The O.C.: Season 4, Episode 19: Winds of Change
INT. COHEN HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
We see SETH and RYAN sitting at the counter, eating breakfast. SANDY and KIRSTEN are nearby, preparing their morning coffee.
SETH
(to Ryan)
So, what do you think about the new girl in town?
RYAN
Amber? She seems alright, I guess.
SANDY
(to Kirsten)
Amber? That's the new neighbor's daughter, right?
KIRSTEN
Yes, they're the ones who moved into the house down the block. It's nice to see some fresh faces around here.
SETH
(smiling)
Ryan, are you sure your feelings for Marissa haven't clouded your judgment about Amber?
RYAN
(dismissive)
I don't know. Why don't you focus on your own love life?
SETH
(raising an eyebrow)
Me? That's rich, coming from Mr. Whirlwind Romance over there.
RYAN
(smirking)
At least I've had a few.
The two friends continue to banter playfully. Sandy and Kirsten shake their heads, amused.
INT. HARBOR SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
MARISA and SUMMER are talking by their lockers.
MARISSA
Summer, I spoke to Amber yesterday. She's really nice.
SUMMER
I bet she is. But don't you think it's weird the way she's taken an interest in Ryan?
MARISA
(nods)
Yeah, it worries me a bit. But I trust Ryan.
EXT. NEWPORT BEACH - DAY
AMBER and RYAN walk together on the beach, talking and laughing.
AMBER
Ryan, you're a really good listener.
RYAN
Thanks. Most people don't give me credit for that.
INT. COHEN HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
SANDY, KIRSTEN, SETH, and RYAN are sitting on the couch, flipping through a Newport Living magazine. They come across a page featuring Amber's family.
KIRSTEN
This is our new neighbor's family.
SANDY
Well, it seems like they have quite the Newport history. The article says Amber's family owned a stake in The Lighthouse years ago.
SETH
(interested)
Really? That's crazy.
RYAN
(to himself)
No wonder Amber wanted to walk by the beach today.
TO BE CONTINUED
The O.C.: Surprise Reunions
INT. COHEN KITCHEN - MORNING
The kitchen is busy as usual. Seth, Ryan, Sandy and Kirsten are all preparing for their day.
SANDY: So, what's on everyone's agenda today?
RYAN: Just work, as usual.
KIRSTEN: I'll be at the Newport Group offices all day.
SETH: And I'm on my way to sketch a new ship for that art contest.
Suddenly, Summer barges in. She's frantic.
SUMMER: Guys, you'll never guess who's back in town.
SETH: Luke? Anna? Is it Trey? He was always so unpredictable...
SANDY: Slow down, sweetheart. Who is it?
SUMMER: It's...Marissa.
Everyone is shocked.
RYAN: That's impossible. She...
SUMMER: I know, I know. But she's here. I just saw her.
INT. HARBOR SCHOOL - DAY
The gang arrives at school in a state of shock. Students are buzzing about the unexpected return of Marissa.
Seth bumps into Taylor who is completely oblivious to the situation.
TAYLOR: Seth! Glad I caught you, did you finish the assignment for the history class we have together?
SETH: Taylor, ummm...sure but forget about it for a second. Marissa is back.
TAYLOR: What? That's impossible, Seth. Don't joke about that.
SETH: I'm not joking. Summer saw her.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY
Ryan cautiously walks through the hallway. He spots Marissa from behind. Her long, brown hair falls over her shoulder as she turns around revealing her face. It is indeed Marissa, looking as beautiful as ever.
RYAN: (whispers) Marissa...
MARISSA (smiling): Hey, Ryan. It's been a while, huh?
She walks closer to Ryan, her eyes slowly welling with unshed tears. Things are about to get complicated.
TO BE CONTINUED
The O.C.: A New Beginning
INT. COHEN KITCHEN - MORNING
Ryan and Seth, now older and successful in their respective careers, stand in the Cohen kitchen enjoying their breakfast when Sandy enters.
SANDY
Good morning, boys! How was your night?
SETH
It was pretty quiet, you know, just binge-watching some Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
RYAN
(chuckles)
Yeah, we're turning into quite the party animals these days.
SANDY
Well, boys, I have some news.
Seth and Ryan exchange curious looks.
SETH
What kind of news?
SANDY
I got a call from an old friend yesterday. Remember Julie Cooper?
SETH
Kaitlin's mom? The woman who tried to sabotage your campaign for DA? Yeah, sounds familiar.
RYAN
What does she want?
