Pilot 

The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most 

Are You True? 

Crash Into You

Where I End and You Begin  

Every Night Is Another Story 

Life in a Glass House 

The Search for Something More

With Arms Outstretched

You Gotta Go There to Come Back 

The Living Years 

Crash Course in Polite Conversation 

Hanging by a Moment 

I Shall Believe 

Suddenly Everything Has Changed

The First Cut is the Deepest 

Spirit in the Night 

To Wish Impossible Things 

How Can You Be Sure?

What Is and What Should Never Be

The Leaving Song

The Games That Play Us

The Games That Play Us Season Finale Written by Mark Schwahn Directed by Greg Prange May 11, 2004

What's the drama: The Ravens are in their first playoff game and with Dan as coach, you know it won't be easy. During the game we flash back to events leading up to tip off.

What's up with Dan: Dan scoffs Deb's tears over signing the divorce papers until she mentions she stopped crying when she remembered what a monster he's been. He then tells her he was going to quit school and go back to Karen - but Deb told him she was pregnant. Ouch.

What's up with Lucas: Lucas approaches Coach Dan - otherwise known not-so-affectionately as Dad - to apologize for not thanking him earlier for saving his life after the accident and for being unaware Dan wanted custody in the beginning. Dan tells him he's late for practice and sends him off to do sprints. Nice.

After some practice at the river court, the newly friendly brothers discuss Dan's playoff game and what really went wrong. Lucas thinks Whitey blew it - because that's what Dan has always claimed, but Nathan corrects him. Seems Dan didn't like Whitey's idea of a winning play and sat down on the bench, refusing to finish the game.

What's up with Haley: She's bummed her best friend is leaving town but feels she's finally back on track with Nathan.

What's up with Keith: Keith asks Karen if she ever loved him - she says she does love him, but she knows what he really means. He lays out the fact that they both know the real reason he's leaving Tree Hill is because he can't stand to see her anymore after her refusal. Karen tells Keith she's sorry.

What's up with Brooke: Brooke appears to be all on Peyton's side - that is, until we see her in the bar once again with Nicki. Brooke says she'll give up Jake and baby Jenny's whereabouts if Nicki buys her a drink. Seems Brooke isn't exactly over the whole betrayal thing and hopes Peyton gets a taste of what it's like to have your heart break. Still?!

What's up with Peyton: Happy now that Jake and Jenny are safely out of Nicki's grasp and Brooke is back in the friend category, Peyton thinks everything is working out.

What's up with Karen: Karen makes it clear she thinks her boy is leaving because of her. Lucas swears it's not that at all, he really loves his ma. It's just like she felt confronting the basketball boosters and her old high school rivals - she wanted them to see what she had become, not what she was all those years ago. He says after all the mistakes he made over the past year he needs to take a break and make a change. Plus, Keith needs someone by his side right now.

What's up with Nathan: Nathan gets soaked in the pouring rain waiting at Haley's house to win his girl back. He knows he should have deleted Peyton's pictures earlier, but he hasn't even looked at them since they were dating. Some sweet words and a statement of intent to kiss the one he loves later and the two are back together. Tumbling around in Nathan's apartment after removing the wet clothes, Haley decides she's ready to make the next move - after the game.

The game has been a tight one and Dan has decided Nathan should wait until there's five seconds on the clock and then make the shot. Nathan and Lucas decide there's a better way - Nathan gets the ball and hands off to Lucas who goes for the basket as the buzzer sounds. He misses. Oooh. In the locker room after the game Dan goes ballistic. He berrates Nathan for defying his direction and Nathan stands up to the old man. Dan knew that Lucas' shoulder was reinjured by a player on the other team before halftime and bullied him into playing anyway. He then cuts Dan down with a reference to at least actually taking the shot instead of chickening out, letting his teammates down and sitting on the bench.

