Even an evil soap-opera bitch can provide inspiration to those desperately in need of guidance.

Take "The O.C.'s" Julie Cooper, who last season deserted her bankrupt husband, tried to force her daughter into some kind of mental institution and had an affair with said daughter's former boyfriend.

Melinda Clarke, who plays Julie, said she was recently out someplace where a "young man grabbed my arm" and blurted out, "I just want to thank you. Because of you, I'm dating my best friend's mother."

The show could be credited with other miracles, including one that may return Linda Lavin, who last season guest-starred as the dying-from-cancer mother of Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher).

"The Nana [character] really popped for people and therefore I think it's safe to say that the chemo's really working," revealed "O.C." creator Josh Schwartz.

One more miracle's still required, though: With "Friends" gone, Fox will this November move "The O.C.," last season's highest-rated new drama among 18- to 34-year-olds, to 8 p.m. Thursdays, where it'll face off against NBC's "Joey" and CBS' "Survivor."

And yes, they're calling Thursdays "O.C. TV."