Original subtitles

Previously onThe O.C...

I figured I'd do all right in a few surf competitions,

maybe hook up with some sponsors.

Turn that into a career, you know?

I'll get the operation and get back on my board.

What's going on with you guys?

I can talk to him.

Knowing that you're pulling for me

is the only thing that keeps me going.

Mom, hi.

Hurry, I'm running late.

If you'd just loosen up a little bit, you would be...

I would be one of the popular girls.

Truth is, I'm looking down the barrel

of divorce number two.

I live in a trailer park.

No student has ever

been involved in a shooting.

Apparently, the parents are protesting.

They want Marissa out.

[ loud slurping] ♪ I'll light the fire ♪

♪ You place the flowers

♪ In the vase that you bought today... ♪

Ah...

Who's ready for another fauxito?

I think I kinda hit a wall on the mocktails.

Besides, it's a school night.

But it's not a school night.

It's our last night

before our last semester of our last year

of high school.

So we have to make it last.

It's hard to argue with that logic.

You guys, this has been a really fun winter break.

Yeah.

Just the four of us hanging out like old times.

Yeah, I can't believe it's gone by so fast.

I wish I could, like, TiVo it

so we could play it over and over again until graduation.

Well, unfortunately, after tonight

it's back to regular scheduled programming.

For you guys.

I got to go back to Newport Union by myself.

I got to pee.

You got to pee? No, not really.

I got to pee.

Okay.

Screw it.

I'll go get us some drinks first.

♪ ...is a very, very, very fine house with two cats... ♪

What if it doesn't have to end?

What, our break?

No, the four of us being together.

It's a new year, but it's our last chance.

Senior photos are this Friday.

The Harbor Class of 2006 will be immortalized in the yearbook

for, like, all time.

Marissa has to be part of that picture.

Are you saying what I think you're saying? Yes.

The dirty dean, he's gone, right?

And Dr. Kim, she's always seemed pretty reasonable.

Yeah, but the Board kicked out Marissa, not Dr. Kim.

Plus there's all those concerned parents.

Whatever!

Out of sight, out of mind.

Time heals all wounds.

You love something, set it free,

you know?

Maybe they're over it.

Yeah, this town's real forgiving.

They're all out of fauxitos,

so I got us a couple of fake Manhattans

and a Safe Sex on The Beach.

Ryan, what if the four of us

can all finish senior year together?

Summer's planning Operation Free Marissa.

Oh.

Yeah, secure some key allies.

Go behind enemy lines.

You been watching the War Channel again?

Yes, it's the new Food Network.

I'm always up for a little danger and intrigue.

See? Hmm?

You guys seriously want to do this?

Mm-hmm.

Okay. All right.

But we don't tell Marissa until we have a plan.

Cheers.

To getting Marissa back to where she belongs.

[ chuckles]

Anyone have an idea how we do that?

[ piano and acoustic guitar playing gentle melody]

♪ California, here we come

♪ Right back where we started from ♪

♪ California

♪ California... ♪

♪ California... ♪

SUMMER: I cannot believe

it is our last semester of high school.

SETH: I know. College applications

have been sent off, study, homework, learning.

All the reasons to come here are pretty much irrelevant.

Well, good. With all your free time,

you can help out with Free Marissa.

To what exactly are we freeing her from?

Um, exile to public school,

a year of solitude, ill-fitting gym shorts,

mediocre lunches.

Hey, there's Ryan.

Hey. Can't talk. Got an appointment with Dr. Kim.

What are you going to say?

Just going to come right out and ask.

All right. Direct approach.

I like it. Good luck.

Excellent. Prong One of the campaign has been initiated.

You and I will take on Prong Two: grassroots movement.

You know, information booth, petition,

maybe a protest rally.

How many prongs are involved in this operation?

Dude, like, so many prongs.

[ knocking]

Ryan, come on in. What can I do for you?

Dr. Kim, sorry I'm late.

Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Marissa Cooper.

Oh, how's she doing over at Union?

Good, good. As good as can be expected.

Um, actually, I was wondering

if you might consider reinstating her this semester.

Ryan...

Her grades are good. She hasn't been in any trouble.

