Kimberly Stanphill

Bad-boy Ryan Atwood finds himself in trouble with the law and in trouble at home. Against all odds, pro-bono public defender, Sandy Cohen, takes Ryan under his wing and back to his home in Newport Beach, Orange County, California. Ryan finds himself immersed in this high-class society but soon realises nothing is as it seems.

After Ryan's arrest for the fire, Sandy works his legal magic once again. The two search for Ryan's mother, who surfaces apparently sober and ready to accept her son back into her life. In an attempt to improve everyone's chances for a better future, Kirsten invites Dawn Atwood to a charity casino night. However, Dawn's alcoholic demons resurface and she makes a drunken scene in front of the entire party.

Hoping to become financially independent, Ryan gets a job at the Crab Shack. At the restaurant, he meets Donnie. When Donnie invites Ryan and Seth to a party in the old neighbourhood, Ryan is reluctant to reconnect with his past, while Seth is anxious to find out more about this alternative, anti-Newport lifestyle. Moreover, Ryan finally finds the confidence to ask out Marissa.

When Weevil's poker winnings are missing after a game at Logan's house, Veronica questions each player to piece together the evening's events and catch the thief. Meanwhile, on the eve of the Echolls' annual Christmas party extravaganza, Keith is hired by Lynn Echolls (recurring guest star LISA RINNA) to track down one of the potential stalkers of her husband, Aaron (recurring guest star HARRY HAMLIN).

Rory admits to Lorelai that she complicated her relationship with Dean. Lorelai gives Dean a letter from Rory, but Dean's wife, Lindsay, finds the letter and makes Dean move out of the house.