Programma Televisivo: The O.C. - 3x5
My mom and I are getting kicked out of our house, which is why I had to pick up and move into Summer's.
This woman is the Princess of Orange County and we'll find a way to use her.
Welcome to Newport Union.
I'm Casey.
Nice to meet you, I'm...
Johnny!
Everyone calls me Chili.
It's gonna be a problem for me because I love you.
Marissa...
What's wrong?
What'd you do to her?
Nothing.
I'm fine.
This is my...
Boyfriend, I'm guessing.
Hey.
She's Taylor Townsend.
She's, like the Karl Rove of our school.
Taylor Townsend...
Don't touch her!
Ryan!
Either of you ever set foot near this school again, I call the police.
Where's all the cereal?
Oh, I guess we're out.
There's no bagels, either?
I thought we'd try something new.
Mom, listen to me.
I understand that this whole "Cooking with Kirsten" thing is helping you keep focused, but you cannot preempt a man's regularly scheduled breakfast.
It is a sacred routine.
Sit.
You are having...
Eggs b�n�dicte gruy�re avec p�t� de fruits.
Something smells...
fancy.
Have a seat.
There's plenty.
Oh, no thanks.
I'll just grab a bagel and a schmear to go.
Good luck with that.
Oh, Dr.
Kim.
Thanks so much for getting back to me.
Dr.
Kim, as in "Principal" Dr.
Kim.
Oh, she's probably confirming our reservation for the college fair tonight.
You know, you're gonna be exposed to a lot of new things in college next year.
Yeah, horny coeds and alcohol poisoning.
I just don't think they're gonna have French fusion on the menu.
They don't want me there tonight, do they?
No, Harbor's only hosting and it's a public event.
Dr.
Kim says there is no reason why you can't attend.
So, what do you say you boys meet us back here, we'll head over together.
Sounds good to me.
What's going on?
Harbor's Dean of Discipline is making it his personal crusade to ruin Ryan's future.
He's attached a note to his transcript, detailing his pathologically violent behavior.
Ryan certainly needs to work on his self-control, but he's not pathological.
And considering everything he's been through...
No one's gonna get a chance to consider it.
A letter like that is a red flag to college boards, and unless it's rescinded, no way a reputable school is gonna want to touch a kid like Ryan.
What color do I want?
You're, like, twice my height.
We can probably figure this out.
Why don't you just...that, right?
Yeah?
Solved Oh, I'm sorry.
You must be so sick of me being in your way all the time.
Oh, are you kidding?
I date Cohen, okay?
My patience is infinite.
Beside, having you all up in my space makes me miss you less at school.
Oh, I miss you guys, too.
You know, we should all do something tonight.
You know, I told Cohen I'd go with him to that, um...
What is it called?
That college circus thing?
Why don't you come with us?
To Harbor?
I think I'll pass.
What?
It's not like your picture is on the Most Wanted list.
Have you checked the dean's office?
Very funny.
Look, I'm not really thinking big picture right now, anyway.
I mean, college isn't even on my radar.
You're a senior in high school.
How could college not be on your radar?
Let's see-- maybe because I'm homeless, going to public school and totally broke.
And yet, things could be worse.
Hi, Mom.
Hi, sweetie.
I'm just checking on you.
How's everything going at Summer's?
Fine, but I'm kind of worried I might be starting to wear out my welcome a little.
Well, then I have some good news.
Kirsten's turned me on to a very promising lead on some beachside property So if you could just hang on a little bit longer.
Sure, I guess.
Great.
Is everything okay, Mom?
Oh, I'm fine, honey.
Okay, I mean, I've been better, but I have a plan and you have nothing to worry about.
We'll have lunch at the club this week, okay?
I'll call you.
Don't stress out, okay?
You can stay here as long as you want.
Thanks.
Oh!
Excuse us, ma'am.
No problem.
Look at her.
All coy and texty.
I bet it's the dean.
All, like, "Come over to my creepy apartment.
I'll give you a lesson in discipline."
Be afraid, Cohen.
Be very, very afraid.
If Taylor isn't stopped, who knows how far she'll take her evil agenda?
Well, you know, she hijacked social chair.
It's not like world domination is inevitable.
Yeah, well, school domination is.
She's got Dean Hess in her back pocket, front and who knows where else?
Oh, look, I know US Weekly's your bible, and believe me, I love a good scandal as much as the next guy but nothing is going on between the dean and Taylor Townsend.
I saw what I saw, okay?
Yeah, in a dark hallway in the middle of a rage blackout.
Isn't it possible you saw what you wanted to see?
No.
No one chooses to witness something that repellent.
Oh, I'd like to give her a Sidekick.
Where are you going?
Recon.
You sure this is a good idea?
Of course.
I want you here.
Does anyone else?
Well, there's only one way to find out.
Hi, guys.
Hi Is this Ryan?
Yeah, I see why you didn't break up with him.
Chiseled jaw, deep, soulful eyes.
He's pretty.
Yo, man, you ever get struck by lightning, I will take care of your woman.
Yeah, I'm worried.
You should be.
Good to see you again.
Yeah, yeah, good to see you.
Sorry about the other day.
I kind of lost my cool.
Hey, man, you see your girl talking to some guy you don't know-- could happen to anyone.
So, you guys want to sit with us?
Sure.
Thanks.
Cool.
So, you blowing off school today?
Uh, no, actually, I'm doing the home school thing for a while.
Cool.
I thought that was for, like, Christians and hippies.
And for people who punch the dean in the face at their private school.
You did that?
Yeah.
Yeah, wish I could home-school.
Can't wait to get out of here.
Though, Newport beats the hell out of Brea.
You from Brea?
Where'd you go to middle school?
Arovista.
Chino Hills.
Come on, Marissa, let's get some frozen yogurt.
Okay.
Ryan, you want anything?
I'm good.
Thanks.
Dennis, you like frozen yogurt.
Okay, yeah, I love frozen yogurt.
Yeah, come on, you can hold our tray for us.
Trust me-- the faster they become friends, the better off you are.
So, we used to kick your ass in Pee Wee Football.
Yeah, I know.
I used to play safety.
Quarterback.
Really?
One year.
Okay.
At first I thought it was cute.
you following me, obsessing over me.
But the Single White Female thing is so mid-'90s, and it never ends well for the ugly one.
Could you be more full of yourself?
I have better things to do than follow your sorry ass around.
Okay, I know it must be hard going from prom queen to the Invisible Woman, but what are you trying to prove?
That you're not just sad and pathetic, but you're also crazy?
Oh, you want crazy?
Oh, I will show you crazy.
Okay, you might want to rethink threatening me.
If you haven't noticed, I'm kind of close with Dean Hess.
Oh, no, I've noticed.
Well, you know, Dean Hess, he isn't exactly discreet.
Okay, what does that mean?
Never mind.
I have been trying to erase this image from my brain, like, all day.
Unfortunately, I think it's going to take, like, serious therapy.
What image?
Nothing, I...
Dean Hess could get in, like, a lot of trouble.
I think it's, like, sexual harassment or something.
What is?
Kissing.
Miss Applebaum.
The volleyball coach with the toned arms and the legs for miles.
I saw them behind the gym bleachers this morning.
You're totally lying.
I wish.
The look on Miss Applebaum's face is, like, permanently burned into my retinas.
God...
pure carnal satisfaction.
Oh, sorry.
I guess I got to go.
You have a super day.
I was going this way.
So...
what do you think?
Aren't condos for old people?
These units were conceived for young professionals.
Single, divorced executive types.
How much are we talking?
Well, since I know the developer personally, 10% gets you in, the rest you can finance.
Ten percent?
Julie, it's a really good investment.
And if you need help with the down payment...
I'm not destitute, Kirsten.
I'm discerning.