Ryan, I understand Marissa's expulsion

seemed terribly unfair to you,

and frankly, I wish the outcome had been different myself.

Would you consider letting her reapply?

Even if I wanted to,

only the Board of Trustees has the power to readmit

an expelled student.

Okay, great. Can we meet with them?

They're meeting on Thursday

to discuss the new semester.

It's a little late.

But...

Ah, I could probably get Marissa's case

put on the docket.

That would be great.

Ryan, you'll be fighting an uphill battle.

Wouldn't be the first time.

They rarely reverse their decisions on anything.

All we need is a chance.

Students are not allowed to speak at Board meetings.

You'll need a parent advocate.

I think I know someone who'd be right for the job.

Thank you, Doctor.

You might want to check out the library

for transcripts of an old meeting.

There might be a precedent.

Say, fall semester in 1996?

Hey, Marissa.

Johnny, hey.

How was your break?

I feel like I haven't seen you in forever.

Ah, you know, I've just been laying low since the operation.

I already started physical therapy.

That's great.

Thanks. What have you been up to?

Um, I don't know.

Just hanging out with Seth and Summer, Ryan, doing nothing.

It's kind of great, actually.

Well, look, if you still got nothing to do,

there's this thing I want you to go to with me.

Uh, okay. What kind of thing?

Um, it's a party, actually.

See, Pac West is doing this big press event

for their 2006 surf team on Thursday.

The Pac West surf team?

The coach called last night asking how the surgery went.

Turns out one of their guys failed a drug test,

so I got an alternate spot on the team.

I can do my physio on the road

and hopefully, compete by summer.

Wow, that's amazing, Johnny.

Thanks.

Um, we're only allowed to bring one guest

to the party, so what do you say?

Oh, I mean, shouldn't you take your mom

or, I don't know, one of your entourage.

I'm sure Chili's dying to go.

I want you to go.

I mean, none of this would be happening

if it weren't for you.

All right. Then I wouldn't miss it.

Hey, I'm really happy for you, Johnny.

Thanks.

First meeting of a brand-new year.

Of a brand-new enterprise.

Let's begin. Okay.

Divorced, divorced, separated, divorced.

I didn't know there were so many

broken marriages in this town.

It's an epidemic. Speaking of which.

Dr. Roberts is getting a divorce?

You didn't hear it from me.

I'm going to go say hi.

He's been so good to Marissa.

Hi, Neil. How are you?

Hey, Julie.

Happy New Year.

Should old acquaintance be forgot.

I don't think that you're in much danger

of being old or forgot anytime soon.

You're too sweet.

I never properly thanked you

for having me over for Christmas dinner.

It was a pleasure.

It took the focus off of Gloria's conspicuous absence.

Oh. You haven't told Summer about your separation?

No. She thinks that Gloria didn't call

because she's in some zen retreat.

And Marissa thinks

I'm supervising the longest condo renovation in history.

I feel a couple of New Year's resolutions coming on.

If we're going to launch a successful campaign

to get Marissa back into Harbor,

we have to find someone who can organize the masses.

Someone who they'll follow, you know, into battle.

You mean, General Townsend?

Affirmative.

Hey, Taylor.

Hey, Madd. Hey, Ash.

Madd, Ash.

Summer, Seth, hi!

Um, I left you guys a message about my Boxing Day party.

I guess you didn't get it, though.

But, like, how was your break? Awesome?

Yes. So awesome, in fact,

that we need your help with something.

Oh, you want my help?

Whatever you need.

I'm there for you 110%

Oh, cool, 'cause we're launching a campaign.

I love campaigns.

To get Marissa back into Harbor.

Oh, wow, that's... aggressive.

Are you serious?

Taylor, who out of our group

would be better than you

at winning over the hearts and minds of the student body?

Did you say "our group"?

Great. So you'll do it.

It's an honor to share your foxhole.

Okay, so we're going in front of the Trustees on Thursday.

So I was thinking

maybe you could, like, go home tonight and brainstorm.

We could go over the plan at 0800?

Sounds good.

Thanks, friend. Bye.

