Episodic Classics: The O.C., "The Chrismukkah Bar-Mitzvahkkah," "The Safe Harbor," "The Sister Act" | Season 3, Episodes 10-12
It’s hard not to feel like a broken record (or surfer) at this point in the season
There can be plenty of talk about casting playing a major role in why the Johnny of it all doesn’t work in The O.C.’s third season, but even with better or more appropriate casting (for Johnny’s original purpose, which was seemingly part of an actual love triangle), none of that would matter if the writing remained the same. As I’ve mentioned before, one thing I’ve never comprehended about Ryan Donowho’s casting is how his team was able to negotiate “Special Guest Star” for him. However, I do believe that whatever the negotiation was, it played a role in just how many episodes he would be in. (Donowho is in 11 out of this season’s 25.) So, in some ways, The O.C. writers must have had to keep writing for the character, even when they realized he didn’t work. In every other way, that still doesn’t excuse the centering of the character, the execution of his arc, and the fact that he somehow still remains an integral part of the story even after he’s actually gone.
Again, f…