How does it all wrap up: Brooke finally gives up the info to Nicki and we think our girl has just crossed the line into evil territory. But, when Peyton arrives after a smug Nicki leaves we learn that it was all a setup and Brooke has sent Nicki off to Seattle - a very long road trip for nothing, just like the girls planned.

Lucas visits Whitey in the hospital and his coach and mentor tells him he took his best shot, now let it go. Lucas thanks Whitey for teaching him so much, saying he'll miss him. After Lucas leaves we see Whitey getting test results - and it doesn't look good.

Keith goes over to Deb's house to hang out - he usually spends time with Whitey after a game but can't this time. They commiserate over broken hearts. Next, we see Dan walking in the house - to find Deb and Keith naked by the fire and obviously cuddled up. Keith goes running after Dan, who tells his older brother that they are no longer related, before smashing in the window of his SUV and walking away. Dan signs the divorce papers, ignoring a text message from Deb to call her, and promptly has a heart attack. Deb finds him on the floor and he whispers, "you better hope I die."

Nathan and Lucas share a brother bonding moment at the river court and Nathan admits he'll actually miss Lucas when he leaves. Who knew when they played their infamous one-on-one game that they'd end up friends - and truly brothers. Lucas swings by Nathan's to say goodbye to Haley and is flustered to find his best friend wrapped in a towel. He tries to flee but Haley stops him. Lucas thought she was going to wait until she was married. Nathan and Haley say they did wait - 'til they got married. See the ring? What?!  [back to top]

The Leaving Song Written by Jennifer Cecil & Mark B. Perry Directed by David Carson May 4, 2004

What's the drama: Nathan shows up at Lucas' house, waking the boy up at 6:00 AM. The go-getter wants his teammate to be ready for play offs - plus, Lucas stood up to his dad the other day so he figures he owes him.

Later Lucas asks Karen what Dan meant when he told him to ask her what kind of father he really is. She comes clean with the fact that Dan did eventually come to her and ask to be in his son's life. He asked for joint custody and she denied him. She didn't trust him then. Even though Karen knew she would have to have this talk with Lucas eventually she figured that she should take her chances. Later that night Lucas asks Keith about what happened and the story is all-new to Keith.

Peyton's pops is taking a short six-day trip to the Keys. Before he leaves he wants to know if Peyton is comfortable with him dating Karen. She's cool with it. But what's up with that? The two haven't even seen each other for weeks?

Coach Whitey tells the basketball team that he'll be having eye surgery next week when they are winning their first playoff game. Coach McCallum will be standing in for him for one game and one game only. Nathan tells Lucas that McCallum's JV team sucks so without Whitey around it'll be up to them to get the team to win.

What's up with Dan: Dan confronts Whitey, telling him he should coach the team during their first playoff game - he knows the team as well as Whitey does and everybody knows McCallum sucks. Whitey tells Dan that there's no way he would expose the boys to his evil.

The next day as Whitey arrives at his office Dan is sitting at his desk. Seems the athletic committee vetoed Whitey's denial of Dan. He'll be coaching the boys in their first playoff game.

What's up with Lucas: Lucas and Nathan continue to train together and take some practice shots down by the river. Lucas tells his bro what he learned about Dan wanting joint custody. Nathan, who is amazingly un-surprised about anything these days tells him no worries - he didn't miss out on anything not growing up with Dan Scott. Too true.

What's up with Haley: As Haley does her homework on Nathan's computer she happens upon his trail of internet porn. And then she finds even more porn bookmarked. When her beau arrives home she confronts him with it.

This is what she's going to be compared to? It's hard enough for her to compete with the hussies at high school but now porn stars too?

Haley dumps her problems on Peyton. She wants to know if she's right to be bothered by this. Peyton tells her that she doesn't have to compete with those Pam Anderson wannabes - she has Nathan's heart.

What's up with Keith: Not able to get over it, Keith confronts Karen with the truth about Dan and the fact that he asked to be in Lucas' life. He called Dan a liar all these years and it turns out that Karen was really the liar. She admits that she was afraid to lose him - afraid he wouldn't take her side over his brother. Keith admits that he would have thought differently about his brother but it never would have changed his opinion of her. She clearly doesn't know him very well.

