Aside from the wierdness of seeing Brom Garrett from "Deadwood" as the D.A., I actually enjoyed this episode. I'm not a fan of Jeri Ryan's Charlotte, and I think Julie went over the line with the death threats, but it does fit her motives. I loved the interaction between the four younger main characters (Seth called them the "Fantastic Four" last season, which kind of fits), even in the cheesy beach romp. The Ryan character, especially, has changed from the brooding, stoic half-mute into a guy who's ready to joke, play, and even cry. The scenes where he mocks Summer at the beach and hugs Sandy at the bus stop were really well played.
The big question is how they're going to work the "moral center" of Sandy and Kirsten, but I have faith that they'll have an easier time of it this year, at least with each other.
Also, check out
this interview of Josh Schwartz (the show's creator) by Bill Simmons of ESPN. It's a good one, with plenty of infomation and behind-the-scenes that answers some nagging questions about last season. Plus, if you were a fan of Peter Gallagher's singing, you'll be pleased to hear he has an album coming out in November? I wonder if they'll make it into one of the "O.C. Mix" albums?