SANDY
She's in trouble, and she needs our help. And she's in Newport.
RYAN
So we're going back to the O.C.?
SANDY
Just for a little while. And we're bringing our families with us!
CUT TO:
INT. AIRPORT ARRIVAL HALL - DAY
Seth, Summer, and their young daughter along with Ryan, Taylor, and their son reunite with Sandy and Kirsten, excitedly chatting. The group catches a cab to Newport.
INT. COOPER MANSION - DAY
The Cohens, Seth, and Ryan along with their families arrive at the luxurious Newport house where Julie eagerly greets them.
JULIE
Thank you so much for coming. I don't know who else to turn to.
RYAN
(thoughtful)
Well, we're here now. What's going on?
JULIE
It's Kaitlin. She... she's disappeared.
SETH
Disappeared? Like, ran away?
JULIE
Not exactly. I found this note. It says, 'I've gone to find the truth. Don't try to find me. - K'
RYAN
(confused)
The truth?
SANDY
It seems like we have a new mystery to solve. But first, let's get settled in and catch up. Who knows, maybe we'll find out what this 'truth' is along the way.
TO BE CONTINUED
The O.C.: Secrets from the Past
INT. COHEN HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
RYAN is at the kitchen counter, in front of the refrigerator, making breakfast. SETH enters.
SETH
(tired)
Dude, is that breakfast I smell? You know I need my beauty sleep.
RYAN
(smirks)
It’s called coffee, Seth. And you'll survive.
SETH
The nectar of the gods. Can you make me a cup? Pretty please.
RYAN
Only if you promise to put your dishes away.
Sandy enters the room, tying his tie.
SANDY
Boys, can we keep it down? Your mom and I were up late working, and she needs the rest.
SETH
Of course, dad. So, big day at the office?
SANDY
Oh yeah, big meeting today. But it'll be good.
INT. HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - DAY
MARISSA and SUMMER walk through the crowded hallway, discussing Marissa's dad coming back to town.
SUMMER
So your dad is coming back today? That's so random.
MARISSA
I know. He says he just wants to have a family dinner, but I can't help but feel like there's something else going on.
Ryan and Seth catch up to the girls, joining in on the conversation.
RYAN
Hey Marissa, what's going on with your dad?
MARISSA
(sighs)
I have no idea, but I hope it's nothing serious.
SETH
You know what they say, Cohen luck, Cooper drama. There's always something going on!
Everyone chuckles.
INT. COOPER RESIDENCE - NIGHT
The Coopers and Cohens are sitting around the dinner table with JIMMY COOPER, Marissa's dad.
JIMMY
It's so nice having everyone here tonight. I really appreciate it.
KIRSTEN
We're glad to have you back, Jimmy. It's been a while.
SANDY
(raises an eyebrow)
So Jimmy, why did you decide to come back now of all times?
JIMMY
(gulps)
Well, to be honest, I have some news. Brace yourselves.
Everyone looks at each other nervously, anticipating the revelation.
TO BE CONTINUED
The O.C.: Bonds and Revelations
INT. COHEN KITCHEN - MORNING
The Cohen family, led by SANDY, sits around the kitchen table, with RYAN and SETH finishing their breakfasts. KIRSTEN brings a batch of freshly made pancakes.
KIRSTEN
I know we've had a lot of drama, but it's time for some family bonding.
SANDY
I couldn't agree more.
SETH
You say that now, Dad. But remember when we went camping and you got poison oak?
RYAN
(chuckles)
That was a nightmare.
SANDY
Okay, okay. But this time, no outdoor activities. How about we go check out that new arcade place they just opened in the mall? We could all use a little fun.
SETH
I'm in! Ryan?
RYAN
Sure, why not.
CUT TO:
INT. MALL ARCADE - DAY
The mall arcade is noisy and bustling with people. The Cohens walk in and marvel at the games and bright lights.
KIRSTEN
This place is incredible. It really takes me back.
SETH
(points at a game)
Dibs on the vintage pinball machine!
As the family splits up to explore the arcade, Ryan bumps into MARISA near a Skee-Ball machine.
RYAN
Marisa! What are you doing here?
MARISA
I could ask you the same thing. Just needed a distraction from all the drama at home.
RYAN
Us too. We're trying to have some family bonding time.
MARISA
Good luck with that.
Ryan looks over to see Seth and Sandy in a heated air hockey match.
