TV Gal Dives Right in with 'The O.C.'

By Amy Amatangelo

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Ever since "Beverly Hills, 90210" went off the air (three years, 11 weeks, 1 day, 22 hours, 59 minutes, and 42 seconds ago but who's counting?), television has been missing a deliciously guilty, campy pleasure.

Until now. "The O.C.," which premieres Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on FOX, is a glorious return to the network FOX always was until The WB stole a page from its playbook. I haven't been this excited about a new series since Sydney Bristow became a double agent. This is can't miss, set your VCR, program your TiVo, don't-leave-your-house-just-in-case-they-both-fail television.

In Tuesday's premiere, Ryan (young Russell Crowe lookalike Benjamin McKenzie), the quintessential boy from the wrong side of the tracks, meets up with wealthy do-gooder lawyer Sandy (Peter Gallagher) and moves in with his family. Ryan befriends Sandy's shy son Seth (Adam Brody) and gazes longingly at the girl next door, Marissa (Mischa Barton), who is already attached to her sports stud boyfriend Luke (Chris Carmack).
Who cares if it's something we've seen before if we are loving seeing it again? Television cliches work if you care about the characters and are invested in the drama. And I'm so invested I would buy stock in "The O.C." (from my broker Pacey Witter, of course) if I could. I'm utterly smitten with Adam Brody. (Everyone remain calm. Adam Brody is 23 and thanks to Cameron and Demi I feel completely Justi-fied in my love for younger men.) Sure, we all loved Brody as Lane's boyfriend Dave on "Gilmore Girls," but you are going to really love him in this. Brody is charmingly awkward and hysterical. Even his wardrobe is a hoot. McKenzie is an expert at those soulful, piercing glances and is able to pull off cheesy lines like "We're from different worlds."

The series also smartly gives the adults storylines that are almost as interesting as their offspring's angsty plots. (Poor Jim and Cindy Walsh were never so lucky.) Marissa's father Jimmy (Tate Donovan) is in financial trouble, and his snooty wife Julie (Melinda Clark, Lady Heather last season on "CSI") is in denial. Jimmy also used to date and perhaps still has a thing for Sandy's wife Kirsten (Kelly Rowan).

One thing that concerns me is that the third episode isn't as strong as the first two. But that's okay. The Peach Pit wasn't built in a day. I'm prepared to give "The O.C." time to work out its kinks. Let's hope the fickle network, which cancelled both "Firefly" and "Fastlane" last season, is prepared to do the same.

Because I want "The O.C." to become a colossal hit. I want the names Adam Brody, Benjamin McKenzie, and Mischa Barton to become household names. I want mall appearances and fashion crazes. I want very special guest stars. And that, my dear readers, is where you come in. Consider it your first assignment of the Fall 2003 season. You must watch this show. If you miss the premiere, FOX is repeating the episode Thursday at 9 p.m. and Monday at 8 p.m.

After you watch the show, let me know what you think? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com or post your thoughts to the TV Gal Message Board.

Last Updated Sat, Aug 30, 2003