You’re probably too young to remember “90210.”
No, I grew up on “90210”! It came out when I was 10. It was 1990. I was most into it in the sixth grade.
Why does “The O.C.” work so well?
It blends different-aged characters, comedy, drama, reality and heightened reality.
Was debuting in August an advantage?
Definitely. Right now there’s two shows premiering every night. We had an open playing field.
Your character has been called “one of the most endearing nerds ever to stumble through a series.”
That feels great. Someone called me “adorkable.” Anyone who says they don’t care about reviews or feedback is either lying or an idiot.
Are you a lot like your character?
Yes, and there’s more of me being put into him all the time. The show’s so loose: if I don’t like something, I say so. I never thought one of the most collaborative things I would work on would be a one-hour drama for Fox.
Last week’s episode was so juicy! Marissa lost her virginity to her ex just to spite Ryan.
I was watching, too, oohing and aahing.
Folks in the real O.C. have criticized the show for its poor portrayals of teens and the county.
Was “90210” an honest mirror image of kids going to Beverly Hills High? I don’t know that I cared. I wanted good television.