Oh, my God, Taylor,

Marissa Cooper is, like, your number one rival.

If she gets back into Harbor,

she'll, like, totally socially crush you.

[ laughs]

Grow up, Ashley. That is so last semester.

I hate to be the one to burst your popularity bubble,

but isn't your mom still head of the Parents Association?

So?

So she's the one

who started the petition

to get Marissa kicked out in the first place.

Also last semester.

I'm sure she's totally over it.

Your mom? Over it?

And in 1996, the Board voted to reinstate a kid

due to extenuating circumstances

after he threatened another student with a knife.

You've done your homework.

So that's precedent, right?

Yeah, but a precedent is just a small piece

of a bigger puzzle.

It doesn't guarantee anything.

Look, if you're saying we don't have a case,

then that's fine, I get it,

but if this is because you don't want Marissa and me

going to the same school,

I promise you things are different now.

You have a shot, but it's a long one.

Okay. We need a parent advocate

to address the Board. Would you?

A good cause, poor odds,

a chance to ruffle some Newpsie feathers?

How could I say no?

Who's the chairman this year?

Uh...

A guy named Mercer?

Jim Mercer?

Yeah, you know him?

Yeah, he's a judge.

I've argued before him many times.

And that's a good thing, right?

Well, he's what they call a "hanging judge."

He's a real hard ass.

Just means we'll have to present a really good case, that's all.

Great.

Now all we got to do is...

...cross your fingers

because it is all handled.

Any luck, you'll be back at Harbor by Friday morning.

Is that the good kind of speechless or the bad kind?

Uh, good kind.

I was just, "Wow." Could it really happen?

It's no sure thing, but yeah.

Look, I know that you just got settled at Union,

you made a few friends.

If you're happy where you are,

I don't want to mess that up.

Are you kidding?

I'd love to finish high school with you guys.

All right, I'm going to go grab dinner,

check in with Sandy and I will call you later.

Hey, when's the meeting?

Uh, Thursday.

Oh, this Thursday?

Yeah. Is that all right?

Yeah.

Hey.

Hey, did you talk to Ryan?

Yeah.

Not exactly the triumphant enthusiasm I was expecting.

I'm sorry.

I really do appreciate

everything you guys have been doing.

But...?

But, does anyone even want me back at Harbor?

What, other than your three best friends?

Well, what if it doesn't work?

It's gonna work.

And the meeting is this Thursday?

Coop, what is going on?

Well, it's just that Pac West is announcing Johnny

as an alternate

on their team that night

and I kind of promised him I'd be there.

Hmm. Well, that's really nice of you...

but you're just going to have to cancel.

Sorry.

He'll be happy for you.

[ dial tone]

[ dials slowly]

The boys seem really excited

about getting Marissa back into Harbor.

Do you think she has a chance?

Well, there's a good argument to be made.

Morning.

Morning.

Oh! The boys have poster board and paint.

I love student activism.

Yeah. Did you get a chance to throw a call in

to Judge Mercer?

He's going to be out of town till Wednesday,

but I did speak to another trustee

who assured me that we'll be given a fair chance

to present Marissa's case.

All right. Well, uh, let us know

if there's anything more we can do.

We should get going.

Yeah. Someone will kick our ass

if we're late with our supply drop.

Mmm. Have fun.

Thank you.

This isn't the same Judge Mercer

that jailed you for contempt?

Six hours in the slammer

because he didn't like my closing argument.

And to this day,

I still don't understand what it is I said to the guy

th-that struck such a nerve.

All I remember is that he hated you passionately.

Maybe he won't remember.

Not likely.

And he's not out of town.

He's ignoring me.

Thinks anything a counselor has to say

should be done on the record.

Oh, come on. It's not like this is an actual trial.

Tell that to Judge Mercer.

I don't understand. Why do you need to see the Pac West doctor?

Why can't they just have your doctor send over

your charts and stuff?

Something to do with their insurance.

I'm sure it's just standard stuff.

Hey, guys. Hey!

Can I talk to you for a sec?

Um, if you want, man,

I can give you a lift over to the doctor's at lunch.

If youwant, I can give you a lift anytime.

