There's trouble (and plenty of fun) in paradise in this 24-episode, 7-disc Season 2 collection of the smash-hit series about the restless lives of Orange County’s haves and have-nots. The romances of Ryan-and-Marissa and Seth-and-Summer go from very over to very on, Sandy and Kirsten face choices that could train wreck their 20-year marriage, felon (and Ryan's brother) Trey gives Newport Beach living a try, Julie's past comes back to haunt her, and others with shady pasts and shaky futures join the scene. In the California beach paradise that is The O.C., they do everything under the sun.

CRITIQUE

Boy, I could write many things about The O.C. and how it’s good and bad, but why waste my time and yours. The first season served up enough drama and fun, as well as clichés and weak moments, to quality as a guilty pleasure. The second season picks up the drama and runs with it for some time before returning to mostly formula story writing that includes drama here and there, quirky yet irritating moments with Seth, unbelievable yet convenient coincidences relating to characters and plotlines, and the list goes on. I have no problem with The O.C. being a guilty pleasure, but sometimes I wish that it wasn’t. Then again, a flashy show such as this one is what it is, among other things an alternate and newer version of Dawson’s Creek. Weaknesses and coincidences aside, I enjoyed the second season of The O.C. on a basic and entertainment-only level (no “thinking strings” attached).

The stories for the second season are good and interesting in spots. Several new characters are introduced such as new love interests for Ryan, Marissa, Seth and Summer, which creates drama all by itself. (Seth can’t get over Summer, which is obvious considering his neurotic tendencies.) The case against Caleb takes an interesting turn and much more happens that I better leave unspoiled. In terms of acting, Peter Gallagher is a joy to watch and his character is the show’s anchor. Also, where Ben McKenzie seemed a little stale emotionally and socially as Ryan, he seems much more lively this season, while Adam Brody becomes a little annoying during in his mini-speeches and rationalizations about things (his ramblings have run their course). As for Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson and Kelly Rowan, all three perform very well.

THE VIDEO

Warner Bros. presents The O.C. in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The video presentation looks pretty good with vibrant colors and crisp image quality. Definition, sharpness and detail look good, though there are some tiny flaws, such as grain here and there. Optional subtitles include English, French and Spanish.

THE AUDIO

Warner Bros. presents The O.C. in Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo. The dialogue and music are presented clearly, just what you would expect. A perfectly fine presentation.

THE EXTRAS

There are two commentary tracks on this set, the first commentary on The Chrismukkah That Almost Wasn't by series producers Josh Schwartz and Bob DeLaurentis and the second commentary on The Rainy Day Women by Schwartz, producer Stephanie Savage, music coordinator Alexandra Patsavas, and editor Matt Ramsey. Taking into account the casual conversations and certain trivia, these are decent tracks.

Next, a deleted scene is included on disc 6 for the episode The Return of the Nana, and also watch out for an extended creator’s cut of The Rainy Day Women.

The rest of the extras are located on disc 7 starting with two featurettes.

Beachy Couture (15:25) looks at the fancy and fabulous clothes on the show with musings from the costumer designer and cast members. Since I don't really care for fashion this didn't interest me too much, but teen viewers might find it somewhat educational.

The O.C.: Obsess Completely (32:44) is a retrospective (and promotional) special on the first season with thoughts from the cast and crew, “favorite moments” selected by fans, and obligatory show clips. Indeed, mainly "obsessive" (as the title seems to suggest) fans of the show will find this more interesting.

Rounding out the extras are two blooper reels, one for Season 1 (9:52) and one for Season 2 (12:40). These are just about what can be expected except the run a little longer than most outtakes. Good stuff here, especially for fans (what extra on this DVD isn't for fans, huh).

The packaging is the same as that of the first season DVD; seven discs on seven individual plastic cases stacked on top of each other.

FINAL THOUGHT

Seeing as how The O.C. is a guilty pleasure, I don’t feel guilty recommending the second season.