The O.C.

Season 1 Episode 14

The Countdown

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The Countdown
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It's New Year's and "love" is in the air. A sister returns home, and throws a party. Oliver casts his spell. Sandy and Kirsten find themselves in a rut, and out of their environment. Seth finally makes a decision between Summer and Anna. 2004 is born.
FAN RECAP

Fan Episode Reviews (22)

SUBMIT REVIEW

  • this was a good ep

    9.5
    By cube2k8, Jun 06, 2010
    in this ep of the show the oc its the final countdown one of my all time favrits from the show th oc and its new years and oliver invites marisa and the gang to spend the new years with them and kirtsten sister comes home and has a party and ryan and seth try to stop the party and they do and ryan must make it in time but also marissa finds out that the girl that oliver said was not there again and so ryan is rusing to get there and its the final 10 seconds and he runs in throught the door and pushes people out of the way marisa runs to him and they kiss this was really good ep and it had a good moment at the end i thought was specialmoreless

  • "I love you." "Thank you." Awkward!

    9.0
    By ZaleIsBackAgain, Nov 17, 2009
    This episode, although it had its serious moments, was mainly comedy centered, and it was both highly amusing and laugh out loud funny. It opened up beautifully with Marissa and Ryan experiencing the "I love you" part of the relationship, and like most men, this is where Ryan trips up. Though things don't get better when party girl 2003 Hailey Nichol just magnifies the problem. She also makes it tougher on Sandy and Kirsten as she gives them the invite to a swingers party. Hailey herself decides to throw a party, and Marissa ventures into her own at her new friend Oliver's party.



    What was so great about the episode is that it concentrates on three different very perspectives; the young and invincible teenage years, the midlife crisis, and marriage. All of these point of views were executed beautifully and was able to properly articulate their points across very well. Although it seems like Hailey is one of those one episode disposable characters, she's a very interesting person and it'd be nice if she stuck around. Though the highlight of the episode is the jokes and lines that were firing away throughout the whole episode. The O.C. is funnier then most comedies.moreless

  • Kirsten's sister Hailey comes back to town as bad as ever. While Oliver the guy that Marissa met in therapy invites Marissa to a party and she wants to bring Ryan but Ryan doesn't want to go and Seth's is still getting over his lady issues.moreless

    9.5
    By lstodart, Sep 24, 2008
    I love this episode! Hailey is such a rebel. I think the writers did an exceptional job with the story line. I have always loved the OC and for a long time it has been my favorite show. I really love the new character Hailey as she brings a new spark to this series. Man I hate Oliver and how he is so smug and arrogant I so want to smack him in the face. I thought that it was hilarious when Marissa said I love you to Ryan and he said thank you. I mean why in the world would you say thank you. Overall I really liked this episode because I found it was a bit different from other episodes and was entertaining so I gave it a 9.8 out of ten.moreless

  • Ryan is left speechless when Marissa says "I Love you", while Sandy and Kirsten discover they are in a rut after the return of Kirsten's little sister Hailey.

    8.1
    By lee_radion, Sep 30, 2007
    Marissa and Ryan's relationship is explored during this episode, as New Years Eve looms closer, and Ryan finds himself struggling to tell Marissa how he really feels.



    Seth also finds himself alone on New Years Eve, following his rejection of both Anna and Summer. Ryan and Seth are left at home with Kirsten's sister, Hailey who has returned to Newport and has decided to shack up in Ryan's pool house.



    This episode is also one of the first to introduce Oliver as a character and begins to shed light on his personality and his first moment with Marissa, a character whom he grows a dangerous attraction to. The music throughout this episode is great and really gives us a vibe of what New Years Eve is like in areas like The OC. The scenes between Kirsten and Sandy are hilarious and show more insight into their limits as a couple and their long-lasting relationship. The most memorable scenes from this episode are definitely the final scenes, in which Ryan is trying to get to Marissa just before midnight. The scene between Kirsten and Hailey after her 'rager' is also very strong, and it was a great introduction to their family history and Hailey's background. The scene where Anna meets Seth on the driveway is also a great way to establish the relationship between the two that slowly begins to develop into something much more.moreless

  • I think I fell in love with this show, to bad it's not New Years Eve.

