Yup, this fourth season rights all wrongs the show suffered for its sophmore and junior years only to see itself graduating into oblivion after its senior year. Beginning the season with its star Ryan Atwood fighting cage matches in a dingy bar while getting kill orders to head to Mexico, Summer has gone to college and became a hippie and even Steve-O makes an appearance as a marine. Yeah, those are signs of seasons two and three rearing their ugly heads. However, once that madness ends the final 12 or so episodes head back to what made the show fun to watch in the first place, which means goofy comedy and "typical" teen behavior.
As far as special features go we get a peek at the many phases of Summer Roberts as she went from typical California bimbo to tree hugger in the final season. We also get a look at Chrismukkah's effects on pop culture and the show in general. Both the featurettes are short and to the point, but not all that interesting. There are a few deleted scenes and a final commentary on the last episode with creator Josh Schwartz, which is actually worth the listen. Schwartz's commentary is interesting because not only does he talk about the episode but he also talks about the ending of the show and what seems a bit of bitterness due to its cancellation. All I can say is, "You shouldn't have left the show so quickly dummy."
Overall, this is the second best season after a very good debut first season and those ridiculous two seasons in between. As a whole I do enjoy this show and even though the second and third seasons are bad I am sure I will revisit this series again in its entirety in the future. As far as recommending this season and the others as well, I will say that if you ever find yourself buying into this crap then go for it. I did and I am not ashamed to say it, it's mindless entertainment and it works to that end. I just wish they had given it a little longer to die, after all "90210" was on air for ten lousy seasons - couldn't "The O.C." at least get six?