Current Obsessions: Welcome to The O.C.
Were you also Obsessed Completely?
Welcome to The O.C., Bitch
There’s nothing like the anniversary of a movie or TV show premiere to remind you of how fast time is slipping away. The one that’s really hit me hard this year is The O.C. turning 20. I can’t believe it’s been that long since Ryan and Marissa first shared that cigarette in the Cohen driveway. The O.C. was my teen drama, and those letters could’ve stood for “obsessed completely.” I had all the CDs, so many Penguin polos, and every season on DVD. I even brought in a picture of Ryan to a haircut once (as if his hair was anything extraordinary and not just a normal haircut…).
To mark this milestone, Rolling Stone’s chief TV critic Alan Sepinwall compiled an oral history—called, what else—Welcome to The O.C.: The Oral History. Interviews with creator Josh Schwartz and producer Stephanie Savage provide the core story, and the cast and crew fills in the rest of the tale of a supernova show that burned bright—and fast. Even with many rewatches, it was still shocking to read the book and realize just how much happened in that first great season. Granted it was a whopping 27 episodes, which is almost three season’s worth of material nowadays. Luckily it was enough to have you only remember those good times, and not the following three seasons of more questionable fare.
Sepinwall’s book takes you through every piece of what made that first season work so well to create such a brilliant teen soap that was just as much of a juggernaut on screen as off. Let’s not forget that without The O.C. we wouldn’t have Laguna Beach, The Hills, or The Real Housewives. And the book even makes the case that it laid the groundwork for the Marvel cinematic universe (a bit of a stretch that I would prefer my favorite show try not to take credit for). It was also fascinating to read about how fast it all became a gilded cage for both its stars and even the much lauded bands featured on the soundtrack.
My only complaint was that everyone keeps their conversations with Sepinwall pretty professional. Don’t come here for any juicy behind the scenes scuttlebutt, as most subjects tiptoe around the backstage drama and speak about anything remotely gossipy in the vaguest of terms. But despite that, it really provides a lovely portrait to commemorate that unique moment in time. And if you’re a fan of Ryan, Seth, Summer, Marissa (RIP), The Cohens, and Julie Cooper-Nichol-Cooper-Roberts-Bullit-Atwood, it’s a must read.
The Crown Ups the Anne-te
I would like to formally apologize to the creative team on The Crown. For all my gripes about the lacking wigs, they have made it up to me in the final set of episodes by featuring my favorite piece of royal regalia. No, it’s not the glittering (stolen) diamonds in their various tiaras, brooches, and necklaces. It’s Princess Anne’s sunglasses.
It was just a quick flash in the finale, but the sight of her signature shades was enough to make me squeal with delight. A sign that even if the latest season isn’t at the same high level as the earlier outings, the creative team’s attention to small (albeit, weird) details is alive and well. If you’re unfamiliar, the Princess Royal loves to complete her regal looks with the most sporty sunglasses ever. She can be wearing a royally appropriate outfit, and will still cap it off with a pair of shades that suggests she has to be at a track meet after her next ribbon cutting.
Parting Shot: Good Touch? Bad Touch?
I have spent way too much time this week thinking about this interview with Drew Barrymore and Oprah. I simply cannot decide if Oprah was into Drew displaying that her love language is physical touch, or if she was hating every moment of it.
Cheers!