    9.6
    By Dark_Davis, Jul 22, 2007
    Things start out with a bang, as Marissa says the magical 3 words (I love you) when she is caught in the heat of the moment. Ryan, in shock of this, is dumbfounded on what to say and they both scurry off embarrassed. I know Ryan has never had this before, but to say thank you when someone tells you they love you, is just not the right thing to say. I cut him some slack though, she kind of just threw it out there and Ryan got hit by it when he wasn’t looking. Ryan is met with a surprise as it seems Kirsten’s sister drops in for a surprise visit on her sister. Just when you think things might get normal, everything gets crazy again, got to love this show for that, things are always interesting. Hailey puts on a fake smile and try’s to get everyone out so she can have a party, but she gets busted when the party comes to her before Ryan and Seth leave the house. Marissa, Anna and Summer all go to Oliver’s party, while Ryan and Seth have to break one up if they want to go as well. While Ryan is gone, Oliver cast’s his spell on Marissa; he understands her problems and this could spell trouble for Ryan. Kirsten and Sandy end up at a swinger’s party, while Hailey stirs the pot even more. A party is one thing, but now she might ruin Ryan’s relationship but locking him in the pool house with Seth on New Years Eve. Somehow Oliver seems to know it all, and this can’t be good for Ryan and Marissa, something about Oliver makes me suspicious. Ryan finally gets his chance to go to the party that Marissa is at after being let out to break up the party for Hailey. Hailey seems like she is known for leaving her problems behind in a flash without notice. Tension rises as people are picked at random in the swinger’s party and as the people pair off the choices get ever so thin with Sandy and Kirsten still nervously waiting for the result. Turns out that Sandy pulled a fast one, and Sandy and Kirsten get each other (awwww). Ryan gets stuck in traffic, and Anna, feeling lonely, leaves her party to be with Seth. I loved the Anna came to see Seth; I know Seth likes them both, but I think he should go out with Anna; she is smart and seems right for him. Tension builds once again as Ryan runs to make it to the party, and the clock ticks away second by second. Ryan’s love for Marissa drives him to the limits but does he make it in time?!?! Yes he does!!! My heart at this point is feeling joy for Ryan and Marissa, they notice each other and when the countdown reaches 0 and celebration burst out, we get left with the image of Ryan and Marissa kissing! Then in an O.C. fashion, love breaks out on New Years Eve, for everyone except Summer. As happy as I was I was also sad for Summer, as much of a "female dog" as she was, she has changed and doesn’t deserve to be left out, but in the given situation Seth can’t have two girls, and he had to make a decision.moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

Ben McKenzie

Ben McKenzie

Ryan Atwood
Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton

Marissa Cooper
Adam Brody

Adam Brody

Seth Cohen
Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson

Summer Roberts
Peter Gallagher

Peter Gallagher

Sanford "Sandy" Cohen
Kelly Rowan

Kelly Rowan

Kirsten Cohen
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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

Tim Lucason

Tim Lucason

Partier #2

Guest Star

Alaina Huffman

Alaina Huffman

Yvette

Guest Star

Matt Phillips

Matt Phillips

Allan

Guest Star

Amanda Righetti

Amanda Righetti

Hailey Nichol

Recurring Role

Samaire Armstrong

Samaire Armstrong

Anna Stern

Recurring Role

Taylor Handley

Taylor Handley

Oliver Trask

Recurring Role

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • TRIVIA (8)

    • As of this episode, Rachel Bilson (Summer Roberts), and Melinda Clarke (Julie Cooper) appear in the opening credits, not as guest stars.

    • Goof: Ryan and Seth seem really distressed to be stuck in the pool house on New Years Eve, however they do not really make an effort to get out, and of course there is no spare key or phone in the pool house that they could use.

    • Goof: At minute 6-7, just after Seth says: "I'll do whatever Ryan and Marissa do.", Ryan is looking at Seth and Hailey, then when the camera angle changes Ryan is looking at the cupboard.

    • Goof: In the opening "I love you" scene between Ryan and Marissa, when the camera is on Marissa her arms are to her side. When the camera is on Ryan, Marissa's hands are on his chest. What results is an "up/down/up/down" kind of thing.

