Luke Ward is a typical Newport rich brat, spoiled and arrogant, and a gifted jock, hence very popular, and Marissa's boyfriend, so he leads the mean non-welcoming committee at school for Chino-newcomer Ryan. In time they get to know and respect each-other, and even share his darkest secret, when they acidentally find out de visu that Luke's dad Carson Ward is a closet gay, who does it with his car dealership partner.