The O.C. Season 3 Episode 21 The Dawn Patrol

The O.C. season 3 episode 21, titled "The Dawn Patrol," focuses on the aftermath of Johnny's death. Ryan, Marissa, and Summer all struggle to come to terms with their feelings of guilt and grief. Ryan feels responsible for Johnny's death, as he was the one who pushed him off the cliff during their fight. Marissa blames herself for not being able to save Johnny, while Summer regrets not being there for him when he needed someone to talk to.

The episode begins with Ryan waking up early and going out for a run on the beach. He's still haunted by the events of the previous night, and can't shake the sense of guilt he feels. Meanwhile, Marissa is at home, trying to make sense of her own emotions. She's angry at Ryan for what he did, but also feels guilty for not being able to save Johnny.

Summer, on the other hand, is avoiding the situation altogether. She's still with Zach, and doesn't want to deal with the fallout from Johnny's death. She's also dealing with her own issues, as she struggles to fit in at Brown University.

As the day goes on, the three friends continue to grapple with their emotions. Marissa reaches out to Ryan, hoping to find some sort of solace in their shared experience. Summer, meanwhile, receives a visit from Seth, who's concerned about her well-being. He urges her to come back home to Newport Beach, but Summer isn't ready to leave Brown just yet.

Later in the episode, the three friends finally confront their feelings head-on. They gather at the beach, where Johnny died, and talk about their guilt and regret. Ryan admits that he was angry and acted impulsively, but that doesn't excuse what he did. Marissa forgives him, telling him that she knows he didn't mean to hurt anyone.

Summer also opens up about her own struggles, telling Ryan and Marissa that she's been feeling lost and alone at Brown. She's unsure of what she wants to do with her life, and is finding it difficult to fit in with her new surroundings. Ryan and Marissa offer their support, telling her that they're always there for her.

The episode ends on a somber note, as the three friends watch the sunrise together. They've come to some sort of peace with what happened to Johnny, but they know that they'll never forget what happened that night on the beach.

Overall, "The Dawn Patrol" is a poignant episode that deals with themes of grief, guilt, and friendship. The actors all deliver strong performances, particularly Ben McKenzie as Ryan, who portrays his character's sense of remorse and self-blame with nuance and sensitivity. The episode also marks a turning point for Summer's character, as she finally confronts her own fears and insecurities. All in all, it's a well-crafted episode that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.