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The Debut (The O.C. episode)
Encyclopedia
"The Debut" is the 4th episode of the FOX
television series, The O.C.
. The episode was written by Josh Schwartz
and Allan Heinberg
and was directed by Daniel Attias. It originally aired on August 26, 2003.
This is the first appearance of Anna Stern
, portrayed by Samaire Armstrong
.
When Seth, Ryan and Kirsten arrive at the ballroom for cotillion fitting, they arrive in the Range Rover. However in the direct next scene, Sandy is seen arriving back home from surfing in the Range Rover. The other three are still at the Cotillion fitting.
and Kirsten
ask Ryan
if he wants them to be his guardian. Ryan is delighted and agrees, but has to avoid getting into trouble, as he is in a probation period and Child Services is watching him.
At the pool house, Kirsten, Ryan and Seth
discuss what they need to buy for Ryan's permanent stay, which reminds Kirsten to buy a tuxedo, for Newport's annual cotillion
. Ryan has to go because it is family tradition and Ryan is now part of family. Marissa
, along with her boyfriend Luke
and her best friend Summer
, meet Ryan at the fitting area, who announces the news that he is staying in Newport. Summer asks Marissa, the lead debutante, to set her up with Ryan. Marissa denies that she is interested in Ryan.
Meanwhile, Jimmy
thanks Sandy for the loan, but seems to be hiding something. Sandy finds out just what this is when an officer from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Enforcement Division informs him that Jimmy has been stealing money from his clients in order to cover his personal debts. Sandy breaks the news to Kirsten, who asks Sandy not to make it public until she asks Jimmy if it is true.
Ryan decides not to go to the cotillion because he does not want to cause trouble. But he changes his mind after helping Marissa fasten her dress.
At the Cooper house, Kirsten talks with Jimmy about the warrant. Jimmy tries to defend himself, but Kirsten tells him that he committed a crime. Just then, Julie walks in and asks Jimmy which card should be used for a pair of new shoes and Marissa's tennis lesson. Jimmy reluctantly makes a recommendation, showing Kirsten that he cannot say no to his family. Kirsten tells Jimmy that he needs help, but Jimmy wonders if there is someone out there willing to.
Ryan and Seth go to rehearsal for cotillion, where Ryan is taken aback to discover that he must dance at the function. Instead of Summer, Ryan is set up with Anna Stern
, who is also a newcomer. Summer has to pair up with Seth.
Ryan and Anna do not know how to waltz
, and Marissa demonstrates how to dance with Ryan for Anna. There is obvious chemistry between Marissa and Ryan that a jealous Luke and even outsider Anna can sense. After rehearsal, Ryan rejects Marissa's invitation to a party, but gives in to Marissa's prodding. Seth accompanies Ryan to the party, hoping to lock up Summer for cotillion. However, at the party, Luke punches Ryan in the gut for talking to Marissa.
Jimmy's problems start to grow as client Greg Fischer, Holly's father, begins asking him for money out of his account. Meanwhile, Sandy rejects Kirsten's suggestion that he represent Jimmy, deriding Jimmy as a spoiled brat.
Both Marissa and Ryan decide not to go to cotillion because of the tension between Ryan and Luke. Sandy decides likewise, despising a society that sees Jimmy as a golden boy. However, after Marissa discovers that Ryan is not attending cotillion, they both decide to go together. Seeing this, Sandy changes his mind about going as well.
Meanwhile, at cotillion, Seth tells Anna that Ryan is not coming. They chat and find out they have a lot in common. Summer blows Seth off for Luke, which upsets Seth. Anna comforts him and asks him to be her escort. Later, Ryan and Marissa arrive together. A furious Luke sees them, breaks up with Marissa, and leaves. Ryan asks if he can be Marissa's "white knight," and she agrees, much to the chagrin of her mother, Julie
.
Cotillion finally begins. Everything is going right, until Greg confronts Jimmy and discovers Jimmy does not have his money. An infuriated Greg punches Jimmy in the jaw and beats him on the ground, to the shock of everyone in attendance. Sandy tries to pull Greg off Jimmy, but gets a punch in the jaw for his efforts. Ryan finally gets involved and subdues Greg. As other attendees pull Greg away from the scene, he shouts to one and all that Jimmy is a thief.
