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"The Model Home" is the second episode in the first season of the Fox drama series The O.C.. The episode aired on the twelfth August, in 2003.

Synopsis[]

Ryan decides to run away before he can be placed into foster care. Marissa and Seth convince Ryan not to leave Newport and hide him in one of Kirsten's vacant model homes. When Luke confronts Ryan about his interactions with Marissa, their fights ends up setting the model home on fire, getting them both arrested. Meanwhile, Jimmy discusses his recent financial woes with Kirsten and she offers a solution.

Plot[]

Sandy is grilling dinner as Seth and Ryan hang out in the pool on floats. Kirsten is on the phone with her dad and they are discussing the plans for the model home development. Sandy tells Kirsten he wishes there was something more that they could do but Kirsten reminds him that he is Ryan's lawyer, not his guardian. Sandy says he knows but doesn't want to take him to child services. Kirsten asks what kind of mother abandons her child and asks what will happen if they don't find Ryan's mom. Sandy says he will go into foster care until he turns 18 but it is unlikely at his age.

Ryan & Seth - The Model Home

Seth tries to think of ideas on how to spend Ryan's last night in Newport before he goes into foster care.


It's Ryan's last night in Newport before he gets placed into the system. Seth says that they should do something special involving tattoos or losing their virginity, which Ryan laughs at. Ryan tells him he just wants to take it easy. Sandy and Kirsten are preparing the table when she nearly runs into Ryan. She asks how his swim was and he tells her it was good. He then asks Kirsten about The Model Home and she tells him how she builds them. Ryan jokes about her building him one, leaving Kirsten speechless, he apologizes. They sit down for dinner which Sandy jokingly calls "The Last Supper" and apologizes. Ryan says how good the food looks and Seth says how bad it is they are leaving because they never eat like that. Kirsten says it isn't true and that she cooks all the time. Seth has Sandy back him up on the fact that Kirsten doesn't actually cook. Kirsten asks them to eat and they start talking about mishaps Kirsten has had in the kitchen before. Ryan laughs with the Cohens.

The Model Home

One of Kirsten's model homes.


Sandy goes over the paperwork with Ryan for foster care that he needs to sign to the fact that he no longer has a parent or even a legal guardian. Ryan understands it as he doesn't want to be the government's property. Sandy says how they are meeting with Ryan's social worker in the morning and that she will take him to a group home. Ryan thank him and Sandy tries to give him a little hope, saying that they do find foster homes for kids Ryan's age. Seth sarcastically says how everyone wants a brand new teenager. Seth goes on to say how they have a lot of extra room in the house and a pool house but his parents are shipping Ryan out to a group home and how much it sucks. Ryan stops him and says that it's okay and signs the paperwork. Ryan wishes Kirsten good luck with her model homes, saying it looks perfect and tells everyone goodnight.

Ryan & Sandy - The Model Home

Sandy is going over the foster care paperwork with Ryan.


In the pool house, Ryan lays awake, unable to sleep. He gets up and starts to pack his bags. Ryan is leaving the pool house when Seth catches him. Seth asks Ryan if he is running away and Ryan tells him to go back inside. Seth asks him what he is thinking and turns, Seth tells Ryan he wants to go with him. Seth tells Ryan there are places he wants to go to and Ryan says no. Seth asks him where he will go. Ryan doesn't know but he plans to go to a new town, get a job, and save money. Seth jokes about how Ryan has given it a lot of thought and Ryan asks if he has a better idea. Seth says he does. Seth goes to his room and starts packing a bag when Sandy knocks at his door. Seth runs into bed and hides himself under the covers. Sandy wants to talk about Ryan and Seth tries to keep the conversation short, careful not to spoil the plan. Sandy says he knows Seth is upset and so are him and Kirsten. Seth says it is okay and tells his dad goodnight.

Ryan is waiting for him at the end of the Cohen's driveway. Ryan picks up his bike when Marissa is walking to her car. She says how she didn't think she would see Ryan again. Marissa thanks Ryan for helping her the night of Holly's party and Ryan asks if she always drinks like that. Embarrassed, Marissa dodges his question and says she thought he left. Ryan tells her he did and is leaving when Seth joins them. Seth says hi to Marissa and she asks what they are doing. Seth says they aren't doing anything and sees the gift Marissa is carrying. Marissa says it is for Summer's birthday and Seth asks why they are celebrating if her birthday isn't until later in the week, giving her the exact day. Marissa glares at Seth and says that they are both up to something. Seth asks what Ryan told her but he didn't say anything but maybe the outfit Seth is wearing tipped her off. Seth says how he was going for stealth and that they should go. Seth says bye to Marissa and Ryan says she should also go since Newport parties await her.