Should I make a call, set up a walk-through?
Why not?
Oh.
I wonder who that is.
I was on my way to the club, and I thought you might want to join me for a bite.
Oh, it's good of you to stop by.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't realize you had company.
No, no, no.
Charlotte, this is Julie.
Julie, this is Charlotte.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
We met at Suriak.
Oh, are you a doctor?
Patient.
You know what?
I have an appointment I have to be getting to, so, Kirsten, call me when you hear from your real estate friend.
On my cell.
My hotel is terrible...
about messages.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too.
Okay, clearly I have got to learn how to call ahead.
I'm sorry.
I hope I didn't scare your friend away.
Oh, it'd take a lot more than that to scare Julie.
She was married to my dad.
Oh, well, that would explain the size of the rock on her finger.
Well, he didn't leave her much else. "
Newport Point Condominiums."
It's not the Taj Mahal, but it'll be a good place for her and her daughter to start over Can I get you some salad?
We have plenty left.
Oh, yeah, that'd be great.
I'm starving, actually.
Thanks.
So, your dad left her with nothing.
She must be feeling really vulnerable now.
Come on, Coop.
Ryan's going.
Yeah.
And I'm sure he'll have a great time with you and Seth.
Look, it's not because it's Harbor.
And it's not because it's college.
I just have a lot of homework.
Yeah, sure.
Homework.
You want me to focus on my future?
Well, guess what?
Tomorrow I have a trig exam that I'm totally going to fail.
Okay.
Sure.
I'll just tell everyone you said hi.
Okay.
I'll be fine.
Ivy League, Big 10, Pac 10.
You know, college fairs are kind of like shopping.
It's all about brand recognition.
You know Princeton was originally called the College of New Jersey?
Hmm.
How hard do you think it would be to get into that school?
Well, why don't you ask them?
Why not, indeed?
Are you okay?
Yeah, yeah, fine.
Just a little weird being back here.
I feel like a fugitive.
You have as much right to be here as anyone.
So, where do you want to start?
I really don't know.
I hear Berkeley is an excellent choice.
Very pretty girls, too.
Oh.
And there's the UC sign.
Sounds good?
Sure.
So, all these schools are in the Northeast.
Yeah.
So?
So, just a little something I like to call "winter".
God, your bony ass can't even take it when Newport drops to 70.
Oh, my God!
Wait.
What?
Ooh, busted.
Now do you believe me?
That is totally a couple fight.
Or Dean Hess just told Taylor that her chances are better at Cornell than Dartmouth.
You still don't believe me.
No, I'm just saying, look, an on-campus argument in front of the students and the faculty and parents is not really proof of a relationship.
Okay.
I'm gonna go get you proof.
What?
What are you interested in studying?
Uh, I'm not totally sure.
Ryan's strong in math and physics.
And he's shown a real aptitude for building and drafting.
Maybe architecture?
We've got a great program.
Maybe.
It's good to see you.
I'll be right back.
What is Atwood doing here?
He's not to set foot on this campus.
I cleared it with Principal Kim.
You can keep him from enrolling here, but you can't keep him from attending a public event.
I'm calling security.
Unless you have a court-ordered injunction against my son, I recommend you keep your hands off him.
Fine.
He can stay.
But it's a waste of time.
None of these schools will even admit him.
Because of the letter you attached to his file.
Maybe he'll think twice about assaulting his next victim.
He made a mistake, and he should pay for it.
But should the price really be his future?
You're killing his one shot.
No.
He did that all by himself.
Morning, buddy.
Got up early, put on a pot of regular.
Oh, no.
Oh, man.
Ryan!
You're...
here.
Where else would I be?
Well, after last night, I thought you might have gone Greyhound, but clearly, my concern was unfounded because you're...
fine.
Sure.
I mean, no one in my family even got through high school.
Two years ago, the thought of college never even crossed my mind.
It was never where I was headed.
Where are you headed right now?
A little, uh, field trip with your tutor?
I canceled the tutor.
If anyone asks, I'm at the library.
Good.
I think that's a good idea.
You take a day, clear your head with a little independent study.
My head is clear.Tutor's not coming back.
I'm done with school.
You're dropping out?
And then what?
I don't know yet.
That's a smart move.
Have you told my parents?
Have you told Marissa?
That's fine.
High school-- it's overrated.
I'm sure you'll do fine.
Ryan, you can't just drop out of school.
It's only gonna make things worse.
I got to get to class, okay?
Please, let's just talk after.
Bye.
Everything okay?
Yeah.
Great.
My boyfriend's quitting school.
Why?
Because he doesn't think he can get into college, so he's just giving up.
Seems like a smart kid.
I'm sure he'll be all right.
This time I'm not so sure.
His family is kind of screwed up.
Whose isn't?
Okay, true, but Ryan's is really screwed up.
And he's got a chance to be different than them if he'd just take it.
Have you told him that?
Oh, I don't think he'll listen to me.
In fact, I don't know who he'll listen to.
Miss Morgan.
No.
Julie Cooper-Nichol.
Oh, right.
Kirsten Cohen's referral.
Door's open, so I thought I'd take a little peek around.
Gave me a chance to really visualize myself in place I'll take it.
Beg your pardon?
I brought the down payment with me.
I'm assuming cash is okay?
Ms.
Cooper...
Cooper-Nichol.
I think we may have a little misunderstanding.
You see, when we spoke this morning, I was under the impression that this unit wasn't, um...
right for you.
I beg your pardon.
This is a four-bedroom.
The one that we talked about is a two-bedroom in the garden.
Garden.
Realtor-speak for basement, right?
Hello.
Ah.
You must be Ms.
Morgan.
Julie, right?
Hi!
What are you doing here?
I might ask the same thing.
Well, I'm planning on doing some business in the area, and I heard this condo might be a perfect little crash pad, but it looks like you beat me to it.
Actually, your timing is perfect.
I'm sorry.
I think I'm looking for something with a better view.
Charlotte, the place is all yours.
Well, follow me, Miss Morgan.
We'll start with the master.
Where you been?
I've been lookingfor you all day.
I've been avoiding you.
Just because I don't buy into your whole Taylor and the Dean forbidden love delusion?
Yeah.
Could we table that for a second?
We have a bigger problem to worry about.
Ryan quitting school?
I know.
Marissa told me.
Well, I think we should do something before it's too late.
Why do you think I'm writing this letter?
You starting a petition?
That's a pretty good idea.
No, it's not a petition, dumb-ass.
I'm begging for Taylor's forgiveness.
Hmm.
You had me and then you...
I think you lost me.
Okay, if Taylor thinks that Dean Hess is sorry, maybe they'll get back together.
And then we can expose them and use that as leverage to get Ryan back in school.
No, no.
I understand.
Can I call you right back?
Thanks.
What's going on?
That was Ryan's tutor calling for her final paycheck.
What?!
Ryan told her that he would no longer be needing her services since he won't be finishing high school.
Where's Ryan now?
Marissa said he was at the library.
Well, one kid dropping out of school, the other kid lying.
And I thought that he was gonna be boring.
Hey, man.
Hey, Johnny.
Marissa said they had the best burgers in town.
Figured I should check it out for myself.
Yeah, come on in.
So, she told you what's going on.
Might have mentioned it.
Well, no offense, but you barely know me.
Which is why I'm not here to talk you into anything.
I mean, I'm not going to college.
Figured I'd do all right in a few surf competitions next year.
Maybe hook up with some sponsors.
Turn that into a career, you know?
It's a simple plan, but...
Better than what I got.
Thought I'd get a job, figure things out after I make a little money.
What kind of job are you looking for?
Did construction last summer.
The hours were long, but I like the work.
My uncle has this commercial fishing operation.
He's always looking for new guys.
