Riassunti Episodi - Terza Stagione - [INGLESE]

[Principe Marco]

Episode 301 - “The Aftermath”
Aired: 09/08/05

A bloody Trey is rushed into the ER followed by Seth, Summer and a bruised and disoriented Ryan. Police attempt to interrogate Ryan but he isn’t responding. When they turn their attention to Marissa, Ryan yells at her to keep her mouth shut. Then he faints.

Then Ryan wakes from a terrible nightmare. Only it wasn’t a nightmare. The summer has passed with a dark cloud hanging over Newport. Trey is still in a coma, and Ryan is still reliving the night of the shooting. Deputy District Attorney Caldwell pays the Cohens a visit. The D.A.’s office is under a lot of pressure from the community to prosecute. Sandy reminds Caldwell that there’s nothing to prosecute since Marissa is protected under Defense of Others. And Caldwell reminds Sandy that Marissa isn’t the one they’re going after. Ryan’s the one with the history of violence and the D.A. isn’t buying his statement. Besides, nobody’s going to believe that Caleb Nichol’s daughter blew away an ex-con.

At the Suriak Rehab Center, Kirsten is praised in group therapy for her progress. She shares that she turned to alcohol because of her father. She was living his life, not her own. She did everything to please him, but it was never enough. Dr. Woodruff believes that Suriak’s work is done. It’s time for Kirsten to go home.

Back at home, Caldwell interrogates Ryan and Seth. Apparently the D.D.A. thinks they may remember things differently now but the guys are sticking to their original story. Ryan confronted Trey and he pulled a gun on him. Caldwell wants to know why Ryan’s fingerprints were on the gun. Because he put the safety on so it wouldn’t go off again. He wasn’t exactly thinking clearly. Then Caldwell goes for the jugular, “You went to Trey’s house that night to kill your brother, didn’t you, Mr. Atwood.” Ryan has no response.

Julie and Jimmy are on the veranda at the Nichol mansion preparing for the arrival of the prosecutor. Julie hopes Marissa takes her advice and doesn’t admit to shooting Trey. Jimmy reminds her that it’s a little late for that since Marissa’s already confessed. Julie maintains that she wasn’t in her right mind at the time. She was protecting her boyfriend. That’s what they’re going with anyway. And by that, Julie means they’re going to let Ryan take the fall. Jimmy attempts a protest but is no match for his ex-wife.

Ryan and Seth visit a comatose Trey in the ICU. As they’re walking out the door, one of Trey’s fingers twitches. Then his eyes open. But nobody’s there to see it. Later that day, Ryan and Seth are playing video games when they get the call from the hospital. Trey’s awake.

Back at the country club, uh, rehab center, one of the women from Kirsten’s group therapy introduces herself, empathizes with Kirsten’s “father issues” and invites her to have coffee. Sandy arrives and asks Kirsten when she’s planning on coming home. A wave of anxiety washes over Kirsten’s face and she tells Sandy she’ll have to talk to Dr. Woodruff first, see if she’s even eligible.

Julie is attempting to coerce Caleb’s estate attorney into revealing the contents of the will and exactly how many millions she should be expecting, when she receives the “Trey’s awake” call.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to redeem what’s left of summer, the gang heads out to sea in Jimmy’s sailboat. They frolic on a secluded beach then return to reality.

Julie shows up at the hospital looking for Trey when the ICU nurse explains that visiting hours are long over. Julie proceeds to introduce herself as Julie Cooper-Nichol, as in the Nichol wing of the hospital, which they happen to be standing in right now. Inside Trey’s room, Julie makes him an offer he can’t refuse. He tells the D.A.’s office that Ryan shot him, not Marissa, and in exchange he gets $20,000 and the opportunity not to be suffocated by the pillow Julie’s holding in her hand.

The next day Sandy interrupts Ryan and Seth’s TV bonding time with the news that Trey talked to the police and confirmed their suspicion that Ryan shot him. The D.A.’s office gave Sandy a heads up that they’ll be issuing a warrant for Ryan’s arrest in a few hours.

Seth, Summer and Marissa enter the pool house and discover Ryan packing his getaway ensemble – grey hoodie, wifebeater, canvas knapsack. No one’s going to believe him anyway. Marissa takes charge. If Ryan’s running away, so are they. Seth and Summer quickly jump on board.

Over coffee, Charlotte warns Kirsten of the perils of leaving rehab before she’s ready. Kirsten reminds her that Dr. Woodruff thinks she’s ready. Charlotte reminds Kirsten that Dr. Woodruff isn’t going to be in her kitchen at three A.M. when she’s rummaging through the spice rack for anything with alcohol and starts pounding the vanilla extract. Kirsten confirms that relapse is her worst fear. She doesn’t ever want to let down her husband and the boys again.

Sandy returns home to an empty house. The police come by for Ryan but Sandy informs them they’re too late.

Meanwhile, the gang has boarded Jimmy’s boat and is about to set sail to Mexico, via Catalina, when a half-dozen police cars come screeching into the parking lot. At the police station, Sandy compliments Ryan on doing a great job of looking innocent. The only person who runs is someone who has something to hide. Ryan reminds Sandy about his police record, his history and his family, but Sandy assures him it isn’t over yet.

Back at the hospital, Marissa and Summer walk down the corridor dressed in candy striper uniforms, while Seth pushes a cart of books. Marissa enters Trey’s room and he asks if she’s come to finish the job. Oh, so he does remember who shot him. Trey tells Marissa he’s trying to protect her. He apologizes for everything, telling her that he didn’t know how to make things right until her mom offered him a way out. Marissa tells Trey she has another way he can make things right.

Sandy meets up with Jimmy for drinks and tells him he’s been trying to figure out why Trey would try to frame Ryan. All he can figure is that somebody paid him off. But who would sink that low? Only one name comes to mind. Jimmy can’t look him in the eye. Sandy tells Jimmy he’s got to make it right but Jimmy wants Sandy to put himself in his shoes. Hmm, Sandy’s got a wife in rehab who doesn’t want to come home and a kid who’s locked up for something he didn’t do. Right now Jimmy’s shoes are looking pretty good.

Marissa returns home and presents Julie with a copy of Trey’s confession, stating that if Marissa hadn’t shot him, he would have killed Ryan. The police have a copy as well. Julie tells Marissa she’s just dug her own grave. It’s a small town and when there’s a scandal, no one cares about details like self-defense.

Sandy shows up at the police station and welcomes a free Ryan. What happened? Sandy explains that what happened is that Ryan has a hell of a girlfriend.

At Ryan’s request, Sandy drives Ryan to the hospital but Trey’s bed is empty. Then they head to the bus stop where Ryan catches Trey’s eye in the bus window. They exchange a look of, if not forgiveness, at least understanding, before the bus heads off for places unknown. Then Ryan buries his head in Sandy’s shoulder.

A weary Ryan tracks down Marissa at her favorite lifeguard station. She assures him that he’s not alone and they’ll get through this together. He hopes she’s right.

[Principe Marco]

Episode 302 - “The Shape of Things to Come”
Aired: 09/15/05

The Cohen residence is looking a lot like a bachelor pad… after a late night pizza binge. Sandy offers up stale cereal and sour milk for breakfast. Ok, how ‘bout a little humus and sesame beef?

Julie rings the doorbell and Sandy can’t believe she’d show her face after what she tried to do to Ryan. Julie claims she was just trying to keep her family afloat. Yeah, by using Ryan as a raft. She tells Sandy that he can lecture her later but right now they’ve got bigger problems. The parents at Harbor School are protesting. They’ve circulated a petition and filed a motion to have Marissa and Ryan expelled. The gang meets for breakfast at the diner before registering for Senior Year at Harbor! With Summer cheerleading, they declare this year to be the “best year ever!”

Sandy and Julie meet with Dr. Kim, the principle of Harbor School. Dr. Kim tells them that as much as she’d like to see Ryan and Marissa graduate from Harbor, the decision is out of her hands. The board has decided to bring in an expert – Jack Hess, “Dean of Discipline.” Jack enters and Sandy and Julie tell him they’re anxious to talk about the kids… but apparently that won’t be necessary. Jack’s read their files and talked to the arresting officers. He’s got a Masters in Education, taught six years in east coast boarding schools, and he’d like to think he knows what he’s doing. So would Sandy because these kids want to go to college. Jack makes it clear that he’s not there to make everybody happy. He’ll give them his decision by the end of the day.

Jimmy meets a business partner for drinks. Apparently Jimmy tried to sell the guy a boat but blew his deposit on some crazy stock venture. And now the guy wants his money back. Jimmy tries to convince him that Caleb’s will is going to be read any day now and he’ll get his money.

At school, Summer escorts Marissa to her carnival planning committee and they come face-to-face with Taylor Townsend, the perky blonde who’s trying to takeover Marissa’s Social Chair position.

Back at the bachelor pad, Seth and Ryan clean out the many mysterious take-out cartons in the fridge. Meaning Ryan does the work and Seth does the talking. Seth asks Ryan if he’s talked with Marissa about the night of the shooting. No, they’re just putting it behind them and moving on. Seth’s skeptical. He warns Ryan that if they don’t deal with it, it’ll eventually come between them.

At the rehab center, Kirsten’s packing her bags when her new friend Charlotte stops by and warns her about the perils of going home too soon. She speaks from experience and this time she’s making a pit-stop at a cabin in Lake Arrowhead. She invites Kirsten to come along.

Sandy gets a call from the dean. Good news for Ryan, not so good for Marissa. Ryan gets to stay but Marissa’s getting kicked out.

Sandy visits Kirsten and is excited when he sees her bags are packed. Not so excited when he learns that she’s going to Arrowhead with Charlotte instead of coming home. Kirsten tells him she doesn’t know exactly when she’ll be home; she only knows that when she does come home, she wants it to be for good.

Jimmy’s looking for alternative schools for Marissa on line but Julie’s got another plan. Not surprisingly involving somebody else’s money. She wants to make a fat donation to the Harbor School… something along the lines of a hundred grand. And since Caleb’s money is still tied up, she’s going to need Jimmy to write a check. Um, how’s he going to come up with that kind of cash when he can barely come up with enough for the drink he’s probably wishing he had right now.

Back at school, Taylor Townsend feigns sympathy for Marissa’s predicament, then quickly proclaims herself the new Social Chair. Not so fast… Summer arrives and throws her own name in the hat. Taylor is quick to point out that Summer has no experience with this or any extracurricular activities for that matter, except maybe shopping.

Kirsten and Charlotte arrive at her charming cabin in Arrowhead but Kirsten can’t help but feel like she’s disappointed Sandy yet again. Charlotte suggests that she invite him up for dinner.

Ryan pays Dr. Kim a visit and begs for a chance to explain what really happened. But Dr. Kim explains that the board had an exhaustive debate and came to what she thinks is a fair decision. It’s out of her hands. His only shot is to discuss the matter with the new dean.

Jimmy shows up for another meeting with the businessman. No, he doesn’t have the money, and, by the way, he needs to borrow a hundred grand. You’re kidding, right? Uh, no.

Ryan and Marissa meet with the new dean and attempt to tell their side of the story. But Dean Hess doesn’t see how this concerns Ryan. Despite his best efforts, Ryan’s still a student at Harbor. Hess turns his attention to Marissa and asks her to tell him why he’s wrong about her. He may be new to Newport but he’s already discovered how much people like to talk, especially about her. Shoplifting, alcohol abuse, an overdose in Tijuana. Marissa tries to convince him that the shooting was different, but he assures her it’s never different. A troubled kid gets a hold of a gun and it always ends badly. She shot a kid and he doesn’t hear a hint of remorse. That’s because she doesn’t have any. She’s proud of what she did and she’d do it again. The dean hopes she gets a good look at Harbor on her way out, because she’s never setting foot in this school again.


Jimmy hands Julie a check for a hundred grand but it doesn’t look like they’re going to need it after all. Marissa had a talk with the dean and dug a hole no amount of money could dig her out of. Jimmy goes to take the check back but Julie has other plans for it – apparently she’s behind on her payments to the gardener, the pool man, the landscaper, etc.

Seth accompanies Summer to the carnival planning meeting and they quickly usurp Taylor’s power by winning over the committee with their fabulous party ideas -- a chocolate fountain, mini burgers, and a hybrid giveaway rather than the gas-guzzling SUV from Taylor’s father’s dealership.

Sandy arrives at the cabin and is greeted by Charlotte. Kirsten’s in the kitchen preparing dinner. What? Unsupervised? Charlotte explains it’s part of her therapy. Sandy makes it clear that he thinks the best therapy for Kirsten would be to be home with her family.

Ryan stops by Marissa’s and tries to convince her to go to the carnival. And about school, that’s not over either. If they can submit the evidence that proves her innocence, the board’s going to have to admit she shouldn’t be punished. But Marissa doesn’t want to fight it anymore. And she doesn’t need him to help her or protect her. Not now and not then. Oh, so this whole thing is my fault? And then the elephant in the room finally gets its due.

At dinner, over a bottle or two of Dom Perignon, Jimmy presents Julie with her old engagement ring and proposes for the second time. She accepts for the second time.

