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EPISODE 201-THE DISTANCE (aired 11.04.04)
guest starring: Chris Carmack (Luke Ward), Navi Rawat (Theresa), Nicholas Gonzalez (D.J.), Brian McNamara (Carson Ward), Bruno Amato (Archie)
As summer ends, Kirsten's anxiety over Seth reaches a breaking point. His parents know that Seth spent the summer teaching sailing and living in Portland, Oregon, with his former classmate Luke Ward and Luke's father, Carson. But they have so far been unable to convince Seth, who is bitter because Ryan moved away, to return home, even though it is almost time to begin school again. Both Summer and Marissa try to forget their ex-boyfriends. Summer sadly returns Seth's belongings. Marissa copes with her loneliness and frustration by abusing alcohol and alienating her mother. Nonetheless, Marissa captures the attention of the Coopers' sexy gardener, D.J. Caleb becomes increasingly paranoid about his business - and Sandy risks getting tangled in Caleb's problems as well. And, living on a boat while he rebuilds his stock market investments, Jimmy seems to be finally improving his situation. Meanwhile, Ryan lives a suffocating domestic existence with his pregnant girlfriend, Theresa, in Chino, working on a construction site. After finding Ryan and giving him an airplane ticket to Portland, Sandy travels there but fails to assuage Seth. As Sandy is leaving, however, Ryan arrives.

EPISODE 202-THE WAY WE WRE (aired 11.11.04)
guest starring: Amanda Righetti (Hailey Nichol), Michael Cassidy (Zach), Nicholas Gonzalez (D.J.), Michelle Hurd (Ms. Fisher), Bruno Amato (Archie)
Summer is over, and school is in session. Seth and Ryan hope to win back the attention they once had from Summer and Marissa. With opportunity beckoning, Hailey tells Jimmy about her plans to move in order to pursue her unfulfilled fashion ambitions. Hoping to keep her near, Jimmy does something unimaginable. Meanwhile, Sandy explains to Julie that the district attorney is keeping a close watch on Caleb, and without representation, he might be in for a confrontation. Julie threatens Sandy to do something about Caleb's messy situation or face her wrath.

EPISODE 203-THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK (aired 11.18.04)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Michael Nouri (Neil Roberts), Perry Anzilotti (Mr. Greenburg), The Walkmen (themselves)
At the Bait Shop, the new music club on the pier, Seth gets some help from his attractive and tough-talking manager, Alex, to prove that his friends don't know him as well as they think. Meanwhile, Summer gives some thought to how she really feels about Seth after she learns more information about her new boyfriend, Zach. Marissa is happy to share an evening with Ryan. But at school, Ryan is embarrassed and frustrated after a confrontation with new classmate Lindsay. Caleb's legal problems threaten to leave both Sandy and Kirsten unemployed as Julie makes sure she stays in power - even if Caleb is ruined.

EPISODE 204-THE NEW ERA (aired 12.02.04)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Nicholas Gonzalez (D.J.), Gregory Itzin (Stephen Herbert), The Killers (themselves)
Seth, who is now without a girlfriend, and Sandy, who has just been fired from the law firm, embark on new eras in their lives and vow to take the whole family with them. Ryan and Seth go on an awkward double date to see The Killers perform at the Bait Shop, with unexpected results. Meanwhile, Julie finds herself overwhelmed by her new role at the Newport Group and, as usual, is forced to turn to Kirsten for help.

EPISODE 205-THE SNO.C. (aired 12.09.04)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Nicholas Gonzalez (D.J.), Kathleen York (Renee Wheeler)
The winter season finally comes to Newport, and Seth, Ryan, Summer and Marissa attend the annual SnO.C. Winter Ball. Julie and Jimmy spend some quality time together as the chairs of the host committee, and Sandy gets closer to the truth Caleb has been hiding. Meanwhile, Julie discovers Marissa's secret when Marissa leaves school at lunch and goes home to meet D.J.