Well, it's kind of brutal, but you can't beat the pay.
Think he'd give me a shot?
If you want, I'll take you down there.
He could be off joining a foreign legion.
Joining a cult.
Ryan could be...
I don't know.
He could be taking part in a mass marriage right now, drinking Kool-Aid from brand-new sneakers.
So many sick things.
I'm gonna try his cell again.
Dude, where were you?
We were about to sound an Amber Alert.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Look, I know you've had a rough 24 hours, and I am a firm believer that every man deserves his space.
You can't go off like that.
Won't happen again.
Listen, lucky for you, I was able to do a little damage control with your tutor.
She's agreed to come this weekend and make up for what you missed today.
Well,I appreciate that, but, um...
What's this?
It's a guardian release form.
I got a job.
On a boat.
You mean like a cruise ship?
'Cause you don't really seem like the type.
This is a joke, right?
These boats go out for weeks at a time.
You're not of age.
That's why I need your signature.
So, you want to throw away your future so you can go work on a fishing boat?
Come on.
My future's already trashed.
Tried it your way.
It didn't work.
You have to keep trying.
No, I don't.
I have been trying.
And I appreciate everything you've done for me.
I really do,.
but I need to make my own decisions And I am asking you to let me go.
Sandy.
Dad.
Come up here and help George with the deck.
Check the icemaker, put some Freon in there.
We lose any of the next haul, it's coming out of your paychecks.
Mr.
Harper?
Yeah?
Uh, Ryan Atwood from yesterday.
Oh, yeah, Charlie's friend, right?
Hold this Look, kid...
we don't need any part-time help right now.
Come back next summer.
Give me a needle, somebody!
Yeah, about that, I got the signature.
I can do it full-time.
You know, this isn't putting bait on hooks.
It's hard work.
You mess up out there, you don't get fired, you get hurt.
I work construction; I can handle it.
I'd really appreciate the chance.
Yeah, that's because you don't know better.
All right.
Yeah, we got a spot open on the Gail; we're prepping her right now.
Oh, great.
How long she gonna be out?
Depends on the action.
I guess about three weeks.
She shoves off tomorrow, sunset.
You got a problem with that?
No, sir.
Just, got some loose ends to tie up.
Yeah, don't we all All right, don't be late.
How was surfing?
Pretty calm.
Had time to do some soul-searching.
You gonna talk to him?
I'm sticking with our plan.
Your plan, Sandy.
He's leaving on a boat tomorrow.
This is the wrong time to be stubborn.
Honey, I'm stubborn all the time.
We can't force Ryan to make the right choice.
Yeah, but we can stop him from making a horrible mistake, from permanently knocking his life off course.
Yeah, it's a course we set for him.
Would you let Seth do this?
We kind of did.
No, no, that was different: it was summer He didn't miss school.
And it was Seth: we knew he'd come back.
You know, in Ryan's position at his age, I can't say I wouldn't be doing the same thing.
I left home at 17.
Yeah, to start your life, not throw it away.
Ryan doesn't want this.
He'll come around, but...
we got to let him get there on his own.
And what if he doesn't?
Hey.
Hi, sweetie.
Have you guys seen Ryan?
He hasn't been returning my calls.
Oh, he should be home soon.
This thing with the dean has really gotten to him.
I think the best thing we can do is support him, no matter what.
So you want to throw him a going-away dinner?
That's not a bad idea.
Wait.
Where's he going? "
You are like a warm breeze blowing down Van Nuys Boulevard."
"From Encino to Reseda, there is nothing as beautiful as you."
"Your eyes are as blue as a smogless day..."
What the hell is that?
Well, I lifted it from the season finale of The Valley.
You know, when Manuel was busting a move on April, and she found out Jake was sleeping with her mom.
Right, that was riveting stuff.
Yeah.
Will you proof it for me?
Listen, we have to act fast.
Ryan's about a yellow slicker and a graveyard away from becoming the Gorton's fisherman.
Yeah, not getting the reference He got a job on a fishing boat.
Leaves tomorrow night.
Wait, what?
Are you serious?
Your dad's just, like, letting him go?
Pulling the old Sandy Cohen Jedi mind-meld on him.
-Trying to break his will by agreeing with him.
-Oh, like he did with you?
Which you fell for, because you were both spineless and weak.
Yes, exactly, but this is Ryan we're talking about.
So if Taylor's gonna fall for your plan, we need to speak in a language she'll understand.
Are you trying to say that you believe me?
No, not exactly, there's just no other options.
Do you have her cell phone number?
What?
We're not gonna call her.
She's not a moron.
She's just evil.
We're not gonna call her, my little dim sum.
We're going to text her.
What is that?
Or should I say Dean Hess is.
You got the bedazzled one-- pink, too?!
But we can't text her an apology...
wait, we're texting her an apology?
An invitation.
I got a room at the Mermaid Motel.
You mean the place where Ryan may or may not have conceived Theresa's baby, and where Marissa's mom and Luke got it on?
Newport's very own den of sin.
Ew.
But I like it.
We can even...
I mean, if we have some free time.
Whatever.
Hope you don't mind.
I'm early for your going-away party.
My what?
Sandy and Kirsten want to have a send-off party for you, since, apparently, you're leaving.
I was gonna tell you.
It slipped your mind?
No.
I was waiting for the right time.
Since I thought you might not understand.
Understand what?
That you're becoming a fisherman?
It's not about the job.
I need to make a change.
A change.
Not from us.
Right, because you going away for weeks at a time won't change us at all.
It's not forever.
It's just until...
Until when?
The dean lets you back into Harbor 'cause that may never happen.
I need you to understand.
Consider it understood.
You sure about this Julie Cooper?
Definitely.
She's got all the right connections and nothing left to lose.
I hope so.
You better be right.
I know what I'm doing, babe.
What the hell are you doing here?
Hope you don't mind me tracking you down-- I got your address from the Realtor.
Are you stalking me?
No, but I can see why you'd think that.
Can I come in?
Uh, you really don't want to, and no.
Okay, well, I have some good news.
I got the condo.
Oh, well, I'm happy for you.
Adios.
I put it in your name.
Say what now?
I bought it for you.
You bought me a condo?
Kirsten...
filled me in on your situation.
It moved me.
It moved me, too...
right into this fleabag hellhole.
onetheless, a long time ago, I learned there is no such thing as a free lunch...
or a condo.
Julie, I don't want anything from you.
I swear.
Except the use of the spare room when I'm in town, which would only be a couple weeks a year.
Other than that, it's all yours.
You're serious?
Look, I know what it's like to fall on hard times.
No one else has to know about our arrangement.
This can just be our secret.
You realize, Ryan, of all our harebrained schemes, of which there are many, quitting school for a life at sea-- that may be #1.
Can't say the idea has gotten an enthusiastic response, except from your dad, who's throwing me a dinner.
He's calling your bluff.
I'm not bluffing.
I didn't say it was working.
I think he's just hoping to give me enough rope to hang myself.
And instead, you fashion said rope into a perfect little sailor's knot.
Well...
it's the best option I got.
What if Harbor let you back in, that change your mind?
Never gonna happen.
Never say never.
I may have a plan in motion.
Mm.
I feel a lot better.
Let's just get this over with.
Let's just get this over with.
We got dressed up, and you decided to come to this thing.
Might as well make the best of it.
How am I supposed to do that?
I don't know, but you know what?The same time tomorrow, Atwood is gonna be off the Pacific ridgenetting sea bass with rank fishermen in wool sweaters.
Yeah, well, you are right.
This could be the last time I see him for a while.
Where he doesn't smell like pickled herring.
All right, I'll try.
Honey...
this homemade pad thai-- it-it's delicious.
You keep this up, we're going to save a bundle on takeout.
Well, thank you.
I hope everybody likes it.