In the aftermath of the brawl, Seth and Anna build up their friendship when Seth discovers that Anna is going to sail to Tahiti
, Seth's lifelong dream. Marissa is very upset by the fact that Jimmy was beaten up. Luke goes back to mollify Marissa, but she needs some time alone.
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
television series, The O.C.
The O.C.
The O.C. is an American teen drama television series that originally aired on the Fox television network in the United States from August 5, 2003, to February 21, 2007, running a total of four seasons...
. The episode was written by Josh Schwartz
Josh Schwartz
-Film school at USC:In 1995, Schwartz realized his boyhood dream of attending film school to study screen and television writing at the University of Southern California...
and Allan Heinberg
Allan Heinberg
Allan Heinberg is an American film screenwriter, who wrote Young Avengers for Marvel Comics, and has been a writer and producer on The Naked Truth, Party of Five, Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls, The O.C., and Grey's Anatomy.Heinberg's Young Avengers was a sales success for Marvel, though faced...
and was directed by Daniel Attias. It originally aired on August 26, 2003.
This is the first appearance of Anna Stern
Anna Stern
Anna Stern is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Samaire Armstrong. Initially intended to appear in only one episode, she was brought back at fan request for several episodes of the first season...
, portrayed by Samaire Armstrong
Samaire Armstrong
Samaire Rhys Armstrong is an American actress, fashion designer and model. She is best known for her roles in Stay Alive, The O.C. and It's a Boy Girl Thing. Her best known role to date is portraying the role of Juliet Darling in the ABC television series Dirty Sexy Money...
.
When Seth, Ryan and Kirsten arrive at the ballroom for cotillion fitting, they arrive in the Range Rover. However in the direct next scene, Sandy is seen arriving back home from surfing in the Range Rover. The other three are still at the Cotillion fitting.
Guest starring
| Actor / actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Melinda Clarke Melinda Clarke Melinda Patrice Clarke is an American actress who has primarily worked in television. Clarke is best known for playing Faith Taylor on the daytime drama Days of our Lives, the manipulative and cunning Julie Cooper-Nichol on The O.C., and the professional dominatrix Lady Heather on CSI... |
Julie Cooper Julie Cooper Julie Cooper is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Melinda Clarke.-Background:... |
| Rachel Bilson Rachel Bilson Rachel Sarah Bilson is an American actress. Bilson grew up in a California show business family, and made her television debut in 2003, subsequently becoming well known for playing Summer Roberts on the prime time drama series The O.C. Bilson made her film debut in the 2006 film The Last Kiss and... |
Summer Roberts Summer Roberts Summer Roberts is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Rachel Bilson.-Background:Summer Roberts grew up in Newport Beach, California, with her wealthy father, Dr. Neil Roberts... |
| Ashley Hartman Ashley Hartman Ashley Christina Hartman is an American actress and fashion model.-Early life:Hartman was born to Michele Knutsen and Kip Hartman in Orange County, California. When she was four years of age, her parents divorced and Hartman lived with Knutsen and her two sisters... |
Holly Fischer Holly Fischer Holly Fischer is a fictional character from the first and fourth season of the FOX series The O.C., played by Ashley Hartman.-Season One:Holly is introduced at the outset of the series as one of the best friends of Summer Roberts and Marissa Cooper.... |
| Samaire Armstrong Samaire Armstrong Samaire Rhys Armstrong is an American actress, fashion designer and model. She is best known for her roles in Stay Alive, The O.C. and It's a Boy Girl Thing. Her best known role to date is portraying the role of Juliet Darling in the ABC television series Dirty Sexy Money... |
Anna Stern Anna Stern Anna Stern is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Samaire Armstrong. Initially intended to appear in only one episode, she was brought back at fan request for several episodes of the first season... |
| Shailene Woodley Shailene Woodley Shailene Diann Woodley is an American actress. Woodley is known for portraying Amy Juergens in the ABC Family series, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and for co-starring with George Clooney in the 2011 drama film The Descendants.-Early life:Woodley was born in Simi Valley, California... |
Kaitlin Cooper Kaitlin Cooper Kaitlin Cooper is a fictional character on the Fox television series The O.C., played by Willa Holland. She was originally played by Shailene Woodley.-Season 1:... |
| Christopher Cousins | Greg Fischer |
| Ruth Williamson | Peggy |
Plot
At the Cohens', SandySandy Cohen
Sanford "Sandy" Cohen is a fictional character on the FOX series The O.C., portrayed by Peter Gallagher.Sandy, a lawyer, raconteur, and son of Sophie Cohen, is married to Kirsten Cohen. Their eldest child, Seth, is something of a social misfit. Sandy's father left his mother when he was young and...
