The Birth and Death of the Day

Season 4, Episode 20, Aired

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As graduation approaches, Haley prepares for the recital of her valedictorian speech and motherhood, Nathan must adjust to life without basketball, Brooke makes a confession that may have great consequences, and Lucas confronts Dan after Karen's life is threatened.
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Fan Episode Reviews (39)

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  • emotional.

    8.5
    "Great"
    By TornIdentity19, May 20, 2012
    It was actually pretty emotional to watch the characters graduate. I don't know if it was because their teenage years were coming to end end or waht but I had tears in my eyes at the end of The Birth and Death of the Day.

    They were all successful and that's great. In a way this episode was about happiness and hope - Brooke confessed about cheating on the exam but still got to graduate. Nathan was offered a job from Whitey (loved that he did this!) and Haley and Nathan are having there baby. Great ending during Haley's speech.

    But it was also about loss and despair - Karen's lie is in danger and her unnamed baby is born. Dan finally admits that he killed Keith, to Nathan and the police.

    But all in all, a nice episode leading to the finale.

    8.5/10moreless

  • Graduation Day

    10
    "Perfect"
    By GilmoreFan86, Mar 26, 2012
    It's graduation day at Tree Hill High. It should be the happiest time of their lives, but with Karen in the hospital after collapsing, Brooke feeling guilty about Rachel, and Nathan not having any college prospects everyone is a little down.

    This thing with Karen is seriously scary. I love that Lucas was there when they delivered his baby sister. And it was amazing that Deb believed Lucas without question. I'm glad she stuck by Karen's side and said she wouldn't let Dan anywhere near her. And when Haley gave Lucas the gift from Karen I was in awe!! I love that she knew he was writing a book and that he titled in An Unkindness of Ravens!! So perfect!

    Brooke admitting to Turner what she did was brave, but I'm glad Turner let it go. Brooke has come a long way since the show began. She is a much better person then she was in the beginning and deserves to graduate. I also thought it was sweet how Chase and Brooke both said they loved each other.

    I didn't want Nathan to give up so easily and I love how hard Haley pushed for Whitey to figure out a way to help him. And it's great that Whitey took a job coaching a college team so now Nathan can play for him. It's so perfect!! I love Whitey!!

    Graduation was incredibly sweet. I'm glad Turner included Rachel in the ceremony and it was so funny when Haley stopped in the middle of her speech to say she was in labor. It was crazy, but so cool and I loved when Nathan just jumped out and was like "what."

    The stuff with Skills and Bevin was funny. It was a nice lightness with all the seriousness that was going on with Karen being in the hospital.

    And finally....Dan is going to to turn himself in!! So glad he is finally going to the police station and everyone knows what he did!!
    moreless

  • Season 4, Episode 20.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By Wanted23, Jan 30, 2009
    As graduation approaches, Haley prepares for the recital of her valedictorian speech and motherhood, Nathan must adjust to life without basketball, Brooke makes a confession that may have great consequences, and Lucas confronts Dan after Karen's life is threatened. Wow. That's all I can say about this episode. The beginning was excellent, especially when Deb slapped Lucas. Haha, I loved when Nathan said that Lucas stinks while his mother was in the hospital. I like that Brooke wanted to admit what happened about the calculus test thing. Aw, Chase said he loves Brooke! :) LMAO, Bevin's parents don't know that Skillz is black! :) Great episode!moreless

  • I love this episode!

    10
    "Perfect"
    By VGFreak8, May 24, 2008
    Graduation nears. Lucas misses the shot he fired at Dan. Karen is unconscious in the hospital, so the doctors must perform a C-section. It's a girl! Lucas doesn't want to go to graduation. Deb finds out that Lucas stole her gun and used it. She stands by Karen and also believes that Dan did kill Keith. She tells Nathan, but he doesn't want to believe it. No colleges will accept, but Haley talks to Whitey and he gets a job as a college basketball coach and offers Nathan a spot on the team. Skills and Bevin's parents meet. Brooke tells Principal Turner that she stole the exam. He lets her graduate. Chase and Brooke express their love for each other. Dan feels guilty. Haley goes into labor during her speech. Principal Turner lets Rachel graduate, even though she's not there. Karen had published Lucas' book as a present. Karen starts to die.