    • Goof: At Oliver's party, Summer says "Seth Cohen is so 2003, and in 74 minutes I will never have to think of him again", then Anna says "73". That would make it one hour and 13 minutes until New Year's. But when Summer says this Sandy and Kirsten aren't even at their party. They skip their dinner reservations which are at 8:30 and head straight to the party. How could it be before 8:00 if there is 73 minutes until New Year's?

    • Goof: Seth and Ryan get soaked with champagne, but in the next scene they are still wearing the same clothes, which are clean and dry.

    • Goof: The green lime in Marissa's drink moves from being to the top of the glass to the middle, when the shot changes from wide to close-up.

    • Goof: Both Ryan and Anna have the same distance to cover, going in opposite directions. The former from the Cohen's to the hotel party and the latter from the hotel party to the Cohen's. Ryan leaves before Anna and yet she arrives considerably earlier. The traffic might have slowed Ryan slightly, but not to that extent.

  • QUOTES (19)

    • Kirsten: Seth! Garbage. Out. Now!

    • Sandy: I have two reasons, either she ran out of money, or, she ran out of money.
      Seth: Three letter word for hilarious: Dad. Write that one down.

    • Hailey: You know, it's too bad that you're busy tonight. 'Cause I know this really great party where you guys would have, like, actual fun. But I understand. You're boring now.

    • Hailey: So tonight, you guys…
      Kirsten: Are going to dinner at The Arches. We do it every year. Home in time to watch Dick Clark and the ball drop…two images that should not be used in the same sentence.

    • Anna: Well I didn't want you to be alone.
      Seth: I'm not alone. I have Captain Oats and Carson Daly.

    • Ryan: Great, my girlfriend's kissing some guy. I'm stuck here with a lunatic.

    • Ryan: I sleep here every night. (Pool house) Three of the walls are made of windows.
      Seth: Yes, which are now covered with naked dudes. We're trapped like rats.
      Ryan: Rats in an enormous pool house. By the way, your aunt's really cool.
      Seth: Yeah I know, she's be a bit unpredictable sometimes. My shirt's strangling me.

    • Ryan: You want a sandwich, a shower, we got all that here.
      Seth: Ha ha ha. We're gonna die and I'm the good one.

    • Seth: I'm claustrophobic.
      Ryan: Seth this place is huge. It has a kitchen and a bathroom.
      Seth: Sh. Ryan, do not use up all the oxygen.

    • Seth: Carson Daly and a ball dropping. There is two images that should never be said in the same sentence.

    • Sandy: Ladies. So I'm gonna go...
      Kirsten: Surfing? Fun. Where?
      Sandy: At, you know, the spot, you know, by the place.
      Kirsten: Four-footers? Yeah, I heard that too.
      (Sandy looks around confused, as if he's looking for something)
      Kirsten: Sunglasses?
      Sandy: Yeah, I was just gonna ask you.
      Kirsten: Kitchen. So tonight?
      Sandy: Yeah, what time should I make the reservations?
      Sandy and Kirsten: Eight?
      Sandy: Perfect. Table?
      Kirsten: Usual.
      Sandy: I love you.
      Kirsten: Love you too. (Looks at Hailey who has a look of disgust on her face) What?
      Hailey: You guys are like....married.
      Kisten: Well, that was the idea. When we had a wedding.
      Hailey: No, I mean like deeply, deeply married.

    • Kirsten: Don't call me Kiki! Only dad calls me Kiki, and only because he won't not. (Nods to herself, looking kind of silly)

    • Kirsten: We would have come and picked you up. At the airport. Or the train station.
      Sandy: Or the border.

    • Sandy: You guys need anything?
      Seth: Yes. Ryan needs a tear in the space time continuum.

    • Marissa: I love you.
      Ryan: ... Thank you.
      Marissa: You're welcome?

    • (About Marissa being at a New Year's party without Ryan)
      Hailey: So, at the countdown to midnight, when she's looking for someone to kiss and you're here playing video games about pirates...
      Seth: Ninjas
      Hailey: ... and it's like, 10, 9, 8... and she's all alone, when she sees this guy, Oliver... 7, 6, 5... fireworks start, music swells... 4, 3, People are pairing off, who's she gonna kiss?... 2, 1.