Ryan finds Marissa at her special lifeguard station and apologizes. He’d always worried that he was going to screw things up for the Cohen’s but it turns out he’s screwed things up for her instead. Marissa assures Ryan that she’s not going to let getting kicked out of Harbor ruin her life.

Meanwhile, at the cabin, Kirsten finds a tearful Charlotte down by the lake with a bottle of whiskey. She hasn’t opened it yet, but she might. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do without Kirsten. She can see how much Kirsten misses Sandy and knows she’ll be leaving soon. Kirsten promises she’s not going anywhere until Charlotte tells her she’s ready. Kirsten heads back up to the cabin with the unopened bottle and Charlotte pulls a flask out of her bathrobe pocket and takes a long swig.

Marissa and Ryan show up at the carnival and are taking a sentimental ride on the Ferris wheel when Dean Hess shows up, a smug Taylor Townsend beside him. He abruptly stops the ride and demands that Marissa leave immediately. Ryan is quick to point out that they’re not on school property but the dean isn’t listening. He grabs Marissa by the arm and begins to drag her out. Ryan yells at him to take his hands off her but when he doesn’t, Ryan hauls off and punches him in the face. The dean gets up off the ground with a bloody nose and a grin. Apparently he thought he was going to have to work much harder to get Ryan expelled but Ryan did it all on his own. If either of them ever step foot on school property again, he’ll call the police.

[Principe Marco]

Episode 303 - “The End of Innocence”
Aired: 09/22/05

At the diner, the gang mourns what was supposed to be the “best year ever!” Seth, more specifically, mourns the fact that without Ryan at Harbor, he’s going to go back to being an object of ridicule.

Sandy’s home dealing with some kind of construction emergency for the Newport Group, which he’s taken over in Kirsten’s absence; but keeping the Newport Group afloat is not his only worry. He’s also worried about Ryan, who’s now home trying to figure out what he’s going to do with his life. Sandy thinks Ryan needs to take some time off from Marissa while he gets out of the hole he’s dug for himself. Ryan thinks Sandy’s over-reacting. Julie has great news for Marissa. She’s been on the phone with Kaitlin’s boarding school and they’ve agreed to take her. Apparently the more elite the school, the more accepting they are of criminals. But Marissa wants to stay in Newport and help rebuild their family. Touched by the sentiment, Julie agrees to let Marissa stay if she agrees to stop seeing Ryan.

Jimmy stops by the Cohen house to apologize to Sandy for, well, everything. But it turns out that’s not the only reason he came over. He and Julie have been living in limbo waiting for the will to be read, and… this is a little awkward… but is there any way Sandy could make a call to find out when it’s going to happen? Sandy agrees to do what he can. Anything for the soon to be Julie Cooper-Nichol-Cooper.

Dean Hess tracks down Seth and Summer in the student lounge and coerces them into “volunteering” to be stage hands for the drama club… which means for Taylor Townsend. They’re free to say no, but unless they want to join Ryan and Marissa in the streets, they better start showing a little school spirit.

A jubilant Jimmy meets Julie for dinner and convinces her to move up the wedding to… this Saturday. Julie goes for the idea -- an understated brunch with close friends and family instead of a big fancy event with strangers. Then a honeymoon in Hawaii. Then back to reality. Speaking of reality… Julie’s called every school in the surrounding area and none will take Marissa. Jimmy tries to convince her that it won’t seem so bad when she’s hanging out in Hanalei bay. Speaking of… Julie asks Jimmy what he thinks of the educational system in Kauai.

Meanwhile at the cabin, Sandy stops by with some news. They’re reading Caleb’s will on Friday. Kirsten’s going to need a little time to decide if she can make it. She’s worked so hard to put her dad behind her and now she’s seen Charlotte on the verge of relapse. She doesn’t want to push herself before she’s ready.

Ryan and Marissa are not exactly taking time apart. They’re in Marissa’s room, on her bed, when Julie tries barging in. Ryan quickly hides on the balcony and a somewhat disheveled Marissa opens the locked door. Julie announces that the wedding’s been moved up to Saturday. Great! Then they’re taking their honeymoon in Hawaii. Not particularly original, but okay. And the whole family’s going. Ok, Marissa’s happy to work on her tan. And then the whole family’s staying… as in moving to Kauai for good. Ok, not great.

Ryan’s whipping up an omelet while Seth feeds him helpful suggestions like, Ryan could move to Hawaii and become a scuba instructor, or work in a macadamia nut plant. Ryan has a better idea. How ‘bout Marissa moves in with us? Seth thinks that plan might conflict with Sandy’s plan for Ryan and Marissa to take a time out.

Marissa breaks the news to Summer, who has no intention of letting Marissa leave… until she learns that Marissa actually wants to go if it means giving her family a chance for a new beginning.

On the boat, Jimmy receives a visit from his business friend Don. A confident Jimmy assures Don that he’ll have his money tomorrow night. Don tells Jimmy he’s rooting for him, but warns that this is it. No more chances.

Ryan visits Sandy at The Newport Group and asks if Marissa can move in with them. Sandy can’t believe he’s even asking… but Ryan reminds him that they’re both here because somebody gave them a break. Now Marissa needs one. Oh okay, he’ll see what he can do.

Seth and Summer are on a tropical island set, attempting to raise a straw roof onto a tiki hut as Taylor Townsend barks orders at them. Then Taylor proceeds to insult both of them. When Summer strikes back, Dean Hess swoops in to rescue Taylor. One more incident and there will be consequences.

Marissa stops by the pool house and Ryan surprises her with the good news that Sandy’s agreed to let her stay with them. Marissa’s touched by the gesture but her parents are back together and they finally have a chance to be a real family.

Before Kirsten heads out for the reading of the will, Charlotte warns her that her dad probably has a surprise waiting for her. Hopefully it’ll be a good one.

Sandy, Kirsten, Julie and Jimmy assemble for the reading of the will. Caleb’s lawyer explains that Caleb’s wish was to split his fortune equally between his daughters and his wife. Unfortunately, after careful scrutiny of his account, it appears that Caleb Nichol was broke. The only thing he left was a personal letter to Kirsten, written the day he died. Kirsten takes the letter and runs out of the office, sure that it was written after she accused her dad of being the cause of all her problems. She should’ve listened to Charlotte.

Ryan takes Marissa down to the beach and surprises her with the romantic tiki hut that Seth and Summer “borrowed” from the drama club.

Meanwhile, after telling Julie it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, Jimmy takes off for his boat… suitcase in tow. Don’s already there waiting for him. Jimmy attempts to explain that he ran into some unexpected complications when two thugs escort him into a black SUV.

Back at the tiki hut, Ryan asks Marissa if she’s ready to do this. They’ve done a lot, but not this. Apparently unbuttoning his pants means she’s ready.

Sandy tries to track down Kirsten but she’s busy buying a bottle of vodka and checking into a sleazy motel.

Don’s thugs have escorted Jimmy down to the pier and are holding his head under water as he thrashes helplessly about.

In the morning, Ryan and Marissa are awakened by Marissa’s cell phone. They run down to Jimmy’s boat and see that he’s been badly beaten. He explains that he’s in a lot of trouble and needs to go. Marissa tells him that if he needs to go, he should go, but she doesn’t want him coming back. The goodbyes are too hard. Jimmy hands Marissa a ring and asks her to give it to Julie. He knows it makes no difference now, but he really does love her mother.

The property manager of the cabin, supposedly owned by Charlotte’s dad, stops by to let Charlotte know the family who actually owns it is returning sooner than they thought. Charlotte claims the place is hers for two weeks, and apparently that would be true if her check had cleared. While the manager waits at the door, Charlotte grabs her things and escapes out the back window.

Kirsten returns home and apologizes to Sandy for giving him a scare. She’s sick of hiding from her life, and wants to start living it again. They open Caleb’s letter together and Kirsten quickly realizes it’s an apology.

Marissa shows up at the restaurant where the wedding’s supposed to take place momentarily and hands her mother the ring. Julie takes one look at Marissa’s face and seems to know what’s happened.

Seth and Summer return the tiki hut to the drama club and while Summer’s out getting the torches, Dean Hess shows up and gives Seth a month detention for stealing school property. He could, however, be persuading to reduce the sentence if Seth gives up his partner in crime. Seth claims to have acted alone. Okay, then let’s make it two months detention. Seth’s proud of himself for not selling Summer out. It may be the first brave thing he’s done in his life.

Sandy and Kirsten return home with Chinese take-out and Seth asks if she’s really home for good. Yep, and she’s never leaving again. Then they proceed to break down the past few weeks… Caleb’s broke, Ryan and Marissa have been kicked out of school, Jimmy Cooper just sailed out of town again, and Seth got two months of detention. That’s the great thing about Newport, nothing ever happens.

[Principe Marco]

Episode 304 - “The Last Waltz”
Aired: 09/29/05

Marissa’s first day at Newport Union – Orange County’s answer to public education. The gang tries to comfort Marissa, but they’re the ones who need comforting. She’s actually looking forward to a school where not everybody knows everything about her life… and you don’t have to be stared at all the time. So why is everybody staring?

Dean Hess tracks down Seth and Summer in the student lounge and tells Seth he’ll see him at 3 in the men’s locker room… for some much needed toilet scrubbing. Seth asks the Dean if he’s sure this is detention, because it’s feeling more like a work release program.

Back at the Cohen residence, Sandy’s excited about Ryan’s new tutor for his home-schooling program. She tutored Stallone’s kids. Hmm, awkward timing but Ryan’s actually been thinking about going to Newport Union… so he can look after Marissa. Sandy tells him he needs to start thinking about Ryan and college and SATs, not Marissa.

Meanwhile, Julie gets a visit from the foreclosure agent, who informs her that she’s hereby notified that her house and its contents are being seized for repayment of debt. She has 48 hours to vacate the property.

Marissa runs… literally… into tough girl Heather in the halls of Newport Union. Heather tells Marissa that she’ll be happy to let her pass once she admits that she thinks she’s better than her. But Marissa doesn’t think that. Oh, so now Marissa thinks she’s stupid. Just in the knick of time another student, Casey, steps in and Heather takes off. Marissa thanks Casey and tells her she doesn’t know why Heather’s got it in for her. Um, Casey’s guessing it’s the bag and the shoes, oh and the Channel necklace probably doesn’t help. Right.

Summer’s supervising preparations for the upcoming school dance when Taylor Townsend comes in asking if Summer needs any help. Not from her, thanks. Taylor admits she can sometimes be a pain. A pain? That’s one way to put it. She tattled on Marissa and got Ryan kicked out of school. Taylor tells Summer that she has no friends. Big surprise. She just doesn’t trust people so she tries to control them, which drives them further away. She’s working through it with her therapist. Great, don’t stop now. Taylor continues to try to appeal to Summer’s soft side and finally wins her over with a little anecdote about how nobody ever writes anything nice in her yearbook. And it’s her senior year.

Marissa meets Johnny while trying to open the wrong locker… his. He introduces himself and offers to let her store her books in his locker until she finds her own. Then he introduces her to Casey, his girlfriend, who she’s already met. And a goofy “Seth-like” kid named Dennis… who wants to be called “Chili.” They ask Marissa if she’d like to grab some food with them. Unfortunately she can’t. Her boyfriend’s giving her a ride home. They offer to give her a ride home instead. Marissa calls Ryan, who doesn’t mention that he’s actually already waiting for her out in the school parking lot, and asks if he’d mind if she got some food and a ride home with some new friends. Ryan, being the selfless guy he is, tells her to go out and have fun. And then he watches her do just that.

The next morning, Julie stops by Marissa’s room and asks if she’d like to spend a few nights at Summer’s house. Then she proceeds to make up an elaborate story about how there was some mix-up and the house accidentally got put up on the market. But Marissa cuts right through the crap -- Caleb was broke. We’re getting kicked out. Julie promises her that they’ll be back on their feet soon… and wearing expensive shoes when they do. Marissa tells her mom that she trusts her.

Marissa is in the process of moving into Summer’s house when she remembers she was supposed to meet Ryan for breakfast at the diner. No problem, he’ll eat alone.

Back at the Cohen residence, Kirsten receives an impressive bouquet of flowers from Charlotte. Then a follow-up call in which Charlotte pretends she’s still at the lake… thinking of her good friend Kirsten, when in fact she’s at a sleazy motel in Newport with her boyfriend hatching a plan to swindle Kirsten out of the millions they assume she recently inherited from her dad. Coincidentally, she’s going to be in Newport and would love to have lunch.
At school, Taylor pulls Summer aside and confides that she overheard Dean Hess telling Dr. Kim that he knows Seth didn’t steal the tiki hut alone. And that if Seth doesn’t tell him who his partner-in-crime is by the end of the day, he’ll be suspended.

Kirsten surprises Sandy with a quiche for lunch and Sandy surprises her with the news that the Newport Group is on the verge of collapse. It can still be salvaged if she wants to sell off some assets and restructure the debt. It’s up to her. Kirsten says it’s time to let it go.

