After two seasons of four main characters who spent much of their teen angst on high school problems, their pending graduation gives the show a feeling of ending.

But that's not the case, Fox says. No big star is leaving; everyone has a six-year contract. And the network is still happy with the show despite the drop in numbers.

"I will support this show forever," says Marcy Ross, head of current programming. "When you're inside a show, you expect the world to want to watch. The ratings are perfectly fine and acceptable, but do I want more people to be in love with The O.C. like I am? Of course. I'll never be satisfied. I see no wavering of commitment here."

Last week, Seth (Adam Brody) made it clear he wants to go to Brown, Summer (Rachel Bilson), suddenly finding out she's smart, will apply there too. Marissa (Mischa Barton) and Ryan (Ben McKenzie) seem bound for Berkeley.

O.C. creator Josh Schwartz says the characters had to move on. "We didn't want to be one of the shows that stayed in high school too long. I've never viewed it as a high school show; it's a group of characters, a community."

Bath wonders how that plot will play out.

"They cannot separate the four main characters like it's two different shows. I bet they will all end up going to Berkeley, and then the show's doomed for sure. What are the subplots going to be? 'My professor hates me?' 'Marissa has to get a loan - God forbid — for college?' "