The O.C. season 4#ep82

Life after high school hasn't been great for the graduates of Harbor high. Ryan, Julie, and Summer have trouble adjusting to life without Marissa. Taylor ran into some trouble. Back in Newport for her Junior year, Kaitlin begins to act out. Sandy and Kirsten face another bombshell life puts in their lap or oven. Seth tries to find his calling. Ryan gets an unexpected visitor who helps Julie out of her grief.

{{See also|List of The O.C. characters}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

• Peter Gallagher as Sandy Cohen (16 episodes)
• Kelly Rowan as Kirsten Cohen (16 episodes)
• Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan Atwood (16 episodes)
• Adam Brody as Seth Cohen (16 episodes)
• Melinda Clarke as Julie Cooper (16 episodes)
• Rachel Bilson as Summer Roberts (16 episodes)
• Autumn Reeser as Taylor Townsend (16 episodes)
• Willa Holland as Kaitlin Cooper (16 episodes)

{{col-3}}

• Wayne Dalglish as Brad Ward (10 episodes)
• Corey Price as Eric Ward (10 episodes)
• Chris Pratt as Che (9 episodes)
• Kevin Sorbo as Frank Atwood (7 episodes)
• Gary Grubbs as Gordan Bullit (6 episodes)
• Brandon Quinn as Spencer Bullit (6 episodes)
• Scott Krinsky as Darryl (5 episodes)
• Michael Nouri as Neil Roberts (3 episodes)

{{col-3}}

• Chris Brown as Will Tutt (3 episodes)
• Tate Donovan as Jimmy Cooper (1 episode)

{{col-end}}

{{See also|List of The O.C. episodes}}

{{Episode table |total_width=99 |background=#fcc247 |overall= |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |prodcode= |viewers= |country=U.S. |episodes=

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=77

|EpisodeNumber2=1

|Title=The Avengers

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2006|11|2}}

|WrittenBy=Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage

|DirectedBy=Ian Toynton

|Viewers=3.39{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=November 7, 2006 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=110706_05 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311233345/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=110706_05 |archive-date=March 11, 2015 }}

|ProdCode=3T5251

|ShortSummary=Nearly 6 months has passed, Marissa's friends and family has trouble adjusting to life without her. Meanwhile, Taylor has convinced everyone she's in France.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=78

|EpisodeNumber2=2

|Title=The Gringos

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2006|11|7}}{{Ref|Note †|†}}

|WrittenBy=John Stephens

|DirectedBy=Patrick Norris

|Viewers =3.54{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=November 14, 2006 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=111406_09 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311233359/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=111406_09 |archive-date=March 11, 2015 }}

|ProdCode=3T5252

|ShortSummary=Ryan and Seth take a trip down to Mexico to find Volchok. Taylor confesses why she's not in France. Kaitlin's reckless behavior results in Julie volunteering at Harbor's clothing drive.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=79

|EpisodeNumber2=3

|Title=The Cold Turkey

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2006|11|9}}

|WrittenBy=J. J. Philbin

|DirectedBy=Michael Lange

|Viewers=3.73

|ProdCode=3T5253

|ShortSummary=Volchok turns to Sandy for advice without Ryan's knowledge. Summer prepares to face life in Newport as she returns from Brown. Meanwhile, Julie finds herself alone on Thanksgiving when she is not welcome in the Cohens' house. |LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=80

|EpisodeNumber2=4

|Title=The Metamorphosis

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2006|11|16}}

|WrittenBy=Leila Gerstein

|DirectedBy=Norman Buckley

|Viewers =3.77{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=November 21, 2006 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=112106_06 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218024110/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=112106_06 |archive-date=February 18, 2015 }}

|ProdCode=3T5254

|ShortSummary=Summer realizes her new personality is just a new way of coping with Marissa's death, and Seth continues to support her. Ryan helps Taylor legalize her divorce. Meanwhile, Julie and Kaitlin attempt to stay out of trouble.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=81

|EpisodeNumber2=5

|Title=The Sleeping Beauty

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2006|11|30}}

|WrittenBy=John Stephens

|DirectedBy=Ian Toynton

|Viewers =3.67{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=December 5, 2006 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=120506_08 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113457/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=120506_08 |archive-date=January 28, 2015 }}

|ProdCode=3T5255

|ShortSummary=Taylor finds a new way to get closer to Ryan but ends up turning to Kaitlin for support. Summer and Che take their activism to a new level, but suffer severely. Meanwhile, Julie fights for the affection of Kaitlin's new tennis instructor, and Kirsten seeks additional funding for NewMatch.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=82

