The O.C. season 4 explained

Season Number:4
Bgcolour:
  1. fcc247
Num Episodes:16
Network:Fox
Episode List:List of The O.C. episodes

The fourth and final season of The O.C., an American teen drama television series, aired in the United States from November 2, 2006, to February 22, 2007, and consisted of 16 episodes. The O.Cs final season aired Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET in the United States on Fox, a terrestrial television network.[1] Fox tested a new timeslot by airing the second episode on Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. ET against ABC's Lost and CBS's Criminal Minds. With Lost about to enter a three-month hiatus, Fox hoped that changing the timeslot for The O.C. would attract back viewers it had lost since the end of the previous season; however, the move was unsuccessful and the show returned to its Thursday timeslot.[2]

The season was released on DVD as a five-disc boxed set under the title The O.C.: The Complete Fourth Season on May 22, 2007, by Warner Bros. Home Video.[3] The season was also made available in the American versions of Zune and iTunes Store.[4] [5] Before the season premiered on television, it was available through on demand streaming. In the US, streaming was available from October 26, 2006, at 3:01 a.m. ET onwards, through Fox Interactive Media's MySpace and MyFoxLocal stations.[6]

In Canada, the fourth season was simulcast on the terrestrial CTV Television Network. Additionally, as a result of an agreement between Warner Bros. and CTV, the first episode was available to be streamed from October 30, 2006, at 12:00 p.m. ET onwards, through the CTV Broadband Network.[7] In the United Kingdom the season premiered on January 9, 2007, on E4,[8] and in Australia it was broadcast by Network Ten on November 7, 2006, at 8:30 p.m. (local time).[9]

Synopsis

Life after high school hasn't been great for the graduates of Harbor high. Ryan, Julie, and Summer have trouble adjusting to life without Marissa. Taylor ran into some trouble. Back in Newport for her Junior year, Kaitlin begins to act out. Sandy and Kirsten face another bombshell life puts in their lap or oven. Seth tries to find his calling. Ryan gets an unexpected visitor who helps Julie out of her grief.

Cast and characters

See also: List of The O.C. characters.

Regular

Recurring

Special Guest starring

Episodes

See also: List of The O.C. episodes.

Notes

- The second episode was shown first in Canada on Tuesday, November 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CTV. In the United States the episode aired the next day at 9:00 p.m. ET.[10]

Crew

The season was produced by Warner Bros. Television, College Hill Pictures and Wonderland Sound and Vision.[11] The executive producers were Bob DeLaurentis, creator Josh Schwartz and Wonderland co-founders McG and Stephanie Savage.[11] Ian Toynton and John Stephens served as co-executive producers.[12] The staff writers were Schwartz, Savage, Stephens, J.J. Philbin, Leila Gerstein and Mark Fish. The regular directors throughout the season were Toynton, Michael Lange, Norman Buckley and Patrick Norris.[13]

Cast

The fourth season had star billing for eight major roles. Rachel Bilson as Summer, Adam Brody as Seth, Melinda Clarke as Julie, Peter Gallagher as Sandy, Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan, and Kelly Rowan as Kirsten all returned to the main cast.[11] Former main cast member Mischa Barton did not return because her character, Marissa, died in the third season finale.[14] Autumn Reeser as recent high school graduate Taylor Townsend, and Willa Holland as Marissa's younger sister Kaitlin both joined the main cast, having previously held recurring roles. Other cast members returning in recurring roles include Cam Gigandet as Volchok,[15] Erin Foster as Heather, Michael Nouri as Summer's father Dr. Neil Roberts,[16] Paula Trickey as Taylor's mother Veronica, and Ashley Hartman who starred as Holly Fischer in the first season. Additionally former main cast member Tate Donovan returned as Jimmy Cooper in a non-canonical appearance.[17]

