Why The Groundhog Day?
"The OC knows its way around a holiday, so why not Groundhog Day? Hence this episode and hence the title. At one point in the outlining stage, the episode paid half-assed homage to the film "Groundhog Day" — in each act we replayed the same day from a different character's point of view. That fell by the wayside, but we've still got what matters — Taylor in a groundhog costume. It doesn't get much cuter than that."
— Mark Fish (staff writer), Writer of The Groundhog Day

Forty-year old Non-Virgin
Taking the very-Kirsten birthday approach of crying if she wants to, it becomes clear something is not kosher in the Cohen homestead. Fortunately, she is not nursing a major hangover. Rather, it's a major hang-under (under the belly that is). A new COHEN! Yes, yes, yes…yes. It took four years but the world finally will be introduced to a new Seth. Since the old Seth has grown old and collegiate, the new Seth will be sophomoric and pre-schooled. Witty Asian cinema jabs will be replaced with campy "Bob the Builder" references. Snide water polo jests replaced with bratty dodgeball fallacies. An angst-ridden emo aficionado with "Can you Feel the Love Tonight" sing-alongs. You get the point. However, with the baby looming one must question whether or not Mama and Papa Cohen want to raise another child in Newport — maybe places like Chino, California develop more balanced children. Would Baby Cohen make a name for himself/herself in Newport? Or despise it like his/her big brother? If it is a boy, are 15 years too grand of an age difference for Kaitlin to be interested? Because that would make the whole O-Sizzle come full circle.

The Chuck of Newport
Che sweats Seth. Seth has no idea. Che convinces Seth to help him steal Newport Chuck. The winner and loser in this scenario are still debatable. Seth helps Che steal the mistreated groundhog. Che mistakenly locks the roof door, causing the two to sleep on the town center roof. They arise to a menacing security guard. Before he knows it, Seth ends up in the slammer because he tried to help Che steal a groundhog. A groundhog that Che only wanted to steal so he could spend valuable time with Seth. The winner and loser in this scenario are still debatable. In an ungentlemanly move, Che makes the first phone call — to Summer. The same Summer that happens to date Seth. The Brown revolution leader convinces Summer to steal Newport Chuck, which once again puts her in the line of fire for one of Che's causes. Summer ends up with Newport Chuck, but another girl, lets call her Hot Hippie Chick, finds herself in jail. Seth gets released from jail and scolded by his mother. Che remains in jail to spend time with Hot Hippie Chick. The two fall in love, adopt Newport Chuck and flee Newport. Seth finds out he is no longer going to be the spoiled baby boy. Once again, the winner and loser in this scenario are still debatable.

The Hottest Stalker. Ever.
Taylor seeks professional help in getting over Ryan, or at least getting over stalking Ryan. Her Rear Window-esque tactics in no way surprises anyone; just because she snagged a few friends and a boyfriend, doesn't mean she's a new woman. Let it not be forgotten she once purposely locked Summer out of the gymnasium, to ensure some up close Q & A with Seth (Che apparently took notes). Her antics, including the speaking through her therapist to Ryan while sitting next to him and stealing a groundhog suit to shadow him in the park, are awkward, if not compromising and befuddling. Fortunately, they are also endearing. Ryan needs a girl like that, even if she is a stalker. There is a very famous movie line, up there with anything from Casablanca or Taxi Driver, in which Van Wilder informs the lusty Tara Reid, "Are you stalking me? Because that would be super." I think Ryan would say the same thing. Just minus the whole sarcasm and humor part.

Song of the Episode
"Lazy Eye," Silversun Pickups

Quote of the Episode
"I mean, Mom, look at the ring. It's ridonkulous."
— Kaitlin to Julie, referring to the size of Bullit's engagement ring

The O.C. Forecast

• Kirsten rejoices I wrote about her (and realizes it may never happen again)
• Summer misses Newport Chuck (and truly did support Pancakes' plan to be the groundhog's "partner")
• Taylor goes to S.A. meetings (and without breathing proudly introduces herself: "My name is Taylor. And I have a stalking problem…Is that a cardigan? I almost bought the same one the other day at J. Crew. But I was like ‘does pink look good on me?' And then I decided it doesn't. But it looks dashing on you. So where was I?")
• Sandy really wants a boy
• Kaitlin misses Will (and considers joining the glee club to win him back)
• Julie considers Bullit's marriage proposal (and prays come wedding day he simply says "I Do," rather than "Bang")
• Ryan contemplates what it's like to hook up with a groundhog
• Seth wants a little sister so he won't be picked on
• Metz feels really good about letting Kirsten back into his column