What's up with Peyton: While Peyton and Brooke shop at the mall with Jenny in tow, they are confronted by psycho Nicki who grabs Jenny out of her stroller and takes off with the tyke. The girls freak and security is summoned but it's too late. Jenny and Nicki have disappeared.

When Jake arrives at the mall everyone continues to freak, including mall security. As they search Nicki simply walks up and announces that she and Jenny were shopping. No big deal.

What's up with Karen: When Dan comes to the Café Karen confronts him about his taunting of Lucas. She tells him to stay away from her son and he says he can't do that…he's his coach.

Later, Karen apologizes to Lucas about lying about Dan. Lucas admits that he can't turn it off - all these years he was sure he should hate him because he didn't want him. Now he questions his hate. How can he hate Dan if he doesn't know him? She loved him once so there must be something good about him. She tells him that Dan hasn't been that good person for a very long time.

What's up with Nathan: He admits to Lucas that he's been looking at some porn web sites and it has Haley upset. He explains that he's trying not to pressure the girl and Lucas understands. As the two brothers lift weights and bond Dan spots them and appears disturbed. Coach Whitey tells Dan that most fathers would be comforted by such a sight, but it must be a real nightmare for him. Dan has no reply.

What's up with Jake: Dan pushes the Tree Hill Ravens and decides that Whitey as been too soft on players like Jake for allowing them to miss practice to take care of their babies. Jake is benched for the game.

Lucas pushes himself too hard at Dan's practice - even Nathan is concerned that Lucas is not ready to come back so hard after the accident. He's afraid that he'll re-injure his shoulder. Dan doesn't care about injuries or Lucas. He continues to push and push and finally Lucas boots on the gym floor.

What's up with Deb: A package arrives at the Café for her. It's the divorce papers and she gets a little morose when she sees them. She never expected to feel sad. She may cry a little but she signs those papers anyway.

How does it all wrap up: Lucas asks Haley to give Nathan a break when it comes to the porn. He saw the kind of crap he takes from his father all the time and maybe he needs a little support. Haley considers this until she finds a very sexy photo of Peyton in Nathan's computer as well as the porn. She tells him that she can't be these plastic porn girls and she can't be Peyton. She's given him her heart and that's all she can give him. Is that enough?

Jake tells Peyton he's not angry with her - he's mad at Nicki for being so conniving. He knows that a judge will most likely go with the birth mother. He doesn't have the money to fight her in the courts and he's thinking about taking Jenny and running - maybe to Savannah. He has a cousin who lives there. Peyton has a way for Jake to leave but he'll have to depart right away - in the morning. He and Jenny could hitch a ride with her father on the boat. She doesn't want them to go but she understands what he's up against. After considering his alternatives Jake and Jenny leave the next morning.

Lucas pays a visit to Peyton in order to apologize to her for not being a better person. She tells him actions speak louder than words. He tells her that is why he came by - he's going to be making some changes in his life and he wanted to tell her before he did.

Keith is all packed up and ready to move when Karen shows up and asks him if things would have been different if she would have told him the truth about Dan all those years ago. He tells her that she and Lucas got what they wanted out of their relationship but what did he get? He's pushing 40 and empty. As they discuss their past, Lucas arrives to tell them both that he now understands that Karen lied in order to find herself, in order to start over. She had her chance to do that and now Keith is starting over in a new town. Lucas wants to do the same - he wants to start over and go with Keith. He wants to leave Tree Hill. [back to top]

What Is and What Should Never Be Written by Edward Kitsis & Adam Horowitz Directed by Perry Lang April 27, 2004

What's the drama: Nathan wakes up in Haley's room for the fourth time that week, which kind of defeats the whole purpose of having his own place. Tim keeps throwing parties at his apartment. Haley tells her beau they should throw a party of their own. Nathan agrees and decides that Saturday is the night. The plan is to keep it low key. That night Dan Scott barges into Nathan's apartment telling him he owes him for the sale of the Mustang and insists that his son pay him back the money he made on the car. He offered him a home. Selling the car and living off the money is not an option. Nathan reluctantly writes his father a check.

