"The O.C." Invites Anna Back, Marissa Returns To Harbor High School!

““The O.C.” Invites Anna Back, Marissa Returns To Harbor High School!”

By Arlene R. Weiss © Copyright January 14, 2006

While some guest characters on the Fox Television Network’s simply scrumptious, “The O.C.” pluck everyone’s (and our) nerves, like the thankfully banished, dreaded Oliver, some guests are so yummy that fans (and us too!) are overjoyed when these characters delight us, returning every now and then as guests by popping in on the Cohen’s and Cooper-Nichol’s clans.

Anna, the smart and spunky, blonde haired adoration of the hearts of “O.C.” fans (like I said, and us included, can’t help it, we find Anna more effervescent than champagne!), and the only woman to tug Seth’s heart as much as Summer, who made us all fall in love with her just as Seth did, only to leave after Seth chose Summer over her in Season One, is BACK!

“TV Guide’s” January 16, 2006 issue confirms indeed, that Anna, our favorite take charge, woman of confidence, portrayed by the wonderfully talented, sparkling actress, Samaire Armstrong, will be returning for a multi-episode storyline, guest appearance arc on “The O.C.”, beginning in April 2006.

Does this mean that Seth will once again be forced to choose between Summer, the girl he has loved since elementary school when he first heard Summer read her poem in his class, or Anna, the whip smart, athletic, comic book loving, definitely NON geek, but gorgeous, doe eyed blonde? Hmmm. Decisions, decisions.

Also, in case you missed it, we thought that last Thursday, January 12, 2006’s episode of “The O.C.” is definitely in our top ten list of the best episodes of all 3 seasons of the series, EVER!

Our beloved Marissa is now BACK, re-enrolled at Harbor High School following her unjust expulsion, thanks to the loyal support, hard work, and efforts of Ryan, Seth, Summer, Dr. Kim (Harbor’s Principal), Dr. Roberts (Summer’s Dad), Taylor Townsend (Yea! She pulled for our girl!), and to quote the words right out of Kirsten’s mouth, “our hero” Sandy Cohen!

Sandy Cohen truly has re-written the book (as magnificently played and in this episode, in particular, with bravura courage of conviction, grace, wisdom, compassion, ethics, and justice by the most esteemed, magnificent actor, Peter Gallagher), on what it means, and what being a lawyer, and a father, is all about.

Too long to detail it here, but in 100 words or less (hey we’re trying here!), Ryan, Seth, and Summer along with Taylor rallied up a schoolwide “Free Marissa” campaign complete with T-shirts plastered with Marissa’s face and their slogan, along with a petition of student signatures to get Coop back into Harbor.

Dr. Kim offered up to Ryan, some information regarding a legal precedent incident of a former Harbor student expelled just as Marissa had been, for carrying a weapon, but who was not doing so out of any criminal intent whatsoever and who also meant no threat or harm to anyone, and thus, that student was allowed re-enrollment at Harbor High School.

And one of Sandy’s colleague’s, Matt Ramsay, dug up some damaging information about the son of self righteous, pious, hypocrite clone of Darth Vader, “hanging” Judge Mercer who was preciding over Marissa’s hearing and appeal to be re-enrolled back at Harbor and who would no doubt take wicked pleasure in denying Marissa’s re-enrollment, just to crush Sandy.

Well, at Marissa’s hearing, Ryan, Seth, Summer, and Taylor rolled out a book long petition signed by all of Harbor’s student body, Ryan proved one heck of a legal eagle, introducing the legal precedent information, Dr. Roberts spoke loud and proud on behalf of Coop.

But, then Sandy entered the hearing with his closing argument. WOW!

Sandy could have taken the low road. He could have played dirty, especially when Judge Mercer openly enjoyed going for Sandy’s jugular at the hearing for sheer twisted sport. Sandy could have told the entire room crammed full of most of Newport’s social elite about Judge Mercer’s criminal son who was expelled from military school for substance abuse and had lost touch with everyone, including dear old Dad, Mercer.

But instead, our hero Sandy took the high road of valor. Sandy spoke Sage like words of heart and mind that spoke not only in support of Marissa, but in support of all teens everywhere, in the best and in the worst of their times when they need our hearts and understanding the very most, including Judge Mercer’s son, and that all deserve a second chance in life. Sandy even helped Judge Mercer with information to put the Judge in touch with his long lost son. Wow! (We know! But we HAD to say it again!)

Of course, even Judge Mercer was moved by Sandy’s as well as everyone else’s kind and just words, and so he allowed Marissa to once again, attend Harbor High School.

So, we ended exuberantly and triumphantly, overflowing with happiness to see Marissa, Ryan, Seth, Summer, and all of the Class of 2006 of Harbor High, posing for their High School yearbook photo as, well we cried like a baby (really!)

Yes….we MUST give credit where it is due. To “O.C.” Creator Josh Schwartz, we have to say that Season Three has recaptured all of the magic we loved of Season One! You, our friend, are most definitely back and this episode was a glorious triumph!

Folks, we make NO apologies for getting all mushy on you, but the January 12, 2006 episode is a KEEPER…one that when Season 3 of “The O.C.” comes out on DVD, you will want to watch again and again. A parable about truth, justice, hope, compassion, loyalty, and friendship!

Welcome to “The O.C.” fans, friends, and everyone!

WOW!!!!

Muse News And Micro Muse January 14, 2006

By Arlene R. Weiss © Copyright January 14, 2006