second episode is called "The Gringos", not "The Search". The Gringo's title came from the official FOX press release.

-Jimmy Cooper (Tate Donovan) will definitely return.

-A friendship, and further down the track, relationship is being developed between Ryan and Taylor.

-The Bait Shop has been torn down.

-Julie and Ryan team up to hunt Volchok.

-Seth starts hanging out with the Newpsies.

- Episode 5 is called "The Sleeping Beauty", Episode 6 "The Summer Bummer" and Episode 9 "The My Two Dads"

See, I think there's hope for Season 4. Bring it on!