    This episode was great! Graduation went well there! Haley was so funny when she started having the baby. I really hope Karen lives. I don't like Dan at all, but now I like Deb. I'm glad Brooke and Rachel graduated. Bevin is funny! This episode gets a 10!moreless

  • The Birth And Death Of A Day.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By laura-OTH, Sep 01, 2007
    What an Abseloutly Brilliant Episode.

    Lucas tells Deb that Dan killed Keith. Deb actually believes him and promises Dan will pay for it.
    As Nathan didn't get A basketball scholarship he Gets a job working with Skills Dad, he finds It really tough and doesn't want to this for the rest of his life.
    Brooke tells Principal Turner she is the one who stole the calculus exam. She also tells Turner about how much she has changed In 2 years, Turner asks if shes going to need calculus in her future job, and because she doesn't, he let's her go on and graduate. Chase shows up but brooke stops him before Turner changes his mind, they both say that they love each other.Karen Is still In really bad form, so the doctors have to deliver the baby anyway..Its a Girl! and It went great! Outside the hospital Haley hands Lucas a present from Karen, It was the book in the pilot episode, Karen had a note inside saying she loved him. Lucas tells Haley he wants Karen to wake up, and "Be his mother again"
    Deb tells Nathan that Dan Killed Keith, he gets angry and doesn't believe her, he goes to Dan to make sure its not true, and Dan tells him the truth. Nathan tells Dan that he'll never see his son, and that hes dead to him. We find out that Whitey was offered to coach into a college near Tree Hill and he asks Nathan to play for him. Bevins Parents Meet skills and It turns out they get on really well! Everyone graduates, and Its a really touching scene, knowing that this is the end of an era. Principal Turner calls out Rachel's name, who graduates in absentia. Brooke was sooo happy.When Haley gives her valedictorian speech we can tell somethings up with the way shes Talking, and gasping for air. She has to stop and says "I'm sorry, Iv got more, its just, I think I'm having my baby!" Nathen stands up and looks at her, Haley forces a smile back at him.moreless
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  • TRIVIA (11)

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    • When Lucas is sitting in the hallway of the hospital, the elevator door opens and Haley, Nathan and Deb walk out of it and see him. While they are talking, it is very obvious that they are on the first floor because you can see the number 1 on the elevator behind them. They would not be coming down from a higher floor to see Lucas if they had just gotten there.

    • Haley gives Lucas a bind copy of his novel, that Karen made for him as a graduation present. The name of the book is An Unkindness Of Ravens, which was going to be the show's title. Also, is a reference to the pilot episode: Haley: So, Luke, what are ravens? I mean, more than one. Lucas: An unkindness.

    • When the doctor tells Lucas that his mother's condition is worse, she tells him that they can't be aggressive with the antibiotics because of her pregnancy. Earlier Lucas had said that Karen had eclampsia. Eclapmsia is high blood pressure and protienuria during pregnancy. It is not treated with antibiotics because there is no infection. In fact, Karen should have had a C-section immediately after lapsing into a coma instead of waiting to see if the condition got worse. Waiting can cause the other complications Lucas mentioned earlier when he was explaining what was wrong with his mother.

    • When Lucas shoots the gun, the bullet hole is in the wall next to the kitchen door, but when Deb goes to the house, the bullet hole moved from the wall to the white door frame.

    • With Karen's baby being born just a couple days or so before Jamie (but possibly early, Karen didn't appear as far along size wise and Haley) than she would have had to become pregnant around September or so which doesn't make since. The shooting was in January if you notice the dates on the tombstones and Keith had just come back a few episodes before. He wasn't there at the beginnng of the school year when she would have most likely conceived.

    • Bevin's middle name is Evan.

    • This is the first episode where it is really obvious that Barbara Alyn Woods (Deb) is pregnant.

    • When the friends are persuading Lucas to go to graduation, Brooke stands before the table behind them, but when they all walk away she walks from next to the table.

    • When Haley and Nathan arrive at the hospital, Haley hugs Lucas. When she's hugging lucas, her left arm is under Lucas, his right arm. But when they let go Haley's left arm is on top of lucas, his right shoulder.

