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"The Debut" is the fourth episode in the first season of the Fox drama series The O.C.. The episode aired on the twenty-sixth of August, in 2003.

Synopsis[]

Ryan and the Cohens make a big step in becoming his legal guardians and with that, he is expected to attend the Cotillion Ball, where Newport's finest young ladies enter society. Luke's jealousy results in Ryan escorting Marissa and Seth meets Anna Stern, a new student from Pittsburgh whom he forms an unexpected connection with. Jimmy becomes a suspect of a fraud investigation and Holly's dad decides to confront him at the Ball in front of everyone.

Plot[]

Ryan and Seth are playing video games together when Sandy and Kirsten walk in asking to talk to Ryan. Sandy and Kirsten just got back from child services telling them they want Ryan to stay with them. The only way child services will allow it is if Sandy and Kirsten become his legal guardians. Ryan says he can't ask them to do that and Sandy says they are asking Ryan. Kirsten says how they want to be Ryan's legal guardians and they want him to be apart of the family, only if he wants. Ryan wonders if it doesn't work out like them changing their minds, they say that won't happen and want Ryan to promise to stay out of trouble. Ryan is still in a probation periods and child services will be watching them. Ryan agrees to stay out of trouble and welcome him to the family. Sandy shakes his hand while Kirsten gives him a big hug. Seth comes in and tells Ryan he is now a Cohen.

Ryan is now a Cohen - The Debut

Ryan Atwood becomes a Cohen as Sandy and Kirsten become his legal guardians.


At the pool house, Kirsten is giving Ryan more supplies for his more permanent stay and says how they need to go shopping for Ryan. Kirsten tells him that he needs to buy a tuxedo, for Newport's annual cotillion. Ryan has to go because it is family tradition and Ryan is now part of the family. Sandy gets home after his morning stuff when Jimmy approaches him. He apologizes for asking Kirsten. Jimmy talks about how hard it has been with how much money he has lost and Sandy asks how he lost it. Jimmy thanks Sandy and leaves very quickly, making Sandy suspicious.

At the club, Ryan is trying to decide which designer tuxedo he gets to wear for cotillion when he sees Marissa. Marissa asks why he is there, thinking he was leaving with his mom. Ryan tells her it didn't work out and that he is now living with the Cohens for good. Ryan asks her if it will be a problem and she says that it is great and they can now be friends. Luke and Summer emerge from the fitting area when they ask Ryan why he is there. Marissa tells them that he lives here now which Luke does not seem to like as he moves in on Ryan. Kirsten sees this and steps in to tell Marissa that Ryan and Seth are her "white knights" if any lady is needing an escort. Seth says something to Summer but she doesn't pay attention, only to Ryan ands asks him if he will be at rehearsal. Summer asks Marissa to set her up with Ryan. Marissa gets uncomfortable and Summer asks her, if she mind the fact that wants to be coupled with him, but Marissa says no, and denies that she is interested in Ryan.

Luke - The Debut

Luke is not happy that Ryan is staying in Newport.

Sandy is at work when an officer from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Enforcement Division enters his office asking for his help. The officer asks if Sandy was aware that Kirsten made a check to Jimmy as an investment. Sandy tells him that it was a loan. Jimmy is being investigated by the SEC for fraud which Sandy didn't know. Seth, Ryan, and Kirsten get back home to find Sandy in the kitchen. Sandy asks the boys to leave so he can speak with Kirsten. Sandy tells Kirsten that Jimmy has been stealing money from his clients in order to cover his personal debts. Kirsten wonders why he would do something like this and Sandy says that everyone trusted Jimmy so much and didn't question him at all. Since Kirsten gave him money, they could also be investigated. Kirsten asks him not to tell anyone until she talks to him and Sandy tells her to put her personal feelings for Jimmy aside and their history (Kirsten and Jimmy dated for a long time and nearly got married). Kirsten calls him her oldest friend and wants to hear the truth from Jimmy.

Ryan tells Seth that he thinks he shouldn't go to cotillion because of his promise to Sandy and Kirsten about not getting into trouble. Seth asks him what kind of trouble he could get into and Ryan tells him to ask Luke. Seth says he will already be taking someone else since they are the "white knights". Ryan goes next door to see Marissa who is trying on her dress for cotillion. He tells her he wants to talk and she asks him to fasten her dress. Ryan helps her and there is obvious tension between them. Ryan changes his mind and asks her what time she wants him there and Marissa smiles at him.

Ryan & Marissa - The Debut

Ryan helps Marissa fasten her dress and there is obvious tension between them.