Keith breaks the news to Karen that he has an interview for a high school auto shop teacher at a school…in Charleston. She's surprised that he's really moving like he said he would.

That afternoon at practice, Lucas is back in uniform and he's cold. Truth be told, the boy sucks. Surprisingly, Nathan is there for some words of encouragement. The bad news is that Lucas doesn't get better as the practice goes on - even when he stays late. Peyton attempts to console the boy and Brooke happens by at the same time - naturally she tears into Peyton and Lucas about "getting a room." It seems that Peyton is as tired of Brooke's complaining as the rest of the viewing public and follows her ex-best friend outside. They officially decide to break up.

What's up with Nathan: Rock bottom, with no cash, Nathan gets himself a job at the local mall, working at the Hot and Twisted pretzel place. He may have natural skills on the basketball court but he's no good with the pretzels, the customer service and the cleaning.

Nathan's boss is in his history class and as it turns out, at Homecoming last year Nathan and some of his buddies kicked the kid's ass just for kicks and giggles. Boss man (er…boy) is grudgy. Nathan's second day on the job he forces the basketball star to work for a guy who called in sick and it's either that or get fired. Nathan stays at work and misses his party.

What's up with Lucas: Lucas and Peyton decide to go to Haley's party together - as friends. Things appear to be heating up between the two of them nonetheless.

What's up with Keith: Karen fesses to Lucas that Keith proposed, she denied him and now he's moving. Lucas immediately heads over to Keith's to console his lifelong friend and to ask him to stay. Keith assures him that wherever he ends up he can always call or visit. He will always be the guy Lucas can turn to. Lucas knows - he just always wanted him to be his dad one-day. That makes two of them.

At the interview Keith charms the interviewer by telling him that to him teaching is about giving students the confidence to do something they've never done before. Once you can do that you have their respect and then you can accomplish anything. He nailed that gig.

What's up with Brooke: Brooke's crankiness finally gets the best of her and she's officially not invited to the party at Nathan's. This makes her more bitter than ever… if that's possible.

Instead of going to the party with the rest of the school Brooke heads to the local bar where boozes it up and tells off a poor unfortunate fella who tries to pick her up. This bit of nastiness wins over the dreaded Nicki who is of course at the bar and happy to hear Brooke's bitching about her ex-best friend and ex-boyfriend cheating on her. At least it's new to someone. Nicki buys Brooke a round and Brooke decides to pay her back by taking her to the party.

What's up with Haley: The party girl is frustrated because people start showing up at the soiree but Nathan is still at work. The crowd grows big and a bit hostile - especially when Brooke and her new sidekick show up. Lucas tries to talk Nicki into getting Brooke out of there but Nicki would rather be nasty to Peyton and drink vodka straight out of the bottle while Haley runs around trying to make sure things are not broken.

What's up with Deb: Lamenting the fact that her husband won't give her a divorce but her son will. She comes to ask Karen if her offer to go into partnership still stands and Karen says "of course."

Deb is off to let Dan know that he has 24 hours to get his stuff out of the house or it goes to charity.

What's up with Nicki: Seems to enjoy tormenting Peyton. Armed with the fact that Brooke hates her and she hates Jake hanging out with her - she's really angry. Nicki and Peyton exchange quips until there's no more verbiage to be thrown and they come to blows - or hair pulling as the case may be. They toss each other around Nathan's apartment and break things.

Lucas comes to Peyton's defense and Nicki spills the fact that if he's coming to the defense of his women that should include her too. The fact that she was his bar skank is exposed to all. Brooke is all about the self-righteous and Peyton just storms out.