Actors who left the cast include Ryan Donowho (Johnny), Jeri Ryan (Charlotte), Shaun Duke (Henry Griffin), Kayla Ewell (Casey), and Nikki Reed (Sadie). New members who joined the cast include Kevin Sorbo as Ryan's father Frank;[18] Gary Grubbs as an oil merchant who calls himself The Bullit;[19] Brandon Quinn as Bullit's son Spencer; Chris Pratt as an environmental activist nicknamed Che;[20] and Wayne Dalglish and Corey Price as Luke Ward's younger twin brothers Brad and Eric.[21] New guest stars who joined in recurring roles include Tia Carrere as Dean Torres,[22] singer Chris Brown as lonely band geek Will Tutt,[20] Henri Lubatti as Taylor's ex-husband Henri-Michel de Momourant,[16] and Steve-O in a cameo role as an unnamed marine.[22]

Reception

While ratings were lower than those of the third season, the final season is generally regarded by fans and critics as an improvement on the third. Varietys Josef Adalian said that "[the show] is once again in great creative shape". He added that "the scripts are snappy, the plots make sense, the acting's solid, [and] the music is appropriately indie" but criticized Fox for "throwing away" the show by giving it the Thursday 9:00 p.m. timeslot.[23] The difficult timeslot Adalian was referring to was against two other very popular shows, CSI and Grey's Anatomy.[24] With a later start to the season in November the premiere attracted 3.4 million viewers,[25] which was a series low and marked a 55 percent decrease in the 18 - 49 demographic, from the third season premiere.[26] The first half of the season averaged 4.06 million viewers,[27] with the season as a whole averaging 4.6 million viewers.[28] This increase was mostly due to 6.7 million viewers, 76 percent more than the season average, tuning in to see the final ever installment of The O.C.[29]

Due to a combination of low ratings and the death of Marissa in season three, it was rumored that the show would not return for a fifth season.[30] In June 2006, Fox confirmed that "the current order for The O.C. is 16 episodes", but added that there was a chance to add more installments.[31] In September 2006, Rachel Bilson said that she felt "like the show is over",[32] and co-star Kelly Rowan stated that many of the cast realized the show was close to being cancelled. Rowan said that "when [the fourth season] was picked up for just 16 episodes this year the cast had a feeling the end was near".[33] On January 3, 2007, Fox announced that The O.C. was to be cancelled. In a statement, Schwartz said "This feels like the best time to bring the show to its close" adding that "what better time to go out than creatively on top".[34] A campaign was launched to save the show and over half a million people signed an official petition at www.fox.com/oc/savetheoc.[35] There were rumors that the show would be saved, and a move to The CW was mooted; however, The CW president Dawn Ostroff, whose company is partly owned by Warner Bros, confirmed in January 2007 that while the move was discussed, it was decided against.[36]

Schwartz said that the cancellation of the show "was really creatively liberating, not worrying about ratings."[37] Belinda Acosta of The Austin Chronicle agreed praising the show's "new energy" and its ability to successfully cover "the transition between high school and college that other series have stumbled over".[38] Entertainment Weeklys Ken Tucker commented that the fourth season was "a succession of terrific subplots" and praised new main cast member Taylor "as a fine, funny love interest for Ryan".[39] Greg Elwell of DVD Talk described Bullit as "the breakout character of the season" but commented that the seasons "dark opening (...) didn't do much to keep viewers around".[40] IGN's Eric Goldman was also critical saying that "as amusing as Che was, his inclusion into some later episodes gets a bit tired". Goldman also commented that "the second half of Season 4 wasn't quite as solid as the first [half]"; however, he added that while the fourth season had to prove itself again as an enjoyable watch "Josh Schwartz rose to this challenge (...) once again creating a show that was witty and self-aware".[41]

DVD release

The DVD release of season four was released by Warner Bros. in the US on 22 May 2007 after it had completed broadcast on television. As well as every episode from the season, the DVD release features bonus material including unaired scenes, featurettes, and audio commentary on the series finale.