At the Cooper house, Kirsten talks with Jimmy about his investigation. Jimmy tries to defend himself and is in denial that he stole anything but Kirsten tells him that he committed a crime. Just then, Julie walks in and asks Jimmy which card she should use for several payments that need to be made for Kaitlin and Marissa. Jimmy tells her which one which then explains to Kirsten the how and why it all happened. Jimmy says that he was borrowing money and that at the turn of the market it made him loose everything. Jimmy tells Kirsten that he cannot say no to his family. Kirsten tells Jimmy that he needs help but Jimmy wonders if there is someone out there willing to.

Ryan and Seth go to rehearsal for cotillion, where Ryan is taken aback to discover that he must dance at the function. Ryan says he can't dance and Seth says he doesn't either, he just "moves well." Marissa is about to pair Ryan and Seth with their debs and Summer is excited to be with Ryan. Marissa says he is promised to someone else when Summer asks who would be dumb enough to not have a date the day before the dance, a girl hears her and says that it would be Summer. Marissa introduces Anna to Ryan, since she paired them together, and Summer has to pair up with Seth as he jokes about their so called, "connection."

Ryan and Anna do not know how to waltz so Marissa demonstrates how to dance with Ryan for Anna. There is even more tension and chemistry between Marissa and Ryan that a jealous Luke and even outsider Anna can sense. Marissa walks away and Anna tells Ryan she can tell he is into Marissa and says he is in trouble. Ryan says he knows and they attempt to continue to dance together. Luke and Marissa start dancing together and Luke thinks Ryan is stalking Marissa. She denies this and tells him to get used to Ryan being there. Anna then notices that Ryan is the kid from Chino that everyone has been gossiping about and says she can't wait to make her debut with Newport's most wanted. After 3 hours of rehearsal, when Marissa invites Ryan and Seth to the bonfire they hold annually for cotillion. Ryan asks if it is a good idea while looking at Luke in the distance. Marissa thinks so since Ryan lives there now and there isn't any reason as to why they can't hang out. Marissa leaves when Seth says he can think of a reason and Ryan says he is not going. Seth doesn't want to go without Ryan even though Summer will be there. Seth begins to explain to Ryan how they are like brothers now and how brothers do stuff for each other. Seth says that if Ryan does this for him he will do something for Ryan down the line.

Anna Stern - The Debut

First appearance of Anna Stern.


Kirsten goes to Sandy asking him to help represent Jimmy. Sandy says how he stole from his clients, his friends, and had the nerve to borrow money from them to cover it up. Kirsten continues to defend Jimmy saying he was trying to provide for his family. Sandy says that he would rather defend kids even if they were involved in drug problems since they have nothing and no parents. Sandy says how Jimmy was spoiled and had everything handed to him and Kirsten wonders if he is talking about her as well. Sandy says no because she would never lie or steal but Kirsten says there isn't anything she wouldn't do for her family.

Jimmy runs into Greg Fischer and Holly Fischer at a restaurant as they are picking up food. Holly leaves the restaurant when Greg decides to stay back and talk to Jimmy about the messages he has left him that Jimmy has yet to return. Greg tells him how they want to invest in a property as a second source of income and needs $250,000 out of their account that Jimmy manages. Jimmy backpedals and asks Greg if it's a good idea. The lady at the register then tells Jimmy that his card had been declined and Greg gets concerned. Greg plans to talk to Jimmy the next day at cotillion.

At the party, Seth goes to find Summer and tells Ryan he will only be 10 minutes. Summer is talking to Holly about trading escorts when Seth approaches her. Summer makes more rude comments to Seth and he starts to get irritated by it. Ryan sits down to wait for Seth when Marissa sees Ryan from across the room. Marissa starts saying how glad she is that Ryan came to the party when Luke gets mad that Ryan chooses to talk to Marissa when there are many other people there. Marissa tells Ryan that he can stay as he tries to leave but Luke tells her not to tell him that. Ryan then says to Luke, "Don't tell her what to do." Luke grabs Ryan and gets up in his face. Ryan says he isn't going to fight him when Luke punches him in the stomach. Marissa checks on Ryan and calls Luke an idiot. Seth helps him and says that he just got beat and didn't even fight back and says he really is a Cohen.

Ryan is reading comics in his room when Seth walks in all ready to go for cotillion. Ryan tells Seth he isn't going to cotillion. Seth thinks Ryan is afraid of Luke when Ryan says that he doesn't want to loose the Cohens just to kick Luke's ass. He says how Sandy and Kirsten taking him in might be the best thing that ever happened to him and he doesn't want to risk that. Seth understands and says how in hindsight, Ryan could definitely kick his ass. Julie goes into Marissa's room when she tells her that she doesn't want to go to cotillion. She tells Julie about their fight and Marissa says that there might be someone else out there. Julie thinks it is Ryan and Marissa doesn't answer. Julie starts to make it about herself and asks Marissa what kind of future she could even have with Ryan. Julie says that Luke is the better option because she will always be comfortable. Julie is still pushing for Marissa to go but she refuses.