I used tofu instead of shrimp.
It's fine by me.
I think I've kind of gone off of seafood for a while.
I, for one, I love the tofu.
Tofuna, tofurkey...
tobagel...
with cream tocheese.
Too much.
It was a valiant effort.
So, tell us about the captain.
Uh...
well, he's pretty much what you'd expect.
Oh, what's that?
Eye patch, peg leg...
parrot on his shoulder?
I love parrots.
I think they're cute.
You know... "
Polly want a cracker."
Yeah.
Sorry.
Actually, uh, the captain's Johnny's uncle.
That's how I met him.
Johnny got you the job?
Unbelievable.
You know what?
I think I'm just ruining everyone's dinner, so I'm going to go.
No, no, no, sit down.
You're not ruining anything.
Well, maybe a little...
but it's completely understandable.
Well, I'm glad something around here is.
Summer, can I have the keys?
Thanks for dinner, Sandy, Kirsten.
Excuse me.
Summer, your purse is buzzing.
Taylor took the bait.
Marissa, come on, hey, wait.
Can we talk about this?
What's there to talk about?
You've already made your decision.
I don't want to leave like this.
Then don't leave.
All right, well, then, I guess we don't have a choice.
Need any help?
Ah, I'm good.
Thanks.
At this point, I'm pretty good at packing light.
Are you sure you want to go through with this?
Well, you've beaten the Sandy Cohen mind-meld.
I was hoping if we gave you the space you need, you'd realize that this is not the answer to your problem.
Maybe my problem doesn't have an answer.
Sure it does, Ryan.
If you keep out of trouble until you graduate, at the very least, you'll land at a good community college.
Yeah.
You post a couple of semesters of good work and you can transfer to a four-year school.
Yeah...
you come from my family, it's not so easy.
We're your family now.
I may not be an Atwood anymore, but I'm not a Cohen, either.
I don't know what I am.
So you're going to figure it out lost at sea?
Eh, lost at sea, lost on land.
What's the difference, right?
Look, kid, we can't force you to stay, but this is your home now, and the door is always open.
Thank you.
I'm going to head out.
See you in a couple weeks.
Marissa, hey, what's going on?
Hey, I wanted to talk to you about that job you got Ryan.
I'm glad I could help.
How, by ruining his life?
I'm going to go...
out into the ocean...
far away.
I'm a little confused.
I mean...
Ryan needed a job.
I got him one.
Thought I was helping him out.
I know.
I shouldn't be blaming you.
It was his decision.
It's just now he's leaving.
I take it it wasn't a happy sendoff.
We got in a fight.
Well...at least you got to be honest with him, tell him how you felt.
Actually, I didn't.
And now I don't even know where he is.
I do.
Home sweet home.
Gift horse mouth, far be it from me to do any looking.
I don't know what to say.
Thank you.
You don't have to say anything.
It makes me feel great just to be able to help, although this place does need some furniture.
I think I can cover that.
I have a little money stashed away.
Mm, so pawning that ring brought in a small fortune.
How about a little champagne?
Aren't you just out of rehab?
All right, for you, I'll have water.
I will open this.
I'll meet you out there.
If you can find some glasses...
My pleasure.
She's in.
Marissa.
What are you doing here?
I couldn't let you leave without telling you how I really felt.
You see, I couldn't figure out why I was so mad at you, and then I realized it's because you're doing what my dad did.
You see, he left and ran away on a boat, and now you are too, so I guess that makes you just as much of a coward as he is.
And you know what?
Running away never really helped him at all.
What if this is the bed that Julie and Luke had sex in?
A boy can dream.
Will you quit peeping out the window, Cohen?
You don't peep out of windows.
You peep into 'em.
Oh, you'd know.
Taylor.
She's coming.
Hey, skank.
You were expecting someone taller, blonder, with a pageboy haircut?
Welcome to the Terror Dome, Townsend.
You're busted.
For what, exactly?
Hmm, a little extracurricular activity with Dean Hess.
Yeah.
I saw you two making out at the dance.
So what if we did?
She'd make a hell of a poker player.
I mean, she's pretty good.
Yeah, unless you and the dean want this little thingamajig...
Heinous...
...to go public...
What up?
We have a few demands.
Don't we?
Yeah.
Starting with the lifting of the ban of Ryan Atwood from Harbor.
You can go ahead and tell anyone you want.
No one's going to believe you.
She's like a block of ice.
You willing to bet your squeaky little reputation on that, Taylor Trash?
Hmm?
'Cause I have got a huge mouth and an even bigger buddy list.
See this right here?
Sidekick.
Walkie-talkie of the 21st century.
Who should we radio first?
How about my dad?
Yeah, 10-4, good buddy.
So what's it going to be?
You can either tell Seth's dad the perverted truth and save your sorry ass, or you can roll the dice.
Over and out.
Sandy, come on in.
Thanks for meeting me on a Sunday.
I take it from the surreptitious nature of your phone call, you have something serious to discuss.
Surreptitious.
Good word.
No wonder they made you dean.
I don't know.
Do you classify a surreptitious student-teacher relationship as serious?
If you're here to make an accusation, Sandy, then please, feel free.
It's just the two of us.
We can talk.
Man to man.
why talk when a picture's worth a thousand words or a hefty lawsuit?
Sorry, I'm not...following.
Technology's a bitch...
Dean.
I have a hard time keeping up with it.
This little puppy is a phone that surfs the Web and, unfortunately for you, it transmits photos.
Hard to send a picture of something that never happened.
So you're saying you didn't get too close to a coed at the school dance.
And these photos I have are fakes?
She's an aggressive girl.
She had a schoolgirl crush, and at the dance, she forced herself on me.
I mean, it was just a kiss.
Well, I don't think the Board of Trustees will see this as just a kiss.
Plus, that's not what the girl is saying.
You talked to her?
Yep.
She told me everything.
She doesn't want this to get out, and I assume you don't, either, 'cause a scandal like this could be a real career-killer, and you seem to be an ambitious guy.
What do you want, Sandy?
You kicked Ryan out of this school.
I want you to let him back in...with a clean slate.
I suggest you get yourself one of these, get on Craig's List, and find yourself another position on the East Coast.
Sound good to you?
Coop, are you okay?
Ryan left.
He's gone?
Wait, what?
We just pulled off, like, a life-changing scam.
Are you telling me we're too late?
What are you talking about?
Well, it doesn't matter now.
Well, this sucks.
Hey, it's the return of the not-so-ancient mariner.
Look...
I don't know what my future is, but I know...
it's with you...
here...
not on some boat in the middle of the ocean.
I got good news for you.
Well, I have...
I have good news and I have some bad news.
What's the good news?
The good news is you're back at Harbor.
Really?
Yeah.
My dad bluffed the dean, and he caved on all counts.
And the bad news?
Well, eh...
you're back at Harbor, so...
And, uh...
Oh, you know what?
Don't worry about it.
My getting kicked out was backed up by the whole community.
With you, it was just the dean.
Besides, public school isn't that bad.
This is good news.
I think so.
Yeah.
She's right.
You know, we got to take our victories as they come.
I have to say, Ryan Atwood, fisherman-- I think that's a good shape for you.
Yeah, you like that?
I came up with some other pitches for jobs for you, but I should warn you, they're...
...pretty wacky.
Okay.
All right.
Ryan Atwood, bullfighter.
Big hat, like, tight pants, and a little red coat.
Hey, but I don't speak Spanish.
Neither do bulls.
Ryan Atwood, bounty hunter.
Then you could have, like, a crossbow and a badge and steel-toe boots.
You like those.
Or I could be Ryan Atwood, coward?
Oh, that may havebeen a little harsh.
You think so?
It got your attention.
Ryan Atwood, fluffer.
Fluffer?