|EpisodeNumber2=6

|Title=The Summer Bummer

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2006|12|7}}

|WrittenBy=Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage

|DirectedBy=Michael Lange

|Viewers =3.82{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=December 12, 2006 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=121206_06 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223103328/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=121206_06 |archive-date=February 23, 2014 }}

|ProdCode=3T5256

|ShortSummary=Seth visit Summer at Brown but runs into Che. Sandy and Kirsten try to find an opportunity to bond with Ryan. Kaitlin attempts to gain Harbor recognition by throwing a party. Meanwhile, Julie learns NewMatch is no longer just a dating service.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=83

|EpisodeNumber2=7

|Title=The Chrismukk-huh?

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2006|12|14}}

|WrittenBy=J. J. Philbin & John Stephens

|DirectedBy=Ian Toynton

|Viewers=4.25{{cite web|url=https://www.ratingsryan.com/2020/08/broadcast-cable-nielsens-20061217.html|title=Broadcast & Cable Nielsens: Week Ending December 17, 2006|date=August 13, 2020|work=Ratings Ryan|access-date=June 23, 2023}}

|ProdCode=3T5257

|ShortSummary=Ryan and Taylor fall off a ladder and end up in the hospital. Taylor confronts Veronica about her attitude. Meanwhile, a letter from Marissa is sent to the Cohen house. |LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=84

|EpisodeNumber2=8

|Title=The Earth Girls Are Easy

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2006|12|21}}

|WrittenBy=Mark Fish

|DirectedBy=Norman Buckley

|Viewers=4.15{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003525715|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103193212/http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003525715|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 3, 2013|title=The Programming Insider|last=Berman|first=Marc|date=December 28, 2006|work=Mediaweek|access-date=August 10, 2008}}

|ProdCode=3T5258

|ShortSummary=Ryan plans a surprise trip for Taylor, but Seth comes along and brings Summer, whose future is at stake. Meanwhile, Bullit gets an old friend to take care of Julie's accounting, much to her displeasure and Sandy's suspicion.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=85

|EpisodeNumber2=9

|Title=The My Two Dads

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2007|1|4}}

|WrittenBy=Josh Schwartz & Stephanie Savage

|DirectedBy=Michael Schultz

|Viewers =3.93{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=January 9, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=010907_03 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221203520/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=010907_03 |archive-date=December 21, 2008 }}

|ProdCode=3T5259

|ShortSummary=Kaitlin fails a class presentation and is forced to work with a smart classmate, whom she ends up liking. Seth and Summer move forward with their plans, regardless of how they really feel. Sandy confronts Frank about why he's in Newport.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=86

|EpisodeNumber2=10

|Title=The French Connection

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2007|1|11}}

|WrittenBy=J. J. Philbin

|DirectedBy=John Stephens

|Viewers =3.83{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=January 17, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=011707_08 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118023404/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=011707_08 |archive-date=January 18, 2012 }}

|ProdCode=3T5260

|ShortSummary=Ryan learns about Taylor's summer in France. Seth seeks Dr. Roberts' permission to marry Summer. Kaitlin realizes she likes Will. Summer reconnects with Holly and worries about her future. Meanwhile, Kirsten makes a shocking discovery at NewMatch.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=87

|EpisodeNumber2=11

|Title=The Dream Lover

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2007|1|18}}

|WrittenBy=Leila Gerstein

|DirectedBy=Patrick Norris

|Viewers =3.96{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=January 23, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=012307_05 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118032437/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=012307_05 |archive-date=January 18, 2012 }}

|ProdCode=3T5261

|ShortSummary=Che brings Seth on a trip to the forest. Taylor decides she should no longer see Ryan. Julie begs for Kirsten's reconciliation. Kaitlin shuts Will out of her life.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=88

|EpisodeNumber2=12

|Title=The Groundhog Day

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2007|1|25}}

|WrittenBy=Mark Fish

|DirectedBy=Ian Toynton

|Viewers =3.57{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=January 30, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=013007_05 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001060123/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=013007_05 |archive-date=October 1, 2009 }}

|ProdCode=3T5262

|ShortSummary=Ryan tries to act like he doesn't miss Taylor, who is seeing a therapist. Kirsten's turning 40 but has her mind focused on other things. Julie is having an affair that Kaitlin does all she can to stop. Che makes a discovery about Seth.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=89