I thought you were done with all the doctors.

Ah, this is a routine post-op thing.

It's no big deal. So what's up?

Um... I, uh, I was gonna call you last night.

I don't think I can make it to your party on Thursday.

You're not sure, or...

No. No, I can't.

See, there's this board meeting at my old school

and... I kind of have to be there

because they're going to decide whether or not

I can reapply this semester.

You're going back to private school?

I mean, it's not a done deal

but, uh... yeah, I'm gonna try.

That's great!

Really? Cause I was worried you might be upset.

Why? I mean, I'm happy for you.

Great. Of course.

Anyway, Chili will be stoked.

You know, he was next in line for the party, so...

I'm really sorry.

You'll go to the next one.

All right.

I'll see you later.

Okay, how many flyers do we have?

Four stacks of 200.

Okay, good. I want one of those on every locker by lunch,

and you put the extras on bathroom stalls and mirrors.

Um, any word on the T shirts?

Uh, Ryan's supposed to get them at lunch.

Great. I'm going to put some pressure

on my button guy and see if I can get them done

at the same time.

Uh-oh. Fire in the hole.

Taylor.

Mom, what are you doing here?

I just came from my pre-board meeting.

Taylor's mom's on the board?

Did you know there's

a motion on the docket

to reinstate Marissa Cooper?

Yes. Flyer.

May I have a word with you?

I don't know what she's saying,

How dare you do this but it can't be good.

without talking to me?

I can read lips.

Starmagazine. "What stars are really saying."

Oh.

I'm helping my friends, Mom.

Taylor, you don't have any friends.

Which is one of the reasons

why I had Marissa Cooper

removed from the school in the first place.

That's so demented.

Oh, you dropped your... you dropped your... your flyer.

Um...

I can't help you guys anymore.

Sorry.

Taylor!

I guess that means no button guy.

Oh, Seth!

I just wanted to meet the button guy!

I'm looking at a comp sheet that puts the property value at 12.

Yeah, I'm meeting him right now.

Okay, I'll call you back in 20.

So.

I say we put a cash bid on the Erbena Building

at eleven five.

I thought you said the Erbena Building was overvalued.

That was before my guy found out

Lockheed plans to build a new plant in the area.

Oh, well done. Your guy?

Yeah. I have a guy.

Actually, he's your guy, too.

Licensed Private Investigator,

registered with the state. Completely legal.

Above the board.

Well, maybe he can dig up a little something

on the Honorable Jim Mercer.

Who's that?

He's the head of the Harbor Board of Trustees,

the person who has the final say

on whether or not Marissa will be readmitted.

I take it that's a problem?

Oh, he's not a big fan of mine.

I'll put in a call.

Whoa... Just a little background check.

Just see what he comes up with. Be fun.

Hey. Hey!

What are you doing here?

I dropped by to give you an update

and some campaign schwag.

What do you think? Wow. I love it.

What's next? Coffee mugs? Baseball caps?

Yeah, whatever it takes.

Seriously, I can't believe this is happening.

Where's Johnny?

Doesn't he usually eat with you?

Yeah, well, he had a doctor's appointment.

Oh, I guess Pac West's giving him a second chance.

Really? That's great.

Yeah. Everything's finally working out.

[ phone rings]

Hello?

Um, okay.

Are you sure?

Uh... okay. Well, then I'll come right now.

All right.

Everything all right?

Uh... yeah, that was just Chili.

I guess he's not feeling well, so

I need to bring him this book.

Wait. You need to bring him

the book at lunch? Won't take me long.

All right, well, I can drive you.

No, you know, you should get back--

help someone on the front lines.

I'll see you guys at the diner, okay?

Yeah.

Thanks for stopping by.

Yeah.

Ow.

Don't tell me there's a problem

with the T shirts or I might freak out.

T shirts are fine. They're in the car.

It's Marissa.

She just came from union and she got a cal from Chili

and took off.

Something I should know?

Well, there might be a slight issue.

Right. I mean, not like an issueissue.

A friend issue.

A Johnny issue.

She's afraid she might be abandoning him.

Ah, of course she is.

Wait! Stand down, Private!

