(S04E03) We weren't supposed to get this episode until next week, but because of the season premiere's poor ratings and sweeps, FOX is giving us another new episode right on the tail of last night. So it might seem early for a Thanksgiving episode because well, it is. But that's OK because keeping with the season four trend, this was another spectacular installment. I really can't stress enough how impressed I've been with this season so far.

Plenty happened but the biggest news is that Volchok is back in Newport. This had to happen eventually. I just didn't expect it so soon. Although I suppose it makes sense after his little run in with Seth in Mexico. I think he actually feels guilty about his involvement with Marissa's death. Whatever. I hope they wrap this up soon because once everything tied to Marissa is cleared up, the show is only going to get better.

Volchok got in touch with Sandy and naturally Mr. C agreed to represent him. I'm not sure but I think the writers were trying to set this up as a "Oh my god! I can't believe he's willing to defend him!" moment. But it didn't come off that way. Sandy is a public defender and this is what he does. He summed it up in one line: "I am not your friend. I'm your lawyer." I loved the confrontation between Volchok and Ryan in the hotel room though. Very good scene.

Taylor's story is still the one I having the most trouble with only because it relates to nothing else. She's back in Newport again, this time sleeping under Seth's bed. With the help of Kirsten, she finally confronted her mother and told her about the husband in Paris. Autumn Reeser is a great actress, but they have to give her more than this. I suppose I should stop acting stupid at this point though because I've already seen the next episode. Taylor's story gets better and I'll leave it at that.

Once again, Summer stole the episode. Back in Newport, she's still avoiding her feelings about Marissa's death and instead keeps devoting her time to righting the wrongs of the world. This time she brought a whole group of homeless people back to the Cohen's for Thanksgiving dinner. That's a bit much and Seth finally laid it out for Summer, about how she's not grieving. This was another great scene because Seth's conversation with Summer was cut back and forth to another conversation between Julie and Kaitlin. It was really well done and culminated with Julie and Summer eating dinner alone.

I feel like there are a ton of other things that I could write about, but here's what really stood out for me:

• Near the end when Julie asked Ryan to just tell her about Marissa? Another great scene and I think it really signifies a turning point for these two.
• I loved the homeless guy at dinner who Sandy had represented a few years back. "I called you crazy eyebrow man!"
• Nice nod to Grey's Anatomy when Dr. Roberts told Summer that he was taking a job at Seattle Grace. Funny and sad at the same time though because this is the end of Dr. R and Julie. They are no more.

In the end though Seth's words made an impact on Summer and she headed back to Rhode Island on a late flight. She knows what she needs to do. What it it sets up in the opening sequence for next week's episode is phenomenal. By far one of the coolest scenes ever done on The OC (I talked about it in my early look post) and all I'll say is that I don't think we'll ever see Summer in the same way. It's that good so don't miss it.