and Kirsten
Kirsten Cohen
Kirsten Cohen is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Kelly Rowan. Kirsten is the wife of Sandy Cohen, mother to Seth Cohen, and the adoptive mother of Ryan Atwood...
ask Ryan
Ryan Atwood
Ryan Francis Atwood is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Benjamin McKenzie. A troubled teenager from Chino, California, he is considered the protagonist of the show, beginning as an outcast and is brought to a lifestyle of luxury by the Cohen family and is...
if he wants them to be his guardian. Ryan is delighted and agrees, but has to avoid getting into trouble, as he is in a probation period and Child Services is watching him.
At the pool house, Kirsten, Ryan and Seth
Seth Cohen
Seth Ezekiel Cohen is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Adam Brody. Seth was one of the "core four" characters on The O.C. alongside Ryan Atwood, Marissa Cooper, and Summer Roberts.-Background:...
discuss what they need to buy for Ryan's permanent stay, which reminds Kirsten to buy a tuxedo, for Newport's annual cotillion
Cotillion
In American usage, a cotillion is a formal ball and social gathering, often the venue for presenting débutantes during the débutante season – usually May through December. Cotillions are also used as classes to teach social etiquette, respect and common morals for the younger ages with the...
. Ryan has to go because it is family tradition and Ryan is now part of family. Marissa
Marissa Cooper
Marissa Cooper is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Mischa Barton. Marissa was among the original "core four" characters on The O.C. until her death in the season three finale, "The Graduates."...
, along with her boyfriend Luke
Luke Ward
Luke Ward is a fictional character in the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Chris Carmack. At the beginning of the series, Luke was in a long-term relationship with Marissa Cooper. However, it was later revealed that Luke was cheating on Marissa with Holly Fischer. After seeing the two...
and her best friend Summer
Summer Roberts
Summer Roberts is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Rachel Bilson.-Background:Summer Roberts grew up in Newport Beach, California, with her wealthy father, Dr. Neil Roberts...
, meet Ryan at the fitting area, who announces the news that he is staying in Newport. Summer asks Marissa, the lead debutante, to set her up with Ryan. Marissa denies that she is interested in Ryan.
Meanwhile, Jimmy
Jimmy Cooper (The O.C.)
James "Jimmy" Cooper is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Tate Donovan. He is often described as extremely unreliable, immature and cowardly, due to his actions....
thanks Sandy for the loan, but seems to be hiding something. Sandy finds out just what this is when an officer from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Enforcement Division informs him that Jimmy has been stealing money from his clients in order to cover his personal debts. Sandy breaks the news to Kirsten, who asks Sandy not to make it public until she asks Jimmy if it is true.
Ryan decides not to go to the cotillion because he does not want to cause trouble. But he changes his mind after helping Marissa fasten her dress.
At the Cooper house, Kirsten talks with Jimmy about the warrant. Jimmy tries to defend himself, but Kirsten tells him that he committed a crime. Just then, Julie walks in and asks Jimmy which card should be used for a pair of new shoes and Marissa's tennis lesson. Jimmy reluctantly makes a recommendation, showing Kirsten that he cannot say no to his family. Kirsten tells Jimmy that he needs help, but Jimmy wonders if there is someone out there willing to.
Ryan and Seth go to rehearsal for cotillion, where Ryan is taken aback to discover that he must dance at the function. Instead of Summer, Ryan is set up with Anna Stern
Anna Stern
Anna Stern is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Samaire Armstrong. Initially intended to appear in only one episode, she was brought back at fan request for several episodes of the first season...