It's the way she's wired.

You wouldn't love her if she wasn't.

She wants to come back here

and she told Johnny just like she said she would.

If you want to get mad and punch somebody

or something... why not Taylor's mom?

You need to get your ass back into gear.

Start handing out some buttons.

[ doorbell rings]

Neil. Julie.

What a nice surprise.

Yes, yes, it is.

I mean, I didn't expect to see you at home.

I'm looking for Marissa.

Well, the girls aren't home from school yet.

Why don't you come in?

Please.

So, no rhinos to plasty today?

No, Gloria called.

She wants her things sent to her sister's in Napa

so I cleared my schedule.

Thought I'd have that talk with Summer today.

Oh. Aren't we too peas in a pod?

Now that Marissa might go back to Harbor,

the money I've saved for a new place

will go to tuition.

Kind of forces my hand with the trailer situation.

I don't know what she's going to think.

Well, I think she's going to be very grateful.

Her mom making sacrifices for her future. Hmm?

Oh, yeah.

Um...

Girls should be home.

Should be home any minute.

I think they were up most of the night last night

working on that petition. Oh.

They're so hopeful.

And here we are about

to ruin everything.

Really?

That's, uh...

really selfish of us if you think about it, isn't it?

Yeah. You know, I suppose I could wait a few days, you know?

See how everything pans out.

Seems like more of a weekend conversation, doesn't it?

You are so right.

You know... I could really go for a drink.

You read my mind.

MARISSA: Oh, my God.

Where is he?

Who knows?

The Pac West doctors refused to sign off on his knee.

Said it was too soon to tell

whether or not he'll be back 100%.

They're not going to let him tour.

I've never seen him like this.

Not even after the accident.

Well, we've got to find him.

And tell him what?

Everything's going to be okay?

The guy's future's trashed.

He's pretty much lost everything.

I don't know if he'll be able to make it back from this.

♪ When I passed you in a doorway... ♪

I can't believe we spent all day canvassing

and we only have, like, 13 signatures.

Well, say what you want about Taylor, the girl's connected--

cheerleaders, water polo players, the band.

She turns, they all turn.

All right, so it's down to the three of us,

the AV Club and the comic book geeks.

Actually, Leon's still a bit of a holdout.

Wait, you guys...

Shut up. Just act positive, okay?

Hey. We're so gonna rock that hearing.

We really are.

You guys, I don't think I can go.

What? Why? What happened?

Look, I really appreciate everything you guys have done,

but I just don't think I can go back to Harbor.

♪ It's all right, I'm dancing in the moonlight ♪

♪ All these long, hot summer nights... ♪

Hey. Hey.

So, I know I didn't feel like talking about it last night,

but I owe you an explanation.

It's Johnny.

I kind of figured that.

Don't be mad.

I'm not mad.

It's just, I wanted to come back to Harbor.

Okay, so... so, what's wrong now?

Well, Pac West just changed their mind.

They're not letting him on the tour after all.

He's really freaked out.

You gotta stop making this your problem.

But it is my problem.

His girlfriend, the accident,

getting kicked off the team...

Are not your fault.

You can't give up your one chance

to go back to Harbor just so

Johnny has someone to hang with in the hall.

I never asked you to do this.

So... you're saying we shouldn't have?

No, and, uh... I don't know, I'm sorry.

Well, we're meeting here

before going to the school tonight.

Just so you know.

My guy came through on your judge.

Don't have to use it if you don't want to,

but it's interesting.

And not irrelevant to the matter at hand.

Tell me the short version.

The judge has a son, Nick.

He's got a drug problem.

He got kicked out of military school for using.

Nobody's heard from him since.

Ah.

The case where he and I squared off,

I was defending a kid like that.

Well, if the judge wants to play hardball with Ryan's girlfriend,

at least you have some ammunition.

To what?

To exploit his family's tragedy?

To embarrass him in front of the community?

I just thought you'd want to know.

I do. Thank you.

It's gonna be tricky.

And there'll be four very disappointed kids

if I make a wrong move.

Free Marissa. Help Marissa get back into Harbor.

And sign our petition.

Sign this, geek.