Summer visits Dean Hess and confesses that she was Seth’s partner-in-crime. The dean expected as much and tells Summer that with this on her record, he really can’t allow her to remain as Social Chair. Who would replace her? Taylor Townsend? Good suggestion. The Dean will let Taylor know Summer recommended her. Suddenly Summer realizes she’s been played… again.

Julie stops by the Newport Group and asks Sandy about getting a loan… but apparently you can’t take personal loans from a company. People go to jail for that… but if she needs a loan, he and Kirsten can help her out. Julie declines, claiming she’ll just sell off a few of her many stocks.

Summer confronts Taylor in the corridor, letting her know that she may have won this round, but the war is not over. Taylor scoffs at Summer’s threat and walks off.

Marissa is reading a poster for a school dance when Johnny stops by and asks if she’s going. Well, does it have a theme, you know like Winter Wonderland or Under the Sea? Yeah, the theme is school gym, bag of pretzels, and Chili spikes the punch. Tough girl Heather shows up and apologizes to Marissa for being such a jerk. Marissa accepts her apology and Heather asks if that means she’s not going to shoot her now. That is the reason she got kicked out of the private school, isn’t it? Marissa runs off and Johnny follows her. Marissa confides that it’s true, that is why she got kicked out and now everyone’s going to know. Johnny confides that everyone pretty much knew already. He saw the story on the news. She did what she had to do. Ryan sees Marissa in tears and misjudges the situation. He hops out of his car and runs into the school to rescue her from Johnny, clearly embarrassing Marissa in the process.

The next day, Ryan calls Marissa to apologize and ask her out to the movies. Sounds fun but she’s planning on staying home and catching up on her homework. But she’ll probably need a break, so they’ll talk later.

Kirsten and Charlotte meet at the Harbor Bay Club for lunch. They spend a few minutes reminiscing about their peaceful retreat in Lake Arrowhead… and then Charlotte tells Kirsten that she’s actually pitched the idea of a place where women could go between rehab and home to some investor friends of hers. She started looking at some property in Sedona and then she realized that Kirsten just has to be a part of this… as in Kirsten’s money just has to be a part of this. Just a couple million to start. Kirsten’s flattered but she just doesn’t have that kind of money. When her father died, he left nothing. Hmm… well, what about the Newport Group as a silent partner? Nope, she’s closing up shop. Charlotte warns Kirsten that the issues with her dad aren’t going to disappear just because her dad’s company has been dissolved.

Julie gets another visit from the foreclosure agent, but this time he’s brought movers and a deputy to make sure she doesn’t get in their way.
Johnny, Casey, and Chili show up at Summer’s door unannounced and tell Marissa they’re taking her to the school dance. It’s non-negotiable because if she doesn’t go, they’re not going, and she’d be ruining their night too.

Ryan and Seth arrive at Summer’s just as Marissa is about to get in the car with her new friends. Um… I thought you were studying? She was, but there’s this dance, and, well, she really needs these friends right now. Ryan tells her she should go. Marissa heads off to the Newport Union dance with her new friends, Seth and Summer head off to the Harbor School dance and Ryan is left alone in the driveway.
At the dance, Marissa sees Heather and her posse staring at her and pointing make-believe guns. Johnny tells her that public school kids, all kids really, smell fear. She just has to go in there and act like they’re not looking at her.

At the Harbor School dance, Taylor takes the stage and takes credit for Summer’s beach theme creation. Oh, but there is one other person without whom none of this would be possible… come on down… Dean Hess!

Ryan’s sitting alone at the diner when he gets a call from Seth… worried that Ryan’s going to look back on tonight and say, “That’s when I started losing her. Man, I should’ve done something.” Ryan says he’s got to go.

Ryan speeds to the Newport Union dance. Runs to the door, sees Marissa laughing with her new friends. Suddenly the fight drains out of him. Seth shows up to stop him from doing whatever he was going to do... but no longer is. They head back out, but not before Marissa catches a glimpse of them leaving.
Meanwhile, Summer’s wandering the halls looking for Seth when she sees Taylor in a making out with someone. Not just someone. Dean Hess.

Ryan returns home to the Pool House to find Marissa waiting for him. They dance under the stars to their new song.

[Principe Marco]

Episode 305 - “ The Perfect Storm ”
Aired: 11/3/05

In her new role as domestic goddess, Kirsten has painstakingly prepared a gourmet breakfast feast that goes utterly unappreciated. Before running out the door, Sandy receives a call from Dr. Kim regarding the college fair that the Harbor School is hosting that night. After the boys take off, Sandy informs Kirsten that Dean Hess has made it his personal crusade to ruin Ryan’s future. He’s attached a letter to Ryan’s transcript documenting his pathologically violent behavior. Unless a letter like that is rescinded, no reputable school is going to touch him.

Marissa’s worried about overstaying her welcome with Summer, when Julie calls from a dive motel and asks her to hang on just a little longer.
In the student lounge, Summer watches Taylor Townsend carrying on an overtly flirtatious text messaging session on her Sidekick. Summer’s convinced Dean Hess is on the receiving end but Seth isn’t yet on board with her tabloid theory.

Summer follows Taylor on a recon mission but Taylor turns the tables and accuses Summer of being obsessed with her. Summer proceeds to tell Taylor about a Dean Hess siting that has left an indelible imprint on her mind. Earlier in the day she witnessed Dean Hess kissing Ms. Applebaum, the volleyball coach – you know the one with the toned arms and legs for days. Taylor’s suddenly paying attention.
Kirsten is showing Julie a brochure for some luxury condominiums when Charlotte drops by. Julie takes off, but not before Charlotte has a chance to notice the giant rock on her finger. Charlotte casually picks up the brochure.

Summer tries to convince Marissa to join them at the college fair, but Marissa’s more concerned with her immediate future… as in getting her homework done. Tomorrow’s trig exam is as far into the future as she wants to look right now.
Ryan is feeling out of place at the college fair but Sandy convinces him he has as much right to be there as anyone. Sandy ushers Ryan over to the UC Berkeley booth. Meanwhile, Summer spots Taylor and Dean Hess outside in the midst of what appears to be a lover’s quarrel. But Seth doesn’t think a heated argument is proof of an affair. So Summer heads off to get Seth his proof.

Ryan is perusing the Berkeley booth when Dean Hess approaches Sandy and lets him know that no school is going to admit him. Sandy tells the dean that he’s killing Ryan’s one shot at a future, but Dean Hess isn’t taking the blame. He claims Ryan accomplished that all on his own. Ryan takes off.

The next morning, Seth wanders into the pool house and discovers that Ryan is making new plans for his future. He’s fired his tutor and dropped out of school. He’s done.
Julie is checking out the ocean front view from the condo for sale but it appears there’s been a slight misunderstanding. The agent was under the impression Julie was interested in a more… modest unit. And it turns out there’s another perspective buyer for this one… and it’s none other than Charlotte. What a surprise!

Seth is worried about Ryan dropping out of school, but Summer has a plan. She’s going to write an apology letter from Dean Hess to Taylor. Then, when they get back together, she’s going to expose them and use it as leverage to get Ryan back into school.
Back at the Cohen’s, Kirsten has just received a call from Ryan’s tutor requesting her final paycheck since he apparently will no longer be in need of her services. Um… what?
Johnny accidentally on purpose runs into Ryan at the diner, and Ryan assumes he’s there to do Marissa’s bidding. Johnny claims he’s not there to talk Ryan into anything, just to talk. Hell, he’s not going to college either. Johnny mentions that his uncle runs a commercial fishing operation and he’s always looking for new guys. It’s brutal work but you can’t beat the pay. Johnny agrees to take Ryan down to meet him.

The Cohens sit around the dinner table while Seth comes up with worse-case scenarios of what could have happened to Ryan. Finally, Ryan arrives and all breathe a sigh of relief… until he hands Sandy a guardian release form for his job on the commercial fishing boat. Ryan could be gone up to six weeks at a time and needs a guardian’s signature. Sandy doesn’t understand why Ryan would throw away his future on a fishing boat, but Ryan believes his future’s already been trashed. He tried it Sandy’s way, it didn’t work. Sandy tells Ryan he needs to keep trying but Ryan doesn’t think so. It’s time he made his own decisions. To Seth and Kirsten’s dismay, Sandy signs the release.
The next day, Kirsten tries to convince Sandy to change his mind, but Sandy believes his plan will ultimately pay off. Ryan’s got to come to the conclusion that he’s better off in school than out at sea on his own. Marissa drops by looking for Ryan, and Kirsten and Sandy quickly realize that she has no idea Ryan is shipping off at sunset.

Meanwhile, Summer is composing (or rather plagiarizing) a very flowery apology letter from Dean Hess to Taylor. Seth, who’s clearly on board now, has an even better plan. He bought a Sidekick and booked a room at the Mermaid Hotel. Now all they have to do is text Taylor an invitation she can’t refuse.
Charlotte stops by Julie’s seedy motel and tells her she got the condo. Congrats. Oh, and she put it in Julie’s name. Come again? Charlotte explains that Kirsten filled her in on Julie’s situation and since she knows what it’s like to fall on hard times herself, it moved her, so… So, you’re serious? Apparently she is.
An awkward silence hangs over Ryan’s “going away” dinner… then evolves into equally awkward conversation. Marissa takes off after discovering that Johnny hooked Ryan up with the job. Summer’s Sidekick buzzes. Looks like Taylor took the bait.

Marissa tracks down Johnny at the beach. Johnny’s confused. He thought he was helping Ryan out. Marissa tells him she and Ryan got into a fight and now she doesn’t know where he is. Ah, but Johnny does.
Ryan’s boarding the boat when Marissa shows up. She couldn’t let him leave without telling him how she really feels. So here it is. He’s doing what her dad did. Running away. So that makes him just as much of a coward as he was.
Seth and Summer are holed up inside a motel room at The Mermaid, awaiting Taylor’s arrival. And here she is now. They greet her at the door. You were expecting someone taller, blonder, with a pageboy haircut perhaps? Unless she wants this little indiscretion to get out, she’s got some demands to meet… starting with getting Ryan re-admitted to Harbor. Taylor plays a little hardball but soon realizes that she’s been had by modern technology.

Sandy pays Dean Hess a little visit. The dean asks Sandy what he wants to talk about. Why talk when a picture is worth a thousand words? Sandy pulls out Summer’s Sidekick and highlights a few of its features. It’s a phone, it surfs the web, and unfortunately for Dean Hess, it transmits photos. And fortunately for Sandy, Dean Hess never asks to see the non-existent photos. The dean claims that Taylor is an aggressive girl and forced herself on him at the dance. Sandy says he talked to Taylor and that’s not the story she’s telling. What does Sandy want? He wants Ryan re-admitted to Harbor with a clean slate and then he wants Dean Hess to get himself a Sidekick, get on Craig’s List and find himself another job on the east coast.

Seth and Summer find Marissa sitting alone at the diner. They can’t wait to tell her about the all-time scam they just pulled off… when she informs them that Ryan’s already shipped out. The wind is suddenly knocked out of their sails… except, wait, yep, it’s the return of the not-so-ancient mariner. Ryan walks right up to Marissa and tells her that, while he may not know what his future is, he knows where it is. Here. With Marissa. Not out on some boat in the middle of the ocean. Then Seth gives Ryan the good news – he’s back at Harbor. And the bad news -- he’s back at Harbor.

[Principe Marco]

Episode 306 -“The Swells”
Aired: 11/10/05

Marissa awakes in a pool of sweat and calls Ryan. She’s having nightmares about Trey and the shooting and she’s scared. Ryan tells her that Trey’s gone, everything’s fine and she should just to go back to bed. Summer finds Marissa sitting alone on the steps, and tells her she’s there for her. If only Ryan knew that’s all he needed to say.
Sandy thinks he’s found a buyer for the Newport Group but checks with Kirsten one last time to see if she’s really ready to say goodbye to the company she worked at for 15 years. Yes, and it only took her 15 years to discover how much she hated it.

It’s Ryan’s first day back at Harbor and he, Seth and Marissa are getting coffee when Taylor Townsend shows up with exciting news that she’s organized a Lock-In. The entire senior class is going to spend the night in the gym. Oh, too bad, Seth has to saw off his arm that night. Oh, too bad, the Lock-In is mandatory. Counts as a class. See you there.
At Newport Union, Marissa’s approached by her new gang, who are all excited about the weekend swells coming in from Antarctica. Marissa has no idea what that means. It means, that after the flattest season ever, they’re finally going to get some decent waves. And they’re going to welcome in the southern swells with an ancient ritual known as Dawn Patrol. Or, staying up all night partying before surfing.

Julie meets her new housemate, Charlotte, for lunch. Julie complains about being snubbed by the women in her Cardio Barre class after she lost all her money. Charlotte knows exactly how she feels. The same thing happened to her when she got out of rehab. What did she do? She threw a party, of course. A black tie benefit. And that’s exactly what Julie should do. Raise money for a good cause and get her life back. Think about it. Of course we’ll need Kirsten’s help.
Marissa meets her new gang at the beach. It’s such a beautiful day, she almost wishes she knew how to surf. Johnny tells her it really helped him… to get through the nightmares and all. Marissa suddenly realizes she and Johnny have a lot to talk about. She calls Summer and cancels on dinner with the Cohens. Ryan’s clearly disappointed when he hears the news.
Johnny and Marissa take a walk and he confides that he and his dad got into a huge fight and he hasn’t seen him since. That was about three or four years ago. His dad was a drunk and he used to beat up his mother. One night Johnny came home and his father had his mother pinned against the wall with his hands around her neck. Johnny just lost it.