, who is also a newcomer. Summer has to pair up with Seth.
Ryan and Anna do not know how to waltz
Waltz
The waltz is a ballroom and folk dance in time, performed primarily in closed position.- History :There are several references to a sliding or gliding dance,- a waltz, from the 16th century including the representations of the printer H.S. Beheim...
, and Marissa demonstrates how to dance with Ryan for Anna. There is obvious chemistry between Marissa and Ryan that a jealous Luke and even outsider Anna can sense. After rehearsal, Ryan rejects Marissa's invitation to a party, but gives in to Marissa's prodding. Seth accompanies Ryan to the party, hoping to lock up Summer for cotillion. However, at the party, Luke punches Ryan in the gut for talking to Marissa.
Jimmy's problems start to grow as client Greg Fischer, Holly's father, begins asking him for money out of his account. Meanwhile, Sandy rejects Kirsten's suggestion that he represent Jimmy, deriding Jimmy as a spoiled brat.
Both Marissa and Ryan decide not to go to cotillion because of the tension between Ryan and Luke. Sandy decides likewise, despising a society that sees Jimmy as a golden boy. However, after Marissa discovers that Ryan is not attending cotillion, they both decide to go together. Seeing this, Sandy changes his mind about going as well.
Meanwhile, at cotillion, Seth tells Anna that Ryan is not coming. They chat and find out they have a lot in common. Summer blows Seth off for Luke, which upsets Seth. Anna comforts him and asks him to be her escort. Later, Ryan and Marissa arrive together. A furious Luke sees them, breaks up with Marissa, and leaves. Ryan asks if he can be Marissa's "white knight," and she agrees, much to the chagrin of her mother, Julie
Julie Cooper
Julie Cooper is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Melinda Clarke.-Background:...
.
Cotillion finally begins. Everything is going right, until Greg confronts Jimmy and discovers Jimmy does not have his money. An infuriated Greg punches Jimmy in the jaw and beats him on the ground, to the shock of everyone in attendance. Sandy tries to pull Greg off Jimmy, but gets a punch in the jaw for his efforts. Ryan finally gets involved and subdues Greg. As other attendees pull Greg away from the scene, he shouts to one and all that Jimmy is a thief.
In the aftermath of the brawl, Seth and Anna build up their friendship when Seth discovers that Anna is going to sail to Tahiti
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia, located in the archipelago of the Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is the economic, cultural and political centre of French Polynesia. The island was formed from volcanic activity and is high and mountainous...
, Seth's lifelong dream. Marissa is very upset by the fact that Jimmy was beaten up. Luke goes back to mollify Marissa, but she needs some time alone.
Music
- "Why Can't I" by Liz PhairLiz PhairPhair's entry into the music industry began when she met guitarist Chris Brokaw, a member of the band Come. Brokaw and Phair moved to San Francisco together, and Phair tried to become an artist there...
- "Lazy Days" by Leona NaessLeona NaessLeona Kristina Naess is a British singer-songwriter of Swedish-Norwegian parentage. She released her debut album, Comatised, in March 2000, which produced the single "Charm Attack" .-Early life:...
- "Play Some D" by BrassyBrassy (band)Brassy were an English rock/hip hop band active between 1994 and 2003 featuring American singer Muffin Spencer, younger sister of Jon Spencer , as lead vocalist.-History:...
- "To Sheila" by The Smashing PumpkinsThe Smashing PumpkinsThe Smashing Pumpkins are an American alternative rock band that formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1988. Formed by Billy Corgan frontman and James Iha , the band has included Jimmy Chamberlin , D'arcy Wretzky , and currently includes Jeff Schroeder Mike Byrne , and Nicole Fiorentino The Smashing...
Trivia
- Mischa Barton is wearing Converse sneakers with her cotillion dress as can be seen when she runs up the stairs at the end of the episode
- Marissa hands Ryan back his suit jacket and tells Luke that she wants to be alone, a symbol that she still isn't really ready to pick between the two at present.
External links
- Recap from Official Website
- Recap from Television Without Pity