Oliver Trask

Last updated
Oliver Trask
The O.C. character
OliverTrask.jpg
Taylor Handley as Oliver Trask
First appearance"The Best Chrismukkah Ever"
(episode 1.13)
Last appearance"The Truth"
(episode 1.18)
Created by Josh Schwartz
Portrayed by Taylor Handley
In-universe information
Gendermale
Occupation High school student
Residence Newport Beach, California

Oliver Trask is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C. , portrayed by Taylor Handley. Oliver appeared in the series' first season as a thorn in Ryan Atwood and Marissa Cooper's relationship, soon developing a severe obsession with the latter. After holding Marissa captive at gunpoint in his penthouse, Oliver was arrested and sent to a rehabilitation clinic.

Contents

Character development

Concept and creation

Oliver was created by Josh Schwartz, whose concept for the character was "based on a guy...a friend of mine dated who faked having cancer to [hang on to her]." Schwartz said of the guy "That kind of desperation and loneliness was really fascinating to me, and that's what inspired the Oliver character." [1]

Characterization

"Instead of being poor, he was extremely wealthy. Instead of being a good guy, this was a guy with an agenda and a little bit, ummm... not well. He was a lonely, lonely kid who was really going to get in the way and disrupt the relationship between Ryan and Marissa"
— Josh Schwartz on the character Oliver [1]

Taylor Handley says of his character that "Oliver is very intelligent, (...) and intelligent people are good manipulators." [2] Handley also elaborated that "[his] character is very needy due to his past" which would take some of Marissa's attention away from Ryan, [2] and that, by request, he dyed his hair dark for the show to give "a more sinister look". [3]

Oliver used to go to a school referred to as "Pacific". [4] At his former school Oliver was obsessed with a girl and cut his wrists. [4] She had a restraining order filed against him, and later attended rehabilitation. [4]

Storylines

According to Schwartz the storyline was "designed as a six-episode arc where we would bring in a character whose circumstances coming into this world were not unlike Ryan's". [1]

Season 1

Oliver Trask is a rich kid who lives in the penthouse of a hotel. His parents own a chain of hotels, and are largely absent from his life. He left his last school, Pacific High, because a girl took out a restraining order against him, after he became obsessed with her. Oliver eventually attempts suicide because she rejects him. He meets Marissa Cooper (Mischa Barton) at therapy, and falls for her and transfers to Harbor to get close to her. Marissa initially thinks of him as merely a casual friend, and so doesn't notice anything sinister in his constant presence in her life. Marissa's boyfriend, Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie), doesn't trust him, and warns Marissa about her new friend's intentions. Marissa and many of their friends dismiss Ryan's warnings as jealousy; Luke Ward (Chris Carmack) believes him, however, having taken an instant dislike to Oliver.

In the episode "The Truth", Oliver invites Marissa to his parents' penthouse hotel room. Once there, he becomes possessive and threatening, and refuses to let Marissa leave, producing a gun and threatening to kill himself when she calls Ryan in tears. Ryan bursts in and pleads with Oliver to put the gun down for Marissa's sake. Oliver does so, and is led away in police custody.

Reception

TV Guide described Oliver as a "clichéd plot device" and a "cookie-cutter villain", [1] but Schwartz said that reception was mixed with viewers loving the character as "someone that we love to hate." [1] Other reception noted that he was irritating but "addicting person to watch", [5] that he "was able to exude as much hate that a writer could place on a single character", [6] and that he was an "audience-infuriating nut". [7] Entertainment Weekly included him their list of "21 Most Annoying TV Characters Ever", commenting: "Oliver (Taylor Handley) was around for only six episodes, but it seemed like much longer. Just the mention of Oliver's name still makes us brood." [8]

Effect

Oliver's appearance lasted only a few episodes - from "The Best Chrismukkah Ever" (Season 1, Episode 13) to "The Truth" (Season 1, Episode 18). However, the character's actions had long term implications. Already existing trust issues between Ryan and Marissa were exacerbated by the conflict over Oliver's true colors. It is argued by Seth in "The Ties that Bind" (Season 1, Episode 27) that Marissa's relationship with Oliver may have driven Ryan to seek solace with Theresa, resulting in the scandal over Theresa's pregnancy and marriage that arises in the final episodes of the show's first season and into the second season.

