by Mike Metz

Why The Sleeping Beauty?
"It's a reference to the old Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. And one of our writers had insomnia for a while…and she's a beauty."
— John Stephens, Co-Executive Producer and Writer, "The Sleeping Beauty"

Maybe it was time for a Che-nge
Summer Roberts and Brown University no longer affiliate themselves with each other. After one of the more miraculous collegiate acceptances in the history of miraculous collegiate acceptances, Summer finds herself on the (cold, dreary New England) outside looking in (at the warm fireplaces I assume all Ivy League schools have in each classroom). Ms. Roberts definitely learned a few things about herself in Providence — she grew as a person. That is what most do in the four years of college; Summer appears to have done it in less than a month and a half. However, it seems her Ivy League education taught her very little, or, shall I say, her peers were not exactly good influences. Her roommate, Slutty McSlutterson, offers not one lick of solid advice the entire semester. And I don't even want to start ripping into Che. He rats her out for the good of the "revolution" or whatever. In the end, maybe her expulsion is for the better. Summer Roberts can now return to Newport…be with her boyfriend…and have time to watch "The Valley."

Battle Royale, Cooper Style
It appears both Mini and Big Coop have a thing for the same guy — the tennis instructor. While he may be way too old for Kaitlin, he is way too young for Julie. The thing with Julie Cooper is she appears to be attracted to polar opposites: either incredibly rich educated older men or younger GED-receiving athletes. Got to respect the diversity in her sex life. Kaitlin, on the other hand, appears to be attracted to almost any male not named Brad or Eric. As a whole, if you factor Marissa into the mix, all the female Coops seem to be attracted to a different scent of cologne. Is it really Julie's fault she hooks up with Spencer, the tennis instructor? Why is Kaitlin so mad? Kaitlin needs to realize she has a hot mom and these sorts of things are going to happen (especially after Dr. Roberts skips town for Seattle). Spencer is a "rebound guy," something Kaitlin will learn all about in college. At the end of the day, both Julie and Kaitlin need to analyze Spencer's job and how effective he is at it: neither Coop looked like they improved their backhand…

The Kiss Heard 'Round the World
As Mr. Stephens refers to in his quote about the significance of "The Sleeping Beauty" title, this episode is a modern-day reversal of the classic fairy tale. Instead of a kiss awakening, it puts to rest. Taylor's attempts throughout the episode to woo Ryan through her apparent sleep therapy expertise (does anyone else ever notice how she seems to be an "expert" in anything random that attractive young males mention, e.g. comics?) are a tad pathetic, yet somewhat endearing. Ryan may not be ready for a girlfriend, but someone needs to help him. Taylor seems to be volunteering for the position as if it is at a desolate soup kitchen. Ryan seems to enjoy his liplock with Taylor. Whether this is a sign of things to come or the first base equivalent of a one-night stand is still up in the air. However, I do know Ryan will be sleeping soundly for quite a while.

Song of the Hour
"Float On," Goldspot

The O.C. Forecast

• Kaitlin sweats a new tennis instructor (and he's in his early 60s)
• Taylor starts studying sewing (and makes a new gray hoodie for Ryan)
• Kirsten and Sandy remain uninvolved in their kids' lives (and play strip Scrabble)
• Julie volunteers at Planned Parenthood (and quits immediately)
• Summer tries to get back into Brown (and Che spreads a rumor she originally wanted to go to Dartmouth)
• Ryan deals with the whole Taylor thing (and does so by scraping enchilada off plates)
• Seth names himself manager of Centurion Comics (and realizes he was already the manager)
• Metz and the OC Orange Crush softball team finish the season 4-5-1 (and really wish they beat "King of the Hill" the first game of the season so they would have made the playoffs)