Sandy decides not to go to cotillion either because he doesn't want to pretend that Jimmy is a good guy. Jimmy tells Julie he doesn't want to go either and makes a big deal about cotillion. Kaitlin walks in and tells Jimmy that Mr. Fischer has called him yet again for a third time. Julie tells Greg that he will see Jimmy at cotillion. Seth goes looking for Anna to tell her that Ryan isn't coming. She says she will survive. Sandy and Ryan start to play video games together since they both decided not to go. Ryan is showing Sandy how to play when he asks Ryan why he didn't want to go. Ryan says he doesn't fit in to which Sandy tells him that no one does. Sandy is sure that everyone at cotillion feels like a fraud and that they all have secrets and the guy next door will figure it out. Ryan asks what his secret is and Sandy tells him that when the sun comes up, the surfing has been good, and things are good with his wife, he kinda likes Newport. Summer is on the phone with Marissa and she tells her how Ryan isn't there. Marissa says she isn't up for it and Summer tells Luke and Julie. Luke gets upset when Summer gets an idea.

Summer Roberts - The Debut

Summer on the phone with Marissa, trying to convince her to come to cotillion.

Anna and Seth are discussing comics, which she likes to call graphics, and he is very impressed by her. They start to notice how much they have in common Summer tries to tell Seth she found another date and Summer tells him he is off the hook. Seth is upset by this and leaves the room. Marissa shows up at the Cohens door when Ryan answers. She apologizes for the party and says that she will go to cotillion if Ryan goes. Sandy is really into the video games they have been playing when Marissa walks in with Ryan. Ryan tells Sandy they decided to go and Sandy says he will go too.

At cotillion, Greg asks Jimmy once again for his money and Jimmy tells him he doesn't have it. Jimmy tells Greg it isn't the right place to have the discussion and asks to meet with him tomorrow. Jimmy excuses himself when he sees Ryan, Marissa, and Sandy walk in. Ryan and Marissa walk in and Luke gets mad that she came with Ryan. Luke says that he isn't an idiot when Ryan tells him to listen to her and stop acting like one. Luke starts to push Ryan around when Marissa gets in between them, protects Ryan, and tells Luke to stop. Luke is furious and breaks up with Marissa.

Ryan, Luke, and Marissa - The Debut

Marissa stops Luke from trying to fight with Ryan. Luke then breaks up with her.


Anna comforts Ryan about abandoning her and Ryan says that he is willing to still go with her. Anna says he missed his shot and that he will have to go with Marissa. Julie and Marissa are arguing about her not having an escort when Ryan offers himself. Julie doesn't think it is appropriate when Marissa agrees. Seth is sulking on the floor when Anna finds him. Anna tells Seth that he isn't a man and that he needs to be more confident. Anna asks Seth to be her escort and Seth starts to falter. Anna tells him, "Confidence, Cohen." Summer is scrambling trying to find someone to take her since Luke left when she approaches Seth and Anna. Summer tells him she is available and Seth rejects her.

Season1episode4slkj

Anna tells Seth to be confident.


Sandy finds Kirsten as Cotillion finally begins. The girls are being introduced when Ryan and Marissa see each other dressed and ready to walk out. All of the girls are being introduced when Anna walks out with her dad and meets Seth. Marissa walks out with her dad and then joins Ryan. The debs and their escorts dance with each other while the audience watches. Ryan says how much he hates dancing but tells Marissa it isn't so bad with her. Anna tries to get Seth to lead. Greg confronts Jimmy and discovers Jimmy does not have his money. An infuriated Greg punches Jimmy in the jaw and beats him up on the ground, to the shock of everyone in attendance. Sandy tries to pull Greg off Jimmy but gets punched in the jaw. Ryan tackles Greg after and holds him back. As other attendees pull Greg away from the scene, he shouts to one and all that Jimmy is a thief.

Season1episode4sd

Ryan and Marissa dance at cotillion together.


After the fight, Sandy is icing his face and tells Kirsten they should check on Jimmy. Ryan approaches them and apologizes for getting involved. Sandy tells Ryan tonight was an exception and tells him to get out before the police ask more questions. Seth tells Ryan he is taking Anna home. Seth discovers that Anna is going to sail to Tahiti, Seth's lifelong dream, over the summer. Ryan walks out to the backyard to find Marissa watching the ocean. Marissa is very upset as Ryan joins her. She is crying as Ryan takes his coat off and gives it to Marissa. Ryan asks her if she is okay and Marissa shakes her head no. Marissa doesn't know what will happen with her dad. Ryan says they should go inside and turn to find Luke. Luke apologizes to Marissa and asks to take her home. Marissa says she needs to be alone, gives Ryan back his jacket, and leaves both Ryan and Luke.

Ryan & Marissa - The Debut 2

Ryan gives Marissa his coat, consoling her after the fight at cotillion.

