By this August, it's weird to think that it would be 17 years since the pilot episode of The O.C. aired. When fans first tuned in, no one expected they would be taken on an emotional journey the way they did. There was humor, tragedy, some great character developments, and a lot of iconic guest stars.
However, since it might have been a while since anyone has binged the show, it might be best to refresh the memory. Especially when it comes to the first season as there were some weird but memorable storylines.
Summer’s Crush On Ryan
Over the four years, fans had seen some great love stories. They had the pleasure of watching Seth & Summer's romance blossom, Kirsten & Sandy's relationship go from strength to strength, even Taylor & Ryan had an oddly satisfying relationship. However, does anybody remember how Summer had a crush on Ryan?
When Ryan first arrived, he caught the eye of many Harbor students - including Marissa and Summer. Summer even tried to hook-up with Ryan at Holly's party. Yet, she soon changed her mind once she found out he was from Chino. Who knows what would have happened if the writers decided to pair these up instead?
Ryan’s Fling With Caleb’s Wife
From the very beginning, it was clear that Ryan would be Newport's newest heartbreaker. However, fans couldn't help but cringe at some of the people the writers decided to pair him up with. An example of this being when they decided to have Ryan hook-up with Caleb's girlfriend.
Considering Ryan had been interested in Marissa, he ended up driving her into the arms of Luke once she walked in on the two of them kissing in his room. No one really thought about it since they were engrossed in the Ryan-Marissa drama, but it is creepy that a 24-year-old woman would be interested in a 16-year-old boy...
Paul Wesley's Guest Appearance
Before he played vampiric heartthrob Stefan Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries, Paul Wesley bagged himself a role on the show as Donnie. Donnie was first seen in "The Outsider," working as a busboy in the Crab Snack, alongside Ryan. He seemed to be a genuine guy until Ryan witnessed his shady ways.
Not only did he dabble in drugs and alcohol but Donnie also seemed to be a bit of a hothead as he ended up shooting Luke because he was making fun of him. After fleeing from the scene, Donnie was never seen again since...
Seth Accidentally Hires Prostitutes
Everyone knows Seth got himself in some sticky situations but one of the worst things he ever did was accidentally hire prostitutes. After Seth and Summer mini-break, the comic book nerd decided to head to Las Vegas for his grandfather's bachelor party. Here, he hits it off with an English major, who leaves a good impression when she randomly kisses Seth.
However, Seth's joy soon deteriorates when Jenn's pimp turns up and reveals she was a prostitute. To make matters worse, Summer had arrived to hear that he had wracked up a massive debt. It wasn't his best moment.
Summer The Candy Striper
One of the more forgotten storylines was the revelation that Summer was a candy striper. Remember the episode where Marissa had an accidental overdose and Julie was going to send her to rehab? Where Ryan, Summer, and Seth came up with a plan to smuggle her out of the hospital?
In that episode, it had been revealed that Summer volunteered at the hospital in her spare time. However, this was the only time fans ever saw her help out. She must have either been fired or quit sometime after...
Oliver’s Obsession With Marissa
Does anyone else remember the Trask fiasco? This was a storyline that began in season 1, where Ryan and Marissa unknowingly found themselves involved in a love triangle when Oliver Trask. Oliver was a student who Marissa met whilst she was attending therapy.
On the surface, Oliver seemed to be a kind and friendly guy. However, it was soon discovered that Oliver was secretly obsessed with Marissa and was determined to drive a wedge between her and Ryan. This storyline came to a height when Oliver decided he would hold Marissa hostage. After he is apprehended by the police, Oliver isn't seen again.
Luke & Julie Fling
One storyline that completely caught everyone off guard was the romance between Luke and Julie. Considering he was her daughter's ex-boyfriend and she had been dating a top socialite, Julie had no qualms in crossing that moral boundary when she began a passionate love affair with Luke.
This continued for a couple of weeks until Seth and Ryan stumbled upon them having a rendezvous at a hotel. It eventually ended badly when Julie dumped him and Luke drunkenly crashed his car trying to see her.
Sandy & Kirsten Swingers Party
While Sandy and Kirsten were as solid as ever by the end of the show, they were shown to have a couple of marital disputes in the beginning. With Jimmy's residual feelings for Kirsten, Sandy's colleague, and Caleb's presence, Sandy and Kirsten's relationship became strained. However, they decide to try and inject some magic back into their relationship by attending a 'swingers' party.
Although it wasn't their scene, Sandy and Kirsten refused to back down and decided to play chicken. However, it is revealed that Sandy was the first to give in as he had pocketed his watch instead of putting it in the bowl. It's quite a sweet scene.
Paris Hilton's Guest Appearance
Some fans may not remember this celebrity cameo but Paris Hilton also appeared on the show. Only appearing in the episode "The L.A.," Paris played Kate, a UCLA grad student, who has an interest in Literature. She was seen to hit it off with Seth after the two bonded over a mutual love of post-modern satire.
Kate was also seen to get on the wrong side of Summer when she stole her catchphrase and placed her number in Seth's phone. Unfortunately, the writers decided they wouldn't take it further so Paris's cameo could be classed as one of those blink-and-you-missed-it appearances.
Kirsten Didn't Want Ryan
Considering what a strong family unit the Cohen-Atwoods were by the end of the show, it was strange to consider that Kirsten didn't want to have Ryan in the house. Particularly because she believed he would end up being a bad influence on Seth - which couldn't have been further from the truth.
The only reason Kirsten allowed him to stay was because his mother and her boyfriend decided to move without telling him. She continued to have reservations until she saw how Ryan was quick to take on the older brother role...