Fluffer?
Of what?
What's that?
We'll explain it later.
This woman is the Princess of Orange County and we'll find a way to use her.
Welcome to Newport Union.
I'm Casey.
Nice to meet you, I'm...
Johnny!
Everyone calls me Chili.
It's gonna be a problem for me because I love you.
Marissa...
What's wrong?
What'd you do to her?
Nothing.
I'm fine.
This is my...
Boyfriend, I'm guessing.
Hey.
She's Taylor Townsend.
She's, like the Karl Rove of our school.
Taylor Townsend...
Don't touch her!
Ryan!
Either of you ever set foot near this school again, I call the police.
Where's all the cereal?
Oh, I guess we're out.
There's no bagels, either?
I thought we'd try something new.
Mom, listen to me.
I understand that this whole "Cooking with Kirsten" thing is helping you keep focused, but you cannot preempt a man's regularly scheduled breakfast.
It is a sacred routine.
Sit.
You are having...
Eggs b�n�dicte gruy�re avec p�t� de fruits.
Something smells...
fancy.
Have a seat.
There's plenty.
Oh, no thanks.
I'll just grab a bagel and a schmear to go.
Good luck with that.
Oh, Dr.
Kim.
Thanks so much for getting back to me.
Dr.
Kim, as in "Principal" Dr.
Kim.
Oh, she's probably confirming our reservation for the college fair tonight.
You know, you're gonna be exposed to a lot of new things in college next year.
Yeah, horny coeds and alcohol poisoning.
I just don't think they're gonna have French fusion on the menu.
They don't want me there tonight, do they?
No, Harbor's only hosting and it's a public event.
Dr.
Kim says there is no reason why you can't attend.
So, what do you say you boys meet us back here, we'll head over together.
Sounds good to me.
What's going on?
Harbor's Dean of Discipline is making it his personal crusade to ruin Ryan's future.
He's attached a note to his transcript, detailing his pathologically violent behavior.
Ryan certainly needs to work on his self-control, but he's not pathological.
And considering everything he's been through...
No one's gonna get a chance to consider it.
A letter like that is a red flag to college boards, and unless it's rescinded, no way a reputable school is gonna want to touch a kid like Ryan.
What color do I want?
You're, like, twice my height.
We can probably figure this out.
Why don't you just...that, right?
Yeah?
Solved Oh, I'm sorry.
You must be so sick of me being in your way all the time.
Oh, are you kidding?
I date Cohen, okay?
My patience is infinite.
Beside, having you all up in my space makes me miss you less at school.
Oh, I miss you guys, too.
You know, we should all do something tonight.
You know, I told Cohen I'd go with him to that, um...
What is it called?
That college circus thing?
Why don't you come with us?
To Harbor?
I think I'll pass.
What?
It's not like your picture is on the Most Wanted list.
Have you checked the dean's office?
Very funny.
Look, I'm not really thinking big picture right now, anyway.
I mean, college isn't even on my radar.
You're a senior in high school.
How could college not be on your radar?
Let's see-- maybe because I'm homeless, going to public school and totally broke.
And yet, things could be worse.
Hi, Mom.
Hi, sweetie.
I'm just checking on you.
How's everything going at Summer's?
Fine, but I'm kind of worried I might be starting to wear out my welcome a little.
Well, then I have some good news.
Kirsten's turned me on to a very promising lead on some beachside property So if you could just hang on a little bit longer.
Sure, I guess.
Great.
Is everything okay, Mom?
Oh, I'm fine, honey.
Okay, I mean, I've been better, but I have a plan and you have nothing to worry about.
We'll have lunch at the club this week, okay?
I'll call you.
Don't stress out, okay?
You can stay here as long as you want.
Thanks.
Oh!
Excuse us, ma'am.
No problem.
Look at her.
All coy and texty.
I bet it's the dean.
All, like, "Come over to my creepy apartment.
I'll give you a lesson in discipline."
Be afraid, Cohen.
Be very, very afraid.
If Taylor isn't stopped, who knows how far she'll take her evil agenda?
Well, you know, she hijacked social chair.
It's not like world domination is inevitable.
Yeah, well, school domination is.
She's got Dean Hess in her back pocket, front and who knows where else?
Oh, look, I know US Weekly's your bible, and believe me, I love a good scandal as much as the next guy but nothing is going on between the dean and Taylor Townsend.
I saw what I saw, okay?
Yeah, in a dark hallway in the middle of a rage blackout.
Isn't it possible you saw what you wanted to see?
No.
No one chooses to witness something that repellent.
Oh, I'd like to give her a Sidekick.
Where are you going?
Recon.
You sure this is a good idea?
Of course.
I want you here.
Does anyone else?
Well, there's only one way to find out.
Hi, guys.
Hi Is this Ryan?
Yeah, I see why you didn't break up with him.
Chiseled jaw, deep, soulful eyes.
He's pretty.
Yo, man, you ever get struck by lightning, I will take care of your woman.
Yeah, I'm worried.
You should be.
Good to see you again.
Yeah, yeah, good to see you.
Sorry about the other day.
I kind of lost my cool.
Hey, man, you see your girl talking to some guy you don't know-- could happen to anyone.
So, you guys want to sit with us?
Sure.
Thanks.
Cool.
So, you blowing off school today?
Uh, no, actually, I'm doing the home school thing for a while.
Cool.
I thought that was for, like, Christians and hippies.
And for people who punch the dean in the face at their private school.
You did that?
Yeah.
Yeah, wish I could home-school.
Can't wait to get out of here.
Though, Newport beats the hell out of Brea.
You from Brea?
Where'd you go to middle school?
Arovista.
Chino Hills.
Come on, Marissa, let's get some frozen yogurt.
Okay.
Ryan, you want anything?
I'm good.
Thanks.
Dennis, you like frozen yogurt.
Okay, yeah, I love frozen yogurt.
Yeah, come on, you can hold our tray for us.
Trust me-- the faster they become friends, the better off you are.
So, we used to kick your ass in Pee Wee Football.
Yeah, I know.
I used to play safety.
Quarterback.
Really?
One year.
Okay.
At first I thought it was cute.
you following me, obsessing over me.
But the Single White Female thing is so mid-'90s, and it never ends well for the ugly one.
Could you be more full of yourself?
I have better things to do than follow your sorry ass around.
Okay, I know it must be hard going from prom queen to the Invisible Woman, but what are you trying to prove?
That you're not just sad and pathetic, but you're also crazy?
Oh, you want crazy?
Oh, I will show you crazy.
Okay, you might want to rethink threatening me.
If you haven't noticed, I'm kind of close with Dean Hess.
Oh, no, I've noticed.
Well, you know, Dean Hess, he isn't exactly discreet.
Okay, what does that mean?
Never mind.
I have been trying to erase this image from my brain, like, all day.
Unfortunately, I think it's going to take, like, serious therapy.
What image?
Nothing, I...
Dean Hess could get in, like, a lot of trouble.
I think it's, like, sexual harassment or something.
What is?
Kissing.
Miss Applebaum.
The volleyball coach with the toned arms and the legs for miles.
I saw them behind the gym bleachers this morning.
You're totally lying.
I wish.
The look on Miss Applebaum's face is, like, permanently burned into my retinas.
God...
pure carnal satisfaction.
Oh, sorry.
I guess I got to go.
You have a super day.
I was going this way.
So...
what do you think?
Aren't condos for old people?
These units were conceived for young professionals.
Single, divorced executive types.
How much are we talking?
Well, since I know the developer personally, 10% gets you in, the rest you can finance.
Ten percent?
Julie, it's a really good investment.
And if you need help with the down payment...
I'm not destitute, Kirsten.
I'm discerning.
Should I make a call, set up a walk-through?
Why not?
Oh.