What's up with Dan: Stops by to pick up his things at his old home. In typical Dan fashion, he starts in with the fighting right away and it's obvious that Deb is drunk on expensive red wine. Dan complains that he doesn't want to start dividing up their lives, he and Deb argue passionately. That passion ends up pulling them into the bedroom. And into the bed! Deb must be drunk!

How does it all wrap up: The party comes to a screeching halt when the cat-fight is broken up and Lucas' ugly little secret is exposed. Nathan arrives home just in time to run into the cops who have come to break up the party officially. For some reason the cop has a very bad attitude and not just cites Nathan for serving alcohol to minors, which would be understandable, but decides that "mouthing off" is now a crime and drags the boy downtown to mouth off in a jail cell.

When Dan drags himself out of Deb's bed to bail his son out of jail he's accosted by Lucas who came with Haley to do the same. He sticks up for Nathan and Dan tells him to stay out of it. Lucas tells him to think twice about making the case regarding how great a father he's been. Dan tells him to go back to Karen and ask her what really happened after she got pregnant. Then he tells Nathan he's done with him too. Unfortunately Nathan's evening isn't done - he and Haley spend the rest of the evening cleaning his post-party apartment.

When Lucas heads home he talks to Karen about Keith rather than Dan. She gives her son the "I love Keith but I'm not IN love with him" line. Lucas understands but realizes that it just sucks for Keith. What doesn't suck is that Keith got the job - he'll be leaving to start his new life in just a couple of weeks.

That night as Peyton wallows at home, Brooke comes by and apologizes for bringing Nicki to torment her and asks her ex-buddy if they can call a truce. They realize that Lucas is just a guy who makes mistakes like everyone else - they just seem to hurt more because they expect more from him. The two decide they are tired, tired of arguing and tired of being apart. Unfortunately for Lucas that doesn't seem to be the case with him. Peyton tells him she is disappointed in him and feels that he and Nathan have changed places - now he's the jerk.

The next day Dan tells Deb that he'll give her the divorce. He realizes that the outside world will always come barging in and they can't go back. She actually looks a little disappointed. Is she still drunk? [back to top]

How Can You Be Sure? Written by Karyn Usher Directed by Thomas J. Wright April 20, 2004

What's the drama: The bombshell Brooke dropped on Lucas leaves him speechless. But he wants to know for sure she is in fact preggers so he insists on heading to the drugstore and taking the test together. Brooke fails the test. Looks like it's for real. In typical Lucas fashion, the boy tells her he's there for her. And in typical Brooke fashion she's sassy and tells him he's no longer with her so he's off the hook, he dodged that bullet just in time. Lucas will have none of that.

Now that Keith has fessed the love and popped the big question to Karen, she's also speechless. She tells him she loves him too-he's her best friend. However the distance has given her new perspective. Tree Hill is such a small part of the world and there's so much more out there. For once she's feeling like more than just Lucas' mother-she needs to find out who she really is at this point. He means the world to her but she can't marry him.

Haley sneaks in to Nathan's apartment and wakes him up. He spots the Haley's number 23 tattoo on her back and kind of freaks to himself. Indeed it is a bit unusual. He doesn't know what to make of that kind of tribute of affection toward him.

At the locker room Lucas confronts Nathan about kissing Peyton. He tries to explain about the auction rules and the fact that he simply kissed Peyton goodnight the way Lucas kissed Haley goodnight and why is he so upset about it anyway?

Nicki stops by to see Jenny and invades Jake's life again. For some reason she's perplexed about Peyton's presence. Jake explains that Peyton is his friend and Jenny's babysitter. Nicki offers Jake money to help out with her daughter. She still has tuition money left over. As she snoops around the room she spots the Ravens team photograph…and Lucas.

What's up with Lucas: He wants to "deal with their problem together." But Brooke pushes him away, acting colder and colder. She throws the Peyton issue in his face again and reminds him for the hundredth time that he cheated on her with her best friend, she even goes so far as to call him Dan Scott. Peeved, he tells her it's not as if he's the first person she ever slept with. He's not even sure the baby is his! Brooke's doctor calls just then and she tells Lucas that he's confirmed that she is in fact pregnant.

