Season 1 Episode Guide for The O.C.

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Pilot - 101

A new life for Ryan Atwood, the Cohen and the Cooper families, and basically everyone else in the wealthy, picturesque, secretive, turbulent community of Orange County.

Guest Staring: Chris Carmack (Luke Ward) Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Daphne Ashbrook (Dawn Atwood) Ruth Williamson (Peggy) Drew Fuller (Norland)

The Model Home - 102

Faced of a life in a Group Home, Ryan decides to run away from Newport, but is convinced by Seth and Marissa to stay in secret, and hide out in a vacant building project. Jimmy discusses his recent financial woes with Kirsten, and she offers a solution. After Luke witnesses a close encounter between Marissa and Ryan, he confronts Ryan and a fight breaks loose. Ryan's presence in Newport is exposed in a big way, and two arrests are made.

Guest Staring: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts)

The Gamble - 103

Sandy comes to Ryan's rescue once again, after he has a difficult stay in Juvy. Seth makes Kirsten aware of his anger over Ryan's situation, and Kirsten makes a compromise. Ryan's mother, Dawn, makes a surprise visit to Newport, and things don't go quite as she, and Ryan, may have planned. The monetary secret involving Julie, Jimmy, Kirsten and Sandy comes to a head.

Guest Staring: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Kim Oja (Taryn) Daphne Ashbrook (Dawn Atwood)

The Debut - 104

It is that time of year... Cotillion. Cherised by many, hated by most, it's the time when Newports finest young ladies enter society. More information about Jimmy's business trouble comes to light, and Kirsten's loan to Jimmy is not happy news for Sandy.

Guest Staring: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Ruth Williamson (Peggy) Christopher Cousins (Greg Fischer)

The Outsider - 105

Ryan takes a job serving at the Crab Shack diner. A co-worker at the diner might mean bad news for the Newport kids. Ryan asks Marissa out on a date. Sandy attempt to help Jimmy sort out his life, and gives him some bad news. Julie reveals a long-held secret to Kirsten. Disaster strikes at another one of Holly's parties.

Guest Staring: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Kim Oja (Taryn) Paul Wasilewski (Donny)

The Girlfriend - 106

Kirsten's father, Caleb Nichol, comes for a visit along with his new girlfriend, Gabrielle. 24-year-old Grandma Nichol has arrived. Kirsten finds her job in jeopardy, while Sandy considers making a change. Luke decides he wants a second chance with Marissa, to Ryan's dissapointment. But who will Marissa choose? Summer makes the moves on Seth but is itfor real?

Guest Staring: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Nichole Hiltz (Gabrielle)

The Escape- 107

The Newport kids plan an end-of-summer trip down to Tijuana, Mexico (aka "T.J."). Jimmy has plans of his own, which don't sit well with Marissa. Sandy gets a new job, which Kirsten can't understand. Summer, Seth, Ryan and Marissa find themselves in a strange place together. Jimmy takes it too far. Disaster strikes one of the O.C. kids.

Guest Staring: Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Bonnie Somerville (Rachel Hoffman)

The Rescue - 108

Everyone is back home in Newport now, and Marissa is recovering. Julie points her finger, and takes action, which Marissa does not like. Sandy starts his new job, but finds himself surprised by the case work. Kirsten finds herself surprised by Sandy's new co-worker. Ryan enrols at his new school, with conditions. Julie gets an intervention, and Jimmy gets a new roommate.

Guest Starng: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Bonnie Somerville (Rachel Hoffman) Rosalind Chao (Dr. Kim) April Grace (Dr. Burke)

The Heights - 109

Back to school for the O.C. kids. No one really wants to be there, except the gossips. Ryan doesn't feel like he fits in at his new school. And Luke doesn't make the situation any better. Sandy accepts a case at his new job, a case that will test his relationship with Kirsten, and her father. Anna and Seth hatch a plan. Marissa chooses her man.

