The Rescue (The O.C.)

"The Rescue"
The O.C. episode
Episode no.	Season 1 (2003-2004) Episode 8
Directed by	Michael Lange
Written by	Melissa Rosenberg Allan Heinberg
Production code	176507
Original air date	October 29, 2003 (FOX)
Episode chronology
← Previous "The Escape" Next → "The Heights"
The O.C. (season 1) List of The O.C. episodes

"The Rescue" is the 8th episode of the FOX television series, The O.C.. The episode was written by Melissa Rosenberg and was directed by Michael Lange. It originally aired on Wednesday October 29, 2003.

Guest starring

Actor / actress	Character
Bonnie Somerville	Rachel Hoffman
Melinda Clarke	Julie Cooper
Rachel Bilson	Summer Roberts
Rosalind Chao	Dr. Kim
April Grace	Dr. Burke

Plot

Ryan and Seth sit in the kitchen in the middle of the night with Sandy and Kirsten. The mood is tense. The phone rings, and the Cohens go to the hospital.

Jimmy is sitting with Marissa in the hospital when the Cohens arrive. Jimmy tells them she just fell asleep, but she's awake and aware. He tells them if Marissa wasn't airlifted out of Mexico, she might have died. Julie enters; she is quite upset to see the Cohens there, particularly Ryan.

The Cohens leave and Julie comes out into the hall, asking to speak to Ryan. She says that since he's arrived, Marissa has been a wreck. He's stolen a car, burned down a house and now almost killed Marissa. Ryan says despite his past, he would never hurt Marissa. Julie says he'll never have that chance, because if he goes near her again, she'll have him thrown back in juvenile hall where he belongs.

Later, Seth, Ryan and Kirsten are at Seth's school, Harbor Prep. Seth is confused that Julie is mad at Ryan instead of Luke. Ryan did not tell her it was Luke's fault. Ryan registers for high school.

At work, Rachel is showing Sandy the way things work at the new law firm. He'll have a whole staff working for him now. Sandy and Ryan are similarly overwhelmed by their posh new environments.

Ryan is nervous about his classes. Sandy feels as if he has sold out. He gets a glimpse at his first case files and realizes that he is no longer helping those in need. Back at school, the dean, Dr. Kim, is less than impressed by Ryan's record. Dr. Kim wonders if Ryan is adequately prepared for Harbor Prep. Kirsten wonders if the dean fears the pressure from the parents that do not want Ryan around. Ryan defends himself and asks for a shot. Dr. Kim says if he can pass a placement exam, he could be in.

Seth and Summer see each other on a patio. They commiserate about Marissa with some slight awkwardness. Some kids walk by, confused by why Summer is talking to Seth, bringing him back to reality. Because they are back in school, the old status quo returns.

Jimmy and Julie keep vigil in the hospital. She chides him for calling the Cohens this morning and blames him for letting Marissa slip off to Tijuana and also for destroying the family with his business problems, revealing that she is asking for full custody. Jimmy vows to fight her on that point. Unbeknownst to them, Marissa was awake and listening to the whole thing. Her parents leave and Marissa pulls out her cell.

At home, Seth helps Ryan prep for his test. He needs Ryan to pass because he needs him at school with him. Seth can't comprehend why cheerleaders walking past their table means the Summer/Seth summer memories are wiped away. The phone rings. It's Marissa calling, asking to see Ryan. He goes to see her.

At the hospital, Julie is talking about moving to San Diego so Marissa can see a psychiatrist there.

Seth is lounging in his bedroom when Summer drops by for a visit. She says Marissa called her about Julie's plans. Summer wants Ryan to help save Marissa. At work, Rachel tells Sandy that he should not have scheduled court dates for five of his first six cases, instead settling them.

Ryan is taking his exam when Summer and Seth barge in looking for his help. Dr. Kim immediately comes in and kicks them out. Ryan goes to follow, but Dr. Kim threatens that if he walks away from the test, he's walking away from the school. He says it probably wouldn't have worked out anyway and takes off.

Marissa is being examined by Dr. Burk. Marissa tells the doctor that her mom would rather have her shipped off to an institution than deal with these problems at home. Dr. Burk asks to hear what's really going on with Marissa and her mom. Summer, wearing her volunteer candy striper uniform, sneaks Ryan and Seth through the hospital. Dr. Burk meets with Jimmy and Julie and advises some group therapy, either at the institute or here at the hospital each week. Julie thinks institute, Jimmy thinks she should stay in Newport. They each threaten to call their lawyer. Julie excuses herself to go talk to Marissa, but instead intercepts Dr. Burk. Julie tells her that she and Jimmy have discussed it, and the institute is the way to go. She can drive her down tonight.

Julie then tells Marissa that Dr. Burk agrees the institute is the way to go. She also tells her Jimmy agrees. Marissa doesn't make a fuss. Because when Julie leaves Ryan pops out of the bathroom with Summer's nurse uniform. In the hall, Summer and Seth see Julie and Dr. Burk heading toward Marissa's room. Summer runs interference while Seth runs to tip off Ryan and Marissa.

The four walk down the boardwalk trying to come up with a plan. Ryan offers to stay away if this will end all of the issues with Julie, but Marissa says no.

Julie comes over to the Cohens'. Sandy and Ryan want to talk to her. Julie wants nothing to do with it. Ryan tells her that what Julie wants and what Marissa wants are two different things. Marissa doesn't want to go to San Diego and she doesn't want to live with Julie. Marissa emerges from the hall and says she wants to stay in Newport. Julie says this isn't over and leaves.

That night, Sandy advises Ryan to ask Dr. Kim for another shot. The next day, he passes his test and gains enrollment in the Harbor School.

Music

• "Keep It Together" by Guster
• "Let the Bad Times Roll" by Paul Westerberg
• "Mr. Rabbit" by Paul Westerberg
• "La Femme D'argent" by Air

External links

• Full Cast & Crew at the Internet Movie Database
• Recap from Official Website
• Recap from Television Without Pity