In one of the few, true new media no brainers, Fox-owned News Corp. yesterday announced that the upcoming fourth season of the hit Fox teen drama The O.C. will be released via MySpace Oct. 26, a week before its television broadcast. Episode 2 will follow suit, fox says.

The move is one that may temporarily appease the show's rabid fans, who railed against creator/producer Josh Schwartz for "killing off" its starlet, Mischa Barton, at season's end — with thousands going as far as petitioning the newtork to save her character.

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