That's what I forgot!

[hackthis_archive]

There was something that bugged the hell out of me about last night's The O.C.


So, everybody's think back to season one (a very long time ago) -- and remember Ryan Atwood, Playa-at-Large? Remember the making out with Gabby, Cal's girlfriend in the poolhouse, and the whole 'Who are you? Anybody you want me to be' exchange? Remember how Ryan's had sex -- ostensible with more than one person?

Okay.

Is that firmly entrenched in everyone's minds?

Good.

So explain to me how Ryan went all virgin!Seth at asking Lindsey out? That boy displayed no skills whatsoever. It was like watching somebody else. It *pained* me.

WTF, Josh!

Comments

[chicklet-girl.livejournal.com]

Have you seen the movie A Home at the End of the World? I rented the DVD a few weeks ago, and Colin Farrell's character, Bobby, really reminded me of Ryan; both are taken in by their friends' families as teenagers, and go through much of their lives trying to be whatever every other character needs them to be, molding their actions and personalities to fit everyone else.

Through much of S1 I thought Ryan was very passive, and oddly so. He seemed to be trying to fit whatever role he thought various people expected of him, whether it was the thuggish kid from Chino, or the knight in shining armor, or the brother in arms, or the responsible father, in order to be allowed to stick around; hence the "I'm whoever you want me to be" comment. Now, in S2, with the Teresa-pressure off, and his place in the Cohens' home assured, he can be himself. And his self is much more unsure, even dorky, than he's ever let on. I mean, it seems like he would have had to put up a front to live in Chino, right? And be serious in order to take care of his mother, and be tough to put up with her deadbeat boyfriends. But now that he has Sandy and Kirsten to take care of him, he can let go of that. Maybe that hidden dorkiness is part of why Ryan is drawn to Seth.

I see the behavior with girls, especially Lindsey, as an aspect of that. Like lots of people have said above, Ryan's never really asked anybody out; Marissa and Gabby strongly came on to Ryan, so it's easy to imagine his pre-Newport sex life was much the same. I think part of why Ryan was so nervous asking out Lindsey is he figured she would react badly to what was, let's face it, a pretty pathetic request: Will you go out with my friend because he's too chicken to ask you? And of course, he already liked her but didn't want to admit it.

Wow, did I ever overthink this. *g*

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Colin Farrell gives me a rash so I will pretend you didn't mention him, but you thought so hard about this I am so proud. Go team you! I may have to utilize your intelligence for a story at some point.