Soapy `O.C.' is hiding a tender center

By AARON BARNHART

Soapy `O.C.' is hiding a tender center

Believe it or not, the fall network television season begins tonight, though the premiere of Fox's "The O.C." is better thought of as a prologue. (No other new shows will have their premieres until Sept. 11.)

Still, this is a promising start. Sexy and soapy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, "The O.C." (8 tonight, Channel 4) has something rarely seen on a "90210" offspring -- namely, people we actually care about.

It's the story of Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie), a juvenile delinquent who hits the jackpot when his public defender, Sandy (Peter Gallagher), turns out to be an idealistic lawyer married to money. Sandy takes pity on Ryan and brings him home to stay the weekend in oceanfront splendor at his Orange County house.

Sandy's wife, Kirsten (Kelly Rowan), is dismayed, but two other people are glad to meet Ryan: their nerdy son, Seth (Adam Brody), and the gorgeous girl-next-door, Marissa (Mischa Barton), who looks like she would fall immediately for the new guy if she had a clue how to extricate herself from her obnoxious bruiser of a boyfriend.

There are more ways for a show like "The O.C." to fail than not. It's the polar opposite of reality TV; most of the "teens" look at least 20 years old, and soap-opera cliches abound (the second episode turns on an eavesdropped conversation).

Some viewers may think that any program that promotes itself with commercials of girls partying in skimpy swimsuits should not be judged by its dialogue and acting.

But those are its best qualities and why, for all its flaws, "The O.C." is an engaging show. It's almost as if the producers are trying to sneak a family drama onto the Fox schedule in the guise of a escapist teenfest.

Though we see the two boys, Seth and Ryan, form an endearing odd-couple friendship, the core relationship is between Sandy and Ryan. Thanks to Gallagher's natural performance, we really believe Sandy can see himself as the dad Ryan never had.

McKenzie, as Ryan, has a somewhat thankless job -- he broods a lot and says little. As if the comparison isn't obvious enough, he also struts around in a James Dean leather jacket. But he's good-looking and likable, and his character can only grow as the show progresses.

Of course, it's probably just a matter of time before everyone jumps in bed with everyone else and "The O.C." goes the way of all flesh. But enjoy it for now.

Reach Aaron Barnhart at TVBarn.com or (816) 234-4790 .

Last Updated Sat, Aug 30, 2003