EPISODE 206-THE CHRISMUKKAH THAT ALMOST WASN'T (aired 12.16.04)
guest starring: Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Kathleen York (Renee Wheeler)
It's Chrismukkah once again in The O.C. and this year, Seth wants to take it global. As Caleb is faced with the looming prospect of going to prison, Sandy convinces him to come forward and reveal the truth about his involvement with Renee. Julie and Jimmy spend some quality time together. Caleb's confession shocks the Cohen and Nichol family to the core, and nothing will be the same again.

EPISODE 207-THE FAMILY TIES (aired 01.06.05)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Nicholas Gonzalez (D.J.), Modest Mouse (themselves)
Ryan tries to come to terms with his feelings for Lindsay. Now that she may become a member of the Cohen family, their attraction is rather awkward. Although Sandy knows they're dating, Ryan and Lindsay keep the relationship hidden from Kirsten. Meanwhile, Caleb learns that the criminal charges against him have been dismissed. And in an effort to impress Alex, Seth tries to cultivate a "bad boy" image by dressing like Ryan, getting drunk and stealing Caleb's prized sports car. Marissa sees Jimmy and Julie kissing aboard his boat and is hurt and angry with her father. Jimmy finally realizes that after all the trouble and heartache he's caused, the best thing he can do for himself and his daughter is to leave Newport and move to Maui...but not before a big going-away party at the Cohens' house. Devastated by the situation with her parents, Marissa comes to the party intoxicated and yells at both of them. Later, Jimmy and Marissa reconcile on the beach. And the following morning, Marissa goes to her new surrogate family - the Cohens - for support.

EPISODE 208-THE POWER OF LOVE (aired 01.13.05)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Nicholas Gonzalez (D.J.), Jordan Baker (Elaine), Devin Sidell (Abigail)
Lindsay and Ryan grapple with their new relationship: Is Lindsay Ryan's step-aunt or his girlfriend? Meanwhile, Summer meets Zach's family and it doesn't go so well. In the end it's an anniversary to remember as Sandy surprises Kirsten with a serenade at the Bait Shop. But Marissa ends up alone as D.J. leaves Newport Beach.

EPISODE 209-THE EX FACTOR (aired 01.20.05)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Jodie), Michael Simpson (Matt Miller)
It's girls against boys when Marissa and Summer decide to plan a girls' night out and include Lindsay in the festivities. Ryan, Seth and Zach, left to their own devices, have a bonding session over video games and pizza but find it hard to stay away from their female counterparts. Julie and Kirsten collaborate on an idea to help the image of the Newport Group while Sandy and Caleb try to convince them there may be a better way.

EPISODE 210-THE ACCOMPLICE (aired 01.27.05)
guest starring: Kim Delaney (Rebecca Bloom), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Michael Cassidy (Zach), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Barry Newman (Professor Max Bloom), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Joe), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Jodie)
Seth and Zach decide to create a comic book based on their lives in Newport Beach. While browsing through the sketches, Summer wonders why she's been left out. Sandy decides to help an old friend, Professor Max Bloom, find his daughter, Rebecca, but the search leads to even more questions. While Julie is away, Marissa's contempt for Caleb grows as she looks for new ways to rebel. Meanwhile, Ryan tries to help Lindsay satisfy her curiosity about Caleb.

EPISODE 211-THE SECOND CHANCE (aired 02.03.05)
guest starring: Kim Delaney (Rebecca Bloom), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Michael Cassidy (Zach), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Barry Newman (Professor Max Bloom), Rachel Yamagata (herself)
Summer decides to take an active role in creating the comic book, but Seth doesn't know if he can handle spending that much time alone with her. Sandy and Rebecca reminisce about days gone by as Kirsten tries to convince Caleb that he could have a familial relationship with Lindsay. Meanwhile, Caleb decides what kind of future he wants to have with his daughters. And Alex asks Marissa where their friendship is going.

EPISODE 212-THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB (aired 02.10.05)
guest starring: Kim Delaney (Rebecca Bloom), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Michael Cassidy (Zach), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Barry Newman (Professor Max Bloom), T.J. Thyne (Larry Bernstein)
Sandy tries to make amends with Kirsten for keeping Rebecca's return a secret by showering his wife with Valentine's Day gifts. Zach, Summer and Seth drive to San Diego to pitch their comic book idea, and Seth is determined to use the trip to get Summer back. Julie returns from her European vacation and has decided to reconnect with Marissa. Meanwhile, Ryan wants to spend Valentine's Day with Lindsay, but her loyalty to Caleb gets in the way.