Rumors

It was rumoured that Oliver would return for the finale of season two. [9] These rumours were untrue (though in the second season finale, after Seth hears a door bell ring he quips: "With the way things are going right now, I bet that's Oliver." This could have been a reference to these rumors, but was more likely due to how badly things seemed to be going for the characters.) Schwartz made repeated references to Oliver's return. He is quoted as stating that a return was the alternative option to the lesbian storyline between Marissa and Alex. [10] After the finale for that season aired, rumors then arose that Oliver would return in the third season with Kirsten, who was in rehab for alcoholism. However, this never happened, although in the third season finale when Marissa apologizes to Ryan for all the craziness, Ryan assures that he would not have done anything different, "except for maybe Oliver," to which Marissa laughed and said "me too."

Related Research Articles

<i>The O.C.</i> American teen drama television series (2003–2007)

The O.C. is an American teen drama television series created by Josh Schwartz that originally aired on the Fox network in the United States from August 5, 2003, to February 22, 2007, with a total of four seasons consisting of 92 episodes. The series title, "O.C.", is an initialism of Orange County, the location in Southern California in which the series is set.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seth Cohen</span> Fictional character

Seth Ezekiel Cohen is a fictional character on the Fox television series The O.C., portrayed by Adam Brody. Seth is one of the "core four" characters on The O.C. alongside Ryan Atwood, Marissa Cooper, and Summer Roberts. Seth's friendship with Ryan, who eventually became his adoptive brother, formed a focal point of the series along with their romances. Seth married Summer in the series finale. His other relationships were with Anna Stern and Alex Kelly. Seth's goal was to attend Brown University, but he ends up going to Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and continuing work on his comic book Atomic County. The role saw Brody win four Teen Choice Awards from five nominations, from 2004 to 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Atwood</span> Fictional character from The O.C.

Ryan Francis Atwood is a fictional character on the Fox television series The O.C., portrayed by Ben McKenzie. Atwood is an outcast and troubled teenager from Chino, California, who is given a second chance when the wealthy Cohen family takes him in.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marissa Cooper</span> Fictional character from The O.C.

Marissa Cooper is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Mischa Barton. Marissa was among the original "core four" characters on The O.C. She is a privileged California native born into a wealthy family, residing next to the Cohen family's house. Throughout The O.C.'s storyline, Marissa is introduced to new characters who influence her perspective on life and her personality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Summer Roberts</span> Fictional character

Summer Roberts is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Rachel Bilson.

House is an American medical drama television series that originally ran on the Fox network for eight seasons, from November 16, 2004, to May 21, 2012. Its main character, Dr. Gregory House, is an unconventional, misanthropic medical genius who, despite his dependence on pain medication, leads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton–Plainsboro Teaching Hospital (PPTH) in New Jersey. The series' premise originated with Paul Attanasio, while David Shore, who is credited as creator, was primarily responsible for conceiving the title character.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirsten Cohen</span> Fictional character from the television show The O.C.

Kirsten Cohen is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., portrayed by Kelly Rowan. Kirsten is the wife of Sandy Cohen, mother to Seth Cohen, and the adoptive mother of Ryan Atwood. Originally portrayed as being unwelcoming towards Ryan in the Cohen household, she began to develop feelings for the brooding teenager, going on to accept him as a central member of her family.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sandy Cohen</span> Fictional character on The O.C.

Sanford "Sandy" Cohen is a fictional character on the FOX series The O.C., portrayed by Peter Gallagher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ana Lucia Cortez</span> Character from the American mystery fiction television series Lost

Ana Lucia Cortez is a fictional character on the ABC television series Lost, played by Michelle Rodriguez. Ana Lucia made her first appearance as a guest star in the first season finale, and became part of the main cast for season two. After Oceanic Flight 815 splits in mid-air, the tail section and fuselage crash on opposite sides of a mysterious island. Ana Lucia becomes the leader of the tail section. Flashbacks in her two centric episodes, "Collision" and "Two for the Road", show her life as a police officer before the crash.

Taylor Townsend (<i>The O.C.</i>) Fictional character from The O.C.

Taylor Townsend is a fictional character on the FOX television series The O.C., played by Autumn Reeser.

James Wilson (<i>House</i>) Fictional character on House

James Evan Wilson, M.D., is a fictional character on the Fox medical drama House. He is played by Robert Sean Leonard. The character first appears in the show's pilot episode when he introduces a medical case to the protagonist, Dr. Gregory House. Wilson is Dr. House's only true friend; he frequently provides him with consultations and aid. Wilson is the head of the Department of Oncology at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital.

