The first episode of The O.C., titled "The Premiere", introduces the show's main characters and their storylines: Ryan Atwood A troubled 16-year-old who is kicked out of his home by his mother and her boyfriend after being arrested for car theft. Ryan is taken in by his public defender, Sandy Cohen, and his wife, Kirsten, and moves into their guest house in Newport Beach. Marissa Cooper A friendly but troubled teenager who lives next door to Ryan. Marissa introduces Ryan to the world of Newport Beach's rich and idle, but her boyfriend Luke is immediately hostile to Ryan. Sandy and Kirsten Cohen A wealthy and philanthropic couple who take Ryan in. Sandy is a public defender, and Kirsten is a real estate developer. Seth Cohen Sandy and Kirsten's socially awkward but quick-witted son who becomes best friends with Ryan. Jimmy Cooper Marissa's father, a financial stockbroker who is having trouble with his business. Julie Cooper Marissa's mother who marries Caleb Nichol, the father of Kirsten and Hayley Nichol. The episode also introduces other characters, including Trey Atwood, Ryan's older brother who was imprisoned for the car theft, and Theresa, Julie's estranged sister.

Why does life always to take you down some bad roads sometimes when you're a good person. I guess I'll never know