Marissa Unliked

I find it hard to work this one out, some people really seem not to like the character...why is this?
Shes miserable a fair amount with a screwed up family life, i can see that but ultimately that should make for good storylines which i think it does and i think we will see more off in the second season.

So does it have anything to do with the acting? Im drawn to this character for some reason, so i like her, but sometimes im watching and the acting just makes me cringe!

What do the rest of you think?

I've been thinking about that a lot, too. The first thing to come to my head is a lesson I learned from all the anime I've watched. The oc seems to be more for the teenage demographic, and more girls watch the oc than guys, what I have noticed is that girls obsessed with the main guy [aka Ryan] will usually just start hating any significant others. Jealousy in an odd form, or maybe they're just being protective? People that are like this usually will stop it after they learn more deep things about the character.

Another reason could be that people don't like her because she's a bad role model. They don't agree with what she does [or don't understand why she does it] and thus are likely not to take a liking to her character. A lot of people find too much angst annoying as well.

I don't have a problem with Marissa, but I would like her to get some of her issues straightened out.

Originally posted by frightful@Jan 25 2005, 03:06 PM
Another reason could be that people don't like her because she's a bad role model. They don't agree with what she does [or don't understand why she does it] and thus are likely not to take a liking to her character. A lot of people find too much angst annoying as well.

There had been an imbalance between the angst and a happy tone on the show in the first season. Basically, Marissa was the source of the teen angst -- drinking, friendship with Oliver, drug overdose, parents divorce. With all the bad luck occurring for her it pushed Ryan's problems and transition into a life he's never experienced to the background. Ryan and Marissa's relationship seemed to be built on Ryan saving Marissa...literally, re Tijuana episode.

My impression from other posts was that Marissa had too many troubles and problems that her character was unlikeable, especially if she's just shown crying, having emotional breakdowns, etc. Some people don't like Mischa Barton's acting, which can affect the image of the character.

Personally and generally, if I don't like a character its because I have difficulty relating to them. Marissa goes through problems teenagers face today, but the constant angst and drama makes it difficult to like her because all you see is her flaws rather than a whole, well-rounded character.

Well since I don't like Marissa I can express what makes me hate her. It doesn't have anything to do with me liking Ryan, because I'm a Seth girl. But her acting doesn't make me like her, i think she is kind of robot like in the way she acts, she is just so stiff. I don't like the drama she brings to the show, while i understand that every character brings some sort of drama, she doesn't bring anything to counteract the drama, like Seth and Summer are both funny, and Ryan is hot. I also can't stand all of the mistakes she makes in her life, if i had all that she had I wouldn't do some of the stuff that she does. I feel like she only thinks about her self and that bothers me. I guess it is just because i can't relate to her, but most of the other teens i know, and that a lot since i am one, wouldn't be able to relate to her.

I have heard about this issue too. Some people are not liking her out of the show too because her character in the OC.I find it pretty annoying, because shes nothing like her character on the OC and she is just acting.I like her character on the OC too. I guess her character image on the OC is pretty tough because her drinking problems,her friendship with Oliver,drug-overdose and emotional break-downs.Its dissapointing that she is unliked by many people who watch the show,

I don't understand the Marissa hating either. To me, she is the essence of the show because I don't think any of the other characters can carry a storyline like what Marissa does. The girl has gone through so much more in her life than any of the other characters and I think people resent her because she is always going through something.

I think people who appreciate the idea of drama like Marissa but those that prefer more laid back and I guess more easy-go-lucky storylines like Summer and Seth more. The bulk of the viewing public are younger girls who prefer to have a Summer-like character to look up to, Marissa is flawed she always has problems but to me that's why she's the best character.

IMO, Summer and Seth are good for the comic relief but I don't think that they could carry any dramatic storyline. All their stories are much more laid back and I guess trivial in comparison to what Marissa goes through. I also think that it may come down to an age thing, I think the younger you are the more you are likely to enjoy more of the lighter storylines over the intense arcs that Marissa brings forward.

Having said all of that, I think even the people that hate Marissa realize that she is important to the show. So now matter how much they may dislike her actions they still realize that she is the driving force behind many of the more complicated storylines which is an important aspect to The O.C.

Yes, i seriously dont get why people hate Marissa? her character is one of the most interesting out of all of them, she brings the drama and i like that about her.
everyone beats Mischa about her acting abilities but i think shes doing a hell of a good job with Marissa, her character has the most dramatic scenes. I've seen Mischa in other movies-one of my fave from hers is Lawn Dogs. She was amazing.
Marissa has always been on of my favourite characters..i could never see The O.C. without Marissa.

..also sometimes people hate Marissa cause they hate Mischa..getting confused with the character and the actress.. <_<

Originally posted by nUmBa1ShAwTy@Jan 25 2005, 06:28 PM
..also sometimes people hate Marissa cause they hate Mischa..getting confused with the character and the actress.. <_<

Yes, that does happen and its unfortunate that it does.

sam4sarah, made some good points and Marissa has been the focal point of some of the major storylines. From season two, I've got the impression that Lindsay is taking over Marissa's dramatic role somewhat -- the illegitimate child, the awkwardness on how to deal with it, causing a rift between Ryan and Marissa.

Marissa is my favorite character. I love her emotional breakdowns and such. Mischa does a perfect job creating a true to life Rich Girl, right down to the little nasal laugh. Maybe it's not such a stretch for her, but whatever. She and Ryan are so beauteous together and all of the episodes about their relationship make me cry. Whoever said love was supposed to make you happy? It makes you miserable. They belong together. Everyone who hates Marissa...they jus' jealous. B)

I happen to love Marissa's character but I think I can guess why some people don't like her. Mischa Barton isn't the world's greatest actresses and she seems very boring in her movement and speech but the CHARACTER Marissa is amazing.

Marissa is a very interesting character who goes through a lot in her life and she has a lot to learn. I personally enjoying watching and finding out what will happen next in her life.

I really did like the explaination of girls watching the show and falling for the main guy and then becoming jealous if any girl comes near him. I personally am not like that because I am hoping for a Ryan and Marissa reunion.