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by Mike Metz
Welcome to Insider Commentary. Each Friday morning please put aside your bagel and schmear briefly to give my column a read. The articles will consist of a true insider's perspective on the previous night's episode as well as a forecast for the following week. Special treat each week: a few words from the episode's writer about the significance of the title.
Please sit back and enjoy The O.C. Insider Commentary, bitch.
Why "The Avengers"?
"We felt like the backbone of the episode was the unlikely alliance between Ryan and Julie, so we started there. What was it that drew them together? It seemed like Julie couldn't move past the tragedy without making sure that Volchok got what he deserved, and she was banking on Ryan feeling the same way. We wanted the title to feel dangerous, but positive. They see themselves as on the side of good, righting a wrong, like super heroes or really cool British spies. 'Avenge' comes from the Latin word 'to vindicate,' and that is what they join forces to do. And, oh yeah, it had to start with 'the'..."
— Josh Schwartz (creator and executive producer) and Stephanie Savage (executive producer), writers of "The Avengers"
The Teaser
Fantastic. Freaking fantastic. About time a little darkness finds its way into the always effulgent Newport. This teaser immediately, within a minute or so, tells Ryan's whole story — everything that has changed (and, unfortunately, has not changed) in the past five months. As an audience we can't really expect Ryan to be fully recovered from Marissa's death. I mean, he loved her — it's unrealistic to think he would hang in the pool house and talk out his issues with Seth. And his new scruffy appearance, "humble" abode and grungy lifestyle fit him as perfectly as that infamous black leather jacket of his. He may be out of high school and a Berkeley-accept, but in no way does that entail Ryan Atwood knows how to deal with issues in a well-ripened manner. In some ways, his Ultimate Fighting ambitions can be viewed as a good business decision. Think about how Ryan let out his aggression in previous seasons: beating someone up (or taking a few, himself). He might as well make a few Benjamins in the process. Despite Ryan's inability to cope with Marissa's death in a completely sane manner, he certainly has grown up a little bit. Ryan Atwood no longer needs his training wheels, but he isn't exactly ready for a mountain bike, either.
Seth and Summer
Awk-ward. Have to admit, I did not really see this coming. One would think with the death of her best friend, Summer would pull into Seth, rather than separate herself. In many ways, Summer reacts to Marissa's passing very similar to Ryan, but in a much more sensible fashion. Instead of getting her ass beat, Summer goes against type and gets her hair, wardrobe and hygiene beat. She seeks something to keep her mind off the tragedy. Although he was not directly related to the accident, Seth is connected to Summer's past; thus, she seeks refuge by going all green at Brown. When you truly look at it, Summer's decision to become an environmentalist is not a complete shocker because she always has done what her heroes in "US Weekly" do. Many celebrities are known for their environmental work. They are also known for their relationships and it does not take one of those "body chemistry" experts from Summer's aforementioned beloved magazine to point out a noticeable lack of chemistry between Summer and Seth when she visits Newport. Could be Marissa, could be her newly emerging personality, could be the bitter cold of New England...but something's not kosher.
Taylor and Kaitlin
These are probably the two most interesting characters to watch for the first couple episodes of the season. Their importance multiples by, like, a thousand. In the season 3 finale, Kaitlin claims she intends to rule Harbor (ala Marissa); and it is apparent by the way she treats Dr. Roberts in "The Avengers," she should have no problem with a bunch of high schoolers. Look at Luke's salivating little brothers, Brad and Eric, who are so in awe of her, they can hardly stay on their bikes. She definitely takes a cue from her sister when it comes to breaking the rules, but she also connects with Julie Cooper more than Marissa did. When Julie clearly needs a friend, Kaitlin may be there for her. Someone who may soon need a mother figure is Taylor Townsend. Not exactly sure Veronica will be too proud of her daughter mysteriously not in Paris anymore. It is said that many who go to Paris never want to come home, so what the heck is a hopeless romantic like Taylor doing in Newport? I mean she looks hot, so I'm not complaining, but for someone who never stops talking, it is awfully hard to truly understand her intentions.
Song of the Hour
"Running Up that Hill," Placebo 
The O.C. Forecast
- Ryan becomes a hunter (looking for some gathering). Kaitlin also goes hunting (for more Harbor prey)
- Julie awaits a call (from the guy she wanted her daughter to never date)
- Kirsten tries to find new matches (at NewMatch)
- Sandy revels in his return (to the PD's office)
- Summer continues to care more about the environment (than "The Valley")
- Taylor readjusts to Newport (and starts calling them Freedom Fries, again)
- Seth works at the comic shop (but really works on Summer)
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