|EpisodeNumber2=13

|Title=The Case of the Franks

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2007|2|1}}

|WrittenBy=J. J. Philbin

|DirectedBy=Norman Buckley

|Viewers =3.82{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=February 6, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=020607_05 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209232149/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=020607_05 |archive-date=December 9, 2014 }}

|ProdCode=3T5263

|ShortSummary=Ryan and Taylor devise a plan to bring Julie and Frank closer, but Kaitlin tries to keep Bullit in Julie's personal life. Summer begins to have doubts in her relationship with Seth. Kirsten opens up about her past with Jimmy to Sandy as they prepare for their new baby.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=90

|EpisodeNumber2=14

|Title=The Shake Up

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2007|2|8}}

|WrittenBy=John Stephens

|DirectedBy=Ian Toynton

|Viewers =3.58{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=February 13, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=021307_05 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311221319/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=021307_05 |archive-date=March 11, 2015 }}

|ProdCode=3T5264

|ShortSummary=Kaitlin does all she can to sabotage Julie and Frank's relationship. Ryan and Taylor tell each other how they feel. Summer encourages Seth to find something he's passionate about. Kirsten realizes what Newport's society is all about. As the night comes to a close, an earthquake hits Newport Beach.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=91

|EpisodeNumber2=15

|Title=The Night Moves

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2007|2|15}}

|WrittenBy=Stephanie Savage

|DirectedBy=Patrick Norris

|Viewers =3.65{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=February 21, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=022107_05 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311231333/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=022107_05 |archive-date=March 11, 2015 }}

|ProdCode=3T5265

|ShortSummary=After the earthquake, Ryan tells Seth he needs to get to the hospital, but doesn't want to worry Taylor. An aftershock leaves Kirsten wondering if her unborn baby is still alive. Taylor takes control when she and Summer hear an intruder in their home. Kaitlin and Julie are trapped in an ice cream store.

|LineColor=fcc247

}}

{{Episode list/sublist|The O.C. season 4

|MainList=List of The O.C. episodes

|EpisodeNumber=92

|EpisodeNumber2=16

|Title=The End's Not Near, It's Here

|OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2007|2|22}}

|WrittenBy=Josh Schwartz

|DirectedBy=Ian Toynton

|Viewers =6.59{{cite web|publisher=ABC Medianet |date=February 27, 2007 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=022707_06 |title=Weekly Program Rankings Report |access-date=July 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311231358/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=022707_06 |archive-date=March 11, 2015 }}

|ProdCode=3T5266

|ShortSummary=Ever since the earthquake destroyed their home, the Cohens have taken temporary residence at the Roberts' home. Sandy and Kirsten search for a new home. Summer must choose between touring with GEORGE and her future with Seth. Taylor and Ryan determine their future together. Julie must decide whether to marry Frank or Bullit. Before Ryan leaves Newport, as he turns out of the driveway, he remembers the first time he met Marissa.

Years later, Ryan is attending Berkeley. Julie graduates from college with Kaitlin, Frank, Bullit and her son applauding her achievement. Sandy is now teaching law classes. Seth and Summer get married, with Ryan and Taylor as their best man and maid of honor and Sophie Rose Cohen as their flower girl. Ryan, as an architect, reaches out to a young boy, much in the way Sandy reached out to him years ago.

|LineColor=fcc247

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}}

:{{Note|Note †|†}} - The second episode was shown first in Canada on Tuesday, November 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET on CTV. In the United States the episode aired the next day at 9:00 p.m. ET.{{cite web|url=http://www.channelcanada.com/Article1626.html|title=CTV schedules additional episode of The O.C., sets premiere date for Degrassi: The Next Generation|date=November 6, 2006|publisher=Channel Canada|access-date=October 18, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224044622/http://www.channelcanada.com/Article1626.html|archive-date=December 24, 2008}}

