The o.c

Essay by sweet_pea_shuggiHigh School, 11th gradeA-, July 2005

download word file, 4 pages 3.2 2 reviews

The O.C., also known as Orange County, California, is an idyllic paradise - a wealthy, harbour-front community where everything and everyone appears to be perfect. But beneath the surface is a world of shifting loyalties and identities, of kids living secret lives hidden from their parents, and of parents living secret lives hidden from their children. The episode 'The lonely hearts club,' directed by Ian Toynton, tells the story of the Cohen, Cooper, and Nichol families, and Ryan Atwood, a troubled teen from the wrong side of the tracks, who is thrust into this world, and who will forever change the lives of the residents of The O.C.

The O.C takes place around four central characters, Marissa Cooper, Ryan Atwood, Seth Cohen and summer Roberts as well as other minor characters such as the parents. From Ryan's first moments in Newport Beach, he found himself in conflict with the strict economic and social hierarchy that has existed for generations and doesn't tolerate any invasion from any outsiders.

In the beginning, his very presence in Newport Beach threatened the security of its inhabitants and their way of life simply because this troubled teenager was unable and unwilling to conform. An example of this is when Ryan tries to reunite Lindsay with her estranged father but his bad boy nature and image gets in the way. We are positioned to see Ryan as the guy from the wrong side of the track as he lies in bed, pulling the blackest up close around him. This makes us see him as vulnerable and to see that pulling the blankets up gives him a sense of protection. His fish out of water status continues to set him apart from the rest as conflict occurs over his social standing. Although it took time...