Guest Staring: Keri Lynn Pratt (Girl #3) Melissa Strom (Girl #1) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Bonnie Somerville (Rachel Hoffman) Rosalind Chao (Dr. Kim) Eric Allan Kramer (Soccer Coach)

The Perfect Couple - 110

Couples are plentiful in 'The O.C.' It is a night of firsts. Now that they are free to love one another, Ryan and Marissa plan their first official date. Kirsten sees her father with a new woman, and fears Sandy has found a new woman of his own. Seth takes matters into his own hands with a girl, and is taken by another girl.

Guest Staring: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Bonnie Somerville (Rachel Hoffman)

The Homecoming - 111

It's Thanksgiving time in ‘the O.C.' It's time for family reunions, and Ryans gets a call home from family. Is it because of the holiday, or is it for a favour? Marissa decides to go along for the ride, but ends up going down Ryan's bad memory lane instead. Seth plays the player role, but not very well.

Guest Staring: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Bonnie Somerville (Rachel Hoffman) Navi Rawat (Theresa) Gina Gallego (Eva) Demetrius Navarro (Arturo) Santiago Douglas (Gattas)

The Secret - 112

Seth and Kirsten want to avoid facing the world after their respective displays at Thanksgiving. Sandy has some advice for Jimmy, which doesn't sit well with Julie. Ryan and Luke find themselves getting along after an O.C. loved-one comes out of the closet with negative after effects.

Guest Staring: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Kim Oja (Taryn) Kevin West (Mr. Bendis) Brian McNamara (Carson Ward)

The Best Chrismukkah Ever - 113

Ryan, and the World, are officially introduced to the bi-religious holiday Chrismukkah, thanks to Seth. And Seth insists he has TWO Godly forces helping him as he plays TWO girls. Marissa has some 'discount shopping' to do, and finds herself in an embarrassing situation, or two, or three. Kirsten does something that could cost her more than just her job. Summer and Anna each have very special gifts for Seth, but which one will he like the most? And a new boy enters the Newport scene.

Guest Staring: Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts) Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Taylor Handley (Oliver Trask)

The Countdown - 114

It's New Years and "love" is in the air. A sister returns home, and throws a party. Oliver casts his spell. Sandy and Kirsten find themselves in a rut, and out of their environment. Seth finally makes a decision between Summer and Anna. 2004 is born.

Guest Staring: Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol) Taylor Handley (Oliver Trask) Kim Oja (Taryn) Alaina Kalanj (Yvette)

The Third Wheel- 115

Hailey discovers she isn't as welcome as she might have thought. Perhaps the Cohen house is full? Luke makes some new friends, while Seth and Anna try to tell a friend about their decision. Rooney sings, a lot, and Oliver noses, a lot. Trouble brews.

Guest Staring: Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol) Taylor Handley (Oliver Trask) Rooney (Themselves) Antonio Leon (Man/Cop)

The Links - 116

Oliver plans a trip for the gang, but things don't go as well as everyone might have hoped- except for Oliver of course. Summer really plants herself into "friendship" within Anna and Seth's relationship. Jimmy and Sandy decide to go into business together. Caleb and Julie return from Europe, and Hailey and Kirsten butt heads. Ryan finds himself in the cold.

Guest Staring: Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol) Taylor Handley (Oliver Trask) Michael Reilly Burke (Tom Willington)

The Rivals - 117

Sandy and Jimmy have plans to sign papers for the Lighthouse... but is Jimmy ready? Oliver makes his plans official to Ryan, but Ryan just cannot catch a break from anyone and fins himself in an all too familiar position. Summer has a "big" new boyfriend... for a little while. And Julie gets a job.

Guest Staring: Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Taylor Handley (Oliver Trask) Rosalind Chao (Dr. Kim) Bret Harrison (Danny) Kevin West (Mr. Bendis)

The Truth - 118

Changes are happening within the couplehoods of the O.C.ers. Lines seem to be blurred. Oliver reveals himself as he falls apart, but not before Ryan is completely left in the cold. Someone loses school, one loses work, two lose their partners, and one more loses it all.

Guest Staring: Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Taylor Handley (Oliver Trask)

The Heartbreak - 119

It's Valentine's Day in Newport, and everyone is preparing for the Valentine's singles benefit. Luke has a new crush, while Sandy gives Seth some sex advice. An old friend of Ryan's shows up in town, which forces Marissa to lay her feelings on the table. Seth and Summer take their relationship to another level.

