TV Show Title: The O.C.

Network & Time: FOX @ 9PM

Timeslot Ranking: [1. The O.C. 1. The West Wing 3. The Bachelor 4. The King of Queens/Becker]

Stars (Out of 10): 9

One Word Summary: Guilty-pleasure

"The O.C." Review:

            The O.C. or as I like to call it, '90210 2' is set in Orange County, California and follows a group of friends and their families living what many would consider the good life. But life in these ocean side mansions is harder than it might seem.

Ryan Atwood is a teenager from a bad neighborhood and a broken family; his brother is in jail and his mother is usually to drunk to even realize he's there. After getting into some trouble Ryan meets Sandy Cohen, a (then) public defender who takes a liking to Ryan. Sandy lives in Orange County with his wife Kirsten and son Seth (an awkward but witty teenager the same age as Ryan); the family decides to take Ryan into their family.

The Cohen's next door neighbors are the Coopers; Jimmy Cooper, who's being investigated for tax fraud, and was Kirsten's high school sweetheart, no longer lives with his family and neither does Marissa his daughter who doesn't get along with her mother (who is now dating Kirsten's dad). Marissa, who was formerly Luke's girlfriend (a popular jock who after the town finds out his dad is gay is tormented) now goes out with Ryan.

If that wasn't enough, there's Summer, Seth's longtime crush who has never reciprocated until now, and Anna, a girl who just moved to Orange County from Pittsburg and who Seth likes as well.

The O.C. features some crazy characters, and some crazy situations… enough said.

Before actually sitting down and watching this show, I laughed at everyone who did. For some reason I thought I was above a show like this, what was this show? I didn't know, but I was definitely above it. After watching it, I realized that not only is this the best guilty pleasures of the year, but this is one of the best shows on TV.

The O.C. is well written, well acted, and well produced. Aside from the obvious melodrama that can be seen simply by reading my synopsis, this show gives you the kind of tingling feeling of entertainment that all shows should strive to provide.

The O.C. is both funny, dramatic. Seth and Sandy Cohen (Adam Brody, Peter Gallagher) provide the comedic relief that all melodramas need, and they do it with the skill of comedic actors. The serious side of the show comes mainly from the almost-never-smiling Ryan and his love struck Juliet, Marissa. The couple seems to get in a fight every episode, but always finds a way to make up (which rarely involves words).

The O.C. features a highly skilled cast of veteran and up-and-rising actors who all bring so much to the show. Some bring humor, some bring drama, some bring conflict, and some of them bring viewers simply because of their good looks.

This show is also superbly produced; if you haven't heard of The O.C. yet, you've probably been living under a rock. This show has gotten more attention from the media and from all the commercials FOX shows that every one in the country with a TV has heard of it and at least been tempted to tune it. Also, The O.C. has what all great TV shows need, a great theme song! (I'm singing it in my head as I'm writing)

The Bottom Line is that The O.C. is one of those guilty pleasures that you just can't stop from watching. Kids: everyone in school is probably talking about it, you don't want to be left out. Parents: wanna look really cool in front of your kids, if you're watching The O.C. you're getting some quality time and a lot of 'cool' points. Watch because of any excuse it takes to inspire you, but once you do, you'll be glad because this show is pretty damn good!

       If you're interested in this show visit: OC Files - An OC fan site featuring discussions, cast bios, episode guides, and quotes.