Later that day Dan walks in to the gym as Lucas is working out. He tells Lucas he spotted him at the clinic with Brooke. He can see that he's got real trouble, the kind he's a specialist in. He can also tell he's scared and wonders if he'd like some advice. He advises Lucas to talk Brooke into getting an abortion, the way he wanted Karen to do. Lucas, very much alive, thanks to the fact that Karen did not take Dan's advice all those years ago, feels his advice is a bit evil and tells the man to mind his business.

Lucas finally tells someone about his little secret. Figuring he'll understand, he tells Jake. Jake wants to know if they're going to keep the baby. Lucas is torn. His future is uncertain if they keep the baby. And ultimately he's afraid his mom will freak out.

That night, neither Lucas or Karen can sleep. She's already up worrying (no doubt about the way she broke Keith's heart). Lucas tells her he's sorry for what he's about to tell her and breaks the bad news. Karen slaps his face and instantly feels terrible for it. She tells Lucas he has too much to live for and by the way - has she just been talking to herself all these years? He wants to know how close he came to not existing and she assures him she always knew she wanted him in her life.

What's up with Dan: Just out to spread more joy, Dan runs a credit check to get Nathan's address so he can go pester him at his new apartment. The concerned father wants to know what Nathan is going to do for money. He berates his son and gives him a week before he's out on the street - and then he'll be there for him at the beach house. Nathan isn't interested and is happy to tell his father to get out of his house.

What's up with Nathan: Worried that getting a job will hurt his basketball career he gets ready to sell his car in order to pay to stay in his apartment. He's also a little torn about what he wants to do with Haley. He's trying to keep his distance a bit and she reads it all wrong. Instead of thinking that Nathan is giving her respect she thinks he's giving her the cold shoulder and preparing to cheat on her. Later that night she wants to make out and he won't. He wonders how she can get something as permanent as a tattoo for him but she won't have the sex?

Maybe he is considering cheating? Nathan stops by to see his mom and asks her why she decided to cheat on his father. She tells her son that she and Dan grew apart and that doesn't make it right - they had a commitment and she should have honored that. Besides, look at all the people she hurt in the process. Cheating simply isn't worth it.

What's up with Haley: Haley admits to Peyton that she is afraid that Nathan will start looking elsewhere for what he's not getting from her. She figured she'd wait until she was married for the sex and now that she met him she's rethinking. She knows Nathan is the right guy. She's just not sure she's ready.

The next day Haley asks Lucas how often boys think about sex and Lucas reads that she's thinking about having the sex with Nathan. Lucas stops short of telling his friend his fatherly news and tells her he wishes he had waited. He advises her to think about it - if she's not ready she should wait.

What's up with Peyton: Nicki confronts Peyton in order to let her know that she's just temporary. All the babysitting in the world won't make her Jenny's mom. Peyton retorts with the fact that all the eyeliner in the world won't make her more than a freakish stalker bitch. Ouch.

What's up with Keith: Keith admits to Deb that he asked Karen to marry him and she said no. All these years he knew he'd ask her to marry him but he never pictured her turning him down. Deb assures him that Karen still needs him. Yeah, but Keith admits, she sure doesn't want me.

Later, Lucas stops by Keith's house. He would like to know why Keith stood by Karen after Dan left. He tells him it's because he loved her. But really, Karen was strong and didn't even need him. Keith tells Lucas his mom could have been anything she wanted in life but Lucas figures that would be true if only it weren't for him. Not exactly inspired by their conversation, Lucas stops short of telling Keith his bad news. Keith does the same.

How does it all wrap up: Stalker Nicki pays a visit to Lucas and tells him that Jenny is her daughter. He freaks a bit and tells her that Jake is a great friend and he had no idea. For some reason she thinks that Lucas can help her get her family back together. He's not exactly into it but we all know he'll probably end up helping. Lucas is a sucker for a damsel in distress.

