Marissa Dies! Chrismukkah Lives! The O.C.'s Greatest Moments

After four seasons and countless fistfights, the Newport group is hanging it up with a finale that executive producer Josh Schwartz promises will "offer real closure." So what better way to say goodbye to The O.C. (Thursdays at 9 pm/ET) than a look back at the Fox serial's best moments?

1. "Welcome to the O.C., Bitch!" — "Premiere," 8/5/03
Luke's bon mot to new punching bag in town Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie) quickly became the signature line of the series. Says Schwartz, "Kids from Orange County say they're from ‘the O.C.' like it's ‘the Ukraine.' I always found it funny so I gave Luke that line."

2. Marissa Dies — "The Graduates," 5/18/06
Marissa (Mischa Barton) died in Ryan's arms after being run off the road by her bad-boy ex Volchok in Season 3's shocking finale. De­spite what the rumor mill would have you think, Schwartz contends that the tragedy was not dictated by anyone's off-set antics: "Losing Marissa — and Mischa — was a big loss for the show."

3. Julie's Affair with Luke — "The Telenovela," 2/25/04
Jaws dropped — and temperatures soared — when Julie (Melinda Clarke) bedded her teenage daughter's ex-beau (Chris Carmack) while also romancing her best friend's father, Caleb. Talk about multitasking.

4. Chrismukkah Is Born — "The Best Chrismukkah Ever," 12/3/03
Seth's Festivus-like mixed-faith holiday was almost called something else. "A lot of names were tossed around," recalls Schwartz. "Han-umas being one of them." Oy to the world!

5. Marissa Goes Lesbian — "The Lonely Hearts Club," 2/10/05
Coop's sapphic fling with Bait Shop babe Alex (Olivia Wilde) was too hot to handle — at least by Fox standards. "It was post-Janet Jackson/Super Bowl FCC time," Schwartz says. "And we were forced to end the story line much sooner."

6. Seth and Summer's Spider-Man Kiss — "Rainy Day Women," 2/24/05
Ever the pop-culture avatar, The O.C. scored with this cinematic nod to beauties and their comic book-fan boy toys everywhere. "After the epi­sode aired, we got calls from then-Marvel head Avi Arad and Spider-Man director Sam Raimi saying how much they loved it," Schwartz says.

7. Marissa ODs in Tijuana — "The Escape," 9/16/03
The kids' ill-fated run for the border stands as one of Schwartz's favorite eps. "It sums up what I think the show was capable of: feeling real, heightened, funny and, at times, operatically tragic," he says.

8. Oliver Goes Nuts — "The Links," 1/14/04
Although Schwartz calls Marissa's friendship with the unhinged interloper (played by Taylor Handley) "the single most passionately hated story line," he gives the kid props for being creatively crazy. "C'mon, people! He broke a plate, then punched himself in the head — twice!"

9. Sandy Serenades Kirsten on Their 20th Anniversary — "The Power of Love," 1/13/05
Solomon Burke's "Don't Give Up on Me" never sounded so sweet. "It embodies their crazy love for each other," remembers Schwartz. Plus, "after Peter Gallagher serenaded Kelly Rowan, he got a record deal out of it."

10. Cage-fighting Ryan Falls for Taylor Townsend — "The Sleeping Beauty," 11/30/06
"Like a lot of people, I originally thought it was an odd pairing," Autumn Reeser reveals of the romance that juiced the lighter, quirkier final season. It also — finally! — gave Ryan (the best thing to happen to muscle tees since Marlon Brando) a reason to smile. And that's the happiest ending we could ask for.