Guest Staring: Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol) Navi Rawat (Theresa)

The Telenovela - 120

Ryan and Marissa begin their life together as "friends", but both discover that it might be harder to do than to say. Theresa drops into Newport for work, and another visit. Julie and Luke realize the meaning of "booty calls", and Seth and Summer make a declaration.

Guest Staring: Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Navi Rawat (Theresa) Eric Balfour (Eddie) Richard Herd (Shaun)

The Goodbye Girl - 121

Anna announces that she is leaving Newport to go back to Pittsburgh, which leaves Seth feeling saddened and guilt-ridden. Legal troubles brew for Caleb and Kirsten while Sandy works to solve them. Luke and Julie's secret romance is getting harder to contain, and Theresa brings a bit of trouble from Chino to the O.C.

Guest Staring: Phil Abrams (Mr. Sheeran) Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Samaire Armstrong (Anna Stern) Navi Rawat (Theresa) Eric Balfour (Eddie) Lamont Thompson (Greg Hodes)

The L.A. - 122

When Summer and Marissa run into Grady Bridges, the star of Summer's favourite prime-time soap 'The Valley', he invites them to an LA party, to which they accept. On the road trip to LA, Seth, Summer, Marissa, and Ryan run into Hailey, now working at a strip club. Jimmy and Sandy present their restaurant to Newport's finest and approach Caleb for some financial help.

Guest Staring: Steffany Huckaby (April) Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol) Colin Hanks (Grady Bridges) Paris Hilton (Kate)

The Nana - 123

Nana Cohen comes to California for Passover with some sad news. Ryan searches for Marissa, who'd gone missing after learning Julie and Luke's secret, and he finds her in the most unlikely of places. Summer tries to impress Nana. Jimmy and Hailey take a step forward.

Guest Staring: Linda Lavin (Sophie "Nana" Cohen) Navi Rawat (Theresa) Eric Balfour (Eddie) Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol)

The Proposal - 124

Jimmy and Sandy run into a roadblock in their effort to re-open the Balboa Lighthouse restaurant. Summer and Seth take it upon themselves to finally make Marissa feel more at home at Jimmy's. Everyone is shocked when Caleb makes a proposal, which sparks a near-fatal accident for Luke. Marissa, and Sandy and Jimmy each stike deals with Caleb. An old O.C. friend moves away.

Guest Staring: Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol) Brian McNamara (Carson Ward) Doug Ballard (Peter Johnson)

The Shower - 125

Everyone is still reacting to the surprise engagement of Julie and Caleb. Kirsten is shocked, and a little burdened to find she's been asked to be Julie's Maid of Honour. Kirsten and Marissa end up in charge of throwing Julie's wedding shower, and Marissa invites an unwanted guest. Theresa calls Sandy for help and tries to avoid Ryan. Jimmy and Hailey continue their romance, and Seth awkwardly meets Summer's father.

Guest Staring: Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol) Navi Rawat (Theresa) Michael Nouri (Neil Roberts) Holly Fields (Cindy)

The Strip - 126

It's Bachelor and Bachelorette party time for Caleb and Julie. Caleb and the boys head off to Las Vegas while Kirsten organizes an evening at the Cohen house for Julie, strippers included. Seth and Ryan get themselves into a tricky situation in Vegas while back home, Summer pines over lost love, and Marissa comforts Theresa. Jimmy and Sandy learn of Caleb's true motives. Julie and Hailey take a swim, while Theresa has some shocking news for Ryan and Marissa.

Guest Staring: Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol) Navi Rawat (Theresa) Kristen Renton (Jenn) Kevin Rankin (Lucas)

The Tie That Binds - 127

Julie and Caleb walk down the isle, as Ryan and Theresa face a difficult decision regarding their pregnancy. Marissa moves into Caleb and Julie's new castle on the cliff, and Seth struggles to find himself when things around him seem to fall apart. Life in The O.C. comes full circle from one year before.

Guest Staring: Alan Dale (Caleb Nichol) Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol) Navi Rawat (Theresa) Holly Fields (Cindy) Jem (Herself)