The O.C.
The Gamble
Series 1, episode 3
"Ryan is reunited with his mother, but has she really reformed her ways?"
Episode Guide - Quotes - Analysis - Notes
Episode Guide
Opens with Ryan in prison. Luke is released by Ruan has no parent or gaurdian. Ryan says he doesn't want to find ihis mother. He is clearly been given a hard time in prison.
Kirsten is having a gathering to discuss the next charity event. Seth, Kirsten and Sandy have another debate about Ryan. Kirsten's friends arive and Sany annouces he is off to find another kind to jepodise the community.
Ryan is beaten up by one of the inmates. Back at the house, Seth tries to leave but is caught by Kirsten. Seth asks her to come with him. She says she will after she gets rid of her friends. Summer and Marissa discuss Luke at Marissa's house. Srth turns up and after druelling over Summer, asks Marissa to come with them. She says its too complicated.
At the visit, the inmate that assaulted Ryan comes on to Kirsten and advances towards her but Ryan knocks him out of the way. He fives on Ryan and tells him he is dead. Cuts to Sandy discovering Ryan has been released into Kirsten's care.
Julie tells Marissa to make up with Luke. Kirsten takes Seth and Ryan to go set up for Casino Night. Masrissa tries to make up with Luke but he shrugs her off. Luke tells Ryan they are done. Julie talks with someone, dissing Sandly, Julie and Ryan.
Sandy says they should welcome outsiders. Elsewhere, Ryan asks Kirsten what she does. She is surpised when he understands. He tells her he used to work in construction during his summers and wanted to come an architect.
Julie bitches to Jimmy abou what happened. Jimmy tells her to lay off Kirsten as she is paying their bills. Meanwhile Sandy finds Ryan's mum and asks to talk with her. When Ryan gets back, Sandy and his mum are waiting for him.
Over dinner she reveals she was fired from the resaurant she used to work at and broke up with AJ. She says she is currently living with friends and Try wouldn't see her when she wen't to visit him in prison.
Ryan storms off and his mum goes after him. She tells him she loved him most and feels like she has failed .Ryan asks her to take it slow. Later Seth vocies his concerns but whe the two return from the walk, they seem on better terms.
Kirsten invites them to stay and come to Casino Night. Julie gives Jimmy stick about the loan from Kirsten. Ryan's mum begins gambing at one of the tables.
Ryan goes over to see Marissa. They exchange a few words but Marissa leaves. Summer gets Seth to blow on the dice and begins winning. She gets him to stay. Marissa talks to Luke.
Julie thanks Sandy for the $100,000 but Sandy didn't know He keeps quiet about it however. Kirsten notices Ryan's mum is drinking heavily. Luke reconsiles with Marissa.
Jimmy begins to talk to Sandy and Kirsten but are interupted when Ryan's mum who is wasted knocks over a table. Sandy, Ryan and Kirsten take her home.
In the morning, Ryan's mum is preparing to leave before Ryan wakes up. Kirsten catches her. She tells Kirsten to take good care of him. Ryan emerges from the poolhouse but she walks off and drives away in a tax. Ryan and Kirsten go inside and Kirsten says Ryan will be staying with them.
Quotes
Sandy: "Hey, when do these vultures land?"
Kirsten: "Distrubing?"
Sandy: "Hot. It's disturbingly hot"
Ryan: "My mom ditched me, I burned your wife's house down, how is this going to be ok?"
Ryan: "Sorry"
Inmate: "You ain't now. But you will be."
Summer: "Still hasn't called you back? He was in lock up. Maybe he's into dudes now."
[ see's Summer in her bra ]
Seth. "Oh. My god. Hi Summer, erm, erm, erm."
Summer: "Ah, you rock Stanley!"
Analysis
How do 3rd episodes usually go? By this point it is a mystery. Some shows do good, others watch themselves drown. I quite liked this episode. The subject matter was ok, but most importantly it turned the show around into something more watchable.
Of course this is all a question of perspective and standards. Despite the fact that some episodes are not so great, personally I am hucked so overall I would have to say they are good episodes. I was wondering how the parent thing would play out. Although I think we all knew that Ryan wasn't going anywhere.
Let the series play on, because I really want to know what is going to be happening next.
Notes
Music used in this episode:
"<a href="http://www.lyricsburger.com/song.asp?ID=1549">The Science of Selling Yourself Short</a>" by <a href="http://www.lyricsburger.com/artist.asp?get=Less%20Than%20Jake">Less Than Jake</a>
"Wanna Be Happy" by Brooke
"Sing Sing Sing (with a Swing)" by James Horner
"Rain City" by Turin Brakes