I had my reservations with some of the story lines of the new season [Brooke sleeping with her teacher, Haley's pregnancy, & Nathan's sudden turn to the bad side], but this episode made up for everything!!!
First off, almost four seasons worth of basketball drama came to a head, with the Ravens winning the state championship. Lucas & Peyton finally got back together after the much needed break up between him & Brooke. Haley had some problems with the baby (which turned out to be nothing too big). And of course, Nathan worked through his personal demons and helped bring the victory home. Forty two minutes of perfect One Tree Hill-ness...then came the final 10 minutes.
After Dan & Lucas spend much needed quality time together, one of the worst tragedies occurred (second to Keith's death) after Haley pushed Nathan out of the way of a speeding car being driven by Daunte (a worthless goon who wanted Nathan to throw the final game). As Haley lay bleeding in the middle of the street, an enraged Nathan attacked and (apparently) killed Daunte (although, he may have died in the crash he had after hitting Haley). Dan told Nathan to run, and then made the ultimate sacrifice by pretending to be responsible.
The ambulance arrives as a visibly upset and overwhelmed Lucas attempts to give information to the paramedics. Tragedy #2 happens as his heart seems to give out and he collapses.
The episode ends on a major downer: Haley & her baby's life hang in the balance, as well as Lucas'. Nathan is in agony as he realizes all of the night's events are of his doing. Dan is (possibly, since we never see him) arrested. And the lone figure of Whitey wanders the streets after the bittersweet victory of the night still hangs in the air.
One Tree Hill proves time after time that it isn't just some vapid teen show that worries more about what clothes are hot or what or music is in. The characters are real and nowhere near perfect, but if they were, I doubt it'd make for good television.moreless





