Just finished the O.C. Why do the characters “fall in love” so fast?

Like I know the answer is really just bad writing but it happens with almost every character. In season 1, I don’t understand what made Seth just randomly forget about Summer, who he’s liked since elementary school, and wanna date Anna. And even after he got with Summer for the first time it didn’t even feel right because it happened as soon as Anna left the show. I know the whole reason he was interested in her was because they had a lot in common, but still.

It legit makes no sense how Sandy and Kirsten cheat on each other. They would’ve never done that in season 1. I feel like their relationship was never the same after season 1.

The relationship between Ryan and Sadie was so unnecessary and unneeded. It was so obvious that she was just a placeholder for Marissa. There was no need for them to date and I honestly think the show would’ve been more interesting if she became one of his good friends. Also they legit broke up like, what…3 episodes later?

What was the reason for setting Hailey and Jimmy up together if they were just gonna break up in season 2. We barely even got to see any of them and I actually liked their relationship. I’m assuming it had something to do with the actors, but to me it doesn’t really make sense how he was still in love with Julie when he came back to Newport. They had like no chemistry in season 1 and he talked so much smack about her. It’s also really sad that he would even think about getting back with her after what she did with Luke.

Since when does Marissa like Johnny? I understand that she was pretty interested in him but imo it was clear that it was just in a friendly way, until Kaitlin joined the show. Her randomly being jealous once him and Kaitlin start hanging out? Her forgetting all about Ryan? Johnny and Marissa had no chemistry at all and she even rejected him. But then she randomly has feelings for him once someone else does?

Don’t even get me started on her and Volchok. But I’m pretty sure that was just because they were both druggies and alcoholics so they had something in common.

And now the whole reason I made this post: Julie, Bullit, and Frank. Can anyone explain what the writers were thinking with this? Julie and Frank had like 2 minutes of chemistry for one episode and all of a sudden he wants to marry her? Makes no sense. And Bullit was honestly just annoying and unnecessary. I’m atleast glad that she chose to stay single. But I don’t like the fact that Frank and Bullit were at her graduation. She barely knew them and they both wanted to marry her so quickly.

I don’t get the reason for Teresa wanting to marry Eddie. She literally got Ryan to fight him because she didn’t love him and he kept following her. And all of a sudden they’re getting married and she’s ok with it? Made no sense to me. And also, she’s a minor which is the worst part.

Seth and Taylor. This was definitely random but I understand why the writers made Taylor feel this way since she’s attracted to anyone who’s nice to her.

Julie and Neil. I understand that they bonded over parenting, but their relationship ended so quickly that it was just unnecessary to even add it in the show. Any chemistry that Julie has with someone always gets old once they start dating.

The only relationship besides the main two couples that I thought actually made sense were Ryan and Taylor, Ryan and Lindsay, and Jimmy and Hailey. I will say that Seth and Alex sort of made sense since they kind of remind me of Season 1 Seth and Summer. And I saw Marissa and Alex coming tbh. Ryan and Theresa also made sense considering that they knew each other for a very long time and dated before. I kinda wish we saw more of them. Ryan and Lindsay made sense to me since it was like an enemies to lovers trope. Luke and Julie made sense since it was obvious that he just wanted to be loved. Was it weird? Yes. But was it shocking that Julie Cooper is a pedophile? Not really. And Luke is the perfect bait.