He took a baseball bat and he must’ve started beating him. But he doesn’t remember a thing. He passed out. When he came to, his Dad was unconscious and he was covered in his blood. Today Johnny has no idea how he could have done that. Marissa knows exactly what he means. Then Johnny confesses that she’s the only person he’s ever told. Marissa puts her arm around him… just as Casey pulls into the parking lot and sees them.
The next morning, Summer wakes up an exhausted Marissa and demands to know where she was. Marissa assures Summer that she would never cheat on Ryan. Besides, Johnny doesn’t like her like that. He has a girlfriend. And if Summer doesn’t believe her, she can come to the beach with them tonight and see for herself. Okay, she will.
Sandy meets with the prospective buyers of the Newport Group – Kurt Williams and the young rising star of the company, Matt Ramsey. Sandy has one stipulation before he’s willing to sell... but before he can say what it is, young Matt demonstrates that he’s done his homework by siting The Martinson Complex -- a low income housing project that Sandy fought his father-in-law tooth and nail to get up. Sandy needs their word that it won’t be destroyed, even if it doesn’t bring in much revenue. The senior partner gives his word.

Back at the Harbor School Lock-In, Seth overhears a conversation between Taylor and her mother, who apparently has nothing nice to say about her daughter. Seth appears to have a moment of sympathy for the girl that’s forcing him to spend his weekend in the gym.
Meanwhile, at the beach, Marissa introduces Summer to Johnny, Chili and Casey. Chili is, of course, instantly in love. Suddenly, two tough, buff surfers show up and Johnny reluctantly introduces them. One of them, Volchok, is apparently Johnny’s top rival for sponsorship on the tour.
At the Cohen’s, Julie and Charlotte pitch their party idea to Kirsten – a black tie event to benefit under-privileged women so they can have the same opportunity they had to go to rehab and recover. Kirsten thinks it’s a great cause. Great, so you’ll help us throw it? Uh… no. Kirsten’s not ready to get back into the party scene. Awkward moment, then Kirsten excuses herself to make coffee. Charlotte follows Kirsten inside and guilts her into doing it to help Julie get back on her feet.

The Dawn Patrol party continues at Chili’s house where a pained Summer witnesses what appears to be a romantic connection between Marissa and Johnny.
Seth gets a panicked call from Summer, telling him Ryan needs to get down to Chili’s house ASAP! But before she can explain why, Taylor confiscates Seth’s cell phone. Ryan takes off for Chili’s.
Casey, who’s clearly been taking note of the connection between her boyfriend and Marissa, finally shows up at the party. She plays it cold with Johnny at first, but gives in to his affection. Summer calls Seth to abort the mission, but it’s too late. Ryan’s already here. He has no idea why he’s here, but he’s here. Summer confesses that she was worried about Marissa and Johnny. Ryan looks up and sees Johnny with his arms around Casey. Summer admits to having a bit of a hair-trigger.

Sandy’s been having some reservations about the sale of the Newport Group and has scheduled a private meeting with Matt. Matt admits to Sandy that his boss will tear down anything that’s not making him a mint. Sandy thanks him for his honesty. Matt advises Sandy not to sell the Newport Group. Why not hang onto it and make it work… with him. Matt reels off his impressive resume, which includes having graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berkeley. Sandy’s suddenly paying attention but still thinks there’s no substitute for life experience. Matt tells Sandy that’s where he comes in. And just think what a difference Sandy could make in this community if he had control over a multi-million dollar company. Sandy says he’ll think about it. And by that he means… he’ll ask his wife.

Julie and Charlotte are at dinner and Charlotte steps off to take a call just as a rather pushy waiter arrives with the bill. Julie reaches into Charlotte’s wallet and discovers a virtual smorgasbord of credit cards and drivers licenses. Same face. Different identity. Julie quickly shoves the wallet back into the purse and pays cash.
Since Ryan’s at the party anyway, he might as well ask Marissa what the deal is between her and Johnny. Marissa explains that she can talk to him. About what? About Trey. Ryan doesn’t understand why she doesn’t just talk to him about it. She says she tried but Ryan just wants to pretend it didn’t happen. Ryan doesn’t know what to do. He can’t fix what happened. Summer catches Ryan on his way out, and begs him to make up with Marissa before he takes off.

Inside, Johnny advises Marissa to call Ryan and make up. He shows her to Chili’s bedroom so she can make the call in private, but when he opens the door he finds Volchok making out with Casey. Casey takes off. The way Volchok sees it, Johnny got his sponsorship, and he got Johnny’s girl. Fair’s fair. Johnny tells the gang he just wants to be alone. Casey returns and tells Marissa that she might not know it yet, but Johnny’s falling in love with her. And Casey’s not going to stick around and watch that happen. Then they discover Johnny went after Volchok.

Outside the restaurant, Julie has one little question for Charlotte. Who the hell are you? After describing the contents of Charlotte’s purse, Julie asks for Charlotte to give it to her straight. Charlotte claims she was never going to hurt her. Right, she was just going to throw a faux charity, take the money and skip town. Charlotte suggests that Julie help her do just that. They’ll split the money, Charlotte will take off, and nobody will be the wiser.
Back at the lock-in, Taylor’s attempt to create an “atmosphere of trust” is bombing big time. And nobody’s cutting her any slack… except Seth, who mercifully removes the microphone from her hands and tries to organize a game of capture the flag. Seth is met with an equal amount of hostility, but he tells Taylor he can take it. Taylor looks up at Seth with newfound admiration.

Johnny confronts Volchok at the beach, but before Volchok can take a swing at him, Ryan tells him to back off. Then Ryan hauls off and punches Volchok in the mouth.
Taylor approaches Seth and thanks him for what he did. No problem, he’s immune to mockery. Taylor agrees to work something out with the sign-in sheet so Ryan and Summer won’t get in trouble.
Ryan hangs with Johnny at the diner and Marissa drives Summer to the Lock-In. Summer pounds on the door, but Taylor, standing on the other side, pretends not to hear her.

[Principe Marco]

Episode 307 -“The Anger Management”
Aired: 11/17/05

The gang’s hanging out at the diner, when Volchok and his posse come by looking for a rematch. Ryan’s not interested. Volchok thinks maybe Ryan should’ve thought about that before jumping him the other night. Before heading out the door, Volchok reminds Ryan that they’ve got unfinished business.
The next day at school, Ryan assures Seth that he’s not going to fight Volchok. Seth wants to believe him but he knows Kid Chino… Ryan assures Seth that Kid Chino has retired. Suddenly Taylor appears and thanks Seth for making the Senior Lock-In such a big success! She wonders if he’d be interested in working with her on the Christmas Dance. Seth suggests she ask Summer instead, you know, his girlfriend? But Taylor’s suddenly not so interested in recruiting help.

Kirsten, Julie, and Charlotte are at a restaurant planning their big black-tie benefit. When Kirsten excuses herself to speak with the manager, Charlotte informs Julie that they’ve received 130 RSVP’s at $5000 a head… that’s six-hundred thousand dollars or three- hundred thousand each. Julie starts to waver but Charlotte reminds her that she has two kids, no husband and no money. Oh, yeah.
Taylor shows up at Ryan’s locker and inquires about the stability of Seth and Summer’s relationship. Ryan assures her they’re stable. But how stable? On a scale of one to ten? Ten. Too bad, but you never know. After all, everybody thought Brad and Jen were stable too.
Sandy welcomes the staff of the new Newport Group, introduces himself as the new President and CEO and his partner Matt Ramsey, as the new VP and Director of Development. And the group’s also got a new mission. They will continue to develop residential and commercial properties, but one quarter of all new housing projects will be low-income housing. They no longer just cater to the mansion set. After the staff gets back to work, Matt informs Sandy that he crunched the numbers and hey need to fire nine employees. But Sandy has no intention of making firing half the staff his first order of business.

Despite Marissa’s attempt to conceal the information, Johnny finds out that Volchok threatened Ryan. Johnny takes off after him. He tells Marissa he’s not going to sit back and let her boyfriend take the heat for his problem. Marissa follows Johnny and when he sees how upset she is, he backs off.
Later, when Ryan and Seth arrive at their car in the school parking lot, they’re greeted by a welcoming committee – Volchok and his two thug surfer friends using the hood of the Range Rover as their picnic table. Suddenly Volchok’s soda accidentally-on-purpose spills all over the car. But Ryan refuses to take the bait. He tells Volchok he’s not going to fight him. Volchok takes out his keys and drags it along the side of the car… then proceeds to christen it by scratching in the name “Lil Bitch.” Ryan and Seth turn and walk away.

Taylor stops by Seth’s bedroom and before he can get a word in, declares her “like” for him. Seth reiterates that he’s with Summer, but thanks anyway… and even if he weren’t, he just doesn’t think they’d be a good match. Suddenly Taylor looks up and sees a Japanese movie poster on his wall. It’s like her favorite movie of all time! She thinks it’s a sign… that he and Summer should break up. Seth doesn’t think so.
Back at the Newport Group, Sandy’s come up with a way to keep the company afloat without firing half the staff. Restructuring loans, eliminating perks, cutting his own salary by 30% and letting only four people go.
The gang plus Johnny are listening to The Subways rock The Bait Shop. Marissa is trying to convince Johnny that this wasn’t a pity invite. Oh, so, it’s not because you guys think I’ll be sitting home alone all weekend thinking about Casey? What? No, of course not. Then Marissa proceeds to book Johnny for the rest of the weekend. Not subtle, but Johnny appreciates it anyway. Taylor shows up at The Bait Shop and Seth is forced yet again to makes it clear that he’s not interested. Summer appears and wants to know what’s going on. Nothing, Taylor was just leaving… but before she does, she reaches into her purse and pulls out Captain Oats.

Then she hands the horse to Seth and thanks him for letting her borrow him. Seth assures Summer that he didn’t lend her Captain Oats. She must’ve taken the Captain when she was in his room. Wait a minute, what was Taylor Townsend doing in your room?! Summer takes off. A delighted Taylor looks on. Hmm… maybe they aren’t a ten on the stability scale after all!
Down on the dance floor, Ryan spots Volchok and he, Marissa and Johnny start to head out… but they’re too late. Volchok tries to provoke Ryan into fighting him but nothing works… until he makes a not-so-subtle reference to the shooting and asks Ryan if he’s going to let his girlfriend do his fighting for him. Then Ryan grabs him, swings him around… but miraculously doesn’t hit him.

The next day, Ryan approaches Sandy and fills him in on the Volchok situation. Sandy wants to know if this has anything to do with the fact that his car is now the “Lil Bitch.” Ryan says he was going to fix that but Sandy tells him not to, it’s enough evidence to go to the cops. Sandy advises Ryan to keep using his head, not his fits. Unfortunately, their heart-to-heart is interrupted by a call from Sandy’s new VP. Sandy needs to head into the office right away.
Marissa and Chili are in the beach parking lot looking for Volchok. Chili’s tries to convince Marissa that it’s a really bad idea, but Marissa’s determined to go through with her plan. They find Volchok and Marissa offers him her Cartier watch worth four grand in exchange for leaving Ryan alone. Deal.
On Sunday, Sandy discovers that Matt called in the four employees targeted to be fired. He thought he’d do it on a Sunday to spare the employees the humiliation of packing their things in front of their co-workers, and also to spare Sandy the pain of having to do it himself. Sandy tells Matt he doesn’t let other people do his dirty work. He sends Matt home and reluctantly heads into his office to do the deed.

It’s the night of the big benefit and Kirsten wants everything to be perfect. Julie seems to be distracted by something… like her conscience. Charlotte not-so-subtly lets Julie know that if she doesn’t go through with it, she’ll call the police and tell them they created a fake charity to defraud Julie’s friends. Could you do Jail, Julie?
Volchok sends his girlfriend Heather (Marissa’s nemesis at Newport Union) to return the watch to Marissa. He’s changed his mind. He wants cash instead. Marissa doesn’t understand. Why doesn’t he just sell the watch? The girlfriend tells her to ask him herself and leads Marissa out to the van. Volchok tells her he needs cash. Now. And the pawn shops are closed. Marissa gets into the van and they head to the ATM.

Ryan and Johnny are hanging out at the benefit when Ryan’s cell phone rings. It’s Volchok, telling him he’s got Marissa and if Ryan wants to get her back, he better come down to the pier. Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Julie’s gotten hold of a microphone and is making an announcement… an announcement that is making Charlotte very nervous. After thanking the guests for their generous contributions, Julie instructs them to make their checks payable directly to the National Foundation for Substance Abuse.
Ryan and Johnny head down to the pier. Ryan tells Johnny that no matter what happens, just go with it. And it that doesn’t work, grab Marissa and run. When they get there, Ryan picks up a bottle, smashes it against a pylon and moves in on Volchok. Volchok suddenly doesn’t look so confident. Then Ryan tells him that if he wants to fight him, he better be prepared to kill him. Volchok backs off.

Then Ryan goes home and beats the crap out of the punching bag he installed in the pool house.

[Smoking Bianco]

Episode 308 -“The Game Plan”
Aired: 12/1/05

Marissa meets with Mitchell, the college counselor at Newport Union, who assures her that, with her good grades and activities, she’ll be fine. Marissa seems less than enthused. She finally confides that she knows she’s going to have to explain why she was expelled from Harbor and that means dredging up the past, when all she’s been trying to do is forget about it. Mitchell advices her to stop running from her past and start writing about it… before it ruins her future.

Marissa tries filling out her college application but is haunted by flashbacks from her traumatic past. Finally, she can’t take it anymore and starts hurling everything in front of her across the room.

Just before dinner, Sandy announces that he’s invited an old college buddy -- who just so happens to work at U.C. Berkeley – to join them. Seth wonders what he’s joining them for -- dinner or an ambush?

Johnny and Chili stop by Summer’s house to pick up Marissa for the big PacWest Surf Contest. Marissa doesn’t think she’ll be good company. She explains that if she can’t write the essay, she might as well forget about college. So forget about it. Chili suggests she comes on tour with them. Johnny thinks it’s actually not a bad idea -- travel the world. take some pressure off, give yourself some time to think. At least come to the contest today and check it out for yourself.

Julie meets Kirsten at the yacht club for lunch. Oh, but she can’t stay long, she’s moving into a fabulous new place. Kirsten gets right to the point. She thinks she and Julie make a great team and she’d like them to go into business together. Julie tells Kirsten she doesn’t need her charity. Then why are you living in a trailer park? Kirsten confesses to having followed her. In that case, Julie hopes she’s opening a detective agency. Kirsten assures Julie that it’s not charity. She needs this as much as Julie does. But, before they can go into business together, she needs to know what happened to Charlotte. She doesn’t buy the story about her leaving to be with her dad. Julie breaks it down for Kirsten – everything from Charlotte only going to rehab to find a rich, vulnerable woman she could exploit, to the black tie benefit scam. When Kirsten realizes that Julie was in on the scam, she takes off.

Down at the beach, Marissa looks around and wonders if this is what her life’s going to be like -- hanging out, watching Johnny surf? Chili quickly jumps in – “That, and scoring hot foreign babes.” Great.

Taylor meets Summer at the diner for what she assumes is going to be a little chat about staying away from Seth and Brown University, so she doesn’t know what to think when she learns that Summer’s giving up. He’s all yours. Go do whatever you smart people do. At first Taylor assumes it’s some kind of ploy, until Summer confesses that she’s afraid Seth’s going to go away, meet a bunch of smart, interesting girls, and realize that’s who he’s meant to be with.

Johnny, Chili and Marissa are waiting for the surf team to be announced, when Ryan shows up, wanting to know what happened to Marissa – yesterday she wanted to go to college and now she’s doing… this? He can’t believe she gave up so easily. Then Ryan turns to Johnny – “You told Marissa she should blow off college?” Just then a loud speaker booms. They’re about to announce the names for the PacWest Surf Team. Johnny asks if they can talk about this later but Ryan tells them to talk to each other. He’s done. Marissa starts to go after him, but Johnny tells her he’ll go. Just as Johnny steps out, a car comes out of nowhere and hits him. He bounces off the hood, flies through the air, and lands in a heap. In the background we hear Johnny’s name being announced.

Marissa, Ryan and Chili are camped out in the hospital waiting room. The doctor comes out and explains the situation – clean tear of the ACL. Some bone damage. He’s going to require surgery. Chili wants to know when he’ll surf again, but the doctor’s more concerned with when he’ll walk again.

Taylor shows up at Summer’s house with a tee-shirt that reads ‘Providence College.’ Huh? It’s got good Catholic values, the admissions standards are a little more… in her league, and best of all, it’s only 20 minutes from Brown. Summer wants to know why Taylor’s being so nice. Taylor explains that, as pathetic as it sounds, Seth and Summer are her best friends… well, her only friends.

Back at the Cohen’s, Sandy, Kirsten and their college buddy Paul are reminiscing about the good old days as Seth and Ryan look on. Inside, Julie leaves another message on Kirsten’s machine apologizing. Kirsten apologizes to their guest and takes off. Summer arrives and Seth excuses himself as well. Summer pulls out a couple of snow hats, pulls one over Seth’s head and one over her own. Then she tells him she’s going with him. She wants to see if they can make it work. Seth wants to know what made her change her mind. Uh… Taylor?

Marissa visits Johnny in the hospital and asks how he’s feeling. Uh, pretty much like he just got hit by a car and pumped with drugs. Marissa asks what he’s going to do. The obvious. He’s going to have the surgery, go through rehab, and get back on his board. Things happen. What else are you going to do, give up?

Kirsten visits Julie at the trailer park and asks if she’s ready to come up with some ideas for a business they can run together. She tells Julie that she realized why she didn’t go through with the scam. She could be living in Charlotte’s beautiful condo, but instead she’s living here. Kirsten knows she did it for her. She asks Julie to let her do this in return.

Back at the Cohen’s, Ryan is yawning through another Berkeley anecdote. Finally the conversation comes around to the future, and Ryan explains that he’s not sure if he’s ready for college. He finally has an amazing family and a beautiful place to live. He’s not sure if he’s ready to give all that up.

Seth pulls Sandy away from the dinner table and breaks the news. He’s applying to Brown, not Berkeley. He needs to forge his own path. Sandy tells him he already has.

Then Marissa shows up, and calls Ryan away from the table. And then there was one. Marissa tells Ryan that she’s ready to face her past and move forward… to college. Paul pops his head into the pool house to say goodbye and tells them he hopes they both apply to Berkeley. He thinks it’d be a good fit.

[Smoking Bianco]

Episode 309 -“The Disconnect”
Aired: 12/8/05

The gang gives Johnny a ride home in the Range Rover… to his modest bungalow in the flat part of town. Johnny’s clearly embarrassed but Seth assures him that the place Ryan comes from is a lot worse. Johnny tries to make it up the steps on his own, but Marissa rushes to his aid.

Julie and Kirsten brainstorm on a new business. They land on party-planning – a service Newport needs and something they know something about.

At school, Ryan and Seth run into Summer, who’s just come from receiving her S.A.T. scores. How’d you do? Seth tells Ryan never to ask a lady her age, weight or S.A.T. scores. But Summer got a 2300… which is just a tad better than Seth. What!?

Marissa is getting Johnny set up on the couch, when his mom comes home with some good news. She got him an appointment with the best sports medicine doctor in all of Orange County. But because he’s so popular, the wait could be months. “But that means I’ll miss the tour.” There’s always next year.

Summer finds Seth in the student lounge and makes a startling announcement. She’s been to see Dr. Kim and it turns out she’s totally smart! Yeah, you are, in your own way. No, actually, in Seth’s way. Apparently, Summer’s one of those academically gifted female students who just never applied herself. But if she studies hard enough, she could get her grades up high enough to go to Brown too. Isn’t that great?!
Sandy and Matt Ramsay are at the Cohen’s working on a proposal for their affordable housing development, when Seth and Ryan come in. Ryan takes a look at their model and makes a suggestion… which apparently shows a lot of aptitude because they offer him an internship… starting right now.

Summer stops by Johnny’s to pick up Marissa, who’s been researching orthopedic surgeons on a laptop. Johnny confesses to Summer that he’s in love with Marissa. Duh.

Kirsten and Julie are at the Yacht Club having a business lunch, when Julie strikes up a conversation with a fellow diner, Jeff, who hires them to cater a diner party at his house… for five grand.

Sandy enters Matt’s office and hands him a heavy folder. There’s new legislation on the table that would change the zoning regulations around the site they’re building. He needs Matt and Ryan to come up with two scenarios – one if it passes, one if it doesn’t. Um, that’s twice the work. Sandy leaves and Matt grabs Ryan. Apparently he thinks now’s the perfect time for a fieldtrip.

Meanwhile, Seth and Summer are at a Brown University event, when the representative from Brown informs the Harbor students that they only admit one student from Harbor each year. Summer immediately corners the rep and asks what it takes, besides good grades and good S.A.T. scores, to get in. The rep tells them that what it really takes is a “hook.”
It turns out the fieldtrip Matt takes Ryan on is to a strip joint where the dancers know him by name. He buys Ryan a lap-dance and heads to the bar.

Summer drags her tuba out of the closet and attempts to blend into the school band, while Seth, dressed in a pirate hat, tries to convince the head cheerleader to let him be the team mascot. Then they run into each other trying to one-up the other, and it just gets worse from there. Finally, Summer asks why Seth always has to be better than her at everything. But that’s the thing, he’s not. This was the ONE thing he was better at.

A disheveled Matt shows up late for the investors’ meeting and he’s only mapped out one scenario. Sandy tries to cover for him, but the investors are unimpressed. They didn’t come all this way for a hypothetical.

Kirsten and Julie arrive at the home of their first client and quickly discover that no guests are expected at this dinner party… except Julie. Kirsten is ready to haul their food and flowers back out the door, but Julie is intrigued. “You did all this for a date with me?” Apparently he did. And guess what, he’s not even hungry.

Sandy and Ryan find Matt at the strip club. He wants a chance to explain himself… and Sandy would give him one, except he dragged Ryan to a strip club and lied to Sandy’s face. Matt promises it’ll never happen again. He’s right, it won’t. He’s fired.

Johnny’s pumped up on pain pills from a recent spill he took in the kitchen when he decides it’s time to tell Marissa the truth. He’s falling in love with her.

One of the stripers, who happens to be a friend of Matt’s from college, and is currently stripping to put herself through law school, shows up at the Newport Group and pleads Matt’s case for him. His girlfriend broke up with him because he took this job… and he just kind of crashed and burned. But the job means the world to him. Then she informs Sandy that she’s the one who put Matt in touch with the investors in the first place, and she can get them a second meeting.

Seth drops by Summer’s to apologize. It’s just that she’s superior to him in so many ways… better looking, more popular, stronger… and not just emotionally. Summer tells him she’ll always look up to him… and not just because he’s taller.

Sandy agrees to take Matt back… but next time he has a problem, he better say something. And by the way, this is his second and last chance.
Julie reports back after her 5,000 dollar date with Jeff. He was boring and his tongue felt like sandpaper. Suddenly Kirsten has a new idea for a business. A high-end call girl service? Uh, no, a high-end dating service.

Seth and Summer work together on their Brown entrance applications. Then they drop them in the mail and wish each other luck.

Marissa and Ryan keep missing each other so they talk on the phone… catching up on everything that happened during the week… lap dances and love confessions included.

[Smoking Bianco]

Episode 310 -“The Chrismukkah Bar Mitz-vahkkah”
Aired: 12/15/05

The gang arrives at Johnny's house with a Christmas tree they picked out for him, but Johnny's not in the holiday spirit. He just found out that his mom's insurance won't cover his knee surgery, so it doesn't look like he'll be hitting the waves anytime soon.

The gang sits at the diner trying to come up with a Chrismukkah miracle when suddenly Seth has a brainstorm… throw a Bar Mitzvah and use the money to pay for Johnny’s surgery! Perfect. Now, if only one of them was a 13-year-old Jewish boy. No matter, there’s always Ryan!

Ryan and Marissa stop by Johnny’s to give him the good news. They’re going to throw a fundraiser and all the proceeds will go to pay for his surgery. “Oh, so I’m like a charity case now? The rich people pay for the poor kid.” Johnny tells them thanks but no thanks, he can take care of himself.

Ryan and Marissa bring the bad news back to Seth; but he has no intention of abandoning the plan This is his chance to have a Bar Mitzvah do-over. Apparently his own Bar Mitzvah was on the same night as Luke’s birthday party… and nobody showed up.

Marissa returns to Johnny’s to see is she can get him on board; but apparently he’s too busy playing solitaire to talk. Then he receives a call on his cell which he needs to take in private. So Marissa takes off.
Kirsten recruits Julie to help throw the Bar Mitz-vahkkah. On their way to speak with the hospital administrator, they run into Dr. Roberts, Summer’s dad, who happens to be on the board. He gladly offers his services.

While Marissa is waiting for Ryan at the diner, she spots Johnny outside handing over a wad of cash to some guy with a beard and cap. After the guy takes off, Marissa follows Johnny down to the beach and asks if everything’s okay. Not really. His whole life he’s dreamt of one thing and now that thing’s been taken away. Marissa assures him that they’ll get through it together. Johnny leans in to kiss Marissa on the lips but she turns her head.

Meanwhile, from above, Ryan watches them embrace. Back at home, he tells Seth that he’s done helping Johnny.
In the diner, Marissa thanks Johnny for meeting her. She wants to talk about the night before, but Johnny just wants to start over. Ok, but first Marissa needs to know what he was doing with that guy. He tells her he’s taking care of things. When she pushes, he tells her not to ask questions she doesn’t want answers to.

