I am – Hercules!!

Ah pity the fool who missed last week’s “O.C.”!! It was without question one of this year’s most entertaining hours of television. I believe the charm of this enterprise can be traced to a trait it shares with the late, great “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”: It is a smart, thoroughly hilarious comedy masquerading as something else entirely.

And how cute is Ryan’s Chino castoff? Maybe she and Anna Stern can console each other at some point!

Ay! Dios Mio!

"Shelbygirl" says:

Yes, that's right. And that's what I get for watching The O.C. with the volume turned way down...I miss "The Valley" reference (thanks Talkbackers!). But not this week! This week, it's Marissa who is watching the show and we hear: "No, don't hurt him!"

And while I get to watch The O.C. a few days earlier, I don't get to watch Angel until almost a week later. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. A puppet Angel! HA! Today was a good day for TV for me...

What does Fox say?

Marissa and Ryan try to start over as friends, as Teresa begins spending more time in Newport. Will Seth teach Summer a lesson when she ignores him at school?

Well, does he?

The previews pretty much spoil this. But we don't know what Summer will do!

So, where did we leave off?

Seth and Summer have consumated their relationship, Ryan turned Marissa away, Julie is rocking the cradle, while Sandy and Kirsten keep living happily ever after.

Where do we start this week?

Seth and Ryan are discussing Ryan and Marissa just being friends "again." Marissa and Summer are discussing much the same subject.

Teresa is back?

Yes, and she has a man named Eddie. A guy from the old neighborhood.

Ohhhhhh...Ryan gets his own love triangle?

"More like a...rhombus."

Are any of our other favorite characters back this week?

Funny you should ask! Anna is back, and so is Daddy dearest Caleb!

Caleb? Does he find out that he's been replaced by a much, much younger Luke?

Despite the slapstick set-ups, no one finds out about Mrs. Cooper and Luke. And Caleb is back to ask a favor from Sandy. Seems that "Uncle Sean" has been arrested, and Caleb needs to get him out.

Uncle Sean? Who is that?

He's an old family friend, who works for the company as a "consultant", or even more vague, "he knows people."

What's good?

The fact that the Fox previews didn't spoil too much of the episode. The witty banter. Anna's back! "Try on wife beaters?" Julie complimenting Jimmy. "That woman scares me." Summer and the spiral leading to Seth and her break-up. The Mermaid Inn, and the situations it creates. Ryan smiles once again! "Travolta's your bitch!" The set up for the next few episodes! Booty calls all around! "I hope Isabelle gets Hector!" Summer showing emotion!

What's not so good?

Some might say that the set-ups are a little contrived. But I must say that I was surprised by the ending. And I am enraptured to find out what happens next. Sandy and Kirsten will face a major test, and although I hate to see them unhappy, I can't wait to see them come out on the other side!

How does it end, spoiler-girl?

"Teresa, are you there?"

9 p.m. Wednesday. Fox

Swing the crebbil!

I am – Hercules!!

Only 16 more shopping days till “Wonderfalls,” the season’s best new show!

Looking for bumper stickers, plush toys and girls’ underwear covered with cartoon double-amputees? Visit The Herc Store!