Ep 4. The Debut

The O.C. season 1 episode 4, titled "The Debut," follows the residents of Newport as they prepare for a charity event called the Debutante Ball. The episode centers around two main storylines: the tension between Ryan and Luke, and the growing relationship between Seth and Summer.

The episode opens with Sandy and Kirsten discussing their plans for the Debutante Ball and the guest list. Sandy expresses his concerns about Ryan attending the event, as he believes it will only cause more drama between him and Luke. Kirsten suggests that they should give Ryan a chance to prove himself, and ultimately convinces Sandy to let Ryan attend.

Meanwhile, Ryan is struggling to adjust to his new life in Newport. He is still being bullied by Luke and his friends, which leads to a confrontation at school. Seth tries to intervene, but ends up getting punched in the face. Later, at the Cohen's house, Seth is nursing his wounds when Summer unexpectedly arrives. The two of them have a heart-to-heart conversation, and Summer admits that she finds Seth's quirky personality endearing.

Back at the Debutante Ball, tensions are high as the guests arrive. Ryan and Luke continue to exchange hostile looks throughout the night, and it all comes to a head when a fight breaks out on the dance floor. Seth and Summer also attend the event, and Seth ends up making a big gesture to try to win her affection.

Overall, "The Debut" is a dramatic episode that sets the stage for many of the show's ongoing storylines. It explores themes of social class, bullying, and teenage romance, all against the backdrop of the glamorous Newport lifestyle. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing the characters' relationships evolve in this pivotal early episode.