I'm not going to sign his genitals.

Okay, we are, like, getting crushed.

I just don't understand why this is happening.

I mean, even if people don't really like Marissa...

What, whoa, everybody likes Marissa.

Well, even if they didn't, they could still sign the petition.

What do they care if she goes here?

Well, that's the point. They don't care.

This school is apathetic.

They need someone who can inspire,

someone who can intimidate.

They need Taylor.

Yeah.

You know, maybe it's better to be feared than loved.

Cohen, you have my permission to do whatever it takes.

And what is it?

I'm picturing, like, Indecent Proposal.

You're Demi, naturally,

and Taylor is the leather-faced guy who talks to horses.

You want me to trade sex for signatures?

Get her on board.

I need Marissa back at this school.

I feel so dirty.

I'm not going to school today, Mom.

Mom just left for work.

She let me in on her way out.

Marissa told me you left the tour.

I'm sorry, man.

She send you to... check up on me?

She doesn't know I'm here.

She's the reason I came.

Is she okay?

That depends on how you look at it.

She's... she's decided

to stay at Newport Union.

You private school kids find it hard to believe.

First of all, I don't need you

lecturing me about public school.

Second of all, she's not staying

for the quality of the education.

She's staying for you.

Well, I didn't ask her to do anything.

You didn't have to.

No matter what anyone says, it's still going to be her choice.

Just wants to make sure she feels free to make it.

[ door slams]

Sandy?

Hey.

Well, you have lunch yet?

I was signing a new client at the deli,

and I picked you up a turkey pastrami on rye.

With mustard?

Spicy Dijon.

My hero.

Bad day?

I've been faced with an ethical dilemma.

Well, if I do say so, my ethics are excellent.

Try me.

Judge Mercer.

Ah, the one who hates you

and tried to get you disbarred.

The very one.

Turns out he's the father of a junkie.

His kid got kicked out of school

and he fell right off the map.

And you think you can use this information to shame him

into helping Marissa.

The thought has crossed my mind.

Well, what would you do

if you were still a public defender,

and Marissa was your client?

Taylor.

Hey, we need to talk.

I would like to talk to you about anything but Marissa...

I have been sanctioned to offer you sexual favors.

I swear, Summer said it was okay.

Wow.

Anything else, you would be facing a long night

involving candle wax, tube socks

and a new Fiona Apple CD.

But Marissa,

I can't.

Okay, well, lucky for both of us,

I've optioned to forgo man whoring

and make an appeal to your heart

because I know that you have one.

Seth, don't.

Well, I am your friend.

So is Summer and so is Ryan.

And if Marissa came back, you'd have her, too.

Okay, you don't get it.

My mom's a sports agent.

Your mom's a sports agent?

I thought she was just a bored, bitter Newpsie.

She's a bored, bitter ball-buster.

Oh. 300-pound football players

go to her when they need something done.

She threatened to take away my car.

I'll give you a ride to school.

Not to pay for college.

You can get a scholarship.

I'm sorry.

Fine, but as your friend, I'm going to beg you to do one thing.

Do not grow up to be like your mom,

'cause you're too good for that.

[ knock at door]

I don't want any pigeon pie, Gus.

I think it's terrible what you do to those little birds.

Neil! Wow, uh...

This is a surprise.

Well, I figured I owed you one.

Wow, so this is what one of these looks like on the inside, huh?

Mmm... pork rinds.

Uh, yeah, well, when in Rome...

Well, I thought you'd be dressed and ready to go to the hearing.

I was hoping you might need a ride.

Oh, thank you.

Um... but, uh, truthfully, I don't think I'm gonna go.

I think Marissa just might be better off without me.

That's nonsense.

Every girl needs her mom.

And I'm going to be in your corner.

I give a lot of money to that school.

Give me five minutes.

Um, I'll just...

take these and I'll be outside,

trading stock tips with your friend Gus, huh?

[ sighs heavily]

No word back from Taylor.

We gotta leave in an hour...

...and no sign of Marissa.

So what are you guys saying?

That this was a valiant campaign.

Yeah, really valiant.

One every general would be proud of.

Surrender much?