    • Ryan: I love you.
      Marissa: What?
      Ryan: I love you.
      Marissa: (happy, almost says it back) ... Thank you.

    • Sandy: I should really knock ... in case there's a threesome going on in my bedroom.

    • Hailey/Summer: You know what they say. How you bring in the New Year is how you live the rest of it.

  • NOTES (6)

    • Though credited in the opening credits, Chris Carmack (Luke), Tate Donovan (Jimmy) and Melinda Clarke (Julie) do not appear in this episode.

    • Although Hailey is the adult aunt to the teenage Seth, in reality, Amanda Righetti (who plays Hailey) was 20 when this show aired while Adam Brody (who plays Seth) was 24.

    • Music:
      "Selling Submarines" by The Pattern
      "Make Up Your Mind" by The Vacation
      "Walking On Moonlight" by Brookeville
      "We've Had Enough" by Akaline Trio
      "Destiny" by Zero 7 Photec Remix
      "Walkaway" by Dropkick Murphy's
      "Ratso Rizzio" by Laptop
      "Just A Ride" by Jem
      "Overdriver" by Singapore Sling
      "Did You Ever Get A Feeling of Dread?" by Suicide Machines
      "Flowers" by The Flaming Sideburns
      "Dice" by Finley Quaye & Beth Orton

    • The guy Summer kissed in Oliver's penthouse at midnight on New Year's Eve was named Allan. Allan Heinberg is a co-executive producer and frequent writer for the show.

    • In this episode Sandy says "I really should knock...in case there's a threesome going on in my bedroom." This is similar to a line in the first episode when Seth is at a party, walks into a bathroom and says "I really should knock... in case there is a threesome going on in the bathroom."

    • Adam Brody (Seth) mentions the scene where he's claustrophobic, in an online chat archived at the FOX official website. Adam said "There's a scene me and Ben did where we're locked in the poolhouse and I get claustrophobic. And so this girl closes the door on me in the scene, and I actually got hit by the door and it really hurt. So when you see that scene in an upcoming episode, you should know it's for real."

  • ALLUSIONS (4)

    • Kirsten: I own a sweater from Talbots.
      Talbots is a clothing store devoted to formal wear. Men, women, and kids' clothing are offered at Talbots' stores.

    • Seth: I think we should join Friendster.
      Friendster is an online service site where people come to find old friends, make new ones, etc. It's an online community to simply connect with friends.

    • The final party scene in the episode is a fairly close imitation of the last scene in "When Harry Met Sally..." (Sally's at a New Year's Eve party with a guy she doesn't like too much, Harry gets there and confesses his love at the last minute.)

    • Marissa: I don't know. Russell Crowe, he just doesn't do anything for me. I mean people say he's good looking but I don't see it.
      Marissa and Ryan are discussing the movie they have just finished watching, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World starring Russell Crowe.

      Russell Crowe, at the time, is one of the biggest movie stars around. Along with numerous awards and nominations, he most notably has been nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Oscars) for Best Actor, winning one of them.

      This quote is also an inside joke because most people believe Benjamin McKenzie resembles a "young" Russell Crowe.

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Season 1 Episodes

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Ep 27
The Ties That Bind
Ep 26
The Strip
Ep 25
The Shower
Ep 24
The Proposal
Ep 23
The Nana
Ep 22
The L.A.
Ep 21
The Goodbye Girl
Ep 20
The Telenovela
Ep 19
The Heartbreak
Ep 18
The Truth
Ep 17
The Rivals
Ep 16
The Links
Ep 15
The Third Wheel
Ep 14
The Countdown
Ep 13
The Best Chrismukkah Ever
Ep 12
The Secret
Ep 11
The Homecoming
Ep 10
The Perfect Couple
Ep 9
The Heights
Ep 8
The Rescue
Ep 7
The Escape
Ep 6
The Girlfriend
Ep 5
The Outsider
Ep 4
The Debut
Ep 3
The Gamble
Ep 2
The Model Home
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