The Debut

Writer	Josh Schwartz, Allan Heinberg
Director	Daniel Attias

Summary

During rehearsals for Newport Beach's annual Cotillion Ball, Ryan continues to pursue Marissa and asks her to be his dancing partner, while a continuing jealous Luke tries to break them up. Seth as eyes for the new girl in town, Anna Stern, but becomes torn over his feelings for Summer Roberts, the outgoing socialite he's had a crush on for years. Meanwhile, Sandy becomes upset over Kristen's loan to Jimmy for his financial problems which finally come to light at the ball when one business client decks him in the face after learning that Jimmy lost all of their money.

Plot

At the Cohens', Sandy and Kirsten ask Ryan if he wants them to

be his guardian. Ryan is delighted and agrees, but has to avoid getting into trouble, as he is in a probation period and Child Services is watching him. At the pool house, Kirsten, Ryan and Seth discuss what they need to buy for Ryan's permanent stay, which reminds Kirsten to buy a tuxedo, for Newport's annual cotillion. Ryan has to go because it is family tradition and Ryan is now part of family. Marissa, along with her boyfriend Luke and her best friend Summer, meet Ryan at the fitting area, who announces the news that he is staying in Newport. Summer asks Marissa, the lead debutante, to set her up with Ryan. Marissa denies that she is interested in Ryan.

Meanwhile, Jimmy thanks Sandy for the loan, but seems to be hiding something. Sandy finds out just what this is when an officer from the Securities and Exchange Commission's Enforcement Division informs him that Jimmy has been stealing money from his clients in order to cover his personal debts. Sandy breaks the news to Kirsten, who asks

Sandy not to make it public until she asks Jimmy if it is true.

Ryan decides not to go to the cotillion because he does not want to cause trouble. But he changes his mind after helping Marissa fasten her dress.

At the Cooper house, Kirsten talks with Jimmy about the warrant. Jimmy tries to defend himself, but Kirsten tells him that he committed a crime. Just then, Julie walks in and asks Jimmy which card should be used for a pair of new shoes and Marissa's tennis lesson. Jimmy reluctantly makes a recommendation, showing Kirsten that he cannot say no to his family. Kirsten tells Jimmy that he needs help, but Jimmy wonders if there is someone out there willing to.

Ryan and Seth go to rehearsal for cotillion, where Ryan is taken aback to discover that he must dance at the function. Instead of Summer, Ryan is set up with Anna Stern, who is also a newcomer. Summer has to pair up with Seth.

Ryan and Anna do not know how to waltz, and Marissa demonstrates how to dance with Ryan for Anna. There is obvious chemistry between Marissa and Ryan that a jealous Luke and even outsider Anna can sense. After rehearsal, Ryan rejects Marissa's invitation to a party, but gives in to Marissa's prodding. Seth accompanies Ryan to the party, hoping to lock up Summer for cotillion. However, at the party, Luke punches Ryan in the gut for talking to Marissa.

Jimmy's problems start to grow as client Greg Fischer, Holly's father, begins asking him for money out of his account. Meanwhile, Sandy rejects Kirsten's suggestion that he represent Jimmy, deriding Jimmy as a spoiled brat.

Both Marissa and Ryan decide not to go to cotillion because of the tension between Ryan and Luke. Sandy decides likewise, despising a society that sees Jimmy as a golden boy. However, after Marissa discovers that Ryan is not attending cotillion, they both decide to go together. Seeing this, Sandy changes his mind about going as well.

Meanwhile, at cotillion, Seth tells Anna that Ryan is not coming. They chat and find out they have a lot in common. Summer blows Seth off for Luke, which upsets Seth. Anna comforts him and asks him to be her escort. Later, Ryan and Marissa arrive together. A furious Luke sees them, breaks up with Marissa, and leaves. Ryan asks if he can be Marissa's "white knight," and she agrees, much to the chagrin of her mother, Julie.

Cotillion finally begins. Everything is going right, until Greg confronts Jimmy and discovers Jimmy does not have his money. An infuriated Greg punches Jimmy in the jaw and beats him on the ground, to the shock of everyone in attendance. Sandy tries to pull Greg off Jimmy, but gets a punch in the jaw for his efforts. Ryan finally gets involved and subdues Greg. As other attendees pull Greg away from the scene, he shouts to one and all that Jimmy is a thief.

In the aftermath of the brawl, Seth and Anna build up their friendship when Seth discovers that Anna is going to sail to Tahiti, Seth's lifelong dream. Marissa is very upset by the fact that Jimmy was beaten up. Luke goes back to mollify Marissa, but she needs some time alone.

Cast

• Peter Gallagher as Sandy Cohen
• Kelly Rowan as Kirsten Cohen
• Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan Atwood
• Mischa Barton as Marissa Cooper
• Adam Brody as Seth Cohen
• Chris Carmack as Luke Ward
• Tate Donovan as Jimmy Cooper

Music

• "Why Can't I" by Liz Phair
• "Lazy Days" by Leona Naess
• "Play Some D" by Brassy
• "To Sheila" by The Smashing Pumpkins
• "White Flag" by Dido