The Return of the Nana

Infobox Television episode
Colour = #ffaa44
Series = The O.C.
Title = The Return of the Nana


Season = 2
(2004-2005)
Caption = Ryan, Sandy, and Seth in Miami.
Episode = 21
Airdate = May 5, 2005 (FOX)
Writer = Josh Schwartz
Director = Ian Toynton
Production= 2T5121
Episode list = "The O.C." (season 2)
List of "The O.C." episodes
Prev = The O.C. Confidential
Next = The Showdown|

The Return of the Nana is the 48th episode of the FOX television series, "The O.C.". The episode was written by Josh Schwartz and was directed by Ian Toynton. It originally aired on Thursday, May 5, 2005.

Guest Starring

Plot

Sandy gets a call from the Nana. She's getting married! Sandy and the boys are headed to Miami.

Trey receives a visit from Jess, who offers him a bottle of Don Julio as a "thank you" for not selling her out to the police at his birthday bash. He thanks her for the gift, but it turns out that wasn't the gift. It appears the actual gift was the bikini top that just fell to the floor.

Seth visits Summer to apologize for subjecting her to the Silverlake hipster party that Reed organized for him and Zach. Summer tells Seth she could use a "time-out." Perfect, because Seth's heading to Miami to see the Nana. Summer thinks that's swell. Go to Miami, get wasted and end up on Music Video Nation's Spring Break special! Seth tries to explain that the only thing he'll be drinking is Metamucil, but Summer's not buying it.

Kirsten arrives at the Newport Group ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work. But Carter has other plans. Turns out, instead of burying his career, "Newport Living" actually saved it. He's been offered a job in New York. Carter offers to take Kirsten out for a farewell dinner but Kirsten suggests they eat in. She'll cook.

Marissa stops by Trey's to offer her job hunting services. They make a plan for the following day. When Trey reenters his apartment, Jess, who is busy snorting cocaine, makes it clear that Marissa Cooper is way out of his league.

Over lunch, Nana tells Sandy to book flights now because the wedding's in June. What's the rush? Are you pregnant? Very funny. Sophie explains that at her age, there's no point wasting time. Besides, she wants to move before the summer storms hit. Sandy's thrilled to hear his mom's finally moving into the condo he bought her in Sarasota. And apparently fiancé Bobby is thrilled too. Sandy's not surprised - beach front property, unbeatable location.... Sophie assures Sandy that Bobby's a good guy.

Seth takes a victory lap after his shuffleboard slaughter and is about to head down to the club house for lunch when a very attractive young blonde - Mary Sue - challenges him to a game. Mary Sue beats Seth and before they start the next game, Seth suggests they make it interesting. If she wins, Seth has to partner up with her in a dance contest for Music Video Nation's big Spring Break special. The $5,000 prize will really help with her college loans.

When they get to the contest, Seth discovers that it's not exactly a dance contest, it's more like a lick-the-whipped-cream off Mary Sue's near-naked body contest on national TV. Ryan hopes Summer forgot to pay her cable bill.

Sandy joins Sophie and Bobby for dinner. When Sophie excuses herself to go to the restroom, Sandy explains to Bobby that having been a public defender for many years, he's got trust issues. A lot of guys would see an older woman, not in perfect health, with a million dollar condo in her name, and well, we've all seen '60 Minutes'. But not to worry, because he told his cop and FBI buddies that there's no need to run a background check on this guy.

At the contest, Ryan runs into Mary Sue's boyfriend and his burly Bible study buddies, who came down from Bob Jones University to get hold of Mary Sue and whoever's been corrupting her.

Marissa stops by Trey's to celebrate his getting a job at The Bait Shop. They have a few too many margaritas and Marissa suggests they go outside and get some air. Trey sneaks a quick line of cocaine before joining Marissa outside.

Back at the Cohen residence, Kirsten and Carter have had so much to drink they can barely open another bottle.

Sandy and Sophie are waiting for Bobby to show up for a poolside meal when Sophie receives a phone call from Bobby. Something about a malpractice suit. He's heading out of town until it blows over. Somehow Sophie knew deep down what was really going on. Maybe that's why she wanted Sandy to come down and meet Bobby.

With his parents away in Aspen, Zach offers to whip up an Italian dinner for Summer to get her mind off Cohen. Unfortunately Zach leaves the TV on during dinner and when he goes to the kitchen for seconds, Summer sees Seth licking whipped cream off Mary Sue. She suddenly grabs Zach and gives him a long passionate kiss.

After dinner, Kirsten confesses to Carter that she's a terrible cook and had the entire meal catered, they admit to each other that they both contemplated an affair with the other. Why blow her cover now? Maybe it's the wine, maybe she just can't lie to him. Carter confesses that he almost didn't take the job in New York because he didn't want to leave her. They have their first, and apparently last, kiss. She wishes him well with his new job. After Carter leaves, Kirsten trades in her wine for vodka.

Down on the beach, Trey tells Marissa he's grateful for everything. New job, great apartment, great friends. Trey howls like a coyote. He tells Marissa that when he's with her, he feels like he can do anything. Or could it be the cocaine? Marissa thinks it's time to head back, but Trey grabs her and tries to kiss her. She struggles to get away but he won't let go. He wants to know if she's too good for him. Finally, Marissa grabs a piece of driftwood and cracks him on the head. Marissa jumps up and runs. Trey is left alone with a bloody head and a whole lot of regret.

Seth, covered in whipped cream, courtesy of the Bible boys, walks down the streets of Miami with Ryan. Ryan decides to call Marissa but gets no answer since her phone and purse are right where she left them on the beach.

Trivia

*Although they are credited, Melinda Clarke (Julie) and Alan Dale (Caleb) do not appear in this episode.
*The title of this episode refers to the third Star Wars movie The Return of the Jedi.
*This would be the last appearance of Carter Buckley (Bill Campbell).
*This would be the last appearance of Sophie Cohen (Linda Lavin) on the show. However, according to the commentary on the fourth season DVD, the "Nana" is still alive and the Cohens new baby girl is named after her on the series finale.
*The storyline apparently was to feature Kirsten committing adultery with Carter, but the writers scrapped it at the last minute.
*The episode reached 6.8 million viewers in the US Nielsen Ratings.

Music

*"Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor
*"Shadowland" by Youth Group
*"Miami" by Will Smith
*"I Turn My Camera On" by Spoon
*"Step Aside" by Efterklang
*"Adios" by Alan Paul
*"Kids With Guns" by Gorillaz (featuring Neneh Cherry)
*"Bring Em Out" by T.I.
*"Get Down" by Cham Pain
*"Questa o Quella" by Rigoletto
*"Night Groove" by Marc Durst Trio
*"Love Underground" by Robbers on High Street
*"Na Na Na Na Naa" by Kaiser Chiefs

External links

* [http://www.fox.com/oc/recaps/220.htm Recap from the official website]