"Premiere" is the series premiere of the television series The O.C., which premiered on the Fox network on August 5, 2003. Written by series creator Josh Schwartz and directed by executive producer Doug Liman, the episode depicts the introduction of troubled teenager Ryan Atwood into the wealthy lifestyle of the Cohen family in Newport Beach, Orange County, California.

Libby (<i>Lost</i>) Fictional character of the TV series Lost

Libby is a fictional character on the ABC drama television series Lost, which chronicles the lives of over forty people after their plane crashes on a remote island somewhere in the South Pacific. She is played by American actress Cynthia Watros. The character is introduced as a member of the tail section survivors in the second season episode "Everybody Hates Hugo", together with Bernard, and she ends her role as a living character in the episode "?".

"Greatest Hits" is the 21st episode of the third season of Lost and 70th episode of the series. It was written by co-executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz and directed by supervising producer Stephen Williams. The episode first aired on May 16, 2007, on ABC in the United States and on CTV in Canada. "Greatest Hits" was viewed by 12 million Americans and was well received by critics. Lost's editors received a Golden Reel Award nomination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martin Keamy</span> Fictional character of the TV series Lost

First Sergeant Martin Christopher Keamy is a fictional character played by Kevin Durand in the fourth season and sixth season of the American ABC television series Lost. Keamy is introduced in the fifth episode of the fourth season as a crew member aboard the freighter called the Kahana that is offshore the island where most of Lost takes place. In the second half of the season, Keamy served as the primary antagonist. He is the leader of a mercenary team hired by billionaire Charles Widmore that is sent to the island on a mission to capture Widmore's enemy Ben Linus from his home, then torch the island.

<i>The O.C.</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of The O.C. commenced airing in the United States on August 5, 2003, concluded on May 5, 2004, and consisted of 27 episodes. It tells the story of "the Cohen and Cooper families, and Ryan Atwood, a troubled teen from the wrong side of the tracks" who is thrust into the wealthy, harbor-front community of Newport Beach, Orange County, California and "will forever change the lives of the residents".

<i>The O.C.</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of The O.C. commenced airing in the United States on November 4, 2004, concluded on May 19, 2005, and consisted of 24 episodes. It aired Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET in the US on FOX, a terrestrial television network. In addition to the regular 24 episodes, two special episodes aired before the season premiere. "The O.C.: Obsess Completely" documented the show's influence on popular culture in its first year. The following week, "Welcome to The O.C.: A Day in the Life," provided a behind-the-scenes look at the show.

<i>The O.C.</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of The O.C. commenced airing in the United States on September 8, 2005, concluded on May 18, 2006, and consisted of 25 episodes. The first ten episodes of season three aired Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. ET in the US on FOX, a terrestrial television network; however, from January 12, 2006, onwards, The O.C. was shifted to a later time of Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET.

<i>The O.C.</i> season 4 Season of television series

The fourth and final season of The O.C., an American teen drama television series, aired in the United States from November 2, 2006, to February 22, 2007, and consisted of 16 episodes. The O.C's final season aired Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. ET in the United States on Fox, a terrestrial television network. Fox tested a new timeslot by airing the second episode on Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. ET against ABC's Lost and CBS's Criminal Minds. With Lost about to enter a three-month hiatus, Fox hoped that changing the timeslot for The O.C. would attract back viewers it had lost since the end of the previous season; however, the move was unsuccessful and the show returned to its Thursday timeslot.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Ausiello, Michael (2004-02-11). "O.C. Exec Defends Oliver". TV Guide . Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  2. 1 2 Katner, Ben (January 7, 2004). "Meet The O.C.'s New VIP". TV Guide . Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  3. ↑ Coleridge, Daniel R. (April 22, 2004). "The O.C.'s Finale Bash". TV Guide . Retrieved August 6, 2008.
  4. 1 2 3 "The Rivals". The O.C.. Season 1. Episode 17. 2004-01-21. Fox. Transcript.
  5. ↑ "The OC Season 1 Review". DeROK. 2004-05-31. Archived from the original on 2008-09-22. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  6. ↑ Chan, Elizabeth (2007-02-21). "Say goodbye to Oliver, but did you love or hate him?". TV Squad . Weblogs, Inc. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  7. ↑ Armstrong, Jennifer (2007-01-12). "'The O.C.' Wipes Out". Entertainment Weekly . Time Inc. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
  8. ↑ "21 Most Annoying TV Characters Ever". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. April 1, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  9. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (2005-04-20). "Ask Ausiello". TV Guide . Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  10. ↑ "Today's News: Our Take". TV Guide . 2004-12-12. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.