The O.C. (2003–2007): Season 3, Episode 11 - The Safe Harbor - full transcript

Previously on The 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 )

S03E11
The Safe Harbor

* California, here we come

* Right back
where we started from *

* 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 Kim.

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.

Hi, 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 yo want, 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,
but it can't be good.

How dare you do this
without talking to me?

I can read lips.

Star magazine.
"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
book right now?

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 issu issue.

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.
-OK

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 300 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 return to Harbor.

( 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

* And friends that are never there

* And places that they ought to

* Pretend that they even care

* Uh, uh

* Uh, uh, uh, uh

* So lead us there.

Harbor rocks!

by paulonline