I wonder who that is.
I was on my way to the club, and I thought you might want to join me for a bite.
Oh, it's good of you to stop by.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't realize you had company.
No, no, no.
Charlotte, this is Julie.
Julie, this is Charlotte.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
We met at Suriak.
Oh, are you a doctor?
Patient.
You know what?
I have an appointment I have to be getting to, so, Kirsten, call me when you hear from your real estate friend.
On my cell.
My hotel is terrible...
about messages.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too.
Okay, clearly I have got to learn how to call ahead.
I'm sorry.
I hope I didn't scare your friend away.
Oh, it'd take a lot more than that to scare Julie.
She was married to my dad.
Oh, well, that would explain the size of the rock on her finger.
Well, he didn't leave her much else. "
Newport Point Condominiums."
It's not the Taj Mahal, but it'll be a good place for her and her daughter to start over Can I get you some salad?
We have plenty left.
Oh, yeah, that'd be great.
I'm starving, actually.
Thanks.
So, your dad left her with nothing.
She must be feeling really vulnerable now.
Come on, Coop.
Ryan's going.
Yeah.
And I'm sure he'll have a great time with you and Seth.
Look, it's not because it's Harbor.
And it's not because it's college.
I just have a lot of homework.
Yeah, sure.
Homework.
You want me to focus on my future?
Well, guess what?
Tomorrow I have a trig exam that I'm totally going to fail.
Okay.
Sure.
I'll just tell everyone you said hi.
Okay.
I'll be fine.
Ivy League, Big 10, Pac 10.
You know, college fairs are kind of like shopping.
It's all about brand recognition.
You know Princeton was originally called the College of New Jersey?
Hmm.
How hard do you think it would be to get into that school?
Well, why don't you ask them?
Why not, indeed?
Are you okay?
Yeah, yeah, fine.
Just a little weird being back here.
I feel like a fugitive.
You have as much right to be here as anyone.
So, where do you want to start?
I really don't know.
I hear Berkeley is an excellent choice.
Very pretty girls, too.
Oh.
And there's the UC sign.
Sounds good?
Sure.
So, all these schools are in the Northeast.
Yeah.
So?
So, just a little something I like to call "winter".
God, your bony ass can't even take it when Newport drops to 70.
Oh, my God!
Wait.
What?
Ooh, busted.
Now do you believe me?
That is totally a couple fight.
Or Dean Hess just told Taylor that her chances are better at Cornell than Dartmouth.
You still don't believe me.
No, I'm just saying, look, an on-campus argument in front of the students and the faculty and parents is not really proof of a relationship.
Okay.
I'm gonna go get you proof.
What?
What are you interested in studying?
Uh, I'm not totally sure.
Ryan's strong in math and physics.
And he's shown a real aptitude for building and drafting.
Maybe architecture?
We've got a great program.
Maybe.
It's good to see you.
I'll be right back.
What is Atwood doing here?
He's not to set foot on this campus.
I cleared it with Principal Kim.
You can keep him from enrolling here, but you can't keep him from attending a public event.
I'm calling security.
Unless you have a court-ordered injunction against my son, I recommend you keep your hands off him.
Fine.
He can stay.
But it's a waste of time.
None of these schools will even admit him.
Because of the letter you attached to his file.
Maybe he'll think twice about assaulting his next victim.
He made a mistake, and he should pay for it.
But should the price really be his future?
You're killing his one shot.
No.
He did that all by himself.
Morning, buddy.
Got up early, put on a pot of regular.
Oh, no.
Oh, man.
Ryan!
You're...
here.
Where else would I be?
Well, after last night, I thought you might have gone Greyhound, but clearly, my concern was unfounded because you're...
fine.
Sure.
I mean, no one in my family even got through high school.
Two years ago, the thought of college never even crossed my mind.
It was never where I was headed.
Where are you headed right now?
A little, uh, field trip with your tutor?
I canceled the tutor.
If anyone asks, I'm at the library.
Good.
I think that's a good idea.
You take a day, clear your head with a little independent study.
My head is clear.Tutor's not coming back.
I'm done with school.
You're dropping out?
And then what?
I don't know yet.
That's a smart move.
Have you told my parents?
Have you told Marissa?
That's fine.
High school-- it's overrated.
I'm sure you'll do fine.
Ryan, you can't just drop out of school.
It's only gonna make things worse.
I got to get to class, okay?
Please, let's just talk after.
Bye.
Everything okay?
Yeah.
Great.
My boyfriend's quitting school.
Why?
Because he doesn't think he can get into college, so he's just giving up.
Seems like a smart kid.
I'm sure he'll be all right.
This time I'm not so sure.
His family is kind of screwed up.
Whose isn't?
Okay, true, but Ryan's is really screwed up.
And he's got a chance to be different than them if he'd just take it.
Have you told him that?
Oh, I don't think he'll listen to me.
In fact, I don't know who he'll listen to.
Miss Morgan.
No.
Julie Cooper-Nichol.
Oh, right.
Kirsten Cohen's referral.
Door's open, so I thought I'd take a little peek around.
Gave me a chance to really visualize myself in place I'll take it.
Beg your pardon?
I brought the down payment with me.
I'm assuming cash is okay?
Ms.
Cooper...
Cooper-Nichol.
I think we may have a little misunderstanding.
You see, when we spoke this morning, I was under the impression that this unit wasn't, um...
right for you.
I beg your pardon.
This is a four-bedroom.
The one that we talked about is a two-bedroom in the garden.
Garden.
Realtor-speak for basement, right?
Hello.
Ah.
You must be Ms.
Morgan.
Julie, right?
Hi!
What are you doing here?
I might ask the same thing.
Well, I'm planning on doing some business in the area, and I heard this condo might be a perfect little crash pad, but it looks like you beat me to it.
Actually, your timing is perfect.
I'm sorry.
I think I'm looking for something with a better view.
Charlotte, the place is all yours.
Well, follow me, Miss Morgan.
We'll start with the master.
Where you been?
I've been lookingfor you all day.
I've been avoiding you.
Just because I don't buy into your whole Taylor and the Dean forbidden love delusion?
Yeah.
Could we table that for a second?
We have a bigger problem to worry about.
Ryan quitting school?
I know.
Marissa told me.
Well, I think we should do something before it's too late.
Why do you think I'm writing this letter?
You starting a petition?
That's a pretty good idea.
No, it's not a petition, dumb-ass.
I'm begging for Taylor's forgiveness.
Hmm.
You had me and then you...
I think you lost me.
Okay, if Taylor thinks that Dean Hess is sorry, maybe they'll get back together.
And then we can expose them and use that as leverage to get Ryan back in school.
No, no.
I understand.
Can I call you right back?
Thanks.
What's going on?
That was Ryan's tutor calling for her final paycheck.
What?!
Ryan told her that he would no longer be needing her services since he won't be finishing high school.
Where's Ryan now?
Marissa said he was at the library.
Well, one kid dropping out of school, the other kid lying.
And I thought that he was gonna be boring.
Hey, man.
Hey, Johnny.
Marissa said they had the best burgers in town.
Figured I should check it out for myself.
Yeah, come on in.
So, she told you what's going on.
Might have mentioned it.
Well, no offense, but you barely know me.
Which is why I'm not here to talk you into anything.
I mean, I'm not going to college.
Figured I'd do all right in a few surf competitions next year.
Maybe hook up with some sponsors.
Turn that into a career, you know?
It's a simple plan, but...
Better than what I got.
Thought I'd get a job, figure things out after I make a little money.
What kind of job are you looking for?
Did construction last summer.
The hours were long, but I like the work.
My uncle has this commercial fishing operation.
He's always looking for new guys.
Well, it's kind of brutal, but you can't beat the pay.
Think he'd give me a shot?