Sandy drops by the pool house in an effort to get Ryan to change his mind about the Bar Mitzvah. He reminds Ryan that he’s going to disappoint Kirsten, the hospital, and Johnny. Welcome to Jewish guilt, Bar Mitzvah boy. Besides, a Bar Mitzvah is about becoming a man, and if there was ever a time for an adult moment, this is it.

Marissa stops by the pool house before the charity event and asks Ryan what happened to him. She thought they were having dinner at the diner. Well, studying the entire Torah in one night isn’t easy. Ryan finally admits that he was there and saw her and Johnny together. Marissa swears that nothing happened. She’s just worried about Johnny. She thinks he might be up to something dangerous. Ryan says he’ll talk to him.

Ryan stops by Johnny’s house and snoops around his room while he’s in the shower. Ryan comes up empty-handed but after their conversations, senses that Marissa might be right. Johnny’s up to something. He finally persuades Johnny to come to the Bar Mitz-vahkkah. After Ryan leaves the room, Johnny reaches for the gun he had hidden in a sack under his bed.

After Kirsten convinces Julie to come clean with Marissa about her living situation, Julie drops by the Robert’s mansion. Unfortunately, Marissa has already left for the event. But Dr. Robert’s is there and he invites Julie in for a drink. Neil confesses to Julie that he’s on the verge of divorce #2 and Julie confesses that she lives in a trailer park.

The Bar Mitz-vahkkah is in full swing. Ryan tells Marissa to keep his eye on Johnny; but during a photo session, she loses him. Sandy is about to welcome Ryan to the stage when Marissa tells Ryan that Johnny’s gone. Ryan takes off after Johnny, leaving Seth to cover for him on stage. Seth tells the story of Hanukah to a very nonplussed crowd.

Ryan follows Johnny to a convenience store. Johnny slowly makes his way around the store and is about to pull his gun on the clerk when Ryan casually enters the store. Johnny tells Ryan he’s handling the situation and Ryan tells Johnny that sometimes you have to let the rich people help you. Take it from someone who knows.

Back at the Bar Mitz-vakkah, Seth and Sandy are bombing on stage with a “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” sing-a-long, when Marissa and Summer rescue them with a crowd-pleasing round of “Deck the Halls.” Ryan finally arrives and takes over. He tells the crowd that while they’re here for an honorary Bar Mitzvah, he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for a mitzvah performed by the Cohen family.

After Ryan’s speech, the gang, including Johnny, gathers on the dance floor and sways to the Bar Mitzvah theme song, “That’s What Friends Are For.” Then they’re joined by Julie and Dr. Roberts, and Sandy and Kirsten. It looks like Johnny’s going to get his knee surgery after all and Seth’s finally getting the Bar Mitzvah he always wanted.

[Smoking Bianco]

Episode 311 -“The Safe Harbor”
Aired: 1/12/06

It’s the last day of winter break and the gang is hanging out at The Bait Shop bar drinking faux-hitos and safe-sex-on-the-beach, and lamenting their impending separation. When Marissa goes to the little girl’s room, Ryan, Seth and Summer plan operation “Free Marissa.”

The next day at school, Seth asks Summer what exactly they’re freeing Marissa from? Exile to public school, a year of solitude, ill-fitting gym shorts and mediocre lunches, duh.

Ryan executes stage one of the plan by paying a visit to Dr. Kim. Dr. Kim informs Ryan that only the board of trustees has the power to reinstate an expelled student and they rarely reverse their decisions. She agrees to put Marissa’s case on the docket for Thursday night’s meeting but reminds Ryan that students are not allowed to speak at the board meeting. They’ll need a parent advocate. Ryan thinks he knows just the person for the job. Before leaving, Dr. Kim advises Ryan to check the library for transcripts of old meetings for a precedent, and suggests he pay special attention to, say, fall semester of 1996.

At Newport Union, Marissa runs into Johnny, who’s been recovering from his surgery over the break. He invites Marissa to a Pacwest press party. Turns out one of the guys on the team failed his drug test, and now Johnny’s got the alternate spot. He can do his physical therapy on the road and hopefully compete by summer. He’s only allowed to bring one person to the event and since none of this would be happening without Marissa, it would mean a lot to him if she went. She says she wouldn’t miss it.

Summer decides that if the Free Marissa campaign is going to be a success, they’re going to need to find someone who the masses will follow into battle. Seth suggests General Townsend… who happens to be sitting at a table across the way. Taylor is super excited to help out on the campaign, until she finds out its mission is to free Marissa. But Summer convinces Taylor that no member of their group is more qualified to spearhead the campaign than her. Did you say “our group”? Suddenly Taylor’s back in. After Seth and Summer leave, one of Taylor’s friends reminds her that her mom’s head of the parent association, and the one who started the petition to get Marissa kicked out in the first place. An unsure Taylor assures her friends that that was so last semester.

Ryan drops by Sandy’s office with his research. He sites the cases which establish precedent for the board reinstating students who had been expelled. Sandy congratulates Ryan on doing his homework, but tells him that’s just one piece of the puzzle. He’s got a shot, but it’s a long one. Sandy agrees to be the parent advocate on the case. “Good cause, poor odds, a chance to ruffle some Newpsie feathers... how could I say no?” Then his enthusiasm wanes when he discovers that the chair of the board is Judge Mercer, a real hard-ass.

The next morning, after Seth and Ryan leave for school, poster-board and paint in hand, Kirsten asks Sandy if Judge Mercer is the same Judge Mercer who threw him in jail for contempt of court. Yep, the very same.

At Newport Union, Marissa tracks down Johnny and explains that she’s not going to be able to make his Pacwest party because she has to be at the board meeting at Harbor where they’ll be deciding the fate of the rest of her senior year. Johnny feigns happiness for her, adding that Chili will be stoked he gets to go to the party now.

Meanwhile, Seth and Summer are following Taylor around campus as she briefs them on the progress of the campaign, when suddenly Taylor’s mom appears. She just discovered that there’s a motion on the docket to reinstate Marissa Cooper. Then she sees the “Free Marissa” poster Taylor’s attempting to hide behind her. Mom pulls Taylor aside and yells at her. When Taylor returns, she tells Seth and Summer that she can’t help them any longer.

Back at the Newport Group, Sandy’s director, Matt Ramsay, recommends that they put a cash bid on a particular building that “his guy” has informed him will be going up in value since Lockheed is building a new plant in the area. “Your guy?” Matt informs Sandy that his guy is Sandy’s guy too. And he’s a private investigator. Sandy makes a joke about wishing “his guy” could dig up something on the honorable Judge Mercer, but Matt isn’t joking. He’s going to have the PI do a little background check.

Ryan drops by Newport Union with some campaign swag – a “Free Marissa” tee-shirt. Marissa loves it. What’s next? Coffee mugs, baseball caps? Whatever it takes. Suddenly Marissa gets a call from Chili. Johnny’s not feeling well and he needs Marissa to bring him a book.

Marissa shows up at Johnny’s and discovers Chili sitting on the bed amidst the rubble of a trashed room. Johnny’s taken off. Chili explains that the Pacwest doctors refused to sign off on his knee. They said it was too soon to tell if he’ll ever be back to 100 percent. Chili doesn’t think Johnny will be able to bounce back from this one.

Seth, Summer and Ryan are hanging out in the diner, discussing the pathetically few signatures on their “Free Marissa” petition. Say what you will about Taylor, but the girl knows how to rally the troops. Marissa shows up at the diner and tells the gang that she appreciates all they’ve done, but she doesn’t think she can go back to Harbor after all. Then she takes off.

The next day, Marissa shows up at the pool house and gives Ryan the explanation she owed him from the previous night. Well, it’s Johnny. Yeah, Ryan pretty much knew that already. Pacwest changed their mind. They’re not letting Johnny on the tour anymore, and he’s pretty freaked out about it. Ryan doesn’t think it’s Marissa’s problem, but Marissa thinks it is… the girlfriend, the accident, getting kicked off the team… all of it. Ryan tells her they’re meeting at the Cohen’s before going to the board meeting… just so she knows.

Matt drops by Sandy’s office and tells him “his guy” came through on the judge. Sandy just wants the short version. Judge Mercer has a son, Nick, who has a drug problem. He was kicked out of military school for using and nobody’s heard from him since. Sandy mentions that he was defending a kid just like that when the judge held him in contempt.

Seth and Summer continue on their very disappointing campaign, when they’re forced to admit, once again, that they need Taylor Townsend. Summer gives Seth permission to do whatever it takes to get her back on board. Summer’s picturing an Indecent Proposal-type thing - Seth’s Demi, naturally, and Taylor’s a leather-faced guy who talks to horses.

Ryan pays Johnny an unexpected visit and finds him lying in bed with no intention of going to school. Johnny assumes Marissa sent Ryan to check up on him, but Ryan assures him that’s not the case. He’s there because Marissa’s decided to stay at Newport Union… for him. Johnny says he didn’t ask her to stay, but Ryan tells him he didn’t have to.

Seth tracks down Taylor in the corridor and informs her that he’s been sanctioned to offer her sexual favors in exchange for her help. She explains that under any other circumstance, he would be facing a long night involving candle wax, tube socks, and the latest Fiona Apple CD. Seth opts to forgo man-whoring and appeal to her heart. Taylor doesn’t think Seth understands the gravity of the situation. Her mother’s a sports agent! She’s threatened to take away her car and her college tuition. “Your mom’s a sport’s agent? I thought she was just a bored, bitter Newpsie?” Before leaving, Seth begs Taylor to do one thing…not grow up to be like her mother, because she’s better than that.

The gang gathers at the Cohen’s before the board meeting, but no Marissa. Seth and Ryan think it’s time to wave the white flag, but Summer isn’t giving up yet.

Back at Newport Union, Marissa runs into Chili, who gives her the good news. Turns out the fancy surgeon Marissa hooked Johnny up with went to med school with the Pacwest doc, and called and convinced him that Johnny’s good to go. Marissa can’t believe Johnny didn’t tell her. Well, it’s been insane; they want him to leave next month. Chili thinks it’s amazing how it all worked out. Johnny going on tour, Marissa going back to Harbor. Yeah, I guess. After a slightly stunned Marissa takes off, Johnny comes out of hiding and he and Chili share a knowing nod.

Just as the board meeting is starting, Matt shows up with some new information for Sandy. Sandy excuses himself and Taylor’s mom steps up to the podium to speak on the matter at hand. “Marissa Cooper shot a boy in the back. This is not what the Harbor parents want, and it’s not what the students want either.” Uh, actually it is. Suddenly Taylor breezes into the board room with a petition signed by over 500 students – virtually the entire student body. After hearing impassioned pleas by both Julie Cooper and Doctor Roberts, Judge Mercer states that the board still can’t break from precedent. That’s when Ryan stands up and shares a previous case involving a student and a knife, where after all criminal charges were dropped, the expulsion was reversed. Judge Mercer acknowledges the importance of precedent but claims he still doesn’t have to reverse. That’s when Sandy stands up and says, he doesn’t have to, but he might want to. Then Sandy proceeds to make an impassioned speech about giving a good kid a second change. The judge seems to know he’s also talking about his son. Finally, the board makes its decision. With only one dissenting vote, the decision is reversed.

Sandy catches Judge Mercer on his way out and thanks him. The judge thanks Sandy for keeping his personal information between them. Sandy tells the judge he knows where his son is. He’s in LA. He’s safe. And he wants to see him.

Outside the boardroom, Julie apologizes to Marissa for not having been there for her in so many ways… and by the way, there’s no condo. Julie admits she lives in a trailer and was too ashamed to tell her. Down the hall, Dr. Roberts confesses to Summer that her step mom won’t be coming back. Summer offers her sympathy but thinks they do okay without her anyway.

Julie and Dr. Roberts head out for a drink, and the gang heads out to the diner… except Ryan, who has a quick stop to make. He finds Johnny at the lifeguard station and thanks him for doing what he did. Yeah, well, Marissa deserves to be happy.

And the next day, a very happy Marissa joins the gang at Harbor for their senior class photos.

[Smoking Bianco]

Episode 312 -“The Sister Act”
Aired: 1/19/06

Seth has a theory. Things are going too well. And that means doom’s gonna come a knocking. Or, in this case, a ringing. Ryan opens the door and finds a very attractive, very confused, and very chatty young lady on the other side. Seth comes to the door and can’t believe his eyes. Kaitlin Cooper!? “You’ve grown…” Suddenly Seth’s at a loss for words, so Kaitlin helps him out. “Boobs?”

A little while later, Julie arrives at the Cohen’s looking for Kaitlin. Sandy, Kirsten and the gang are all gathered in the kitchen. Suddenly Kaitlin appears, having changed out of her sexy school girl outfit into her studious school girl outfit. Ryan and Seth exchange a look. And Kaitlin’s looking for answers. The guy across the street said we’ve moved? That clears out the kitchen quickly, leaving Julie alone to come up with some answers.

