Directed by Daniel Attias
Written by Allan Heinberg and Josh Schwartz
This episode contains examples of:
- All Girls Want Bad Boys: Summer likes Ryan because of "That whole brooding bad boy thing. He's wounded; I can save him."
- Chronic Hero Syndrome: As usual, Ryan. He jumps into the fight with Jimmy, Sandy, and Greg Fischer.
- Corrupt Corporate Executive: Jimmy's money troubles are expanded upon; he's being investigated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Crazy Jealous Guy: Luke sucker punches Ryan after seeing him talk to Marissa.
- Dances and Balls: The episode centers around a cotillion for debutantes.
- Gamer Chick: Anna with her Boyish Short Hair, still feminine appearance, and defense of her gender in liking typical geek stuff.
- Happily Adopted: Kristen and Sandy become Ryan's legal guardians.
- Knight in Shining Armor: Many mentions of "white knights" in this episode. After a lot of convoluted partner switching, Ryan and Seth swoop in as escorts for Marissa and Anna with specific reference to this trope.
- Mistaken Confession: Seth several times- "If this is about the rug..." "If this is about the vase..."
- New Transfer Student: Anna.
- Pac Man Fever: Sandy and Ryan this time.
- Politically Incorrect Villain: Luke about Ryan "I'd be pretty jealous right now if 'Chino' wasn't gay."
- Zip Me Up: Ryan and Marissa (although it appears to be some sort of lacing situation rather than a zipper).
- Virgin in a White Dress: Prevalent in an episode about a debutante ball. Marissa averts this a bit when she shows up with Ryan in red.
- You Must Be Cold: Ryan gives Marissa his suit jacket.