    • The medical condition Lucas said his Mom had is Eclampsia. One of the symptoms is seizures. This is a goof: Eclampsia does not start randomly due to stress. It is preceded by pre-eclampsia which has many symptoms. If Karen had been ready to go into a coma from eclampsia, she would have been swollen all over, including her face

    • On the fridge, behind Brooke as she and Chase talk in the beginning of the episode at her and Peyton's apartment, there are a few pictures visible. One of them is what looks like Nathan in Lucas' jersey, but probably is Lucas, one of Peyton and Brooke (looks like it could be the one they took in S1 while lying on Peyton's bed, when Brooke came by to borrow Peyton's camera), one of Jake and baby Jenny and one of Nathan and Haley's first wedding. In the last picture, the fridge magnet has been placed right on top of Haley/Bethany's face.

  • QUOTES (16)

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    • Lucas: Graduation day at Tree Hill High. A day when we officially leave the refuge of high school and begin our real lives. But what are those lives as we go into the world? What matters most? Is it about the things we create? The things we achieve? The awards we win? Is it about who we are when we fail? What's more important: what we become or how we become it?

    • (Brooke tells Principal Turner she stole the calculus exam.) Brooke: Just before you do, can I say something? You know when I was a freshman I wasn't... a very good person. I mean, sure I was popular and dating seniors but as a person... I was pretty lost. And over the last four years I have been forced to grow up. I stopped letting boys define me and I started believing in myself and in... my potential. And I run for student council president and I designed the clothing line. (beat) And somewhere along the way the lost little party-girl became the girl on the wall of honour. And... I know what I did was wrong, Mr Turner, I know. But the girl I was when I came to this school I'm not so sure she would have... And isn't that the point of high school? I mean, isn't that what you guys have been trying to teach us for the last four years? Principal Turner: Actually we have been trying to teach you not to cheat in calculus... But the rest of this is certainly important too. I imagine you have been feeling a good amount of guilt over letting your friend Rachel take the fault. Brooke: Yes sir, I mean... (she starts speeding up her voice) Even though she told me she did do a bunch of things over the last years that would have got her expelled anyway, uh... (slowly) Yes, I have so... that's why I thought that I should come forward. Principal Turner: You know Brooke, I must seem ancient to you. Your teacher probably seem irrelevant, but one day you look back and things won't seem so... us against them (beat) I assume you're going to college... Brooke: Yes, sir, I... I hope so now. Principal Turner: To study? Brooke: Fashion. Principal Turner: Not engineering? Or anything requiring intense of calculus? Brooke: No sir. Principal Turner: Good. (beat) Go graduate. Brooke: Really? Are you serious? Uh... Thank you! I don't even... Chase runs toward Brooke and Principal Turner Chase: Principal Turner... Principal Turner! Look, if you suspend her I think you are really making a huge mistake. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to barge in like this, but... Brooke: Shut up! Chase, I love you for this, really but... Shut up! (to Principal Turner) Uh, I'm sorry, we'll... We'll just go! (to Chase) Go... Thanks! (Brooke and Chase walk away. Turner smiles)

    • (After Lucas shoots the gun). Lucas: Get out. Dan: Lucas, she could lose the baby. Lucas: I missed on purpose. I will not miss again. Dan: You're making a big mistake. Lucas: Get out.

    • Bevin: (to her father) My boyfriend's black. Mr.Taylor: (to Bevin) That's ok, honey. My son's black too. We deal with it.

    • (about the point shaving issue) Mr. Taylor: You regret it? Nathan: Every day. Mr. Taylor: Because you got caught? Nathan: Mr. Taylor, you seem like a good man but the thing is I made a mistake and now I'm paying for it. Those 32 minutes should not define me for the rest of my life. Mr. Taylor: I was hoping you'd say that. Now all you gotta do is believe it.

    • Brooke: Priceless! (imitating Chase's voice) Mister Turner, if you suspend her you are really making a huge mistake! Chase: I was trying to help! Brooke: I know. You were very cute. Chase: I couldn't just stand by and let you not graduate. Besides, I got you to say you love me. Brooke: I did not! Chase: Yes, you did. You told me to shut up and then you said (imitating Brooke's voice) I love you for this, go... Brooke: So what if I did, uh? So what if I do? (They get closer)

    • Mouth: (to Skills about Bevin's parents who don't know he is black) This is probably not even a big deal. I mean if I were her parents I would be more worried of you being you, than you being black.