To Kaitlin’s horror, Julie pulls up in front of a trailer. “Oh my God, we live in a trailer.” Julie tries to appease Kaitlin by telling her it’s exactly the kind of place Britney Spears comes from. Kaitlin assures her mom that she’s ok with it. Then Kaitlin’s cell beeps letting her know she has a message. And from the sound of it, there’s a guy out there who’s not at all happy about something.

Over coffee in the student lounge, Marissa confesses her guilt to Ryan about never making an effort to keep in touch with Kaitlin while she was at boarding school. Then it occurs to her that they were never very close, even before she went away.

On the way to class Marissa admits she’s worried about Johnny. She doesn’t know why he hasn’t returned her calls. Hmm, maybe he’s already left on the tour. Ryan suggests she call Bizarro-Seth… aka Chili.
Back at Newport Union, Chili’s trying to convince Johnny to call Marissa back, when his phone rings. Guess who? He hands the phone off to Johnny. Johnny agrees to meet Marissa and Kaitlin at the diner.

Veronica Townsend, Taylor’s mom, drops by to see Kirsten with an intriguing request. She’s heard about their new dating service and wants Kirsten to set her up with the delicious Dr. Neil Roberts. Um, the father of Marissa’s best friend? Veronica thinks that once she has the chance to talk to the doctor, preferably over a candlelight dinner, he’ll see she was just acting as a concerned parent. Kirsten still doesn’t understand why Veronica thinks she’d want to help her. Well, because she carries a lot of weight with the parent association, and while Marissa may be back in Harbor, her involvement in extracurricular activities, such as the Senior Day, prom, graduation, is still to be determined. “You’re going to hold a 17-year-old girl hostage for a date?” Veronica tells Kirsten a good man is hard to find.

Kirsten stops by the Newport Group and tells Sandy about Veronica’s threat. Sandy’s response is that they don’t negotiate with Newpsies. But Kirsten explains she could make Marissa’s life a living hell. Then she tells him she’s calling in a wifely favor. Please call the good doctor.

At the diner, Marissa introduces Kaitlin to Johnny and Chili. When Marissa starts asking questions about the upcoming surf tour, Johnny realizes he forgot something in his car. Then Kaitlin realizes she has to go to the little girl’s room. Then Chili asks Marissa if he has to spell it out for her. Apparently he does. Johnny knew she wasn’t going to go back to Harbor while he was still there, so… Marissa finishes his sentence, “So… he told me that he was leaving.”

Outside, Kaitlin tracks down Johnny and asks how long he’s been in love with her sister. Then, she lets him know that, while Marissa might not be available, she is.

Meanwhile, a young guy named Justin stops by the Cohen’s looking for Kaitlin. Ryan quickly assesses the situation and tells him he hasn’t seen Kaitlin since she was eleven. Justin hands Ryan a phone number, just in case. It’s important.

Ryan stops by the trailer looking for Marissa but Marissa’s not there. Kaitlin asks if she can help. Maybe. Ryan tells her about Justin, and Kaitlin explains that she met him at a school mixer. He kept calling and coming by so she told the dorm mother and got him in trouble. Now he’s upset that she’s messing up his chances at Princeton. Ryan says he’ll take care of it. Kaitlin makes him promise he won’t say anything to Marissa. She doesn’t want her big sister thinking she’s some kind of stalker-magnet.

Marissa stops by to thank Johnny for doing what he did. Then she suggests that he could still go to college and offers to help with his applications. He tells her it’s not her problem anymore. But he just did this selfless thing for her. Johnny tells her she’s wrong. He did it for himself. He needed her to leave. Marissa wants to know what he’s saying. Right now he just needs her out of his life.

Sandy finally makes the call to Dr. Roberts and asks if he knows Veronica Townsend. “Do I know her? Sandy, I know every former A-Cup in this town.” Sandy explains the awkward situation to him. Neil wonders how bad one dinner at a crowded restaurant could be. Sandy assures him it’ll be bad. But he and Kirsten will pick up the tab.

Ryan meets Justin at The Bait Shop and tells him to get out of town. But he’s not going anywhere without the 1500 bucks she stole from his brother. Apparently two frat boys saw Kaitlin make off with the door money. Then she left town. Ryan doesn’t see why he should take the word of two drunk frat boys over that of a fourteen-year-old girl. Fourteen? She told Justin she was sixteen. They’ve been going out about a month.

Ryan confronts Kaitlin and she confesses that she stole the money. But it was for a good reason. Justin’s brother Sam got her friend pregnant and wouldn’t take any financial responsibility. So, Kaitlin took the money for her. Then she invites Ryan to call her friend and ask her how the abortion went.

Johnny drops by the trailer looking for Marissa… but he finds Kaitlin instead. She invites him to the launch party for Kirsten and Julie’s new business. Just so there will be one person who’s not totally lame.

Kirsten tells Julie she needs to add two more to the guest list… Neil Roberts and Veronica Townsend. Julie confesses she has feelings for the doctor.

Seth and Summer try to come up with a quick breakup plan for Neil and Veronica.

Justin and his brother stop by looking for Kaitlin. Ryan sends her to the pool house, but she escapes. Ryan and Marissa find her at the trailer packing her suitcase. Kaitlin confesses that she stole the money because she wanted to come home. She’s known all along about the trailer since one of her classmate’s friend’s father owns the park. She just wanted to come home to make sure Julie and Marissa were okay. She hands over what’s left of the money.

Ryan meets Justin at The Bait House and returns the money to him. Justin was hoping Kaitlin would be there too. Ryan realizes that Justin’s in love with Kaitlin.

Back at the launch party, operation break up Neil and Veronica is underway. Seth whispers something to Taylor, who whispers something to her mom, and suddenly Veronica is making excuses to go home. Summer can’t believe that all it took was for her to find out that Neil voted for John Kerry. Uh… Seth admits he went with the genital herpes story instead.

Johnny stops by the party to apologize to Marissa. Kaitlin thinks the party just got a little more interesting. Marissa suggests Johnny give Kaitlin a ride home. He says he’ll buy her an ice-cream cone or something. But apparently she’s not interested in ice cream. She’s interested in skinny dipping in the ocean with Johnny.

[Smoking Bianco]

Episode 313 -“The Pot Stirrer”
Aired: 1/26/06

Sandy, Kirsten and Ryan watch as a spacey Seth stumbles into the kitchen in his bathrobe. Turns out a Brown University rep wants to interview Seth on Sunday and his head is still spinning. He’s had his watch set to east coast time for months now, but when he found out about the interview, it hit him. He’s really leaving Newport. And suddenly he’s feeling really nostalgic about the old place.

At school, Summer gives Seth the good news. She got a Brown interview too! Seth has a hard time rising to her level of enthusiasm. He wants to know if she’s feeling any anxiety about leaving all her friends and family. She was, but then she talked to her boot camp instructor who gave her the following advice, “You can either ride change, or change rides you.” Good point.

Sandy and Matt pitch their proposal to build a new hospital with equal access to the affluent and less affluent neighborhoods, thereby serving the entire community. The board looks, well, bored with their proposal.

After the meeting, Matt lets Sandy know that he saw the competition’s proposal and it’s really good. Not only that, but the Brea Group had been wining and dining Bill Merriam and the board for months -- dinners, concerts, cruises. Sandy reminds Matt that they provided bagels at the meeting. Matt somehow doesn’t think bagels are going to be enough to outshine the competition. Sandy’s determined to win over the board with intelligence, not expensive wine.

Kaitlin and Johnny walk along the pier as she reminisces about birthdays past – games, ponies, petting zoos… but her favorite part was always the after-party when the family would sit around watching The Sound of Music, and singing along. Johnny never even had a clown at his party. He asks Kaitlin if she’s told Marissa that they’ve been hanging out. No, and apparently he’s not going to either.

Dr. Roberts is late to meet Julie for drinks. A procedure ran over. But he’s just happy to finally be sitting across from her after she cancelled twice. Oh, that. Julie explains that she got to thinking about their situation – their daughters are best friends, she’s a recent widow and he’s a recent divorcee. So, what made her change her mind? Um… she felt something. He confesses he felt something too. Unfortunately, if she doesn’t leave now, she’ll be late to pick up Marissa from school. How ‘bout dinner Sunday night? Julie tells the good doctor it’s a date.

Seth’s in his room having a heart-to-heart with Captain Oats, when Sandy comes in to check on him. Seth tells his father he’s freaking out. He doesn’t feel like it’s the beginning of anything, he feels more like it’s the end of something.

Marissa and Julie return to the trailer with take-out Thai. Then Julie pulls out an Armenian menu for Marissa and Kaitlin to order from on Sunday night, while she’s at her “business meeting.” Marissa tries to subtly remind her mother that they have plans Sunday night, but Julie doesn’t know what she’s talking about. “Remember, we were going to order in food, watch The Sound of Music…” Huh? Oh… suddenly she catches on. But it’s too late, Kaitlin’s already lost her taste for Thai.

In the kitchen, Kirsten’s making dinner and Sandy’s moping around. Turns out Bill Merriam called and it looks like the board’s going with the Brea Group. Kirsten wonders if it’s not too late to take another shot? But Sandy doesn’t want the contract if it means he has to buy some guy with Kobe beef. Kirsten thinks he’s selling himself short and encourages him to find another way to woo Bill.

On his clear-his-head walk, Seth runs into Kaitlin at the pier. He’s surprised to see her, but more surprised to see that she’s smoking a joint right out in the open. She offers him a hit… to take the edge off. But Seth ‘just says no.’ His dad smoked pot at Berkeley so that pretty much ruined it for him. So why does she need to take the edge off? Her mom forgot her birthday. Fueling Seth’s fears, Kaitlin tells him that when she was away at school, she kept telling herself that she was being paranoid, that they wouldn’t really forget about her, but they did. Then she asks Seth to imagine what it was like growing up with Marissa Cooper as her big sister. Her birthday was the one day she could count on people actually noticing her.

Julie stops by Dr. Robert’s house to see if he can have dinner tonight instead of Sunday. Unfortunately he has to work. Is she cancelling? Well, it’s Kaitlin’s birthday. She can’t believe it slipped her mind. But she wants to have a little party for her… obviously it’d have to be little since she lives in a trailer. Dr. Roberts offers up his house. That way she can have a big party and he can still see her.

In the pool house, Ryan helps Seth and Summer prepare for their big interviews by quizzing them on possible questions. But when Summer gives an honest answer, they both cringe a little, and offer her an acceptable alternative. Summer decides that instead of memorizing other people’s answers, she’s just going to be herself. Because if she gives an answer she doesn’t believe in, and gets in, she’ll end up with the wrong life. Can’t argue with that.

Sandy tells Matt to give Bill Merriam a call. They’re going to take him out after all. Great! Matt wants to know if he should set up a tee-time? Make dinner reservations at the Arches? Nope, they’re dining at El Pavo Loco – a burrito stand next to the hospital site. Sandy wants to take Bill on a walking tour of the underprivileged area that their hospital will serve. Matt hopes he’s kidding. Nope, he’s just being Sandy.

Ryan and Marissa are hanging out at The Bait House bar, when suddenly Kaitlin shows up with Johnny. “Oh, Marissa, I totally forgot you said you were gonna be here.” After Kaitlin watches Marissa lose it a little, and after she makes sure to work it into the conversation that she and Johnny have been hanging out, and oh yeah, they went for a midnight swim together the other night, she claims she’s not feeling well and asks Johnny to drive her home.

Before Kaitlin gets out of the jeep, Johnny tells her that he wants to continue hanging out… but just as friends. Kaitlin tells him that’ll still make Marissa mad. He thinks he can live with that. Johnny takes off and Kaitlin heads up the stairs to the front door… when suddenly she sees someone lurking in the shadows. It’s Seth. She had a feeling he’d come around.
A little later, Seth is sitting at his desk staring at a baggie with 3 joints, when he hears a knock on the door. He shoves the stash into his desk drawer as Sandy pops his head in to see if Seth’s ready for his big interview, and to invite him downstairs for some pancakes. Seth declines the pancakes, claiming he’s not hungry and has a little more preparation to do. Sandy leaves and Seth begins his preparations… which apparently include sealing off the door with a towel, opening a window and lighting up.

At the Robert’s McMansion, Kirsten helps Julie set up for the party. Julie’s already coming up with re-decorating ideas for the place. Kirsten thinks since they haven’t had a first kiss yet, re-decorating might be a little pre-mature.

On the walking tour of the prospective hospital site, Sandy realizes he’s losing Bill. He gives Matt the okay to do it his way. Sandy realizes the tour worked better on him than on Bill. He’s not going to rob the community of something he needs just so he can sleep easier.

Back at the Cohen’s, a mellow Seth is hanging out on his bedroom floor, partaking in a little more pot, when Ryan knocks on the door. Seth sprays the room with air freshener, then opens the door. While Seth is incoherently babbling on, Ryan is following his nose… straight to the ashtray with the joint.

Summer’s heading down the hall for her interview when she receives a call from Ryan, asking her to stretch it out as long as she can. Why? Ryan just needs a little time to bring Seth back down to earth.