The O.C. - The Complete Fourth Season
Set details[42] Special features
  • 16 episodes
  • 5-disc set
  • Running Time: (Region 1) 672 minutes; (Region 2) 645 minutes; (Region 4) 667 minutes
  • 1.78:1 aspect ratio
  • English (Dolby Surround 2.0)
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
  • Audio Commentary:
    • "The End's Not Near, It's Here"
  • Unaired scenes
  • Featurettes:
    • The Magic That Is Chrismukkah
    • Summer Roberts - Beauty Meets Brown
Release dates[43] [44]
May 22, 2007May 28, 2007July 4, 2007

References

General
Specific

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Fienberg . Daniel . November 2, 2006 . 'O.C.' Creator Promises a Liberating Season . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110522050427/http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-schwartzocseasonfour,0,4942024.story . May 22, 2011 . October 18, 2008 . Zap2it.com . Tribune Media Services.
  2. Web site: The O.C. Experiments with a New Night. Goldman. Eric. November 6, 2006. IGN. IGN Entertainment. November 1, 2008. February 16, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120216074254/http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/744/744405p1.html. dead.
  3. Web site: The O.C. - The Complete 4th Season. September 14, 2008. TVShowsOnDVD.com. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20080621154034/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/releases/OC-Complete-4th-Season/6525. June 21, 2008.
  4. Web site: The O.C. Season 4. October 4, 2010. Zune.
  5. Web site: The O.C., Season 4. https://archive.today/20120527013811/http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTVSeason?id=215410636&s=143441. dead. May 27, 2012. October 29, 2008. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.. Warner Bros.. note: Requires iTunes software. Fox. iTunes Store.
  6. Web site: FOX to debut "The O.C." on FOX Interactive Media's Myspace.com and Fox Television Station Group's MyFoxLocal sites for a full week prior to broadcast premiere. The Futon Critic. Fox

    Press release

    . October 24, 2006. October 19, 2008.
  7. Web site: CTV's The O.C. Breaks Broadband Barrier. October 30, 2006. CNW Telbec. CNW Group. Toronto. October 18, 2008.
  8. Web site: 'The O.C.' axed after four seasons. Neil. Wilkes. January 4, 2007. September 14, 2008. Digital Spy. Digital Spy Ltd..
  9. Web site: Marissa who? Life goes on in The OC. Craven. Peter. November 9, 2006. The Age. October 17, 2008.
  10. Web site: CTV schedules additional episode of The O.C., sets premiere date for Degrassi: The Next Generation. November 6, 2006. Channel Canada. October 18, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20081224044622/http://www.channelcanada.com/Article1626.html. December 24, 2008.
  11. Web site: SOAPnet - The O.C. IV (Production Credits). SOAPnet. Disney. July 27, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090113231521/http://www.soapnetmedianet.com/web/showpage/showpage.aspx?program_id=3112461&type=fact. January 13, 2009.
  12. Web site: The Sun sets on The O.C. when the series finale airs Thursday, February 22, on FOX. The Futon Critic. Fox

    Press release

    . January 3, 2007. October 14, 2008.
  13. Web site: The O.C. - Cast and Crew. Radio Times. BBC Magazines. November 2, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090116041133/http://www.radiotimes.com/shows/the-oc/cast-crew/. January 16, 2009.
  14. Web site: Mischa Barton's 'O.C.' character killed. Associated Press. May 19, 2006. USA Today. Los Angeles. October 27, 2008.
  15. Web site: Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The Cold Turkey". The O.C. Insider. Warner Bros.. October 27, 2008.
  16. Web site: Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The French Connection". The O.C. Insider. Warner Bros.. October 27, 2008.
  17. Web site: Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The Chrismukk-huh?". The O.C. Insider. Warner Bros.. October 27, 2008.
  18. Web site: Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The Case of the Franks". The O.C. Insider. Warner Bros.. October 27, 2008.
  19. Web site: Happily ever after. Starr. Michael. February 23, 2007. New York Post. October 27, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20081205054032/http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232007/tv/happily_ever_after_tv_michael_starr.htm. December 5, 2008.
  20. Web site: 'The O.C.' Sets Early Season Guests. November 4, 2006. Zap2it.com. Tribune Media Services. November 27, 2008.
  21. Web site: The O.C. returns Thursday, November 2, on FOX. The Futon Critic. Fox