RYAN
(smiles)
Actually, it's working out so far.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The O.C.: Hidden Secrets
INT. COHEN KITCHEN - MORNING
Sandy is making breakfast, flipping pancakes as Kirsten reads the newspaper at the counter.
KIRSTEN: (reading) Another fashion show fundraiser... these are getting old.
SANDY: You know what they say. Variety might be the spice of life, but nothing beats tradition.
RYAN enters, grabbing a piece of toast.
RYAN: Morning.
KIRSTEN: Morning, Ryan. Enjoy your first day of beach club?
RYAN: Actually, Seth and Summer are planning something.
SANDY: You know it's going to be trouble if the dynamic duo is up to something.
Seth bounds down the stairs, grinning.
SETH: The day's finally here, Ryan! The hunt for the hidden time capsule!
RYAN: Time capsule? Really?
KIRSTEN: Oh, that's right. Your first summer in Newport, Seth hid that thing somewhere.
SANDY: (laughing) It's probably a treasure chest full of comic books and action figures.
SETH: You'll never know until we dig it up! Come on, buddy.
RYAN: (smirking) Guess there's no arguing with tradition.
They exit the kitchen.
EXT. NEWPORT BEACH - MORNING
Seth and Ryan meet up with Summer on the beach.
SETH: (excited) Let's get started.
SUMMER: Okay, but first... this cannot be posted on Facebook. I have my reputation to maintain.
Ryan chuckles as Seth pretends to be offended but agrees. They start their search.
EXT. NEWPORT BEACH - LATER
Seth, Ryan, and Summer are digging on the beach.
RYAN: You sure it's around here, Seth?
SETH: Positive! I buried it by this palm tree.
SUMMER: (sarcastic) Oh great, because there's only one palm tree in California.
They continue digging when Seth's shovel hits something.
SETH: Got it!
SUMMER: About time.
RYAN: Let's see what treasures Seth Cohen hid for eternity.
Seth pulls it out of the ground, and they sit down to examine the contents, including old photos, drawings, and letters.
RYAN: (smirking) Look at this old photo of you two.
SUMMER: (cringing) Burn it, please.
SETH: (laughing) Hang on... There's a letter here I don't remember.
He opens the envelope and starts reading.
RYAN: What is it?
SETH: (serious) It's a letter from my mom to someone named... Angie?
SUMMER: Who's Angie?
RYAN: (looking at Seth) Maybe we should ask your mom.
TO BE CONTINUED
The O.C. - Season 3 Episode 18: 'Old Friends, New Beginnings'
EXT. THE COHEN'S HOUSE - MORNING
RYAN's outside, fixing his bike. SETH approaches with a super-sized textbook in hand.
SETH
(sarcastically)
Really embracing that bad-boy image again, huh?
RYAN
(smiling)
Just keeping my hands busy so I don't punch someone.
SETH
(faking shock)
Is that a joke? I think I heard a joke!
RYAN
(laughing)
Hey, no promises.
INT. THE COHEN'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
SANDY COHEN is making breakfast while KIRSTEN COHEN reads the paper.
SANDY
(passionately)
Ah, the sweet aroma of my world-famous pancakes! Can't imagine a better Sunday morning.
KIRSTEN
(smirking)
World-famous? That's a bit of a stretch, don't you think?
SANDY
(mock offense)
Kirsten, never underestimate the power of my pancakes.
INT. SUMMER'S BEDROOM - MORNING
SUMMER and MARISSA wake up from a sleepover, both still in their PJs.
SUMMER
(stretching)
All right, we're officially seniors now. Time to rule the school or whatever.
MARISSA
(smiling)
Or maybe just survive it?
SUMMER
(sarcastically)
Oh, that's the spirit.
EXT. THE COHEN'S BACKYARD - LATER
POOL PARTY. RYAN, SETH, MARISSA, and SUMMER are enjoying their last moments of freedom before school starts. JULIE COOPER arrives with news.
JULIE
(excitedly)
Everyone, I have an announcement - I just got a job offer in New York!
MARISSA
(disbelief)
You're moving to New York, Mom?!
JULIE
(assuring)
No, sweetie. I'll just be there a few times a month. We'll make it work.
INT. THE COHEN'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The doorbell rings. SANDY opens the door and sees a familiar face, FRANK, Ryan's father.
SANDY
(defensive)
Frank. What are you doing here?
FRANK
(trying to be casual)
Just wanted to see my son. Heard he's back in town.
SANDY
(not giving in)
Ryan's busy. Better luck next time.
Sandy slams the door in Frank's face.
TO BE CONTINUED
