| ← S2 | The OC Season 3 | S4 → | ||||||
| #01 | "The Aftermath" | #10 | "The Chrismukkah Bar Mitz-vahkkah" | #19 | "The Secrets and Lies" | |||
| #02 | "The Shape of Things to Come" | #11 | "The Safe Harbor" | #20 | "The Day After Tomorrow" | |||
| #03 | "The End of Innocence" | #12 | "The Sister Act" | #21 | "The Dawn Patrol" | |||
| #04 | "The Last Waltz" | #13 | "The Pot Stirrer" | #22 | "The College Try" | |||
| #05 | "The Perfect Storm" | #14 | "The Cliffhanger" | #23 | "The Party Favor" | |||
| #06 | "The Swells" | #15 | "The Heavy Lifting" | #24 | "The Man of the Year" | |||
| #07 | "The Anger Management" | #16 | "The Road Warrior" | #25 | "The Graduates" | |||
| #08 | "The Game Plan" | #17 | "The Journey" | |||||
| #09 | "The Disconnect" | #18 | "The Undertow" | |||||
"The Graduates" is the twenty-fifth episode in the third season of the Fox drama series The O.C.. The episode aired on the eighteenth of May, in 2006.
Synopsis[]
The end of senior year and graduation brings excitement, anticipation, and tragedy in this shocking season finale. Seth comes clean to his dad about the fire but his future remains on the line. Marissa and Ryan have one last problem to figure out together before she leaves town. Meanwhile, Sandy considers going back to an old job.
Plot[]
Ryan is scrolling through T.V. channels in the pool house while Kirsten is doing laundry. Someone comes home and Seth goes to Ryan. Sandy tells Kirsten that Seth denied everything in regard to the fire that night. Kirsten says it is a good thing but it sounds like Sandy doesn't believe Seth. Seth tells Ryan it was an accident and Ryan says he should tell Sandy. Sandy does question Seth because of his most recent behavior and attitude, thinking Seth is hiding something. Seth is trying to find the words to tell his dad the truth. Sandy says Seth was the last person to leave. Seth says that their graduation is becoming very crazy and that he can't do jail time. Ryan says that Sandy will work hard to make sure that doesn't happen. Seth gets up to go leave and listen to music in the car when Ryan asks which one. Seth says his mom's and Ryan offers to go get it. Ryan gets into the car when Volchok comes up to him and tells him he bailed on the car but thinks the cops got a good look at him. Volchok says he needs to get out of town and needs Ryan's help. Ryan says no but Volchok tells him that if he goes down, Ryan goes down with him. Volchok tells him how proud his mom will be of him if she finds out about his involvement.
Volchok tries to get Ryan's help out of town but says he didn't steal anything and wont help.
Its graduation day, Taylor, Marissa, and Summer are decorating the bleachers with leis for the seniors. Taylor is worried about her valedictorian speech. Julie is there as well saving seats and brings Marissa a gift from her dad he sent for her graduation. Julie leaves and Marissa steps aside to open it. Dawn arrives at the Cohen's and is greeted by Kirsten. Dawn says how it feels like a long time since she has been there and jokes about being too drunk to remember. Dawn says she is doing really well when Ryan walks in. The doorbell rings at the Robert's and Kaitlin walks in to find Neil and Julie. Kaitlin comes unnoticed and asks to stay as she is sure they have room. Neil says how nice it is that she came home to support her sister and Julie thinks it is too nice.
Kaitlin shows up and surprises everyone with her presence and her kindness.
Seth goes to talk to his dad asking about the camera being charged for graduation. Seth asks Sandy not to do an obnoxious cheer when they announce his name. Sandy starts to do the cheer and they have a laugh when Sandy tells him how proud he is despite everything. Seth tells him how he smoked a joint, forgot to put it out, and that is what started the fire. Sandy tells him how much he appreciates Seth coming clean but that he is still upset about all of the lying. Seth tells him that he was embarrassed but Sandy says he should not be embarrassed with his parents. Seth said he didn't know how to tell him and that he tried to but Sandy was always busy with work and then Kirsten's relapse. Sandy apologizes to him but talks about all the damage that was caused and that he still needs to speak with the police. Sandy says that none of it stands in the way of the day as him and Kirsten have been looking forward to it for a long time.
