Let's Compare Scenes: "Hide and Seek" & "Whatcha Say"
“The O.C.” featured many iconic songs during its run, but one most often associated with the show is Imogen Heap’s “Hide & Seek.”
After its memorable use in the final scene of the season 2 finale in 2005, the track became extremely popular, so much so that Jason Derulo repurposed it for his debut single, “Whatcha Say,” in 2009. Then that song was used in a “Gossip Girl” scene that same year, with the clip having a viral resurgence on TikTok in recent years.
So, how do these scenes compare musically and otherwise?
The O.C.
Episode 2.24, “The Dearly Beloved”
After learning Trey tried to rape Marissa, Ryan confronts his brother in one of the show’s most violent scenes. As the two are pummeling each other, Marissa arrives and sees Trey is on the verge of killing Ryan. She picks up Trey’s fallen gun, pulls the trigger, and then comes the needle drop. “Hide & Seek” soundtracks the stunning moment, a scene-and-song combination that became such a sensation, “SNL” parodied it in a digital short in 2007.
Gossip Girl
Episode 3.11, “The Treasure of Serena Madre”
It’s Thanksgiving and guests expected and unexpected have gathered for a holiday meal at the van der Woodsens. After Blair lobs one of her pointed barbs at Jenny, “Whatcha Say” kicks in, tensions among almost everyone at the dinner table rise, and bombs are dropped. As secrets are revealed, insults traded and ultimatums made, Lily, Jenny, and Vanessa all end up storming off.
Of course, the connections between these scenes go beyond the songs. Both “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl” were created by Josh Schwartz, and Alexandra Patsavas served as the music supervisor for both series. In the case of “The O.C.,” “Hide & Seek” also played earlier in that same episode, making its return at the end all the more powerful.
While both the “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl” scenes are serious, the latter also has some comedic moments and is, well, far less bloody. At least literally, because there is definitely some figurative knife-cutting taking place as “Whatcha Say” plays. Both scenes are fan-favorites, and for “Hide and Seek,” the teen drama links don’t end there. The song is also used in The Last Kiss, starring Rachel Bilson (Summer, The O.C.), and in a romantic and sensual montage in “Normal People” — my favorite teen drama series outside the core six.
So, which scene do you like best? Tell me in the comments below!
Want to see more teen drama comparisons? See which shows had baby sisters named Lily, earthquake and hurricane episodes, farewell videos, throwback episodes, Breakfast Club-inspired episodes, sweat lodge experiences, and No Doubt performances.