The O.C. was just one of those shows that had it all. It was set in an impossibly stunning part of the world, starred an impossibly stunning cast, and featured a theme song that was impossible to sing, yet incredibly fun to try.
The show, which ran for four seasons, also managed to explore important themes such as substance abuse, white privilege, familial relationships and domestic violence. It also proved to be a springboard for fresh talent such as Olivia Wilde and Ben McKenzie who have since gone on to have long-standing careers.
Even though The O.C. was categorised as a teen drama, even slightly older audiences — such as myself — were able to enjoy the episodes because so many of the adult’s storylines were developed.
One of those adults was town schemer Julie Cooper — played by Melinda Clarke — who cycled through rich husbands and hated Ryan (McKenzie) and had a very unfortunate tryst with Luke (Chris Carmack) who was both a high school student and the guy her daughter lost her virginity to.
In fantastic news for noughties nostalgia, Clarke has teamed up with Rachel Bilson — who of course played Summer Roberts — to bring us an ‘O.C.’ rewatch podcast where they will share behind-the-scenes trivia, and interview special guests to shed light on the television phenomenon.
That’s right, dear friends, the next time you comfort watch the adventures of Ryan, Seth, Marissa and Summer, you can do so with some insider knowledge to help you appreciate it even more.
The podcast description reads: “Join the original OC bitches, friends and co-stars Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke, for a trip back to the early 2000s. Zip up your Juicy Couture tracksuits and grab a seat by the pool while they deliver the ultimate OC-rewatch podcast. Each week they’ll take you back to a particular episode, share behind-the-scenes scoop, and interview guests who were part of the OC experience.”
Personally, I am thrilled that it is Bilson and Clarke who will be taking us on this little trip down memory lane because their characters were the ones who had the most interesting arcs.
Think about it — when we first met Summer, she was always drunk in a bikini and said the word “ew” enough times to give Alexis Rose a run for her money. But over the course of the four seasons, we saw Summer fall in love (with a nerd!) and embrace her intelligence after always believing that she wasn’t very smart. Not only that but she became an environmental activist and managed to find a way for her love of reality television and tanning to co-exist with her desire to save the world.
Of course, credit must go to the show’s writers as well, but Bilson made what could have been a very one-dimensional character really well rounded, relatable and, most importantly, likeable — something Mischa Barton was never quite able to achieve with Marissa.
Meanwhile, Julie Cooper slowly transformed from a conniving, gold-digging trophy wife, to a grieving mother who realised that money didn’t equal happiness and that education was the key to providing the best future for her family. Not to mention the fact that she was hilarious along the way, providing the perfect foil to Kirsten Cohen (Kelly Rowan) who, let’s face it, was a bit of a wet blanket.
The podcast is set to debut on all podcast platforms on April 27 with Deadline reporting that Peter Eyebrows, I mean Gallagher, will be one of the featured guests. Series creator Josh Schwartz will also appear, as well as sociologists who will explain the show’s lasting impact
“I’m so excited to be doing this podcast with Mindy,” Bilson said. “I think everyone could use a little light and laughter after the year we have endured. Going back and watching all of these episodes has been so fun and I can’t wait to talk about it all, my own personal experiences as well as others involved with the show.
“From behind the camera, to the makeup trailer to the faces on screen, I hope you will all tune in and come with us back to The OC.”
As for the title of the eagerly anticipated podcast? What else? Welcome to the OC, Bitches!.
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