The season was produced by Warner Bros. Television, College Hill Pictures and Wonderland Sound and Vision.{{cite web|url=http://www.soapnetmedianet.com/web/showpage/showpage.aspx?program_id=3112461&type=fact|title=SOAPnet - The O.C. IV (Production Credits)|work=SOAPnet|publisher=Disney|access-date=July 27, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113231521/http://www.soapnetmedianet.com/web/showpage/showpage.aspx?program_id=3112461&type=fact|archive-date=January 13, 2009}} The executive producers were Bob DeLaurentis, creator Josh Schwartz and Wonderland co-founders McG and Stephanie Savage. Ian Toynton and John Stephens served as co-executive producers.{{cite web|title =The Sun sets on The O.C. when the series finale airs Thursday, February 22, on FOX|publisher=The Futon Critic|author=Fox: Press release|date=January 3, 2007|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20070103fox02|access-date=October 14, 2008}} The staff writers were Schwartz, Savage, Stephens, J.J. Philbin, Leila Gerstein and Mark Fish. The regular directors throughout the season were Toynton, Michael Lange, Norman Buckley and Patrick Norris.{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/shows/the-oc/cast-crew/|title=The O.C. - Cast and Crew|work=Radio Times|publisher=BBC Magazines|access-date=November 2, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116041133/http://www.radiotimes.com/shows/the-oc/cast-crew/|archive-date=January 16, 2009}}

Image:Kevin Sorbo.jpg.]]

The fourth season had star billing for eight major roles. Rachel Bilson as Summer, Adam Brody as Seth, Melinda Clarke as Julie, Peter Gallagher as Sandy, Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan, and Kelly Rowan as Kirsten all returned to the main cast. Former main cast member Mischa Barton did not return because her character, Marissa, died in the third season finale.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-05-19-oc-barton_x.htm|title=Mischa Barton's 'O.C.' character killed|last=Associated Press|date=May 19, 2006|work=USA Today|location=Los Angeles|access-date=October 27, 2008}} Autumn Reeser as recent high school graduate Taylor Townsend, and Willa Holland as Marissa's younger sister Kaitlin both joined the main cast, having previously held recurring roles. Other cast members returning in recurring roles include Cam Gigandet as Volchok,{{cite web|url=http://www.theocinsider.com/backstage/episodes/season4/03.html|title=Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The Cold Turkey"|work=The O.C. Insider|publisher=Warner Bros.|access-date=October 27, 2008}} Erin Foster as Heather, Michael Nouri as Summer's father Dr. Neil Roberts,{{cite web|url=http://www.theocinsider.com/backstage/episodes/season4/10.html|title=Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The French Connection"|work=The O.C. Insider|publisher=Warner Bros.|access-date=October 27, 2008}} Paula Trickey as Taylor's mother Veronica, and Ashley Hartman who starred as Holly Fischer in the first season. Additionally former main cast member Tate Donovan returned as Jimmy Cooper in a non-canonical appearance.{{cite web|url=http://www.theocinsider.com/backstage/episodes/season4/07.html|title=Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The Chrismukk-huh?"|work=The O.C. Insider|publisher=Warner Bros.|access-date=October 27, 2008}}

Actors who left the cast include Ryan Donowho (Johnny), Jeri Ryan (Charlotte), Shaun Duke (Henry Griffin), Kayla Ewell (Casey), and Nikki Reed (Sadie). New members who joined the cast include Kevin Sorbo as Ryan's father Frank;{{cite web|url=http://www.theocinsider.com/backstage/episodes/season4/13.html|title=Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The Case of the Franks"|work=The O.C. Insider|publisher=Warner Bros.|access-date=October 27, 2008}} Gary Grubbs as an oil merchant who calls himself The Bullit;{{cite web|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232007/tv/happily_ever_after_tv_michael_starr.htm|title=Happily ever after|last=Starr|first=Michael|date=February 23, 2007|work=New York Post|access-date=October 27, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205054032/http://www.nypost.com/seven/02232007/tv/happily_ever_after_tv_michael_starr.htm|archive-date=December 5, 2008}} Brandon Quinn as Bullit's son Spencer; Chris Pratt as an environmental activist nicknamed Che;{{cite web|url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-brownprattocgueststars,0,1207718.story|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130210011108/http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-brownprattocgueststars,0,1207718.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 10, 2013|title='The O.C.' Sets Early Season Guests|date=November 4, 2006|work=Zap2it|publisher=Tribune Media Services|access-date=November 27, 2008}} and Wayne Dalglish and Corey Price as Luke Ward's younger twin brothers Brad and Eric.{{cite web|title =The O.C. returns Thursday, November 2, on FOX|publisher=The Futon Critic|author=Fox: Press release|date=October 4, 2006|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=10/04/06&id=20061004fox02|access-date=October 27, 2008}} New guest stars who joined in recurring roles include Tia Carrere as Dean Torres,{{cite web|url=http://www.theocinsider.com/backstage/episodes/season4/02.html|title=Backstage Pass: Episode Guide - "The Gringos"|work=The O.C. Insider|publisher=Warner Bros.|access-date=October 27, 2008}} singer Chris Brown as lonely band geek Will Tutt, Henri Lubatti as Taylor's ex-husband Henri-Michel de Momourant, and Steve-O in a cameo role as an unnamed marine.