Seth and Sandy hug and forgive each other despite everything.
Summer is looking for Marissa, holding their graduation hats. Summer asks if she is okay and Marissa asks her to sit with her. Summer asks how Marissa's dad is and she says he is great since he is sailing nice boats for rich people. Marissa tells Summer how she wants to work on one that her dad is the captain of and asked Marissa if she wants to join them. Marissa would be away for a year when Summer asks her about college. Marissa says she is not ready for college right now and needs a change in her life. Marissa says its a great graduation present in a way so she can spend time with her dad. Summer asks her when she would leave and Marissa says she would have to leave the next night. Summer asks Marissa to promise to sail up to Rhode Island and they hug and tell each other I love you.
Volchok is hiding in his van when Heather bring him his clothes. She says he is being paranoid but Volchok is insisting that he needs to get out of there but is waiting for cash. Heather tells her he would have no problem making cash unless he isn't waiting for money. Heather figures out that Volchok is thinking a lot about Marissa even though he cheated on her. Heather asks him if Marissa is the best thing that ever happened to him and points out that he freaked out, ruined it and is now regretting it. He seems to be getting it into his head that he could convince her to come away with him.
Seth and Ryan walk into school with everyone waiting out until the ceremony. Seth can't express enough how ready he is to get out of high school when the water polo boys make fun of him. Summer meets up with Seth and Ryan followed by Marissa. Dr. Kim tells them its time for the recessional when Marissa asks to speak to Ryan. She tells him about her plans to go away and asks what he thinks. Ryan doesn't say anything at first but then he tells her it sounds good since it is what she needs. Marissa tells him it means a lot to her. She then says who knew Ryan would be going to college and Ryan says who knew she would be doing manual labor. Ryan points out that they both always do what they need to do. He asks her if he can drive her to the airport since she was the first person he met at Newport and wants to be the last person to say goodbye to her. Marissa tells him she was just about to ask him the same thing.
Ryan asks to take Marissa to the airport, wanting to be the last person she says goodbye to before leaving Newport.
Ryan and Marissa meet up with Seth and Summer ready to go graduate. The graduating class walks out together with their families applauding. Taylor delivers her speech effortlessly and flawlessly. Diplomas start getting handed out and Ryan's name is called. Sandy, Kirsten, Dawn, Marissa, Summer, Julie, and Seth cheer for him. As they all do for Seth and Marissa whose mom is in tears, standing loud and proud. Summer's name is called and they all cheer for her as well as she gives Dr. Kim a huge hug. Many pictures start to be taken with family and all of the core four. They graduated!!!
The Core Four posing proudly and happily together as high school graduates.
At the Yacht club, everyone celebrates for dinner as the parents share how proud they are of the kids. Sandy reminisces on first love, heartbreak, friendship, loss, etc. and that it hasn't been easy but they are all a family and toast to that. Summer starts crying after Sandy's speech and talks about how things are coming to an end for all of them as Ryan leaves for Berkeley, Marissa leaves to sail around the world, and her and Seth leave for Rhode Island. Seth is still waiting to hear about his decision from RISD but tells her that whatever happens they will make it work.
Marissa looks for her mom and finds her getting a drink at the bar. She asks to talk to her but Julie brings up giving her a graduation present. Julie notices Marissa is upset and asks what’s wrong. Marissa tells her she has something to tell her to which Julie says she already knows. Julie tells her how Jimmy called her last week and ran the idea by her wanting to know what she thought. Marissa asked what she thinks and Julie tells her she will miss her terribly but if Marissa wants to leave, she needs to let her go. Kaitlin comes into the conversation saying she already knew since their dad called her too and thought it would be great if her to come home, for good. Julie starts crying and asks her daughters for a Cooper Family Hug. She gives Marissa a set of pearls for her graduation and she thanks her mom.
Dawn brings Ryan out into the parking lot for a surprise and they walk out to find a new car for Ryan. Ryan is shocked and loves it but asks his mom how it worked out. Dawn tells him she had been saving up for a while and most of the car has restored parts which helped out. Ryan is speechless and hugs his mom when she asks him to drive her home. She left her bag inside and runs in to get it, leaving Ryan to admire his new ride.
Ryan's new car gifted to him for graduation.
