The Gamble (The O.C. episode)

Infobox Television episode
Colour = #ffaa44
Series = The O.C.
Title = The Gamble


Season = 1
(2003-2004)
Caption = Summer with Seth who had good luck charm.
Episode = 3
Airdate = August 19, 2003 (FOX)
Writer = Jane Espenson
Director = Ian Toynton
Production = 176502
Episode list = "The O.C." (season 1)
List of "The O.C." episodes
Prev = The Model Home
Next = The Debut

"The Gamble" is the 3rd episode of the FOX television series, "The O.C.". The episode was written by Jane Espenson and was directed by Ian Toynton. It originally aired on Tuesday August 19, 2003.

Guest starring

Plot

At juvie hall. Again. Sandy meets Ryan. Sandy says the Newport Group drops all the charges against Ryan. Ryan can leave after probation hearing, which takes 30 to 60 days. On the other hand, Luke gets free. Sandy explains that Luke has no prior, his record is clear, and he has a guardian, but obviously Ryan's condition is completely different. Sandy promises Ryan to find his mother in order to get him out of jail. But Ryan does not want his mom.

Back at the Cohen’s. Kirsten prepares for a "Newpsie" convention. Seth, who is grounded, again expresses his disagreement of not adopting Ryan. Kirsten argues that Ryan is a bad influence and the Cohens are not his family.

In juvie, an inmate beats Ryan because they collided with each other before.

The Newpsies are discussing the theme of the party. Kirsten takes a Newpsie break, and finds Seth about to sneak out to visit Ryan. Seth invites her to come and Kirsten consents. Seth then invites Marissa, who cadged Luke to talk to her by phone before. Marissa seems to want to get back with Luke after Ryan rejected her in the model home. Marissa turns down Seth's invitation.

Kirsten sees how unpopular Ryan is at the juvie hall, after Ryan is beaten up to protect Kirsten. Kirsten brings him home to ensure his safety. But Kirsten still does not want to adopt Ryan. The only way to solve the problem is to find Ryan's mom, Dawn.

Kirsten has to take Ryan to set up the casino night after Sandy has to leave. Marissa and Luke are there too. Marissa wants to talk to Luke but he is still mad at her. Ryan apologizes for what's happened and wants to take back what he said at the model home but Marissa agrees with what he said that night.

Sandy overhears Julie blaming him for bringing Ryan, a criminal, near her home. Sandy feels offended and says that Ryan is from Chino, not far from where Julie grew up in Riverside. Julie expresses to Jimmy her anger at Sandy of being told where she is from and deprecates Kirsten's decision of bringing Ryan home. Jimmy asks Julie to leave Kirsten alone because she is paying the Cooper's bills.

Private investigators find Dawn. Sandy meets her and takes her to the Cohen’s to meet Ryan. At the dinner, Ryan criticises Dawn for how she ruins his life. Ryan is sore when Dawn describes their old lives. Dawn then promises to give Ryan a better life. Ryan is touched, and is willing to take the first step.

Kirsten and Seth invite Dawn to the party after Ryan and Dawn have a nice walk. Vegas Night! Dawn is OK and does not drink when Ryan is there, but when he leaves to talk to Marissa she takes alcohol from a barman. Marissa blesses Ryan for his new life, and leaves to talk to Luke. Luke is still annoyed that Marissa left Holly's to go the model home. Ryan assures Luke that Marissa chose him. Luke seems to believe him, as he goes back to Marissa again.

The luckiest guy turns out to be Seth. Seth gives superstitious Summer good luck and finally earns a moment with her. Although, she still doesn't know his name.

Meanwhile, Julie tells Sandy about the loan and he is displeased. He blames his wife for not discussing it with him. Kirsten assures him it was only a loan. Jimmy goes to apologize but Sandy is angry at him for interrupting their 'private conversation'.

Dawn starts having bad luck and cannot refuse to have alcohol again. Kirsten warns her not to drink too much, but Dawn doesn't listen. Dawn finally ruins the opportunity to have a new start with Ryan when she falls onto a waiter in her drunken state. She leaves Ryan with Kirsten because Kirsten is a good mother rather than a mess. Dawn waves to Ryan and leaves.

Kirsten finally allows Ryan to stay. Although Dawn leaves, Ryan is happy.

Music

*"I Wanna Be Happy" by Brooke
*"Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing)" by James Horner
*"Caught By The River" by The Doves
*"Rain City" by Turin Brakes
*"The Science of Selling Yourself Short" by Less Than Jake

Trivia

*Sandy took the top of Julie's muffin when he joined the Newpsie talk. Julie's portrayer Melinda Clarke appeared on a "Seinfeld" episode called "The Muffin Tops" where Elaine sold just top of the muffin.

External links

*imdb title|0663880|Full Cast & Crew
* [http://www.fox.com/oc/recaps/103.htm Recap from Official Website]
* [http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/articles/content/a1603/ Recap] from Television Without Pity