    Press release

    . October 4, 2006. October 27, 2008.
  22. Web site: Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The Gringos". The O.C. Insider. Warner Bros.. October 27, 2008.
  23. Web site: Revived 'OC': Hot scripts, tough slot. Adalian. Josef. November 5, 2006. Variety. Reed Elsevier. October 17, 2008.
  24. Web site: What killed The O.C.?. Bawden. Jim. February 22, 2007. Toronto Star. October 17, 2008.
  25. Web site: 'The O.C.': "Help us!" Love, the Cohens. Barrett. Annie. November 6, 2006. Entertainment Weekly. October 17, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080920034530/http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2006/11/the_oc_moves_to.html. 2008-09-20. dead.
  26. Web site: DOA Return of Fox's The O.C. Berman. Marc. November 6, 2006. Mediaweek. October 18, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090918100457/http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003350488. September 18, 2009.
  27. Web site: The Programming Insider. https://archive.today/20120907121202/http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003534787. dead. September 7, 2012. Berman. Marc. January 4, 2007. Mediaweek. October 18, 2008.
  28. Web site: 2006-07 primetime wrap. 8. May 25, 2007. The Hollywood Reporter. AllBusiness.com. October 18, 2008. January 8, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090108070150/http://www.allbusiness.com/entertainment-arts/broadcasting-industry/6626343-1.html. dead.
  29. Web site: Arts, Briefly; Modest Finale for 'The OC' . Toff. Benjamin. February 24, 2007. The New York Times. October 18, 2008.
  30. Web site: A Safe Hand for Fox, Mix and Match for CW. Carter. Bill. May 19, 2006. The New York Times. October 18, 2008.
  31. Web site: A Less Sweet 16 for 'The O.C.'. June 28, 2006. Zap2it. Tribune Media Services. October 13, 2008.
  32. Web site: Ellis . Scott . November 6, 2006 . Life after death . October 17, 2008 . The Sydney Morning Herald.
  33. Web site: No 'O.C.' no problem for Rowan. McQueen. Ann-Marie. January 19, 2007. Ottawa Sun. Sun Media Corporation. October 13, 2008. usurped. https://archive.today/20120710042330/http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/O/OC/2007/01/19/3406633.html. July 10, 2012.
  34. Web site: Fox Puts 'The O.C.' Out To Pasture. de Moraes. Lisa. January 4, 2007. The Washington Post. October 13, 2008.
  35. Web site: Fox says farewell to "The O.C." . Flaherty . Courtney . January 25, 2007 . . College Publisher . October 14, 2008 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071028073507/http://media.www.theseahawk.org/media/storage/paper287/news/2007/01/25/Lifestyles/Fox-Says.Farewell.To.the.O.c-2670083.shtml . October 28, 2007 .
  36. Web site: Sorry, 'O.C.' Fans.... Stack. Tim. January 19, 2007. Entertainment Weekly. October 14, 2008.
  37. Web site: 'The O.C.' Wipes Out . Armstrong. Jennifer. January 12, 2007. Entertainment Weekly. October 18, 2008.
  38. Web site: TV Eye: 'Heroes' and Zeroes. Acosta. Belinda. December 22, 2006. The Austin Chronicle. Nick Barbaro. October 14, 2008.
  39. Web site: Diving Back Into 'The O.C.'. Tucker. Ken. May 18, 2007. Entertainment Weekly. October 18, 2008.
  40. Web site: The O.C. - The Complete Fourth Season. Elwell. Greg. May 22, 2007. DVD Talk. Internet Brands. October 28, 2008.
  41. Web site: The O.C.: Season 4 Review. Goldman. Eric. May 21, 2007. IGN. October 18, 2008.
  42. Web site: The O.C., The Complete Fourth Season. Warner Bros.. September 18, 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110728093204/http://www.wbshop.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-WB-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=1000004023. July 28, 2011.
  43. Web site: The OC - Complete Season 4 (UK). Amazon.co.uk. July 2, 2008.
  44. Web site: The OC - Season 4 (Aus). dvdorchard Pty Limited. July 3, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110706103945/http://www.dvdorchard.com.au/ProductS1TV.asp?CS=1&LN=603130&PND=145081&NoCache=7.345217E-02. July 6, 2011.