2007 Grammy Awards

Record Of The Year
"Be Without You" (Mary J. Blige)
"You're Beautiful" (James Blunt)
"Not Ready to Make Nice" (Dixie Chicks) - Winner
"Crazy" (Gnarls Barkley)
"Put Your Records On" (Corinne Bailey Rae)

Album Of The Year
Taking the Long Way (Dixie Chicks) - Winner
St. Elsewhere (Gnarls Barkley)
Continuum (John Mayer)
Stadium Arcadium (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
FutureSex/LoveSounds (Justin Timberlake)

Song Of The Year
"Be Without You" (Mary J. Blige)
"Jesus, Take the Wheel" (Carrie Underwood)
"Not Ready to Make Nice" (Dixie Chicks) - Winner
"Put Your Records On" (Corinne Bailey Rae)
"You're Beautiful" (James Blunt)

Best New Artist
James Blunt
Chris Brown
Imogen Heap
Corinne Bailey Rae
Carrie Underwood - Winner

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
"Ain't No Other Man" (Christina Aguilera) - Winner
"Unwritten" (Natasha Bedingfield)
"You Can Close Your Eyes" (Sheryl Crow)
"Stupid Girls" (Pink)
"Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" (K.T. Tunstall)

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
"You're Beautiful" (James Blunt)
"Save Room" (John Legend)
"Waiting on the World to Change" (John Mayer) - Winner
"Jenny Wren" (Paul McCartney)
"Bad Day" (Daniel Powter)

Best Pop Vocal Album
Back to Basics (Christina Aguilera)
Back to Bedlam (James Blunt)
The River in Reverse (Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint)
Continuum (John Mayer) - Winner
FutureSex/LoveSounds (Justin Timberlake)

Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance
"Nausea" (Beck)
"Someday Baby" (Bob Dylan) - Winner
"Route 66" (John Mayer)
"Saving Grace" (Tom Petty)
"Lookin' for a Leader" (Neil Young)

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
"Talk" (Coldplay)
"How to Save a Life" (The Fray)
"Steady, As She Goes" (The Raconteurs)
"Dani California" (Red Hot Chili Peppers) - Winner
"The Saints Are Coming" (U2 & Green Day)

Best Hard Rock Performance
"Crazy Bitch" (Buckcherry)
"Every Day Is Exactly the Same" (Nine Inch Nails)
"Lonely Day" (System of a Down)
"Vicarious" (Tool)
"Woman" (Wolfmother) - Winner

Best Metal Performance
"Redneck" (Lamb of God)
"Colony of Birchmen" (Mastodon)
"Lies, Lies, Lies" (Ministry)
"Eyes of the Insane" (Slayer) - Winner
"30/30-150" (Stone Sour)

Best Rock Song
"Chasing Cars" (Snow Patrol)
"Dani California" (Red Hot Chili Peppers) - Winner
"Lookin' for a Leader" (Neil Young)
"Someday Baby" (Bob Dylan)
"When You Were Young" (The Killers)

Best Rock Album
Try! (John Mayer Trio)
Highway Companion (Tom Petty)
Broken Boy Soldiers (The Raconteurs)
Stadium Arcadium (Red Hot Chili Peppers)- Winner
Living with War (Neil Young)

Best Alternative Music Album
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (Arctic Monkeys)
At War with the Mystics (The Flaming Lips)
St. Elsewhere (Gnarls Barkley) - Winner
Show Your Bones (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
The Eraser (Thom Yorke)

Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
"Ring the Alarm" (Beyoncé)
"Be Without You" (Mary J. Blige) - Winner
"Don't Forget About Us" (Mariah Carey)
"Day Dreaming" (Natalie Cole)
"I Am Not My Hair" (India.Arie)

Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
"Heaven" (John Legend) - Winner
"So Sick" (Ne-Yo)
"Black Sweat" (Prince)
"I Call It Love" (Lionel Richie)
"Got You Home" (Luther Vandross)

Best R&B Song
"Be Without You" (Mary J. Blige) - Winner
"Black Sweat" (Prince)
"Déjà Vu" (Beyoncé Featuring Jay-Z)
"Don't Forget About Us" (Mariah Carey)
"I Am Not My Hair" (India.Arie)

Best R&B Album
The Breakthrough (Mary J. Blige) - Winner
Unpredictable (Jamie Foxx)
Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship (India.Arie)
3121 (Prince)
Coming Home (Lionel Richie)

Best Rap Song
"It's Goin' Down" (Yung Joc)
"Kick, Push" (Lupe Fiasco)
"Money Maker" (Ludacris Featuring Pharrell) - Winner
"Ridin'" (Chamillionaire Featuring Krayzie Bone)
"What You Know" (T.I.)