Marissa is driving Seth and Ryan and asks where they are going. Marissa says the place is far away and Seth doesn't appreciate her complaining since she wasn't invited. Marissa says that before she came along, Seth was on a skateboard. Ryan and Marissa look at each other and Marissa asks if he likes the band, Rooney, and Ryan says he likes everything but doesn't really listen to music. Seth says how weird that is and Ryan asks Marissa what she likes. Marissa says she likes punk to which Seth says Avril Lavigne doesn't count. Marissa starts to list some of her favorite bands like The Cramps, Stiff Little Fingers, The Clash, and Sex Pistols. Seth realizes he listens to the same music as her and says he might have to kill himself. Ryan questions punk and Marissa says she is angry as the pull up to a vacant house.

Seth Cohen - The Model Home

Seth is shocked him and Marissa listen to the same music and bands.


As they enter the home, Seth asks Ryan if he recognizes it. Seth tells Ryan how it is the model home his mom and grandfather were developing but it never got finished. Marissa and Ryan ask what happened but Seth doesn't know. Kirsten is on the phone asking about contractors for the model home. Sandy walks in as Kirsten tells him her dad will never let her hear the end of it. Kirsten asks if Sandy talked to Seth and he says he thinks but tells her not to blame herself. She says she isn't and can't let a strange boy into their home. Sandy was talking about the contractors.

Marissa asks Seth if he wants Ryan to stay there. Seth asks Ryan what he thinks but he hasn't had much time to. Seth says it is better than a group home and shows them the backyard with an empty pool that Seth uses as a skating rank while Marissa and Ryan eat In-N-Out. Marissa asks about Ryan's mom and he says she is a train wreck. Marissa says hers is too and she asks about his dad. Ryan tells her he is in jail for armed robbery. Marissa starts to tell Ryan about her dad who is a financial planner but seems to be in trouble. Marissa says she hasn't told anybody and Ryan says he can keep a secret. Marissa steps away on a phone call from Luke who is asking where she is. Luke says he misses her and that it is not a party without her. Marissa was supposed to be there an hour ago and she says she will be there soon. They say I love you and hang up.

I can keep a secret - The Model Home

Ryan tells Marissa, "I can keep a secret," after she shares with him her dad's possible legal issues.

Marissa rejoins Ryan and he asks how long they have been together. Marissa says she doesn't know but Seth does. He talks about them making out on the back of the bus in 5th grade and Marissa throws fries at him. She asks what Seth's problem is and what she ever did to him. Seth says how he has lived next door to her for years and she has never done or said anything to him. Marissa tells him he never talked to her and that Seth thinks he is better than everyone. Seth says that if she is talking about Luke, then yes because he shaves his chest. Ryan laughs and Marissa says how he plays water polo. Seth says they know because the team tried to kill him and Ryan the other night. Ryan says he isn't too popular around town and that Luke was a little bit angry. Ryan says how he hit Luke first and Marissa thinks its hard to believe he isn't more popular.

SethMarissa102

Marissa throws fries at Seth, asking him what his problem is.

In the house, Seth finds a room for Ryan to stay in. Ryan doesn't think it is a good idea but Marissa says he should stay to which Ryan agrees to. Seth gets upset that Ryan listens when Marissa asks. Marissa gets another phone call this time from Summer. Seth tells Marissa to tell Summer he said happy birthday. Summer asks where she is and that she is coming to get her. Marissa says that she is on her way as Seth asks her again. Marissa tells Summer that Seth wished her a happy birthday to which Summer ask who and Marissa tells Seth that she said thanks. Seth gets all excited and Ryan matches his expressions. Marissa says bye to Summer. Marissa and Seth are getting ready to leave and Seth makes her promise she won't tell anyone. Marissa says, "I can keep a secret" and looks at Ryan. Seth says bye to Ryan and that he will see him the next day. Marissa says she will too and that they can fix up the place. Marissa smiles at Ryan to which he says cool. Marissa and Seth leave. File:Marissa & Summer - The Model Home.webp

The next day, Ryan wakes up and looks through the model home. Sandy goes into the pool house looking for Ryan. Cops are waiting outside the Cohens as Seth is talking to Marissa about meeting in the driveway. Sandy and Kirsten are talking to the police as Seth tries to slip by them. Sandy stops him and asks to talk about Ryan. As Marissa is trying to leave her house, her mom calls out for her. Luke is eating breakfast in their kitchen and asks Marissa if he wants to go with her to take the boat out. The police officer is asking Seth where he thinks Ryan might have gone and Seth says he doesn't know but that he said something about going down to Mexico to gamble. Sandy tells him to stop joking and answer the question. Seth says he doesn't know because he never got the chance to know Ryan.