If you want, I'll take you down there.
He could be off joining a foreign legion.
Joining a cult.
Ryan could be...
I don't know.
He could be taking part in a mass marriage right now, drinking Kool-Aid from brand-new sneakers.
So many sick things.
I'm gonna try his cell again.
Dude, where were you?
We were about to sound an Amber Alert.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Look, I know you've had a rough 24 hours, and I am a firm believer that every man deserves his space.
You can't go off like that.
Won't happen again.
Listen, lucky for you, I was able to do a little damage control with your tutor.
She's agreed to come this weekend and make up for what you missed today.
Well,I appreciate that, but, um...
What's this?
It's a guardian release form.
I got a job.
On a boat.
You mean like a cruise ship?
'Cause you don't really seem like the type.
This is a joke, right?
These boats go out for weeks at a time.
You're not of age.
That's why I need your signature.
So, you want to throw away your future so you can go work on a fishing boat?
Come on.
My future's already trashed.
Tried it your way.
It didn't work.
You have to keep trying.
No, I don't.
I have been trying.
And I appreciate everything you've done for me.
I really do,.
but I need to make my own decisions And I am asking you to let me go.
Sandy.
Dad.
Come up here and help George with the deck.
Check the icemaker, put some Freon in there.
We lose any of the next haul, it's coming out of your paychecks.
Mr.
Harper?
Yeah?
Uh, Ryan Atwood from yesterday.
Oh, yeah, Charlie's friend, right?
Hold this Look, kid...
we don't need any part-time help right now.
Come back next summer.
Give me a needle, somebody!
Yeah, about that, I got the signature.
I can do it full-time.
You know, this isn't putting bait on hooks.
It's hard work.
You mess up out there, you don't get fired, you get hurt.
I work construction; I can handle it.
I'd really appreciate the chance.
Yeah, that's because you don't know better.
All right.
Yeah, we got a spot open on the Gail; we're prepping her right now.
Oh, great.
How long she gonna be out?
Depends on the action.
I guess about three weeks.
She shoves off tomorrow, sunset.
You got a problem with that?
No, sir.
Just, got some loose ends to tie up.
Yeah, don't we all All right, don't be late.
How was surfing?
Pretty calm.
Had time to do some soul-searching.
You gonna talk to him?
I'm sticking with our plan.
Your plan, Sandy.
He's leaving on a boat tomorrow.
This is the wrong time to be stubborn.
Honey, I'm stubborn all the time.
We can't force Ryan to make the right choice.
Yeah, but we can stop him from making a horrible mistake, from permanently knocking his life off course.
Yeah, it's a course we set for him.
Would you let Seth do this?
We kind of did.
No, no, that was different: it was summer He didn't miss school.
And it was Seth: we knew he'd come back.
You know, in Ryan's position at his age, I can't say I wouldn't be doing the same thing.
I left home at 17.
Yeah, to start your life, not throw it away.
Ryan doesn't want this.
He'll come around, but...
we got to let him get there on his own.
And what if he doesn't?
Hey.
Hi, sweetie.
Have you guys seen Ryan?
He hasn't been returning my calls.
Oh, he should be home soon.
This thing with the dean has really gotten to him.
I think the best thing we can do is support him, no matter what.
So you want to throw him a going-away dinner?
That's not a bad idea.
Wait.
Where's he going? "
You are like a warm breeze blowing down Van Nuys Boulevard."
"From Encino to Reseda, there is nothing as beautiful as you."
"Your eyes are as blue as a smogless day..."
What the hell is that?
Well, I lifted it from the season finale of The Valley.
You know, when Manuel was busting a move on April, and she found out Jake was sleeping with her mom.
Right, that was riveting stuff.
Yeah.
Will you proof it for me?
Listen, we have to act fast.
Ryan's about a yellow slicker and a graveyard away from becoming the Gorton's fisherman.
Yeah, not getting the reference He got a job on a fishing boat.
Leaves tomorrow night.
Wait, what?
Are you serious?
Your dad's just, like, letting him go?
Pulling the old Sandy Cohen Jedi mind-meld on him.
-Trying to break his will by agreeing with him.
-Oh, like he did with you?
Which you fell for, because you were both spineless and weak.
Yes, exactly, but this is Ryan we're talking about.
So if Taylor's gonna fall for your plan, we need to speak in a language she'll understand.
Are you trying to say that you believe me?
No, not exactly, there's just no other options.
Do you have her cell phone number?
What?
We're not gonna call her.
She's not a moron.
She's just evil.
We're not gonna call her, my little dim sum.
We're going to text her.
What is that?
Or should I say Dean Hess is.
You got the bedazzled one-- pink, too?!
But we can't text her an apology...
wait, we're texting her an apology?
An invitation.
I got a room at the Mermaid Motel.
You mean the place where Ryan may or may not have conceived Theresa's baby, and where Marissa's mom and Luke got it on?
Newport's very own den of sin.
Ew.
But I like it.
We can even...
I mean, if we have some free time.
Whatever.
Hope you don't mind.
I'm early for your going-away party.
My what?
Sandy and Kirsten want to have a send-off party for you, since, apparently, you're leaving.
I was gonna tell you.
It slipped your mind?
No.
I was waiting for the right time.
Since I thought you might not understand.
Understand what?
That you're becoming a fisherman?
It's not about the job.
I need to make a change.
A change.
Not from us.
Right, because you going away for weeks at a time won't change us at all.
It's not forever.
It's just until...
Until when?
The dean lets you back into Harbor 'cause that may never happen.
I need you to understand.
Consider it understood.
You sure about this Julie Cooper?
Definitely.
She's got all the right connections and nothing left to lose.
I hope so.
You better be right.
I know what I'm doing, babe.
What the hell are you doing here?
Hope you don't mind me tracking you down-- I got your address from the Realtor.
Are you stalking me?
No, but I can see why you'd think that.
Can I come in?
Uh, you really don't want to, and no.
Okay, well, I have some good news.
I got the condo.
Oh, well, I'm happy for you.
Adios.
I put it in your name.
Say what now?
I bought it for you.
You bought me a condo?
Kirsten...
filled me in on your situation.
It moved me.
It moved me, too...
right into this fleabag hellhole.
onetheless, a long time ago, I learned there is no such thing as a free lunch...
or a condo.
Julie, I don't want anything from you.
I swear.
Except the use of the spare room when I'm in town, which would only be a couple weeks a year.
Other than that, it's all yours.
You're serious?
Look, I know what it's like to fall on hard times.
No one else has to know about our arrangement.
This can just be our secret.
You realize, Ryan, of all our harebrained schemes, of which there are many, quitting school for a life at sea-- that may be #1.
Can't say the idea has gotten an enthusiastic response, except from your dad, who's throwing me a dinner.
He's calling your bluff.
I'm not bluffing.
I didn't say it was working.
I think he's just hoping to give me enough rope to hang myself.
And instead, you fashion said rope into a perfect little sailor's knot.
Well...
it's the best option I got.
What if Harbor let you back in, that change your mind?
Never gonna happen.
Never say never.
I may have a plan in motion.
Mm.
I feel a lot better.
Let's just get this over with.
Let's just get this over with.
We got dressed up, and you decided to come to this thing.
Might as well make the best of it.
How am I supposed to do that?
I don't know, but you know what?The same time tomorrow, Atwood is gonna be off the Pacific ridgenetting sea bass with rank fishermen in wool sweaters.
Yeah, well, you are right.
This could be the last time I see him for a while.
Where he doesn't smell like pickled herring.
All right, I'll try.
Honey...
this homemade pad thai-- it-it's delicious.
You keep this up, we're going to save a bundle on takeout.
Well, thank you.
I hope everybody likes it.
I used tofu instead of shrimp.
It's fine by me.
