The O.C. - The Complete Seasons 1 & 2 (DVD, 2005)

‘The OC’ exploded onto the screen and became a hit not only for exposing the indy music scene but also because of its tight writing, memorable characters and truly dramatic confrontations. Next to ‘24’, it’s my favorite series on Fox.

Season 1 introduces us to Newport Beach and the characters that inhabit it. My favorite is Luke who unfortunately leaves the show near the end of this season. He’s reason enough to watch. Sandy is probably the coolest dad on the face of the earth. Don’t get me started on the beautiful Rachel Bilson – hot does not do her justice. Her character also undergoes the best transformation on the show to reveal a deeper level than the pretty and airheaded bimbo she initially seems.

Sure there’s a few subplots that are a bit arcane and probably could have been left on the cutting room floor but show me a TV show or movie that hasn’t had such moments.

Season 2 is not quite as strong as Season 1. This is especially evident in the first half of the season in which they try and integrate characters which simply don’t have the appeal of people like the cocky Luke or the smarmy Oliver. The series is essentially on autopilot the first few discs and is slightly disappointing.

However, things really pick up in the last few discs and do more than salvage a slow start. Some of the series best moments are on display here like Kirsten’s drinking, Ryan’s lying brother, etc.

There’s nothing really outstanding with any of the extras, just your run of the mill stuff. The presentation as well as packaging is pretty much on par with Season 1 minus some color changes.

Overall, it’s a great show that has my complete attention every Thursday night.