Julie walks into Jimmy's office telling him about breakfast. Julie tells him she is taking Kaitlin to the horse stables and needs a check. Jimmy asks why she even really needs a pony and how she won't like horses in a few months. Kaitlin comes in and yells at her dad. Julie starts to rub Jimmy's shoulders and points out how tense he is. Jimmy says he needs to talk to her about work but Julie refuses because she doesn't like talking about work. Jimmy says he has made mistakes and Julie thinks he will fix it. Marissa lies to Luke about going to get waxed to freak him out about spending the day with her and tells him he could get a manicure. Luke says they will catch up later at a party. Luke leaves and Seth emerges from the bushes asking Marissa if she told anyone. Ryan and Seth are setting up a tent for him and Marissa is sorting through the stuff she brought for Ryan and Seth makes fun of the things she brought. Marissa gifts Ryan, "The Model Home Mix" that she made for him that has a little bit of everything, just what he likes. Seth comes back into the room and talks about how perfect the place is and that he doesn't need anything else. Ryan asks if anyone brought food and they did not.

File:Marissa & Ryan, "The Model Home Mix" .webp

Marissa gives Ryan "The Model Home Mix" she made for him.

Seth, Marissa, and Ryan ride around on the pier. Seth on his skateboard and Ryan and Marissa on the bike. Sandy calls the hospitals looking for Ryan. Sandy thinks Seth knows where Ryan is and Kirsten tells him to let the police handle it. Sandy wishes she didn't call them as they don't have the resources. Kirsten asks what is about Ryan and Sandy says how he was this kid and if someone hadn't helped him, he wouldn't be where he is today. Kirsten gets a phone call and leaves the house. It's Jimmy and he asks for Kirsten's help when Julie interrupts. Jimmy asks if she is free for lunch and they plan to meet then.

Tumblr lwifrvjJQh1qem3l9o3 r1 250

Seth, Ryan, and Marissa ride around on the pier.

Seth, Ryan, and Marissa are having lunch when Ryan talks about needing a plan. Ryan talks about going to Texas to get a construction job. Seth and Marissa think it is too far and he should stay somewhere closer. Ryan says he will need to find a way to get money and Marissa says that they can get him some. Seth says he is lucky in a way as he gets to go somewhere new and start over. Luke and some of his friends walk into the restaurant and Ryan says he will handle it but Marissa insists that she will and walks over to them. Seth asks what is going on with him and Marissa. Marissa goes up to Luke to distract them so Ryan and Seth can sneak out. They nearly make it out the door when Seth runs into an employee and he drops plates and silverware. Luke and his friends see him and call him a name. Seth says under his breath, at least he doesn't shave his chest and starts to walk out. Luke asks what he said and starts threatening Seth. Ryan steps in and starts to mess with Ryan and Marissa tries to stop him. Ryan punches him saying there is nothing he likes about rich kids. Seth and Ryan run out and ride off leaving Marissa and Luke behind.

Ryan & Luke - The Model Home

Ryan punches Luke for messing with him and making fun of Seth.

Back at the model home, Seth and Ryan are recounting what Ryan said to Luke. Marissa rejoins them and says to Ryan that he didn't have to hit him and how the cops were called. She starts to defend Luke saying he is protective but Seth and Ryan don't believe it when a car pulls up to the home. Kirsten gets out of the car with Jimmy and they enter the house. Kirsten and Jimmy are talking about the house when she asks him what is going on with Marissa, Seth, and Ryan listening. Jimmy tells Kirsten how he is in debt and she asks how much he needs, he says $100,000. Kirsten says it's a done deal and Jimmy says he will pay her back, as they leave they say the contractors are coming to the house tomorrow. Seth asks Marissa if she is okay but she doesn't answer.

Ryan & Marissa - The Model Home

Ryan and Marissa listen in on Kirsten and Jimmy's conversation.

In Seth's room, he is paying for a bus ticket to Texas the next day when Sandy walks in. Sandy says how they found Ryan because of the fight he had down at the pier. Sandy says they should go find him before the authorities do. Marissa is at another party when Summer approaches her asking how she is. Marissa asks her a question to which Summer explains it is exactly what she is talking about. Luke and his friends talk about fighting Ryan again when Marissa leaves. Sandy and Seth are not successful in finding Ryan and Seth says he is better off on his own. Sandy asks Seth to promise to never run away from his parents.