I bet Napoleon never talked like this.

Well, maybe he should have,

right before he was defeated and exiled.

Summer, my little empress,

this is our Waterloo.

We have to retreat and minimize collateral damage.

Well, can't we just wait a couple of minutes

before we raise the white flag?

She's always late.

I mean, maybe she got lost or something.

[ sighs]

Marissa.

Hey, aren't you supposed to be at that Harbor thing?

No, but hey, have you seen Johnny?

'Cause I've been looking for him all day.

I know, it's crazy, right?

I actually gotta go right now.

Otherwise, I'd be late for the Pac West thing.

Wait, what Pac West thing?

You haven't talked to Johnny at all?

Well, it turns out that

that fancy surgeon that you hooked him up with

went to med school with the Pac West doctor.

He put in a call and convinced the guy

that Johnny would make a full recovery,

and he's back on the team.

I can't believe he didn't tell me.

Uh, it's been insane.

They want him to leave next month.

I guess they hired him some tutor

that's supposed to help you with the GED.

I've already hit up my dad for frequent flyer miles

so I can tag along.

You're going, too?

Ah, yes, it's a chance of a lifetime.

But, uh, anyways,

it's kind of funny how it all worked out, huh?

I mean, Johnny and I hitting the road,

you going back to your old school.

Yeah.

Hey, I gotta go.

But if you see Johnny,

will you congratulate him for me?

I will.

Summer, we can't wait any longer.

Marissa's not coming.

[ sighs]

Okay, fine.

All right, I'll tell Sandy.

Sandy's waiting in the car.

I told him we'd be right out.

You guys ready?

Yeah.

Thanks so much for doing this.

Really, it really means a lot.

Ornery judge, captive audience...

righteousness on my side.

I feel right at home.

This is what you do. You'll be great.

Judge Mercer. Sandy Cohen.

I know who you are.

Be a cold day in hell, Cohen.

I'm looking forward to this.

Oh, yeah. You got to bury him.

Sandy...

Hi, Kirsten. Sorry to bother you both.

We're about to start here.

Yeah, I know. I think you want to hear this.

All right.

Be right back.

Mom... Mom, please,

if you want to do this, it's your decision,

but don't make me face my friends while you do it.

Taylor, you are either with me or against me.

Now which is it?

I have to go to the little girls' room.

Dr. Kim...

can I have a word with you?

Yes, Veronica.

I had my guy keep digging.

I've been thinking about this.

I don't know.

Oh...

Tell me everything.

Hey, Taylor, it's Seth.

And Summer.

Hi, Seth and Summer.

So we were kind of hoping

we might see you here at the meeting.

Yeah. Uh...

No.

Sorry, guys.

I know you must be really mad at me.

No, it's okay.

It's your mom, we get it.

Well, listen, thanks for trying.

We'll just, uh...

we'll let you know how everything goes.

Thanks.

That's really nice.

Look, speak of the devil-- literally.

Neil, always a pleasure.

Veronica, you know Julie Cooper Nichol?

Hi. Of course.

Marissa's a real chip off the old block, isn't she?

I couldn't agree with you more--

brains, beauty and a flair for fashion.

Excuse me.

Maybe this was a bad idea.

JUDGE MERCER: Good evening.

Thank you all for coming.

I see it's a full house tonight.

And I think we all know what, or should I say who,

brought in the crowd.

So why don't we just start with the matter

of Marissa Cooper.

Ms. Townsend, you were speaking on behalf

of the Parents' Association.

Would you care to open?

Where's Dad?

He'll be right back.

Thank you, Judge Mercer.

As I'm sure you all know,

Marissa Cooper shot a boy in the back.

As head of the Parents' Association

and a concerned parent myself,

I can tell you, this is not what the parents want.

And this is not what the Harbor students want either.

Yes, it is.

Sit down, young lady.

Children are not permitted to address the board.

But they're allowed to address each other, right?

Taylor, why don't you show us what you've got?

It's a petition with over 500 signatures.

Basically, the entire student body.

Well, this is all well and good,

but Ms. Townsend is correct.

Students do not make the decisions on these matters.

Well, I am not a student.