    • Nathan: I know you've been a bad guy, dad. And for a long time I've wondered if you'd ever change but... lately I've seen you change and I've been so proud of you. Now they're saying... they're saying that you killed uncle Keith, dad. Mom said it, and Lucas said it too but... I know they're wrong, okay? Because I know you could never do something like that. So just... Dad just look me in the eye and tell me that they're wrong. And I promise I'll stand by you because I love you dad. Just tell me they're wrong, please. Dan: I can't do that.

    • Peyton: (walks in as Lucas is holding his baby sister) Oh she's beautiful. Lucas: Yeah, I'm afraid to move or I'm gonna break her. Peyton: You're not gonna break her. Lucas: You wanna hold her? Peyton: (nods) Yeah. (Lucas gets up handing Peyton the baby.) Lucas: Support her head. (Peyton sits and Nathan and Haley enter.) Haley: Let's see her, ooo. Nathan: Ok, I'm officially scared to death again. Haley: (to Lucas) I was wondering if you could step out for a minute...Just a minute. Peyton: Go, I'll watch her. Lucas: Ok, I'll be right back mom, (to baby) and you (to peyton) and you.

    • Lucas: I wish we never left that hotel room in honeygrove, 'cause you're perfect, and we're perfect, and that night was perfect. (They smile) Peyton: Well saying that just earned you another one. (They kiss) Lucas: I have to get back to the hospital. Peyton: Can I come with you? Lucas: Sure, Just let me hold you for a few more minutes. (Lucas holds Peyton) That's what's gonna fix me.

    • Mr. Taylor: Let's lose that "Sir". It's Charles or Chuck. Nathan: Your name is Chuck Taylor, like the shoe?

    • (To Lucas) Haley: Yeah. You should go home. Get some food. Take a shower. Nathan: Yeah. You do kinda stink.

    • Haley: There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyages of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, and we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures. I think what that quote means is that life is short and opportunities are rare. And we have to be vigilant in protecting them and not only the opportunities to succeed but the opportunity to laugh , to see the enchantment and to live. Because life doesn't owe us anything, In fact I think we owe something to the world. [heavy breathing and laughing] And if we can just believe... i have more, but i think I'm having my baby...

    • Nathan: (to Dan) The day Keith died, you died. You understand me? My son will never know you. Stay away from my family and stay away from me.

    • (After Deb slaps him) Lucas: Ah, what are you on drugs again? Deb: Are you?

    • Brooke: Hey. Peyton: Hey! What's wrong? Brooke: Nothing.. Peyton: Oh come on! We're gonna be graduating soon! We all know graduating plus partying equals Brooke Davis minus her clothes.

  • NOTES (6)

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    • This episode marks the final appearance ofBarry Corbin (Whitey) as a series regular, although he is still listed in the main credits in the next episode.

      He would return in the Season 5 episode "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" as a guest star and in the Season 6 finale "Remember Me As a Time of Day" as a Special Guest Star.

    • This is the final episode, until the season 8 premiere to feature the series' original opening credits sequence and the theme song "I Don't Wanna Be" by Gavin DeGraw. All subsequent episodes feature the "Black Card" title (as referenced in Season Four DVD commentary), with the actors' names running at the bottom of the screen during the first few minutes of the episode.

    • Although credited, Danneel Harris (Rachel) didn't appear in this episode. Moira Kelly (Karen) appeared, but had no lines.

    • Original International Air Dates: Italy: Monday, November 19, 2007 Latin America: Sunday, January 6, 2008 Greece: Saturday, March 22, 2008 Australia: Sunday, August 10, 2008

    • Featured Music: "Strange Kind Of Love" by Peter Murphy "Isn't That Right" by Satchel "Tell Me What It Takes" by Lucero "Last Request" by Paolo Nutini "Taking Back What's Mine" by New Moscow "Under the Folding Branches" by The Veils "Wrecking" by Laura Veirs "Times Like These (Live)" by Foo Fighters

    • As from this episode, Bevin Prince ("Bevin Mirskey") will be receiving the "Guest Starring" credit, and will be listed during the main credits.

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