Best Rap Album
Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor (Lupe Fiasco)
Release Therapy (Ludacris) - Winner
In My Mind (Pharrell)
Game Theory (The Roots)
King (T.I.)

Best Country Song
"Every Mile a Memory" (Dierks Bentley)
"I Don't Feel Like Loving You Today" (Gretchen Wilson)
"Jesus, Take the Wheel" (Carrie Underwood) - Winner
"Like Red on a Rose" (Alan Jackson)
"What Hurts the Most" (Rascal Flatts)

Best Country Album
Taking the Long Way (Dixie Chicks) - Winner
Like Red on a Rose (Alan Jackson)
The Road to Here (Little Big Town)
You Don't Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker (Willie Nelson)
Your Man (Josh Turner)

Best Comedy Album
Blue Collar Comedy Tour - One for the Road (The Blue Collar Comedy Tour)
The Carnegie Hall Performance (Lewis Black) - Winner
Life Is Worth Losing (George Carlin)
Straight Outta Lynwood ("Weird Al" Yankovic)
You Can't Fix Stupid (Ron White)

"Scary Clowns and Shaky Ground"

I think Taylor was a little pushy tonight. Why did she have to pressure Ryan to say something he may not be ready to say, and then try and get him drunk so he would say it. When he finally told her it seemed natural. And his back up birthday gift - a dictionary. I cracked up when he said “The guy said it had more words than others. Too funny.

I wonder if that dictionary had a listing for clown porn. Before this episode I never heard those two words used together. Clowns are scary enough, but naked clowns?

Kaitlin was really giving Frank a hard time questioning him about prison showers and such. But she did make a turn around saying she fears being abandoned by another father figure, and not having time to bond with her mom.

Let’s not forget about the comment Ryan made to her about being her sister in a non creepy way. LOL

Poor Kirsten having to worry about raising another child around the next generation of Newpsies. They made up a group called the six-pack pact In my opinion they were as scary as the clowns. And Jason’s self-absorbed young wife. Run Kirsten, run far, far way from this crew.

The earthquake had me on the edge of my seat! Everyone was in possible danger. I’m looking forward to next week…even though I realize that sadly means we’re down to the final two weeks of life in The O.C.

Here’s to hoping the last two weeks are unforgettable.

"Pictures of You"

Great Episode! I would have loved to take a class like that in high school; I would’ve signed up every year.

I loved the stories each person told, the impressions of celebrities, the secrets and also the photos at the end.

Mouth got a prom date. Go Mouth!!! I was really excited that he was paired with Shelley. I knew they both had a crush on each other and they’ve both been looking for love. I’m glad they finally found it. They make such a cute couple.

Bevin popped one on Rachel and proved she’s not as dumb as everybody thinks. The storyline there was a bit boring at times since Rachel was too busy smoking a dobie while Bevin tried to take the assignment seriously. But in the end I enjoyed Bevin giving Rachel a piece of her mind.

Nathan and Peyton took a stroll down memory lane. No hard feelings just a strong friendship. I do agree with Peyton, Nathan needs to put him first sometimes. And the answer he gave Peyton. Saying “if everyone else’s dreams come true then I know I will be fine”. So sweet, I’ve really grown to love this character.

I thought it was really nice of Peyton to give Brooke Chase’s name. Brooke really seemed as thought she appreciated it too. I couldn’t believe the teacher just blurted out that Brooke was failing calculus. That was wrong and I felt really bad for Brooke at that point With that said she was able to tell Chase the truth and it mattered because he was still into her.

Lucas and Glenda bonded, which was cool. I loved how he went over to the car and gave her his novel. The mother seemed really surprised and it made Glenda’s whole year. And Lucas saying “hi Mrs. Farrell” was priceless.