EPISODE 213-THE TEST (aired 02.17.05)
guest starring: Kim Delaney (Rebecca Bloom), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Michael Cassidy (Zach), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Kathleen York (Renee Wheeler), Christopher Lawford (Ross (FBI))
While Rebecca pays her last respects to her father, Kirsten grows impatient with Sandy's long absences from home and decides to visit Rebecca. Alex invites Marissa to hang out with her friends. Meanwhile, Caleb decides to remove all doubt that Lindsay is his daughter.

EPISODE 214-THE RAINY DAY WOMEN (aired 02.24.05)
guest starring: Kim Delaney (Rebecca Bloom), Shannon Lucio (Lindsay Gardner), Michael Cassidy (Zach), Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Kathleen York (Renee Wheeler), Jordan Baker (Elaine), Devin Sidell (Abigail)

It's raining in Newport.  Marissa tells Julie that she and Alex are dating and decides she has to get out of Caleb's house.  Summer is faced with a big decision as she prepares to go to Italy with Zach.  Ryan convinces Lindsay to take the paternity test, and everyone anxiously awaits the results.  Meanwhile, Sandy is stranded in a motel room with nothing but a few snacks, champagne and Rebecca.

EPISODE 215-THE MALLPISODE (aired 03.10.05)
guest starring: Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Bill Campbell (Carter Buckley), Johnny Messner (Lance Baldwin), Amber Heard (Salesgirl)
Although she is trying hard to make her new living situation work, Marissa feels she needs a break and agrees to join Summer, Seth and Ryan at the mall.  Julie and Kirsten await the arrival of Carter, the new editor of Newport Living, but Julie is distracted when she's visited by Lance, an opportunistic man from her past.  Meanwhile, Sandy and Caleb finally bond over all of their recent experiences.

EPISODE 216-THE BLAZE OF GLORY (aired 03.14.05)
guest starring: Olivia Wilde (Alex Kelly), Bill Campbell (Carter Buckley), Johnny Messner (Lance Baldwin)
Seth is determined to bring back the spirit and fun times of last year and won't stop until his plan is successful. Alex's jealousy is fueled when Marissa enlists an unlikely partner to help her with the school bonfire. Meanwhile, Kirsten wants Carter to continue with the magazine despite his reservations, and Sandy helps Julie keep her blackmailer at bay.

EPISODE 217-THE BROTHERS GRIMM (aired 03.24.05)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach Stephens), Bill Campbell (Carter Buckley), Johnny Messner (Lance Baldwin), Logan Marshall-Green (Trey Atwood), Jordan Baker (Elaine Stephens)
When someone from Ryan's past comes for a visit, he worries that nothing good can come of it; while the Cohen family welcomes the Chino visitor with open arms. As Marissa and Ryan continue to explore their newfound friendship, Seth and Summer face some unforeseen news. Meanwhile, Julie admits her mistake to Kirsten and looks to Caleb for help.

EPISODE 218-THE RISKY BUSINESS (aired 04.07.05)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach Stephens), Bill Campbell (Carter Buckley), Logan Marshall-Green (Trey Atwood), Kim Oja (Taryn)
When Sandy becomes the honorary chairman of the Newport Beach charity yard sale, he solicits help from Trey, who has his first confrontation with the Newpsies. While Sandy auctions off Newport's finest, Kirsten and Carter share a table. When one of the auction's most expensive pieces goes missing, Ryan and Seth could also use some help. Meanwhile, Trey looks for a more permanent place to live as the Cohens welcome yet another houseguest.