I think I've kind of gone off of seafood for a while.
I, for one, I love the tofu.
Tofuna, tofurkey...
tobagel...
with cream tocheese.
Too much.
It was a valiant effort.
So, tell us about the captain.
Uh...
well, he's pretty much what you'd expect.
Oh, what's that?
Eye patch, peg leg...
parrot on his shoulder?
I love parrots.
I think they're cute.
You know... "
Polly want a cracker."
Yeah.
Sorry.
Actually, uh, the captain's Johnny's uncle.
That's how I met him.
Johnny got you the job?
Unbelievable.
You know what?
I think I'm just ruining everyone's dinner, so I'm going to go.
No, no, no, sit down.
You're not ruining anything.
Well, maybe a little...
but it's completely understandable.
Well, I'm glad something around here is.
Summer, can I have the keys?
Thanks for dinner, Sandy, Kirsten.
Excuse me.
Summer, your purse is buzzing.
Taylor took the bait.
Marissa, come on, hey, wait.
Can we talk about this?
What's there to talk about?
You've already made your decision.
I don't want to leave like this.
Then don't leave.
All right, well, then, I guess we don't have a choice.
Need any help?
Ah, I'm good.
Thanks.
At this point, I'm pretty good at packing light.
Are you sure you want to go through with this?
Well, you've beaten the Sandy Cohen mind-meld.
I was hoping if we gave you the space you need, you'd realize that this is not the answer to your problem.
Maybe my problem doesn't have an answer.
Sure it does, Ryan.
If you keep out of trouble until you graduate, at the very least, you'll land at a good community college.
Yeah.
You post a couple of semesters of good work and you can transfer to a four-year school.
Yeah...
you come from my family, it's not so easy.
We're your family now.
I may not be an Atwood anymore, but I'm not a Cohen, either.
I don't know what I am.
So you're going to figure it out lost at sea?
Eh, lost at sea, lost on land.
What's the difference, right?
Look, kid, we can't force you to stay, but this is your home now, and the door is always open.
Thank you.
I'm going to head out.
See you in a couple weeks.
Marissa, hey, what's going on?
Hey, I wanted to talk to you about that job you got Ryan.
I'm glad I could help.
How, by ruining his life?
I'm going to go...
out into the ocean...
far away.
I'm a little confused.
I mean...
Ryan needed a job.
I got him one.
Thought I was helping him out.
I know.
I shouldn't be blaming you.
It was his decision.
It's just now he's leaving.
I take it it wasn't a happy sendoff.
We got in a fight.
Well...at least you got to be honest with him, tell him how you felt.
Actually, I didn't.
And now I don't even know where he is.
I do.
Home sweet home.
Gift horse mouth, far be it from me to do any looking.
I don't know what to say.
Thank you.
You don't have to say anything.
It makes me feel great just to be able to help, although this place does need some furniture.
I think I can cover that.
I have a little money stashed away.
Mm, so pawning that ring brought in a small fortune.
How about a little champagne?
Aren't you just out of rehab?
All right, for you, I'll have water.
I will open this.
I'll meet you out there.
If you can find some glasses...
My pleasure.
She's in.
Marissa.
What are you doing here?
I couldn't let you leave without telling you how I really felt.
You see, I couldn't figure out why I was so mad at you, and then I realized it's because you're doing what my dad did.
You see, he left and ran away on a boat, and now you are too, so I guess that makes you just as much of a coward as he is.
And you know what?
Running away never really helped him at all.
What if this is the bed that Julie and Luke had sex in?
A boy can dream.
Will you quit peeping out the window, Cohen?
You don't peep out of windows.
You peep into 'em.
Oh, you'd know.
Taylor.
She's coming.
Hey, skank.
You were expecting someone taller, blonder, with a pageboy haircut?
Welcome to the Terror Dome, Townsend.
You're busted.
For what, exactly?
Hmm, a little extracurricular activity with Dean Hess.
Yeah.
I saw you two making out at the dance.
So what if we did?
She'd make a hell of a poker player.
I mean, she's pretty good.
Yeah, unless you and the dean want this little thingamajig...
Heinous...
...to go public...
What up?
We have a few demands.
Don't we?
Yeah.
Starting with the lifting of the ban of Ryan Atwood from Harbor.
You can go ahead and tell anyone you want.
No one's going to believe you.
She's like a block of ice.
You willing to bet your squeaky little reputation on that, Taylor Trash?
Hmm?
'Cause I have got a huge mouth and an even bigger buddy list.
See this right here?
Sidekick.
Walkie-talkie of the 21st century.
Who should we radio first?
How about my dad?
Yeah, 10-4, good buddy.
So what's it going to be?
You can either tell Seth's dad the perverted truth and save your sorry ass, or you can roll the dice.
Over and out.
Sandy, come on in.
Thanks for meeting me on a Sunday.
I take it from the surreptitious nature of your phone call, you have something serious to discuss.
Surreptitious.
Good word.
No wonder they made you dean.
I don't know.
Do you classify a surreptitious student-teacher relationship as serious?
If you're here to make an accusation, Sandy, then please, feel free.
It's just the two of us.
We can talk.
Man to man.
why talk when a picture's worth a thousand words or a hefty lawsuit?
Sorry, I'm not...following.
Technology's a bitch...
Dean.
I have a hard time keeping up with it.
This little puppy is a phone that surfs the Web and, unfortunately for you, it transmits photos.
Hard to send a picture of something that never happened.
So you're saying you didn't get too close to a coed at the school dance.
And these photos I have are fakes?
She's an aggressive girl.
She had a schoolgirl crush, and at the dance, she forced herself on me.
I mean, it was just a kiss.
Well, I don't think the Board of Trustees will see this as just a kiss.
Plus, that's not what the girl is saying.
You talked to her?
Yep.
She told me everything.
She doesn't want this to get out, and I assume you don't, either, 'cause a scandal like this could be a real career-killer, and you seem to be an ambitious guy.
What do you want, Sandy?
You kicked Ryan out of this school.
I want you to let him back in...with a clean slate.
I suggest you get yourself one of these, get on Craig's List, and find yourself another position on the East Coast.
Sound good to you?
Coop, are you okay?
Ryan left.
He's gone?
Wait, what?
We just pulled off, like, a life-changing scam.
Are you telling me we're too late?
What are you talking about?
Well, it doesn't matter now.
Well, this sucks.
Hey, it's the return of the not-so-ancient mariner.
Look...
I don't know what my future is, but I know...
it's with you...
here...
not on some boat in the middle of the ocean.
I got good news for you.
Well, I have...
I have good news and I have some bad news.
What's the good news?
The good news is you're back at Harbor.
Really?
Yeah.
My dad bluffed the dean, and he caved on all counts.
And the bad news?
Well, eh...
you're back at Harbor, so...
And, uh...
Oh, you know what?
Don't worry about it.
My getting kicked out was backed up by the whole community.
With you, it was just the dean.
Besides, public school isn't that bad.
This is good news.
I think so.
Yeah.
She's right.
You know, we got to take our victories as they come.
I have to say, Ryan Atwood, fisherman-- I think that's a good shape for you.
Yeah, you like that?
I came up with some other pitches for jobs for you, but I should warn you, they're...
...pretty wacky.
Okay.
All right.
Ryan Atwood, bullfighter.
Big hat, like, tight pants, and a little red coat.
Hey, but I don't speak Spanish.
Neither do bulls.
Ryan Atwood, bounty hunter.
Then you could have, like, a crossbow and a badge and steel-toe boots.
You like those.
Or I could be Ryan Atwood, coward?
Oh, that may havebeen a little harsh.
You think so?
It got your attention.
Ryan Atwood, fluffer.
Fluffer?
Fluffer?
Of what?
What's that?
We'll explain it later.