Pilot

Season 1, Episode 1, Aired
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Episode Summary

Aside from a love for hoops, it would seem that Lucas and Nathan are two young men with little in common, but they are bound by the dark secret that they share the same father. Nathan is the star of the high school basketball team and local town hero, while Lucas is the only child of a single working mom. Now the two boys' lives collide when a twist of fate puts Lucas on Nathan's team and the half-brothers compete, not only for control of the court, but also for the heart of Peyton Sawyer, Nathan's beautiful, flaxen-haired girlfriend.moreless
9.3
out of 10
EPISODE RATING: Superb
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Fan Episode Reviews (62)

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  • What a superb Pilot episode

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By WinterType, Jan 28, 2012 Report Abuse
    I have been a huge fan of 'One Tree Hill' for a long time now, and I realized I never wrote a review for the Pilot episode, so here it is.

    I think we all know the plot now, and how it has developed, so the first little minus is the fact that Sophia Bush isn't in it.
    Otherwise it is one of those pilots where all the introductions of every character is perfect and everything just kinda clicks.
    The scene when Lucas and Peyton talk for the first time and he tells her all these things, is one of those iconic scenes, just well-acted and beautifully shot.
    It's also nice to see what has become of Nathan, back in the Pilot, he was a real jerk and now, a father and husband, how things change.
    Dan is and will always be my least favorite character,.
    Watching the Pilot also made me miss Whitey and Karen, two characters who were so well portrayed and really fitted in the whole show.

    'One Tree Hill' is just a well-written and well-acted show, and it shows right away in the Pilot episode.
    This is just a must-see for every 'One Tree Hill'-fan, and for everybody else who wants (and should) give it a shot.moreless

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  • Excellent Pilot.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By Valentine_76, Apr 19, 2011 Report Abuse
    This was a wonderful episode to start the series. I enjoy the whole story line. I really enjoyed the way Peyton almost ran over Lucas, but he just looked at her and then got off the road. Their first real one on one was wonderful. If anyone has ever wondered if its genetics or the way you are raised up that makes the child the answer is in this show. Dan Scott is a jerk and Nathan is a jerk. Lucas, on the other hand, is nice and so is both his mom and uncle; need I say more. I was stunned that Nathan was willing to give up Peyton if he lost and then he took her home.moreless

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  • One Tree Hill.

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By Sarah_LOST, Oct 12, 2010 Report Abuse
    Aside from a love for hoops, it would seem that Lucas and Nathan are two young men with little in common, but they are bound by the dark secret that they share the same father. Nathan is the star of the high school basketball team and local town hero, while Lucas is the only child of a single working mom. Now the two boys' lives collide when a twist of fate puts Lucas on Nathan's team and the half-brothers compete, not only for control of the court, but also for the heart of Peyton Sawyer, Nathan's beautiful, flaxen-haired girlfriend. So I have already seen all the One Tree Hill seasons, well most of them. But I thought I would watch them all over again from the start, I mean it will take me ages to have the motivation to review every episode. I'm going to review each episode as if I have never seen it before, so here goes. I love the Pilot episode due to the fact that the episode was very interesting and it made me want to watch more straight away. I love the characters straight away too. I think that the way Lucas and Hayley are best friends is Awesome. I mean I have boys who are my best friend but they ain't hot like Lucas, sadly. I love the way this show is based around Basketball. I love the sport even if it's not a big sport in the UK, I still enjoy it. I love the way Nathan and Dan are together, a pushy farther is a great storyline. I love the way Nathn is, even if he is being a .... I also love Peyton and Nathan being together, until there is Lucas because let's face it there is something with Lucas and Peyton. I love the whole rivally between the Scotts, I love it when Nathan and Lucas are both in a scene together. I love the whole Riverside scene, and the fact that Lucas beats Nathan. All in all, an Awesome first episode from One Tree Hill.moreless

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    1 1

  • the great beginning for the teen grama will provide the success!

    10
    "Perfect"
    By sequel90210, Sep 06, 2010 Report Abuse
    the pilot is the most important episode for the show. it's the beginning of the long story that should take the breath of the viewers away (well, at least it should be interesting enough so they would come back to watch it again). and I should say that Mark Schwan and all cast and crew pulled it off!

    it introduces teenagers: Lucas Scott - handsome outsider, Nathan Scott - cool bad guy, Peyton Sawyer - deep cheerleader, Haley James - nice girl. and the life of these kids and even of their parents (Mr. Devil Dan Scott, Mrs.Angel Karen Roe, Mr.Nice Guy Keith Scott and Mr.Wise Man Whitey Durham -- who's not actually a parent but still very important person for these teens) is what "One Tree Hill" is about. and it's also about basketball - the game that started everything and that connected all of them.

    just want to say that after watching this pilot I will come to the TV-screen every single time it'll show the new episode of the show!

