Why The French Connection?
"'The French Connection' is a logical name for the episode. First of all, it refers to that Gene Hackman movie from 1974 — which actually, has no tie whatsoever to this episode. But it seemed like a cool name, seeing as Taylor's 'French Connection' comes to Newport and may possibly upset her relationship with Ryan."
— J.J. Philbin (Producer), Writer of The French Connection

The Peaches. They are Ripening.
Apparently Taylor had a bit too much fun with her French husband. Such a sensuous rendezvous in fact, he wrote an erotic "novel" about it. A Season for Peaches, a New York Times best seller, has become a national phenomenon and is now invading Newport like it was the shore of Normandy. Instead of D-Day, we've got P-Day. Taylor reveals the book to Ryan. Ryan promises not to read it. Everyone in town, including his shrimp-taco adoring dad, talks about the provocative work of literature. It's inevitable that Ryan ends up reading it. Even page 47, a page in which Taylor says must be faux because there is no way she could be that limber … in "a Chunnel." The book immediately causes tension between Ryan and Taylor — which is completely understandable, given the fact that the entire town, county, state, country and world know as much about Taylor's sexuality as her boyfriend. This book stands as the complete opposite of Ryan's philosophy on relationships. He is a "don't ask, don' tell" sort of guy, not a read about my girlfriend indulging in a buttery, flavorful affair with a croissant sort of guy.

A Medical Injection of Rejection
Seth travels all the way up north to Seattle, the dreariest place on Earth (although in the episode, it looked surprisingly sunny as if it were a suburb of Orange County). He knows Dr. Roberts will reject his proposal to Summer. When describing her to the Doc, he calls her "cool" and "easy on the eyes." Although these lines may help one pick up a sixth grader with a fake ID at a bar, they do not, however, impress Summer's dad. As expected, he says no freaking way. Falling for the doctor's Jedi mind tricks, Seth opens up and describes his deep love and admiration for Summer. Still rejected, Seth returns to Newport to convince Summer marriage really is the best thing for them. Summer disagrees and suggests a later date in their lives for such an occurrence. By Summer saying "no," Seth ends up with what he really wanted the whole time — the smoke-out championship. Unfortunately, after his talk with Dr. Roberts, his motives have changed. Seth Cohen loses. Key the angst-ridden emo music …

The Will of Fortune
Will Tutt stands as an incredibly adroit role model for Kaitlin. He teaches her how to do an oral report and now, ensures a top mark on her history exam. Kaitlin likes him, too. She asks him out, or at least sort of asks him out, and they watch her favorite show, "Cops," eat pizza and plan to watch a movie. When he stomps out after her offer to toke up, she learns a valuable lesson — I like this dude. With her morals suddenly intact, she admits her love for Will in front of the entire homeless clothing drive. The event gets so hot and heavy, Will must request they save some for later. "I can't believe this winter clothing drive is salting my game," Kaitlin says. Look at that, Will must have even taught Kaitlin about Periodic Table element "Na," sodium chloride. In the end, the only real losers are the Ward twins. Honestly, what the heck are they doing with their time these days? They lack their leader, and must be clueless on the wonders of underage drinking, smoking and total recklessness. Maybe Will could tutor them for their ethics class.

Dude, I know that guy from somewhere …
Many of you may recognize the French P.A. escorting Ryan behind stage of Je Pense. Rumor has it he writes a column every week for the OC Insider website. Rumor also has it this was his first acting gig in his entire life. Rumor continues to have it that he had never been more nervous. Rumor does not stop having it he really hopes you enjoy his eight seconds of fame.

Song of the Episode
"The West Coast," Jason Schwartzman

Quote of the Episode
"That's amazing. I'll weave you something ASAP."
— Che to Summer, upon hearing of her engagement

The O.C. Forecast

• Ryan decides to write a book after all (entitled "Chino Boy Who Doesn't Like to Wear Chinos")
• Summer makes Pancakes her ringbearer (and best boy)
• Kaitlin steals jackets from the winter clothing drive (for no apparent reason)
• Kirsten wishes I wrote about her in my column
• Sandy realizes he knows more about Ryan's girlfriend's sexuality (than his own wife's)
• Taylor returns to France (and we all anxiously await "A Season for Peaches 2: Who You Calling a Peach?")
• Julie tells Kaitlin she must stop dating Will (because he may be too smart for the family)
• Seth proposes a "Meet the Barkers" idea to Summer
• Metz wants his French P.A. character to become a recurring role