While ratings were lower than those of the third season, the final season is generally regarded by fans and critics as an improvement on the third. Variety's Josef Adalian said that "[the show] is once again in great creative shape". He added that "the scripts are snappy, the plots make sense, the acting's solid, [and] the music is appropriately indie" but criticized Fox for "throwing away" the show by giving it the Thursday 9:00 p.m. timeslot.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2006/tv/news/revived-oc-hot-scripts-tough-slot-1117953267/|title=Revived 'OC': Hot scripts, tough slot|last=Adalian|first=Josef|date=November 5, 2006|work=Variety|publisher=Reed Elsevier|access-date=October 17, 2008}} The difficult timeslot Adalian was referring to was against two other very popular shows, CSI and Grey's Anatomy.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/184458|title=What killed The O.C.?|last=Bawden|first=Jim|date=February 22, 2007|work=Toronto Star|access-date=October 17, 2008}} With a later start to the season in November the premiere attracted 3.4 million viewers,{{cite web|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2006/11/the_oc_moves_to.html|title='The O.C.': "Help us!" Love, the Cohens|last=Barrett|first=Annie|date=November 6, 2006|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=October 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920034530/http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2006/11/the_oc_moves_to.html|archive-date=2008-09-20|url-status=dead}}

which was a series low and marked a 55 percent decrease in the 18–49 demographic, from the third season premiere.{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003350488|title=DOA Return of Fox's The O.C|last=Berman|first=Marc|date=November 6, 2006|work=Mediaweek|access-date=October 18, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918100457/http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003350488|archive-date=September 18, 2009}} The first half of the season averaged 4.06 million viewers,{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003534787|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907121202/http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/esearch/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003534787|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2012|title=The Programming Insider|last=Berman|first=Marc|date=January 4, 2007|work=Mediaweek|access-date=October 18, 2008}} with the season as a whole averaging 4.6 million viewers.{{cite web|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/entertainment-arts/broadcasting-industry/6626343-1.html|pages=8|title=2006-07 primetime wrap|date=May 25, 2007|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=AllBusiness.com|access-date=October 18, 2008|archive-date=January 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108070150/http://www.allbusiness.com/entertainment-arts/broadcasting-industry/6626343-1.html|url-status=dead}} This increase was mostly due to 6.7 million viewers, 76 percent more than the season average, tuning in to see the final ever installment of The O.C.{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE0DF113EF937A15751C0A9619C8B63|title=Arts, Briefly; Modest Finale for 'The OC' |last=Toff|first=Benjamin|date=February 24, 2007|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 18, 2008}}

Due to a combination of low ratings and the death of Marissa in season three, it was rumored that the show would not return for a fifth season.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/19/arts/television/19fox.html?scp=203&sq=O.C.&st=nyt|title=A Safe Hand for Fox, Mix and Match for CW|last=Carter|first=Bill|date=May 19, 2006|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 18, 2008}} In June 2006, Fox confirmed that "the current order for The O.C. is 16 episodes", but added that there was a chance to add more installments.{{cite web|url=http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-foxcutsocorder,0,7188437.story|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130210103027/http://www.zap2it.com/tv/news/zap-foxcutsocorder,0,7188437.story|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 10, 2013|title=A Less Sweet 16 for 'The O.C.'|date=June 28, 2006|work=Zap2it|publisher=Tribune Media Services|access-date=October 13, 2008}} In September 2006, Rachel Bilson said that she felt "like the show is over",{{cite web |last=Ellis |first=Scott |date=November 6, 2006 |title=Life after death |url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/tv--radio/life-after-death-on-the-oc/2006/11/05/1162661542102.html |access-date=October 17, 2008 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}} and co-star Kelly Rowan stated that many of the cast realized the show was close to being cancelled. Rowan said that "when [the fourth season] was picked up for just 16 episodes this year the cast had a feeling the end was near".{{cite web|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/O/OC/2007/01/19/3406633.html|title=No 'O.C.' no problem for Rowan|last=McQueen|first=Ann-Marie|date=January 19, 2007|work=Ottawa Sun|publisher=Sun Media Corporation|access-date=October 13, 2008|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710042330/http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/TV_Shows/O/OC/2007/01/19/3406633.html|archive-date=July 10, 2012}}

