So I have recently found that I am (thankfully) not the only one who just doesn’t “get” Seth’s undying obsession with Summer. In case it is not already apparent, I absolutely adore Seth, and right now I am having a rather difficult time understanding why he is so hung up on a girl who is arrogant, superficial, and…well, just plain mean! Pretty much the only thing she ever has to say to him is: “Ew.”  In fact, she doesn’t even have to say that much in order to get the message across; you can see exactly what she thinks of him just by the look on her face whenever he approaches her. Truthfully, I’m surprised Summer hasn’t brought Seth to tears yet. Poor kid…nevertheless, despite how much I dislike Summer’s character at the present moment, I’m going to give her a break, as I have been assured by many people that she really isn’t so bad, and that she will later become one of the more likeable characters on the show. But for now…that remains to be seen.

I am happy to report, however, that my beloved (I mean, our beloved) Seth may in fact have acquired what appears to be another potential love interest. Her name is Anna, and from what I understand she is going to be sticking around for a while. (Not sure how long, though.) She and her family are new to Orange County, and we are first introduced to her in this episode at the annual Cotillion Ball. The Cotillion Ball, from what I gathered, is a ceremony in which the “respectable” young ladies of Newport enter society. Why it is necessary for such a ceremony to take place in this day in age, I don’t have the slightest clue. I suppose it’s just another excuse for these people to dress up and spend lots of money. Probably…

Among the young ladies at the Cotillion Ball are both Summer and Marissa. At first Seth is very excited at the chance to be Summer’s escort, but of course the bitch finds a replacement escort—someone that she believes is better—and tells Seth that she doesn’t need him. Poor Seth is heartbroken at first, but when he is paired with Anna, the new girl, he begins to see his situation in a different light. Maybe he will develop an attachment to Anna as the show progresses? Doubtful, considering that he’s crazy about Summer, but one can only hope.

Naturally, Marissa’s escort to the Cotillion Ball is Luke, but this quickly changes when he sees Marissa spending more and more time talking with Ryan. Luke becomes very jealous, and instead of punching Ryan in the face this time, he simply looks at Marissa and tells her that their relationship is over. Though she could easily have found another escort to the ball, Marissa decides that she does not want to go, and stays at home, until Ryan calls her at the last minute and asks if she would like to go with him. She agrees, and appears much happier to go than she did before. I often wonder what it is about Ryan that she likes so much. She barely knows him, after all. Is it his looks? His manners? The mystery about him? Or is it simply because he is someone new and different? Personally I believe that she sees something in him that she doesn’t see in Luke. Could it perhaps be the absence of an asshole streak? Ryan has never been anything but sweet to her. Luke, on the other hand…well, I don’t think the same can be said for him.

Of course, when we see Marissa’s dress it is absolutely stunning, as are all the dresses of the other young ladies. Ryan and Seth aren’t looking too shabby themselves, I might add, especially Seth. After being introduced, the young ladies have a dance with their escorts. While this is going on, we see Jimmy Cooper, Marissa’s father, talking to Holly’s father. I don’t believe I’ve mentioned Holly yet, now that I think about it. She’s just another friend of Marissa and Summer. I would share my opinion on her, but in truth I don’t have one quite yet. Holly is just kind of there to me, although I’ve been told that eventually that will change. But at any rate, Holly’s father asks Jimmy for the money that he owes him, and after several minutes of stalling, Jimmy admits that he doesn’t have the money. Enraged, Holly’s father punches Jimmy in the face right there in front of everyone, and exposes him for being a fraud. Naturally, this spoils the entire evening for Marissa, and even after Ryan and Luke both try to console her she tells them that she would rather be alone for a while. Could she have also meant that she wants to be single for a while so that she can decide what she wants, or more specifically, who she wants? I hope so, because this love triangle is starting to feel somewhat The Vampire Diaries-ish to me. I have been assured, however, that unlike Elena, Marissa quickly comes to a decision as to what she wants, and doesn’t drag everything out for a season and a half. Thank God.

I think this is just about the right length for these recaps. Any shorter and it wouldn’t be enough. Any longer and people would probably be rolling their eyes, like with the first one. On that note, I cannot wait for the next recap, because I get to talk about Paul Wesley! It was kind of strange seeing him as a badass for once, but…well, I’m not going to say anymore! I’ll save it for Monday. Hasta luego, people!