Ryan is lighting candles in the model home and packing up his things when Marissa walks in. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley is playing and Marissa says how it reminds her of Ryan. Marissa says how she doesn't know why she is there but that she wanted to see Ryan. Marissa suggests that she could spend the night with him just to hang out and Ryan says no because he doesn't think he could leave if she did. Marissa tells him not to leave but Ryan tells her they are from different worlds to which Marissa tries to deny. Ryan says how he isn't like her and tells her to leave. Marissa runs out of the house and drives away while Luke watches her. Ryan runs out of the house after her but she is already gone.

Ryan - Different Worlds

Marissa pleads with Ryan to stay but he says he can't as they are from different worlds.

Kirsten transfers money to Jimmy. Sandy and Seth are still driving around looking for Ryan. Marissa is crying in the car on the way home. Ryan hears someone enter the house, thinking it is Seth with his bus ticket, when Luke and his friends walk in. Luke asks what he is doing with Marissa and Ryan says nothing. Luke doesn't believe him and threatens to kill him when they start fighting. Candles fall over and start a fire. Luke and his friends make a run out of there with Ryan left behind, struggling to get up. Luke notices and runs back for him and carries Ryan out of the house. Luke and his friends drive off. Jimmy is watching a basketball game when Julie walks in and starts to watch with him. Jimmy tells her he took care of their problem. Marissa gets home and doesn't say anything to her parents. Jimmy walks in and asks her what is wrong as she continues to cry.

The O.C

The model home catches on fire.

Sandy gets a call and agrees to meet someone. Luke is back at the party looking for Marissa when Summer says that he smells like smoke. Luke and his friends wonder if Ryan is even alive after they left him. Sandy and Seth meet Kirsten as they look at the burned down model home. The police officer tells Kirsten that someone has been living in the model home to which Seth says it is his fault. Ryan is attempting to hitch hike when Luke picks him up. Luke is relieved Ryan is okay and asks where Ryan is going. Luke says that no one can know it was them and Ryan gets in, saying he needs a ride. Sandy asks Seth what Ryan was doing there and Seth explains how Ryan didn't want to live in a foster home and that Seth didn't want him to leave. The police are outside in the Cohen's driveway asking them and the Coopers questions. Luke and Ryan pull up to the house. Ryan gets out and apologizes to the Cohens. The police arrest Ryan and Luke tells them it was an accident and they arrest him as well.

Coopers & Cohens - The Model Home

The Cohens and the Coopers watch as Ryan and Luke get arrested.

Cast[]

Starring[]

Guest Starring[]

Co-Starring[]

Quotes[]

Seth: (to Marissa) Did you seriously bring a loofa?
Ryan: What's a loofa?

Ryan: (looking at a miniature model home on the table) What's that?
Kirsten: It's a model home. I build them. Well, the real ones, not this one.
Ryan: Could you build me one? ... Sorry, bad joke.(Ryan, Seth, Sandy and Kirsten sit down to eat)
Sandy: So, last supper, huh? ... Sorry, bad joke.

Luke: You're okay.
Ryan: Disappointed?

Marissa(driving): Why won't you tell me where we're going? This is pretty far away.
Seth: Oh, wow. (Complaining.) That's very interesting considering nobody invited you.
Marissa: Before I came along you were on a skateboard.

Marissa: I mean, what did I ever do to you?
Seth: Nothing, Marissa. I've lived next door to you forever and you've never done or said anything to me.
Marissa: Oh, my God, you're the one who never talks to me. You think you're so much better than everyone.
Seth: I do? Well, if you're talking about Luke, then, yes, because that guy shaves his chest!

Ryan: You know what I like about rich kids? *(Bam, slaan), nothing.
Seth: Hey, Ryan, you wouldn't consider me rich, would you? I'd be more upper middle class?

Marissa: You like them?
Ryan: Yeah, I guess.
Marissa: Well, what do you like?
Ryan: Everything. I don't really listen to music.
Seth: Dude, that's kind of weird.

Ryan: We're from different worlds.
Marissa: That's not true.

Seth: You remember the meatloaf incident of '98?
Kirsten: That was brisket.
Seth: Yeah, that's my point exactly.

Sandy: There's no need for sarcasm.
Seth: I'm not being sarcastic.
Sandy: Well, it's hard to tell sometimes.

(Talking to Kirsten about Ryan)
Sandy: I was this kid. If someone hadn't helped me, I wouldn't be here.

Music[]

Trivia[]

  • As Jimmy and Julie are watching the basketball game on ESPN Classics, when he refers to the particular game, there is a really bad voice over. His voice says "1986," yet his mouth says "1988." The series Jimmy references was the 1988 NBA Finals, won by the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games over the Detroit Pistons.
  • This episode is referred to many times throughout the series including The Journey and The Graduates where they revisit the home.

Gallery[]

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