Summer and Seth are visited by Taylor who bids them goodbye as she is leaving for the entire summer, spending it with her new boyfriend. They thank her for her friendship and she leaves. Marissa gets a phone call from Volchok who starts to apologize to her, asking to make it up to her for cheating, stealing, and lying. He tells her about his plan and she retaliates saying her own plan is to never see him again. Volchok says that if she won’t see him, he will make things hard for Ryan. Marissa tells him not to threaten her or Ryan and he tells her to ask about the car they stole.
Marissa warns Volchok on the phone not to threaten her or Ryan.
Ryan is looking through his new car when Marissa comes to the passenger side. Ryan tells her the car is a gift from his mom to which Marissa asks if it’s the one he stole. Marissa gets in the car and tells him how Volchok called her. Ryan tries to explain but Marissa stops him, knowing it isn’t Ryan’s fault and asks what Volchok wants from him. Ryan tells her he wants money to get out of town and expects Ryan to get him the cash. Marissa asks if he even has it and Ryan says no to which Marissa offers to help him get it. Marissa insists he let her help get rid of him since she feels responsible for bringing him into their lives. Marissa grabs Ryan’s hand and tells him they are in it together.
Marissa grabs Ryan's hand and tells him they will work out the problem together.
Dawn is leaving and thanks Kirsten for everything. Sandy tries to give her money to cover the cab ride but will not take it from him and hugs him instead. Dawn tries to say goodbye to Ryan without crying but Ryan says not to and that he will see her soon. Dawn says goodbye to Seth while Ryan thanks her again for the car. This shocks Seth as he talks about wanting a car for a while. The Cohens wave goodbye as Dawn leaves Newport.
At the Robert’s, Kaitlin is making herself right at home, redecorating what used to be Marissa’s room when Julie walks in looking for Marissa. Kaitlin tells her she went out with Ryan and notes how Marissa and Julie seem to be on good terms now. Julie figures now that Marissa is leaving and Kaitlin says how cool it was that she let her go. Julie thanks Kaitlin for coming back home to which Kaitlin says that she always used to be Marissa’s little sister but now that she is leaving and everyone else graduated, she can now “rule” Harbor High.
Marissa waits outside for Ryan when he pulls up and says how it went well with his mom. Marissa says that once they take care of their problem with Volchok, they won’t have anything else to worry about. Ryan doesn’t know what he will do without Marissa there but she thinks he will figure it out and gives him the set of pearls. Marissa feels bad about selling them but her mom said she could use it however she pleased. Marissa opens the door saying she will navigate to the pawn shop but Ryan doesn’t want her to come and wants to handle it himself. Marissa is not backing down so Ryan gives in and says she can only come if he stays in the car. Marissa gets in and teases Ryan saying she will miss him bossing her around.
Marissa insists on going with Ryan to settle things with Volchok.
Sandy is meeting Greg Hoades, the district attorney he will be working with during the investigation on Dr. Griffin. Sandy takes a stop to look at his old office and reminisce on old memories as a public defender. He meets the owner of his old office, Jason Spitz, who takes the time to admire Sandy's work. Greg finds Sandy and they leave to go talk. Seth is reading a book when Kirsten walks in. Seth starts to apologize and Kirsten stops him saying that the fire was the best thing that could have happened. Kirsten tells Seth that Sandy is talking to the lawyers and he will hopefully be cleared of any wrong doing. Kirsten then gives him a letter from RISD.
Ryan is leaving the pawn shop successfully with cash and meets Volchok in the alleyway to give it to him. Ryan says they are done when Volchok disagrees saying he just wants to talk to her. Ryan declines when Marissa pulls up with the car. Volchok runs up to Marissa's side of the car and starts banging on the windows, demanding to talk to her. Ryan gets in the car and tells her to go. Marissa drives off, leaving Volchok.
Marissa is packing up her bags when Julie walks in. Julie is trying to say goodbye to her but struggles to do so. Julie then tells her that everything she ever did, whether it was good or bad, was to give Marissa a better life. Julie acknowledges that she wasn’t perfect, bringing up Luke and trying to get Ryan arrested and starts crying. Marissa stops her and tells her she loves her. They hug and cry together when Marissa talks about the strength it takes when staring over and going into the world on her own and how that the only thing that came from was in being the daughter of Julie Cooper. Kaitlin comes in and tells Marissa that Ryan, Seth, and Summer are there. Marissa grabs her bags and Julie asks them for one more Cooper Family Hug.
