When Seth goes to the Bait Shop to invite Alex to dinner, she reveals that her ex - who she never really broke up with - is in town. Later on, Ryan learns that the ex is a girl named Jody.
In order to improve the image of the Newport Group, Julie wants to start a magazine. Meanwhile, Sandy thinks that the company should give money to a low income housing project. At school, Marissa and Summer invite Lindsay out for a girls' night out. This is partly due to Summer's conufsion over her sixth month anniversary with Zach.
While the guys stay in and complain about their women, the girls' night out commences at the club. Uncomfortable, Lindsay begins to drink with Marissa. Upset with their situations, Zach and Seth convince Ryan to go to the Bait Shop with them. On the way, Seth learns about Jody. He proceeds to tell Alex off, pissed off because she "walks all over him." Also, Ryan runs into wasted Lindsay and they take a walk on the beach. When he leaves to bring her coffee, he returns to just her shoes and purse. Assuming she is drowning, Ryan leaps into water, but it turns out that she is just passed out in Alex's office.
Back to the adults - Sandy is frustrated because he needs to decide what his future holds. Based on that, he tells Kirsten to support Julie's magazine. Meanwhile, Ryan sees Lindsay's condition and yells at Marissa for her poor influence. Later in the night, Ryan and Seth feel guilty so they go over to Alex's. Once there, Seth apologizes to Alex and she accepts, but they appear to break up. Ryan and Marissa both apologize, but it is revealed that Marissa still cares a lot about Ryan. However, before the credits roll, Marissa and Alex are mighty close on the couch. Looks are exchanged ...
"The Ex-Factor" File: