By rapturesassassin
on 31st Aug 2005
rapturesassassin's Ratings| Starring (Main Performers) | Created by Josh Schwartz |
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| Overall value | 9/10  |
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 rapturesassassin's recommendation |
Good Points
This incredible series shows the audience, that throughout their very fortunate lives, the wealthy have many problems to deal with too. There is trouble, as well as fun, in the lush society of the infamous Orange County, in California. It portrays the turbulent lives of both the young and older generation, whilst setting it in this exotic region of the United States. The fact that it has a sensational cast, and an array of jaw dropping incidents within every episode, makes this series exceedingly addictive to the on-looking audience.
We get to see a clear development of the character's personality and their relationships toward each other, as the programme progresses, allowing us to relate to the roles the actors play, and get to know what they're like. Some characters are also seen as very suitable role models to the youthful on-lookers of the show. These consist of Sandy and Kirsten Cohen, Ryan Atwood and Summer Roberts. The central character Ryan, who has come from an aggressive environment in the notorious 'ghetto' areas of America, plays a good exemplar to the younger members of the audience. This is because although he has come from a place of bad influences, his thirst for knowledge, and his consistent care for the welfare of others makes young people feel that they have a chance in the world after all. He started with nothing, but because of his determined attitude, it has resulted in him living this life of luxury. Having exceptionally good friends, and a very good academic reputation at school.
Bad Points
Some areas of the show may seem quite tawdry and a little overdone, due to the various events in each instalment. This is partially due to the characters. For example, Ryan Atwood's character is seen at first by the audience as a defensive, tough and independent person, who is not afraid of anybody or anything, and willing to protect those close to him; even if it means risking his life. Although as each episode passes, this persona begins to feel cheesy, and quite boring to the audience.
The incessant drinking, smoking and drug taking seen in a number of scenes at student parties, can be seen as an influence to the young audience watching. Marissa's binge drinking, and Ryan's smoking, are just two of these influences we see. However, this is substantially prevented due to the character of Seth Cohen, whose interests are that of a sensible nature. These consist of his comic book reading, sailing, and his motivation for education.
General Comments
The O.C. is a hit Television series which charts the lives of families living in America's famed wealthy location, Orange County. It shows the audience a different perspective of the so-called 'American Dream', and instead of portraying what everyone classes as a life full of happiness, perfect sunsets and prosperity; it shows us that everybody can have problems, even if they do lead a life of luxury.
The show is mainly based on the character of Ryan Atwood; a hopeless delinquent from a broken home, who ends up with a second chance when taken into the family, by the self-righteous attorney, Sandy Cohen. We are then introduced to the not so perfect lives of the people living in Orange County's Newport society.
At first it appears to be a place full of very wealthy families, lavish champagne parties, and stuck up trust fund children. But beneath the surface we get to see a side of Newport that makes the O.C. not such a wonderful place after all. At student parties, we see teens taking cocaine, binge drinking, and having casual intercourse with other people from each others schools. Tate Donovan's character, Jimmy Cooper, is eventually revealed to be embezzling money from his client's accounts, and Newport's wealthiest man, Caleb Nichol (played by Alan Dale), is found out to be using illegal tactics to earn his endless income. So from the beginning of the series, the audience is shown that from the younger generation, right up to the older age group in this high society, people still do things that are not necessarily within the law.