    FAVE SCENE: Luke talks to Peyton while taking her car.

    FAVE QUOTE: Lucas (to Peyton): Why are you a cheerleader? No offense or anything, but you're about the least cheery person I know.moreless

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  • The first one.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By O23T22H3, Sep 06, 2010 Report Abuse
    Well, for me this is a special episode. Its when the show comes all together and people begin to get a feel sense of the show in a way - but obviously thats the point - its the first episode. The Pilot! Unlike most tv programmes Pilots, this one really grabbed my attention and it made me want to watch the show more. From this very first episode I immeditatly wanted to know more and to see the next one right away. It was the start of my obession with One Tree Hill. Nathan and Lucas relationship in this episode isn't a favourite for me - I enjoy it much more when they are close and act like brothers. But, it did attract my attention. I think the relationship between Hayley and Lucas is adorable and everyone wants a best friend like they do. I am very glad they used Hayley and not Regan and chose Bethany Joy. Even though Sophia Bush is not in this episode it is still gripping and exciting. Overall, an excellent episode and got all the fans ready for the emotional rollercoasters they'd surely be facing with the show.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

    ADD TRIVIA
    • Featured Music: "Drift" by Forty Foot Echo "24's" by T.I. "Hands Down" by Dashboard Confessional "Farewell Transmission" by Ohia "Never Enough" by Bosshouse "Your Boyfriend Sucks" by The Ataris "Money Bags" by Runaway Cab "The Aftertaste" by Ben Lee "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?" by Jet "Lapdance" by N.E.R.D "What It Is to Burn" by Finch "Rest In Pieces" by Saliva "EZ" by Pete Yorn Edit
    • Number: 23 This episode airs on Sept. 23, 2003. 23 is an important number in One Tree Hill. Nathan's jersey number is 23, like former NBA player, Michael Jordan. Edit
    • www.punkndisorderly.com was the real-life website that showed Peyton (Hilarie Burton) on the webcam in her room. Now it doesn't, but still contains some of her drawings. Edit

  • Notes

    ADD NOTES
    • Although credited, Sophia Bush (Brooke Davis) does not appear in this episode. Edit
    • The German title for this episode is "Brüder" which means "Brothers". Edit
    • James Lafferty (Nathan) was cast for One Tree Hill after meeting with Mark Schwahn for auditions on the motion picture, The Perfect Score. James lost that part to his current co-star on the show, Bryan Greenberg (Jake). Edit

  • Quotes

    ADD QUOTES
    • Karen puts dinner on the table Karen: Haley would you like to join us? Haley: Hell yes! Karen(to Lucas): So how was your day honey? Haley: Good! Karen looks at her Haley: I mean good is a relative term considering a third of the world is starving right? Which doesn't change the fact that I am clumsy as hell. Did I tell you I tripped today. Yeah, totally bit it...face down...butt in the air. Karen(chuckles softly): Haley! Haley: Too graphic? Sorry I'll be quiet now. Edit
    • Mouth: Did you see that?! Someday men will write stories about that block. Children will be named after it. Argentinean women will weep for it. Edit
    • Mouth: Junk Morretti joins us now. Junk, you care to make a prediction? Junk: Sure. I predict you guys will be the two biggest morons out here. Edit

  • Allusions

    ADD ALLUSIONS
    • "One Tree Hill" is a track of the album The Joshua Tree by U2. It was later said by executive producer Mark Schwahn that when he was coming up with the ideas for this show, he had intentionally wanted it to be called "The Ravens", but decided that was too sports-oriented. Since at the time he was listening to the song "One Tree Hill", he decided to name the town Tree Hill and to name the show One Tree Hill. Edit
    • Lucas: (To Peyton) It's me inside your head, you know, the song... It's lyrics from the song Linoleum by NOFX on the album Punk in drublic. Edit
    • Haley: It's not some type of Joey loves Dawson scenario. That is referring to the old WB show Dawson's Creek. Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton guest-starred in Dawson's Creek. Also, One Tree Hill is filmed in the same city. Edit

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