Ep 4. Old Friends, New Crushes

In "Laguna Beach" season 3 episode 4 titled "Old Friends, New Crushes," viewers are taken back to the school year after the summer. The episode follows the students as they try to settle into their new classes and catch up with old friends. Firstly, the episode shows how Tessa feels about leaving her old home in Los Angeles and adapting to the new life in Laguna Beach. She feels like she does not fit in and is afraid of being judged by her new classmates. However, a few of her friends from LA who she visits help her to patch up with her old friends in Laguna Beach.

Meanwhile, Jessica and Alex M are making an effort to reconnect after their fall out in the previous season. Alex M, in particular, seems to be making an effort to move on from her former love interest, Jason. She is seen hanging out with Jessica and bringing her closer to the rest of their clique. However, Alex H seems to be guarded about Alex M moves and does not like to see Alex M with Jessica. This causes a rift between Alex H and the rest of the group and she is forced to make amends by the end of the episode.

A new student named Kyndra, who recently moved into Laguna Beach, makes a debut in "Old Friends, New Crushes." Kyndra seems to be popular with a handful of students in Laguna Beach High, and the boys seem to take a particular liking to her. Tessa, who had recently broken up with her boyfriend, seems to be drawn to the new girl in school as well. She is invited to Kyndra's party and along with Cameron, they decide to attend.

The episode also shows us what has been happening with Chase, who had left for the summer. While he was away, he reconnected with his old friend and former flame, Kara. He comes back to Laguna Beach hoping to pick up where they left off, only to find out that things have changed. He runs into Cameron who sheds some light on the developments with the former interest he left behind. Cameron has gone through the most significant transformation and is now the most mature of the group.

The show continues to capture the dramas between the students. As the clique comes together for Kyndra's party, there is a lot of tension in the air as everyone is trying to figure out who likes who. The party becomes an opportunity for new alliances as well as boundaries to be established. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers questioning what the aftermath of the event would mean for the budding romances in the show.

Overall, "Laguna Beach" season 3 episode 4 encapsulates life in high school and the adolescent drama that surrounds it. The show brings out the vulnerability, insecurities, and zeal of the students as they navigate their loves and losses. It shows how some people come together and drift apart over time, and that the dynamics could change between even the closest of friends. The show also highlights the balance between classwork and social life, as students strive to find where they belong.