Ryan escorts Seth to his interview, and Seth assures Ryan that he only dipped into the baggie because he’s stressed out about losing everything he has in Newport. Then he confesses that he got the pot from Kaitlin.

Summer comes out of her hour-and-a-half-long interview and tells Seth that if he screws it up, their future together will be ruined. Seth waits for Ryan and Summer to head out, then he heads out himself.

At the birthday party, Kaitlin leads Johnny up to Summer’s room. He’s not sure what they’re doing up there, but Kaitlin tells him she’s looking for her presents. Your presents are downstairs. Not all of them. Johnny tries to use the age excuse, but Kaitlin isn’t buying it. She thinks it’s because he’s still in love with Marissa. Johnny denies it, so Kaitlin gives him a chance to prove it. Just one kiss. Then she leans in and takes what she came for.

Downstairs, Ryan tells Marissa about Kaitlin’s pot stash, just as Seth shows up, looking higher than ever.

Meanwhile, back at Matt’s bachelor pad, Bill Merriam is enjoying drinks with a few very sexy ladies. And by the way, Sandy’s got the contract. Really? Yep, Sandy’s taking care of him, he’ll take care of Sandy. It’s business. Caleb would be proud.

Back at the party, Kaitlin and Johnny are trying to make a quick getaway, when Marissa runs out the door after them. She’s concerned about Kaitlin’s recent string of illicit activities… stealing cash from a fraternity, giving Seth pot… what’s next? Kaitlin tells Marissa to spare her the concerned sister act. She knows this is really about Johnny. Marissa denies it, but Kaitlin says she can tell Marissa still likes him. In fact, everyone can tell… including Ryan. Kaitlin adds that if Marissa really doesn’t like Johnny, then she won’t mind that Kaitlin just made out with him upstairs. Marissa looks shaken.

Inside, Marissa tells Julie that Kaitlin took off, and Julie blames Marissa. How could she do this to her little sister? On her birthday? Then she reminds Marissa how important this party was… for all of them. Marissa lets her Mom know that a party isn’t going to fix what’s wrong with this family. Then she takes off. And now Dr. Roberts is the one having second thoughts. Maybe their lives are too complex after all.

Then Seth drops by Summer’s room, where she’s excitedly flipping through the Brown course catalog, and he lies to her about his interview. And at the same time, Kirsten comes down to Sandy’s office and congratulates him on getting the hospital contract his way. And he doesn’t say a word.

[Smoking Bianco]

Episode 314 -“The Cliffhanger”
Aired: 2/02/06

It’s early morning and Sandy enters the pool house in a panic, waking Ryan with the news that Seth is gone. Gone? Thinking quick in his sleep, Ryan comes up with “Calc exam.” Seth probably went to school early to study. Sandy’s about to go find out, but Ryan volunteers for the job. Before leaving, Sandy wants to make sure that if there was anything going on with Seth, Ryan would tell him. Right? Uh, yeah.

Ryan tracks Seth down by the pier. Seth confesses to Ryan that his Brown interview didn’t go so well… actually, it didn’t go at all. And to top it off, he then lied about it to Summer. Ryan thinks Seth should talk to her about it, but Seth explains that Summer thinks pot is totally juvenile. It’d be like telling her he’s into Beanie Babies. Ryan makes Seth a deal. Seth tells Summer about missing the interview and Ryan keeps his mouth shut about the pot.

In the trailer, Kaitlin’s getting ready for her surf lesson with Johnny, and Marissa’s trying to act like she doesn’t care. Kaitlin follows Marissa out the door and asks if she can honestly tell her that she has no feelings for Johnny. Marissa is suddenly at a loss for words. Yeah, that’s what Kaitlin thought. Oh, and there’s Johnny, just in time to have overheard their conversation.

At the Cohen’s, Kirsten and Julie are looking through profiles for their new dating service, but Julie’s not exactly in the mood for making other women’s dreams come true. She’s still sulking over the loss of Dr. Roberts. Suddenly Kirsten has a brainstorm. Set Dr. Roberts up on a date. That way Julie will be back on his radar, but it won’t seem like she’s pursuing him. Julie likes it. Aloof but thoughtful. Then, of course, after being confronted with the idea of dating a Newpsie, he’ll realize Julie is the only one for him.

Seth tracks down Summer at school with the intention of telling her about the missed interview, but after seeing how excited she is about their future together at Brown, he can’t seem to bring himself to do it. Instead, he takes the opposite approach and tells her that he knocked it out of the park. He turned on the Cohen charm and the lady swooned. The lady? Um, Shelley’s a guy. Oh, right, yes, but the thing is, Seth’s gender-blind and now he really has to get to class.

At the beach, Kaitlin’s first surf lesson isn’t going so well. Johnny’s distracted. Kaitlin tells him it’s the story of her life – she likes a guy and he’s in love with her big sister. Johnny tries to explain that it’s complicated but Kaitlin isn’t exactly sympathetic. She tells him to uncomplicated it, and if he won’t, she knows someone who will.

Back at the Newport Group, Matt explains to Sandy that just because they’ve got Bill Merriam and the hospital board on their side, doesn’t mean it’s a done deal. They’ve still got to convince the board of physicians. And liquor and ladies won’t work on them. Matt suggests another angle – turns out he’s got a personal connection with the daughter of the head of the board. They went to school together and now she’s one of his most trusted advisors. And best of all, she had a thing for Matt. Sandy doesn’t like it. He draws the line at family.

Julie stops by Dr. Roberts’s house to thank him for hosting Kaitlin’s birthday party. And to show her appreciation, she brought along a book profiling some of Newport’s most eligible bachelorettes. Unless, of course, he doesn’t want to get set up? No, apparently he’s game. Dr. Roberts starts flipping through profiles and decides that there are so many fantastic women, he’s going to have to take more time and get back to Julie.

Meanwhile, Kaitlin’s been waiting for Ryan in the pool house. When he finally arrives, Kaitlin tells him she’s not getting anywhere with Johnny because he still thinks he has a shot with Marissa. And today, when Kaitlin asked Marissa point blank if she had feelings for Johnny, Marissa didn’t deny it. Ryan thanks Kaitlin for the heads up and shows her the door. But Kaitlin’s not done. She wants Ryan to do something about it… yes, so she can hook up with Johnny, but also so Ryan will find out where he stands, once and for all.

Ryan man-of-action meets Marissa at the diner and tells her that until she figures out her feelings for Johnny, he doesn’t want to see her.

Sandy and Matt meet with the head of the physician’s board, Henry Griffin, to brief him on their plan, which includes volunteer hours from some of the doctors. Griffin claims it’s been a rough year for doctors -- their budget has been stripped and they’re barely staying afloat. Then Sandy congratulates him on the new luxury birthing wing. Now no one should have to suffer the indignity of giving birth without a flat screen TV. Griffin responds that they have to cater to the residents of Newport. Like it or not, that’s the type that lives here. Sandy counters that that’s not the only type.

At school, Summer stops by the career counselor’s office and discovers that Seth never made it to his Brown interview. In fact, he was just there explaining the situation. Something about a tractor-trailer accident.

Julie stops by to tell Kirsten that she finally heard from Dr. Roberts. He wants to be set up with Laura Cross. Kirsten apologizes but Julie says it’s her fault for letting Kirsten do the scheming. From now on, if there’s any manipulating to do, she’ll be in charge.

In Johnny’s room, Chili tells him that in all his years of loving ladies and getting nothing in return, he’s never been as bad off as him. Normally he would advise going cold-turkey, but Johnny’s in too deep. He’s got to take his shot. There’s always a chance that Marissa will feel the same way.

Sandy and Kirsten are dining out when Sandy spots Matt at the bar by himself. They’re about to invite him over, when he’s joined by a very attractive young woman. Kirsten recognizes her from a profile in the OC Weekly. Maya Griffin. Apparently she’s an up-and-coming Newpsie. Well, if she is, she’s got a lot to learn. Sandy tells Kirsten that Matt’s using her to get to her father, who’s the head of the board.

Marissa meets Johnny at the pier and he confesses his love to her. When he was hurt, she took care of him, and even when he told her to stay away, she showed up at his door. Maybe she loves him too. He asks her to think about it, then he takes off.

At breakfast, Sandy asks Seth how he’s handling all the pressure of exams, college applications, etc. Seth claims it’s all under control. Suddenly Summer shows up and asks to speak to Seth… upstairs… alone...now.

In Seth’s room, Summer confronts him about missing his interview and lying to her about it. He confesses that he got scared and was too embarrassed to tell her. She’s got this natural confidence and people like her. He’s a social outcast with a mumbling problem. Summer tells him that they’ve got to be honest with each other, or it’s never going to work. So, is there anything else he needs to tell her? Anything at all? Nope.

Sandy calls Matt into the office on a Sunday and tells him he saw him at the yacht club with Maya Griffin. Matt explains that Maya heard they’d met with her father and gave him a call. Sandy doesn’t care. When Kirsten ran the place, a lot of creepy guys in nice suits tried to use her to get to her father. He didn’t like it then, and he doesn’t like it now. Then he tells Matt to come in Monday with a real game plan.

Johnny drops by the pool house and tells Ryan that he finally told Marissa he’s in love with her. He tried to live with the feelings but just couldn’t any longer. He’s sorry. Ryan tells him to get out.

Julie sits incognito at the bar of a nice restaurant where, just behind her, Dr. Roberts and Laura Cross are having a romantic dinner for two. Suddenly another Newpsie, Karen Baker, comes in and recognizes her. Then Karen recognizes Laura, and pulls Julie over to their table. Dr. Roberts asks if Julie’s been spying on him but Julie is too humiliated to speak, and bolts out the door, practically knocking over a waiter as she goes.

Kaitlin finds Marissa sitting on a bench, staring out at the ocean. She reminds Marissa of a time when they were little and their dad used to take them to Baskin Robbins and Marissa would have to taste all the flavors before she finally decided on one. And then it was always the wrong one. And Dad would have to take her back in to get another one. Marissa assumes Kaitlin’s trying to make the point that everything’s always about Marissa, but this time she’s not. She’s trying to make the point that Marissa doesn’t trust her instincts. Hmm.

Johnny’s mom delivers a letter that Marissa dropped off for him.
Then Marissa pays Ryan a visit in the pool house and apologizes. For wanting to be with Johnny? No, for making Ryan wonder if she did.
Johnny stops by the trailer and invites Kaitlin on a trip to the beach. Just him, her, and a bottle of tequila. The occasion? Johnny just thinks it’s time they got a chance to party.

Summer stops by Seth’s and is surprised to find his bedroom door locked. Inside, Seth tries to air out the pot smell before opening the door, then suggests they watch the DVDs she brought downstairs.

At the beach, Johnny and Kaitlin are sharing a bottle of tequila… well, mostly Johnny’s sharing it with himself. Kaitlin goes off to find some driftwood for the bonfire and he pulls out the letter from Marissa and burns it. Then he starts climbing a steep rock formation.

Meanwhile, at the trailer, a tearful Julie is about to drown her sorrows in a hot pocket and wine cooler, when Dr. Roberts stops by to thank her for fixing him up with Laura. She tells him she’s glad it worked out, then tries to shut the door, but he blocks it. What do you want? You. When he’s not with her, he misses her.

Ryan and Marissa have finally gotten past Ryan’s silent treatment, and are making out on his bed when Marissa gets a call from Kaitlin. Johnny’s drunk and he won’t come down off the rocks. Ryan asks Kaitlin if he’s really in trouble. Yes. That’s all it takes. He’s on his way.

Meanwhile, Seth and Summer have just finished watching “Save The Last Dance” and Seth just can’t say enough about it. Or about the blue screen that’s now in front of him. It’s just so blue. Summer excuses herself to go to the bathroom, and heads upstairs for a little search and seizure. She finally finds what she’s looking for. Ew, pot.

At the beach, Ryan sends Marissa down to Kaitlin while he takes the back way up the rocks. Ryan reaches the top and starts moving in... but Johnny backs away. Ryan tells him to be careful. Right, so Ryan can come in and save him at the last moment in front of Marissa. Then Johnny slips off the edge and starts falling… Ryan reaches out to save him but he’s too late.

[Smoking Bianco]

Episode 3.15 - “The Heavy Lifting”
Aired: 2/09/06

In the wake of Johnny’s fall from the rocks, the gang waits for news from the hospital. Summer thinks no news is good news… except, adds Seth, in the case of severe head injuries. The call comes from Johnny’s mom. Ryan takes it and both Marissa and Kaitlin can tell from his face that Johnny didn’t make it.

Marissa and Chili hang out at Johnny’s mom’s house, helping out, when they come up with the idea of an outdoor memorial service on the beach during daylight. No black. And no shoes.

Meanwhile, Kirsten’s feeling a little guilty about planning a Valentine’s Day dance while the kids are going through something so horrible. Julie thinks that’s exactly why they need it.

Marissa’s coming out of Johnny’s house as Sadie, Johnny’s cousin, is coming in… with a lot of stuff. Her mom thought it would be a good idea for Sadie to come down and stay with her aunt for a while.

Justin stops by the trailer to see if he can give K