Marissa finds Seth, Summer, and Ryan waiting for her. Summer asks Marissa where the grad after party is when Seth asks why they should even go. Ryan agrees since it's Marissa's last night and everyone else follows when he starts listing other places, Marissa says she has an idea. Sandy walks in with a bouquet of flowers to give to Kirsten. Kirsten asks what happened and Sandy says that he spoke to the DA about the accidental fire and since they aren't pressing charges, it will blow over. Kirsten asks if he will then go back to the Newport Group when Sandy says he might not and tells her about how it felt being in his old office. Kirsten realizes Sandy wants to go back. He then asks where the boys are and she tells them they are at a party and how Ryan is taking Marissa to the airport. Sandy acknowledges that it will just be them all of the next year. Kirsten asks what they will do in an empty nest and Sandy says he has a few ideas and they start to make out.
Ryan, Marissa, Seth, and Summer pull up to the gate of The Model Home. Ryan says how it looks familiar and Marissa says it shouldn’t since they rebuilt it after he burned it down. Marissa says it’s for sale and completely deserted. They climb the gate and have some fun altogether in the pool. Ryan and Marissa play chicken against Seth and Summer and are just having a fun time. As they are eating dinner, Summer asks what would have happened if Ryan never came to Newport. Marissa says that Summer would have never talked to Seth and Seth retaliates saying Marissa would still be dating a guy who shaves his chest. Summer says she can’t believe she was interested in Ryan for a brief moment and says no offense. Marissa says it was only until she found out Ryan was from Chino and says how Summer invited him to Holly’s beach house. Seth gets upset because Ryan had told him Summer invited Seth. File:The Core Four Final Moments - The Graduates.webp
Marissa then says that it is time for her to go. Summer says goodbye to her and they hug each other. Summer tells her how much she loves her Marissa. Summer then tells Marissa that she is her best friend forever and that she will always be her maid of honor. Seth gives Marissa a hug and she say bye once more and walks toward the house. Seth and Summer start to leave when Summer waves goodbye to Marissa.
Summer and Marissa hug each other goodbye.
Marissa stands in the vacant model home crying after Seth and Summer leave when Ryan walks in. Ryan and Marissa look at each other and Ryan says how weird it is talking about that night years ago in the model home. Ryan says how the last time it was him getting ready to leave and this time, it's Marissa. Marissa then asks about that night and if Ryan ever thought if they would end up together. Ryan says, "You're saying it's over?" which makes Marissa laugh and says, "You never know, right?" Marissa then tells Ryan, "I'm sorry for all the craziness." Ryan immediately responds saying, "I wouldn't have done it any differently" as Marissa continues to cry.
Marissa apologizes to Ryan for everything but he wouldn't change a thing.
Ryan and Marissa get in the car and leave the model home on their way to the airport. Volchok waits drinking in his van watching them leave. Heather is with him and wants to leave. Volchok starts the van and Heather says she should drive but he says no and drives after them. Summer and Seth get to his room with a giant box as a graduation present for Summer. Summer opens the box thinking it's empty and finds a letter. Summer opens it and begins to read to find out that Seth got into Rhode Island School of Design and starts next January for the Spring semester. Summer hugs Seth and starts to apologize to her about all of the lies surrounding college and hurting her feelings. Summer says that everything happened the way it was supposed to. They plan on seeing each other very regularly and they kiss.
Ryan and Marissa continue driving when Ryan asks if she is okay and ready for her trip. Marissa isn't sure she is ready and asks Ryan if he is ready for Berkeley. Ryan says he is terrified and Marissa says she is too. Ryan talks about how they can try and stay in touch with each other at they leave The O.C.. A car behind them starts to honk at Ryan and he tries to let them pass since they have been following Ryan and Marissa. The car won't pass them and instead speeds up right behind Ryan's car and runs into him. Ryan tries to speed up but the car runs into them again. Marissa realizes its Volchok and he drives up to Ryan's side. Heather is screaming at Volchok and runs the van into the side of Ryan's car. Marissa tells Ryan to pull over but there is no where for him to do so. Volchok continues to ram his van into Ryan's car and Marissa yells at him to stop. Volchok is getting them to pull the car over so that he can finish things. He continues to run into them and yells at them to pull over while Marissa tells him to stop several times. They approach a sharp turn when Marissa yells at Ryan to look out. Volchok hits them off the road, pass the hard turn signal and the car rolls over down the hill, through the woods, and lands on a road below with hood of the car face down and Volchok drives off.
