Cripes on a crutch!

I can't believe I forgot to post about the most momentous moment of our young lives: the season premiere of The O.C.!
Quick shots, because I should be working: Has this show jumped into soap opera territory so fast that I didn't even notice it? I mean, the premieres of the first two seasons were dark, yes. Darker, maybe, than the majority of the rest of the shows of the season. (Think about it, season one, episode one: Ryan steals a car, goes to jail, fights stepdad in front of drunken mom, is borderline homeless. Season two, episode one: Seth has run away, and is surly and abusive towards his parents, Sandy and Hot Mom are barely speaking, etc. etc.) Still, what was missing for me was the levity that the show's sharp writing can bring. This seemed leaden and ponderous. Best: when Ryan nasally imitates Summer, "Why would you do that, Cohen?" Brills. Plus, does anyone else think that Mischa Barton seemed hotter? I don't know. Not once did I think (or say aloud), "Shut up, Marissa."
Still, I'll be wearing my OC button this afternoon, because it still beats the hell out of "Medium," "Law and Order: Petty Larceny Unit," or "CSI: Newark."