OPERATION "FREE MARISSA" LAUNCHES ON "THE O.C." THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, ON FOX

What would senior year be without getting the gang back together at Harbor? Summer, Seth and Ryan launch a mission-impossible campaign to get Marissa back into Harbor, and Johnny struggles between a friend's happiness and his own feelings. Meanwhile, Sandy must make an ethical decision that could change Marissa's fate, and Julie Cooper and Dr. Roberts are apprehensive about admitting to the lies they have told their daughters. The gang encourages the Harbor students to stand up on Marissa's behalf when Operation Free Marissa launches on "The Safe Harbor" episode of THE O.C. - a tribute to the "Something in the Air" episode of "Beverly Hills 90210," when the BH gang fought for Donna's right to graduate - airing Thursday, Jan. 12 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (OC-311) (TV-TBA)

Cast: Peter Gallagher as Sandy Cohen, Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan Atwood, Adam Brody as Seth Cohen, Melinda Clarke as Julie Cooper, Mischa Barton as Marissa Cooper, Kelly Rowan as Kirsten Cohen, and Rachel Bilson as Summer Roberts.

Guest Cast: Rosalind Chao as Dr. Kim, Ryan Donowho as Johnny, Michael Nouri as Dr. Roberts, Autumn Reeser as Taylor, Jeff Hephner as Matt Ramsey, Johnny Lewis as Chili, and Michael Mantel as Mercer.