Ryan regains consciousness and starts to get up and finds Marissa next to him, barely moving. He brakes the window and manages to get out of the car. He notices the car has caught on fire and walks over to Marissa's side. Ryan starts to move Marissa and hears the gas leaking out of the car. He grabs Marissa and pulls her out of the car quickly and picks her up.
Ryan pulls Marissa out, carries her, and walks away from the inflamed car.
"Hallelujah" by Imogen Heap plays in the background as Ryan carries Marissa. A flashback of Ryan carrying Marissa in The Escape, fades into the picture. As Ryan walks away with Marissa from the fire, another image of Ryan carrying Marissa to his pool house in Premiere fades into the picture as well. Ryan gets a good enough distance from the car just as it explodes behind him.
He stops and lowers Marissa to the ground. He gently rests her in his lap as he says her name, trying to wake her up. He repeatedly says her name and she is barely able to open her eyes and has a huge gash on her head, soaked in blood. Marissa says his name several times but her voice is low and weak. Recognizing how bad of shape she is in, Ryan says he is going to go and get help but Marissa says no and asks him not to leave her. Ryan says he has to get help but Marissa tells him to stay and is finally able to look into his eyes, she knows what's about to happen. Marissa says, "Don't leave me." Ryan agrees to stay, tells her to hold on and that it will be okay.
Ryan tries to get help but Marissa asks him to stay with her.
Marissa is struggling to stay alive in Ryan's arms. Ryan caresses her face and repeats to her that it is going to be okay. Marissa starts breathing uneasily as she begin to fade. As she takes her last breath, she's looking at Ryan and dies. Ryan says her name several times and shakes her softly. Ryan says no and starts crying.
Marissa Cooper dies in Ryan's arms.
The scene where Ryan is leaving Newport in Premiere is shown where Marissa watches Ryan leave in her driveway. It cuts back to the present and Ryan has tears streaming down his face. It shows the flashback in Premiere once more when Ryan looks back at Marissa in the driveway. The episode closes showing Ryan crying and holding Marissa close as the car continues to burn.
Ryan holds the love of his life, Marissa, in their final moment of the tragic season 3 finale.
Cast[]
Starring[]
Guest Starring[]
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Co-Starring[] |
Music[]
- "Friends" by Chris Holmes
- "Breaking the Ice" by Mojave 3
- "Speeding Cars" by Imogen Heap
- "Bossy" by Kelis
- "Chapters" by Appogee
- "Hallelujah" by Imogen Heap
Quotes[]
: Ryan: You know, this is gonna sound weird, but can I drive you to the airport? You were the first person I met here, I'd kinda like to be the last person to say goodbye.
: Ryan: Sure your mom won't be offended?
: Ryan: Okay, uh, this looks familiar.
: Marissa: I'm sorry for all the craziness.
: Sandy: I know the last few years have been a roller coaster. There's been tragedy and comedy and first loves, broken hearts, family members we've lost and found. It hasn't all been perfect, but we're all a family here. So cheers. : Jason Spitz: Look, if you came to haggle me on the Ramirez plea, forget about it. I'm up to my ass in unhappy ADAs.
: Seth: "Dad, remember when I called you the worst father ever? Right after that I swung by your place of work, I smoked a joint, I forgot to put it out and now your office fits into an ashtray." : Sandy: Well, we both screwed up.
: Seth: This is it, dude. with this stupid school. We never have to set foot in this stupid school or this stupid student lounge again.
: Taylor: Sung Ho and I decided to spend the summer in his family's village. We're defusing land mines in the DMZ.
: Dawn: Hey, Seth good to see you again.
: Seth: Ryan got a car? Really? I've been waiting for years for a car. I'm supposed to be the spoiled one. : Summer: You guys ever wonder what life would be like if Atwood never came here?
: Summer: Oh my god!
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Trivia[]
Gallery[]
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