Cast[]

Starring[]

Guest Starring[]

Co-Starring[]

Quotes[]


Sandy: I got a two-time drug offender they want to deport. 15 years old.
Kirsten: Sandy, he needs help.
Sandy: Jimmy Cooper? He stole from his clients, he stole from his friends, and then he had the nerve to borrow $100,000 from us to cover it up.
Kirsten: He was trying to provide for his family.
Sandy: Yeah. Boats, ponies...
Kirsten: So, you'll defend a two-time drug offender, but you won't defend...?
Sandy: Yes. My clients are kids who have no hope, no guidance, nothing. Jimmy Cooper is just another spoiled Newport brat who had everything handed to him.
Kirsten: Like me.
Sandy: No. Not like you. You would never lie. You would never steal.
Kirsten: I would like to think that, but the truth is there isn't anything that I wouldn't do for my family.

Seth: So do you think that I'll get to see you again?
Anna: No.
Seth: Oh, okay.
Anna: No, it's just... I know this might sound kind of... whatever... but I'm spending the rest of the summer on a sailing trip. To Tahiti.

Ryan: (playing video games with Sandy) Okay, now you're stabbing me. Just don't touch any of the buttons, follow me through the forest, and, uh, maybe we'll both make it out of here alive.
(later in the game)
Ryan: You just stabbed me again.
Sandy: Oh. Sorry.

Anna: Wait. Are you the kid from Chino who steals cars and sets people's houses on fire? So you're saying I'm making my debut into society with Newport's most wanted?
Ryan: Is that gonna be a problem?
Anna: I can't wait.

Marissa: Anna just moved here from Pittsburgh.
Summer: Pittsburgh? Ew!

Marissa: Oh, well, actually, Summer, Ryan's already been promised to someone else.
Summer: I can't believe this. You gave him to someone else? Who? Who's pathetic enough not to have a date the day before cotillion?
Anna: Actually, at this point, that would be you.

Sandy: Fellas, you mind?
Seth: Oh. Uh, if this is about the vase...
Sandy: Which vase?
Seth: Nothing. Let's go, Ryan.

Kirsten: (to Ryan) We should clean all this out so that you'll have room for some of your...right. You don't have any stuff. Which means we've got to go shopping. For clothes and shoes and underpants.
Seth: Mom, don't say underpants.

Anna: Could you be any more pathetic? Lone figure, sitting on the floor, wondering if he's going to be lonely for the rest of his life.
Seth: Oh, hey, your sensitivity, it's really...nonexistent.
Anna: You know what your problem is? You're not a man.
Seth: Again, not appreciating the brutal honesty.
Anna: Do you know what girls find sexy?
Seth: Nope. Uh, wait, let me guess. Dudes who play water polo?
Anna: Confidence!

Anna: I mean, whatever you think about the whole superhero movie genre, at least it's getting people to read the original source material.
Seth: I cannot believe that you read comic books. I mean, you're a girl.
Anna: What is that supposed to mean? And I call them graphic novels. In fact, if more people did, maybe the whole form wouldn't be so marginalized.
Seth: I couldn't agree more.

Ryan: You didn't tell me there was dancing.
Seth: Well if I told you there was dancing, I'd be here by myself.
Ryan: Because I really don't dance.
Seth: Neither do I. I just move well.

Kirsten: Seth, we need to talk to Ryan.
Seth: Okay...if this has to do with the rug, though, I just want to tell you that..Ryan had nothing to do with it.
Kirsten: What about the rug?
Seth: I'm going to go now.

Ryan: Your mom bought me some new clothes. Which she didn't have to do.
Seth: Right, because we all know you can get a lot of mileage out of a tank-top.

Seth: Turns out that I'm quite skilled at getting a date, provided it's not for me.

Ryan: Guess I don't really fit in, huh?
Sandy: Oh, I got news for you. Nobody does. I guarantee you--every single person at that cotillion feels like a fraud. They've all got secrets and they're all terrified the guy next door is going to find them out.
Ryan: So, what's your secret?
Sandy: Sometimes, when the sun's coming up and the surf is good, and I haven't pissed my wife off quite as much as I have today, I kind of like this place.
(they look at each other)
Ryan: You just stabbed me again.
Sandy: Oh, sorry .

Holly: Yeah, it's at my house. I do it every year for Cotillion.
Seth: You didn't do it last year.
Holly: Yeah we did.
Seth: (long pause) Ouch.

Seth: You know, you're a really... good barbecuetionist.

Seth: (to Ryan) Wow. You just got your butt kicked and you didn't even fight back. Dude, you really are a Cohen.

Seth: Dude, you're a Cohen now. Welcome to a world of insecurity and paralyzing self-doubt.

Sandy: (to Ryan) Waltzing and orchids, what could be more you?

Music[]

Trivia[]

Gallery[]

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