Nathan is stuck in a new place for him - he doesn't want to do anything to pressure Haley sexually or drive her away. He tells her that he saw her tattoo and realized how much their relationship means to her. He tells her he loves her and that scares him. She tells him she loves him too. Aw, shucks.

Karen and Keith finally talk and he tells her that he's going to make a change. He's leaving town. He never thought he'd spend his whole life in Tree Hill and she just reminded him of that. It's not because of her - by saying no to him he did wake up and he appreciates that. It feels really good to have options. Keith pawns Karen's engagement ring. Gotta get the money for the plane fare somewhere but wouldn't it make better financial sense to take it back to the jeweler and get a full refund? Perhaps the ring is fifteen years old and it's too late to take it back.

Lucas stops by Brooke's house. She crabs about him being there and tells him to leave her alone when we all know that's not what she wants. He tells her all about what he's discovered about Dan and how he didn't want him to be born. The whole baby thing scares him but whatever she decides to do he'll be there. If she wants to have the baby then so does he. He promises her he won't let her down. Then Brooke fesses up to the fact that she lied and told him that she was pregnant. The call she got from her doctor was about her negative test results. Lucas wonders how she could do that? For the one hundred and first time she asks how he could cheat on her with his best friend? Rather than be ultimately relieved, Lucas is pensive and thoughtful. But he is happy to return home and tell Karen the good news.

Later all alone, The Evil Dan Scott goes through his old Father's Day cards from his son Nathan…and his collection of photos of Lucas' life. [back to top]

To Wish Impossible Things Written by Mark Schwahn Directed by Billy Dickenson April 13, 2004

What's the drama: The annual "Boy Toy" varsity charity auction is the hottest thing in four states with Coach Whitey as the official auctioneer. It's "Ladies' Night" as the females of the town bid on the Ravens basketball boy toy of their choice for the evening. The highest bidder gets her favorite player until they kiss goodnight at midnight. Jake is bid upon by a mystery gal and fetches $100 bucks! Haley bids on Lucas for a whopping $115.00 dollars and in a jealous effort to get Nathan away from the other she-devils the team of Haley and Peyton bid $112.53.

Deb has her own big evening planned as she does a "charity" charity bid on Timmy (for chores purposes only). She gets the player for a bargain $8 dollars and tells him he's got a "hot" evening ahead of himself.

Low on cash but heavy with credit, the desperate Brooke is forced to head down the street to the closest cash machine. She ends up bidding $200 bills on "microphone boy" simply because she's competitive. She had the entire night planned out and it didn't include Mouth but what-the-heck, it's go time and the gal agrees to make the most of it, even though the evening is a complete waste of a Brazilian wax. So she takes the newbie to the raunchiest club in town…complete with naked girls. A couple of lap dances later and Mouth is a new man.

Peyton's father Larry asks out Karen - it's just "two new friends having some food." She's apprehensive but takes him up on his offer.

As the evening progresses, it's kind of strange when the auctioned couples break off. Haley is excited to have an entire evening with Lucas - to do "childish" stuff she can't do with Nathan. Then things are kind of icky when Nathan takes Peyton to his new apartment. The theme of the evening seems to be water as Lucas and Haley have a water balloon fight and Nathan and Peyton take an impromptu swim in the pool outside his apartment building.

What's up with Jake: The mystery woman is revealed and it looks like the ex owes him…again. Nicki (slutty bar girl) is Jake's mystery bidder and she treats him to a fancy meal at the local burger joint. She announces that she wants to be part of Jenny's life and his too.

Jake is disgusted and plays the hurt and angry one until they get into the car and she almost gets him with the kissing and the making of the nice nice. But Jake comes to his senses and boots her out of the car telling her he'd rather be impressed with her maternal instincts - if she has any. He sends her off to fetch items she thinks Jenny would need. She returns with a bunch of baby stuff that the kid doesn't need - and ice cream for him. She tells Jake that she still loves him. He's bitter yet though and tells her he wanted to hear that for so long but now it's too late. He finally turns his back on her the way she did to him. Hey! It's not midnight yet! And where's the kiss goodnight?