And last but never least, Skillz and Haley. These two are without a doubt the nicest people in Tree Hill. I really like the chemistry between the two. Haley was so proud of Skillz for getting a scholarship. She tricked us all by telling him he would have to go to the factory only to tell his dad he received a full scholarship to college. I think she’s going to make a wonderful mother.

Next week: the sex tape…..what do you think….Payton, Brooke or Haley’s sister?

My guess is Payton. The look on everyone’s face and it could mess up two relationships at one time.

" A Case of the Franks"

I loved last night’s episode. In my opinion it was the best episode all season. Did I mention I loved this episode - from the flashbacks, to Kaitlin, Ryan & Taylor competing over whom gets Julie for Valentine’s Day, to Summer trying to figure out if Seth is her Sandy Cohen and etc. I could go on and on…

So were you rooting for Team Bullit or Team Frank? I was rooting for Team Frank. And not because it was Ryan’s dad and Marissa’s mom but because it was a nice change for Julie. She wanted to be with him because they had a connection and not because he had a ton of money. Plus Bullit was so annoying and once Taylor started asking Julie questions like - he will be the one you wake up to every morning and you will be able to explore his body and etc. You could tell Julie was getting sick just hearing it and she was only considering Bullit because of Kaitlin. I was so happy that after telling Frank no, she had to look out for the only daughter she had left, she finally came back. Kaitlin could see it on her mother’s face she wasn’t happy about telling Frank no. Go Team Frank!

The flashbacks were awesome. I had no idea Kirsten was pregnant with Jimmy’s baby. She decided to abort it and go to a separate college. Thank goodness she did, because she met Sandy Cohen. And what a great couple Sandy and Kirsten make. They are so opposite but it doesn’t matter they connect and it works for them. I’m happy she finally told Sandy the truth, it was eating her up inside.

Now on to the Seth and Summer flashback. Summer didn’t write the mermaid poem, it was Taylor. I didn’t see that one coming. She offered to let her come to her birthday party if she gave up her poem. And Taylor happily did so just to be invited to Summer’s party. I loved the collage of couples Summer had put together and then she told Seth she was hoping they could one day put their picture in the middle. So sweet.

I’m happy to see Taylor now with friends and a boyfriend. She’s grown into a beautiful lady despite all the rejection she was shown as a kid and who could forget her evil mom.

Oh yeah, I can’t forget about Taylor and Kaitlin fighting over who Julie will be with. Kaitlin cracked me up when she said you’re going down bitch. Right when Kaitlin thought she won Ryan and Taylor tricked her and her mother was in the wrong limousine. I didn’t see that one coming either.

Also a few things to mention that I didn’t catch last night…..While reading the blog on TV guide Jennifer mentioned two things that didn’t cross my mind. I was just wondering if you picked up on them.

1st was that she remembered Kirsten telling Theresa about the abortion but didn’t know it was Jimmy’s baby.

2nd was Marissa’s name was never mention in the 5th grade class flashbacks. They mentioned Luke & Taylor but not Marissa.

UP

Lovers of the English language might enjoy this.....How do non-natives ever learn all the nuances of English???

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is "UP."

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP ? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?

We call UP our friends and we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.

At other times the little word has a real special meaning. People stir up trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special. And this up is confusing:

A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.

We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!

To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP , look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth.

When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP

One could go on & on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so ....

Time to shut UP.....!

Oh...one more thing!
What is the first thing you do in the morning & the last thing you do at night?

U P

Cops Want Prison Breaker Hit with Manslaughter

Police investigators have asked Los Angeles County prosecutors to charge Prison Break alum Lane Garrison with felony gross vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, for his involvement in the Dec. 2 car crash that left a 17-year-old high-school student dead. (According to the AP, Garrison had a blood-alcohol level of 0.20 percent, and had cocaine in his system at the time of the accident.)

If charged and convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter, Garrison, 26, could face up to 10 years in a real prison.