EPISODE 219-THE RAGER (aired 04.14.05)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach Stephens), Bill Campbell (Carter Buckley), Johnny Messner (Lance Baldwin), Logan Marshall-Green (Trey Atwood), Nikki Griffin (Jess), Marguerite Moreau (Reed Carlson), Aya Sumika (Erin)
Eager to help Trey and Ryan repair their relationship, Marissa hosts a birthday party for Trey at Caleb's mansion that quickly gets out of control. After surfing with Carter, Sandy suggests introducing him to a woman friend, to Kirsten's chagrin. When Summer finds out what Seth's potential graphic novel publisher, Reed, is really like, Seth is in big trouble. And after leaving town in disgrace, Julie returns and surprisingly ends up reminiscing with an old acquaintance.

EPISODE 220-THE O.C. CONFIDENTIAL (aired 04.21.05)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach Stephens), Bill Campbell (Carter Buckley), Johnny Messner (Lance Baldwin), Logan Marshall-Green (Trey Atwood), Marguerite Moreau (Reed Carlson), Nikki Griffin (Jess), Travis Van Winkle (Kyle), Garrison Hershberger (Tom MacGinty), Grant Thompson (Damon), Catherine Kresge (Cherilyn Featherbrook), Death Cab for Cutie (themselves)
After the wild party at Caleb's mansion, Sandy, Seth and Ryan devise a plan to save another Atwood from going to jail. Kirsten and Carter, fulfilling more than their editorial duties, take a trip to the wine country. Meanwhile, Caleb returns from Europe and rebuffs Julie's romantic advances.

EPISODE 221-THE RETURN OF THE NANA (aired 05.05.05)
guest starring: Linda Lavin (Sophie "Nana" Cohen), Michael Cassidy (Zach Stephens), Bill Campbell (Carter Buckley), Logan Marshall-Green (Trey Atwood), Bret Harrison (Swerve), Jaime King (Mary-Sue), Tony Denison (Bobby Mills), T.I (himself), Nikki Griffin (Jess)
Sandy, Seth and Ryan travel to Florida to visit Seth's Nana, Sophie, who is living in Miami Beach. While playing shuffleboard at the coastal retirement community, Seth and Ryan meet Mary-Sue, who helps Seth get center stage on the Music Video Nation spring break television special, hosted by Swerve, along with Pixie, who is a star of "Sherman Oaks: The Real Valley." Meanwhile, on the West Coast, Carter packs his bags and leaves Kirsten alone at the offices of Newport Living, and Trey misinterprets Marissa's friendship.

EPISODE 222-THE SHOWDOWN (aired 05.05.05)
guest starring: Michael Cassidy (Zach Stephens), Logan Marshall-Green (Trey Atwood), Nikki Griffin (Jess), Marguerite Moreau (Reed Carlson)
Since Carter's departure, Kirsten has been drinking more than just tomato juice for breakfast, and when Sandy questions her, he's left to sleep alone in the bedroom. Marissa's nervousness around Ryan leads him to wonder if something has happened between her and Trey. Summer, tired of Seth and Zach behaving foolishly, confronts Reed about the graphic novel and finds herself center stage at the Atomic County launch party. Meanwhile, Caleb shows Julie that a picture is worth a thousand words.

EPISODE 223-THE O.Sea (aired 05.12.05)
guest starring: George Lucas (himself), Michael Cassidy (Zach Stephens), Navi Rawat (Theresa), Logan Marshall-Green (Trey Atwood), Nikki Griffin (Jess), Marguerite Moreau (Reed Carlson), Cynthia Avila (Eva), Matt McKenzie (Prom Announcer)
Sandy and Caleb confront Kirsten about her behavior. Ryan heads home to Chino, as he looks for the truth about Trey and Marissa. Meanwhile, Summer refuses to let her three-way relationship with Zach and Seth stop her from attending the prom. And, Julie and Caleb toast to their final evening together as husband and wife.

EPISODE 224-THE SHOWDOWN (aired 05.19.05)
guest starring: Tate Donovan (Jimmy Cooper)
In the season finale, Sandy must make a life-changing decision to save his marriage to Kirsten.  Seth, Summer, Marissa and Ryan are caught in the crossfire at The Bait Shop; and Jimmy Cooper, worried about Marissa and his family, rushes home to Newport Beach.