On January 3, 2007, Fox announced that The O.C. was to be cancelled. In a statement, Schwartz said "This feels like the best time to bring the show to its close" adding that "what better time to go out than creatively on top".{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010301992.html|title=Fox Puts 'The O.C.' Out To Pasture|last=de Moraes|first=Lisa|date=January 4, 2007|work=The Washington Post|access-date=October 13, 2008}} A campaign was launched to save the show and over half a million people signed an official petition at www.fox.com/oc/savetheoc.{{cite web|url=http://media.www.theseahawk.org/media/storage/paper287/news/2007/01/25/Lifestyles/Fox-Says.Farewell.To.the.O.c-2670083.shtml |title=Fox says farewell to "The O.C." |last=Flaherty |first=Courtney |date=January 25, 2007 |work=The Seahawk |publisher=College Publisher |access-date=October 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028073507/http://media.www.theseahawk.org/media/storage/paper287/news/2007/01/25/Lifestyles/Fox-Says.Farewell.To.the.O.c-2670083.shtml |archive-date=October 28, 2007 }} There were rumors that the show would be saved, and a move to The CW was mooted; however, The CW president Dawn Ostroff, whose company is partly owned by Warner Bros, confirmed in January 2007 that while the move was discussed, it was decided against.{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/01/22/sorry-oc-fans-cws-not-picking-it/|title=Sorry, 'O.C.' Fans...|last=Stack|first=Tim|date=January 19, 2007|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=October 14, 2008}}

Schwartz said that the cancellation of the show "was really creatively liberating, not worrying about ratings."{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/01/13/post-mortem-oc/|title='The O.C.' Wipes Out |last=Armstrong|first=Jennifer|date=January 12, 2007|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=October 18, 2008}} Belinda Acosta of The Austin Chronicle agreed praising the show's "new energy" and its ability to successfully cover "the transition between high school and college that other series have stumbled over".{{cite web|url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/column?oid=oid:431153|title=TV Eye: 'Heroes' and Zeroes|last=Acosta|first=Belinda|date=December 22, 2006|work=The Austin Chronicle|publisher=Nick Barbaro|access-date=October 14, 2008}} Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker commented that the fourth season was "a succession of terrific subplots" and praised new main cast member Taylor "as a fine, funny love interest for Ryan".{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/05/21/catching-oc/|title=Diving Back Into 'The O.C.'|last=Tucker|first=Ken|date=May 18, 2007|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=October 18, 2008}} Greg Elwell of DVD Talk described Bullit as "the breakout character of the season" but commented that the seasons "dark opening (...) didn't do much to keep viewers around".{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/28086/oc-the-complete-fourth-season-the/|title=The O.C. - The Complete Fourth Season|last=Elwell|first=Greg|date=May 22, 2007|work=DVD Talk|publisher=Internet Brands|access-date=October 28, 2008}} IGN's Eric Goldman was also critical saying that "as amusing as Che was, his inclusion into some later episodes gets a bit tired". Goldman also commented that "the second half of Season 4 wasn't quite as solid as the first [half]"; however, he added that while the fourth season had to prove itself again as an enjoyable watch "Josh Schwartz rose to this challenge (...) once again creating a show that was witty and self-aware".{{cite web|url=http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/791/791464p1.html|title=The O.C.: Season 4 Review|last=Goldman|first=Eric|date=May 21, 2007|publisher=IGN|access-date=October 18, 2008}}

The DVD release of season four was released by Warner Bros. in the US on 22 May 2007 after it had completed broadcast on television. As well as every episode from the season, the DVD release features bonus material including unaired scenes, featurettes, and audio commentary on the series finale.

{{refbegin}}

;General

• {{cite web|url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/show/CTVShows/20061030/OC-episodes4/20061025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114093737/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/show/CTVShows/20061030/OC-episodes4/20061025|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 14, 2006|title=Season 4 Episodes|work=CTV.ca|publisher=CTVglobemedia|access-date=September 25, 2008}}

;Specific

{{refend}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.theocinsider.com/backstage/episodeguide04.html Episode guide] at Warner Bros.' The OC Insider
• {{IMDb episodes|0362359|The O.C.}}

{{The O.C.}}

{{Featured list}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:O.C. Season 4, The}}

Season 4

Category:2006 American television seasons

Category:2007 American television seasons