And I would like to tell everyone here that Marissa

has shown such dignity

and maturity throughout this entire nightmare.

Of course you think so. You're her mother.

You're absolutely right, Veronica,

so I'll speak on behalf of Ms. Cooper.

[ clapping]: Go, Dr. Roberts.

Right... you... Sorry, sir.

Marissa Cooper

has been living in my home for the past few months.

So I can say without hesitation

that this young lady would make any father proud

and this school would be lucky to have her.

Well, that's a nice sentiment, Dr. Roberts,

and this student petition is certainly meaningful,

but I don't think I can advise the board

to break precedent here.

This school has never readmitted a student

who has been expelled

for reasons relating to violence.

Uh, that's not exactly true.

There is precedent.

He's right.

Um... ten years ago,

a case not all that different from Marissa's--

it was knife, not a gun,

but the incident occurred on campus.

And after no criminal charges were filed,

the expulsion was reversed.

The students of this school need to respect

the sanctity of this hearing and shut up.

Unfortunately...

even though this young man is speaking out of turn,

he's right.

But I still don't have to reinstate.

You don't have to reinstate, but...

you might want to.

Enlighten me, Mr. Cohen.

Why would I want to do that?

'Cause sometimes a good kid goes through a rough time.

And we might think by closing a door to her,

or to him...

we're teaching a lesson.

And when that child needs us the most,

we're not there for them.

There isn't a person in this room that thinks Marissa Cooper

is a threat to anyone...

or that she wasn't a model student.

Nor that she wouldn't continue to be.

So what are we doing here?

Instead of proving a point,

let's right a wrong.

It's so rare in life

that anyone gets a second chance.

JUDGE MERCER: The board has reached its' verdict.

And with only one dissenting vote,

we've decided to let Marissa Cooper graduate.

[ applause]

Um, do you guys think that I could get a ride home?

Ooh... no, yeah, we can manage that.

Okay. A ride?

Hell no, sister, you're sleeping over.

Your Honor...

This isn't a courtroom, Mr. Cohen.

Right. Well...

I just wanted to say thank you.

I know what you were doing.

But you made your case.

And I appreciate that you've kept your information

just between us.

I, uh...

I know where he is.

What?

A private detective tracked him down to Los Angeles.

He's safe.

My friend brought him to this shelter.

He said he'd like to see you.

Thank you.

My hero.

Thanks for being here, Mom.

Oh, Marissa...

I feel like I've let you down in so many ways.

That's really not true.

There is no condo.

No renovations.

I live in a trailer park.

I was too ashamed to tell you.

Wow, well... I knew there was something,

but...

Look, I'll come home whenever you want.

Oh, sweetheart.

Thanks, Dad.

That was pretty cool of you,

standing up for Marissa like that.

Too bad Gloria wasn't here to see you in action.

Yeah.

Listen, sweetheart, um...

I don't think your stepmom's going to be coming back.

I'm sorry, Dad.

But you didn't have to be so scared to tell me.

I mean, we do okay, right?

Right.

I think that we are going to go to the diner.

So I'll see you later.

Coop!

Have fun, you guys.

You know, all things considered,

I think I raised a pretty good kid.

Mm, I think we both did.

You want a...? Drink?

Hey. Hey.

Uh, hey.

So...

what changed your mind about coming back here?

Well, Johnny got put on the Pac West tour

and Chili said he was going to go with him

so it just seemed kind of stupid

to stay at Union by myself.

Right.

It wasn't me?

Nope.

A little bit? Okay, a little.

SUMMER: Coop, Atwood, come on!

I'm coming. Why don't I meet you at the diner?

Okay, all right, I'll see you there.

Called your house.

Your mom said you'd be here.

Told her I was really happy for you,

getting back on the team.

Yeah, well...

just lucky I guess.

Thank you.

She deserves to be happy.

All right, we'll see you around.

Yeah, sure.

See ya.

[ guitar plays]

♪ Screw California

♪ Friends that are never there

♪ Places that they ought to

♪ Pretend that they even care

♪ Uh, uh

♪ Uh, uh, uh, uh

♪ So lead us there.

Harbor rocks!