What's up with Deb: Her big plans for Timmy include the bath but it's a plumbing thing not a sex thing. He misunderstands and arrives in the bathroom his tighty-not-so-whities (read leopard skin) just to see her pulling out a big hairy clog. Exposed, he runs toward the door and she follows to apologize. As Tim struggles to re-clothe himself, and Deb attempts to help, Dan happens to walk in. He smiles and says, "The lawyers are gonna love this one!"

What's up with Lucas: He's surprised to see Haley's number 23 tattoo on the small of her back. The "ink" the gal has recently had done ain't no tribute to Michael Jordan either - it's a little surprise for Nathan who also happens to be number 23 on the basketball court. When Lucas asks her why she did such a permanent thing (awfully judgey for someone who just recently got his own ink done) she declares that it's because she's in love with Nathan.

Lucas is curious about why Haley bought him at the auction instead of her lover boy and she tells him it's because she wanted to remember how it was when life was simple. She knows she loves Nathan but she's not sure if he loves her.

What's up with Nathan: A heart to heart in the pool leads Nathan to ask Peyton for a little "let's remember" sex. Peyton denies him, telling him that he's a fool to even think about cheating on his quality girlfriend. Nathan tells her that the only reason why he even brought it up is to tell her that he's not pressuring Haley. Nice out. Not.

What's up with Keith: Keith pays a visit to Whitey and the old guy tries to snap the man out of his funk. He tells Keith that if he could have his wife back for one day he would take it, he misses her that much every day. Whitey knows Keith loves Karen and tells him that every day he waits is a day he'll never get back again.

What's up with Brooke: As Brooke and Mouth breeze along in the limo she rented Brooke asks the nerd why he doesn't have a girlfriend. He seems like a nice enough guy. Mouth tells her it's because he's too nice and asks her what women want and the driver announces "half your paycheck." Brooke does not agree. She wants a nice, attractive guy with a sense of humor. Like Lucas was a real laugh riot. Nevertheless, Mouth buys her explanation.

They hit another club and a random guy whom Brooke does not remember asks her if they are going to hook up again. She's a little blown away at what must be her blackout lover and runs out of the club. Mouth follows her to the car and she admits that what girls really want is to have someone love them back. She's kind of pathetic as she cries on Mouth's shoulder. But it's still the best evening he's ever had.

What's up with Karen: After dinner Larry convinces Karen to dig up her time capsule. They're like two kids together what with the prowling and the digging in the dark. They dig up an old photo of Karen and Dan with Keith lurking in the background. Larry announces that the guy lurking in the background is clearly in love with her. They laugh and reminisce until they are caught by Whitey and Keith.

How does it all wrap up: As Peyton and Nathan clean up after their swim he admits that he was kind of trying to hit on her in the pool. Ya think? He also admits that the nice guy thing is all new to him and he's trying because he knows that Haley deserves better than that. Peyton knew he had it in him all along. As Nathan walks her to the door he realizes that by the rules he owes her a kiss goodnight to end the date. Rules are rules after all.

Meanwhile, Lucas and Haley decide to stop by Nathan's apartment and say hello. Naturally, just as Nathan and Peyton share that goodnight kiss Lucas walks up and sees them mid smack. Lucas does an about face and tells Haley that no one was home. He drives his best friend home and tells her that even though they have grown apart he will always be there for her. He does not tell her about the kiss and he gives her the most unromantic kiss goodnight to end the evening.

Mouth tells Brooke that a night with her is like flying first class and his life is coach. She's still bummed about the random dude back at the bar and Mouth tries to make her feel better by telling her he'd be surprised if she and Lucas couldn't work it out. She gives him a kiss good night and tells him it wasn't for the charity - it's just cuz.

Unrelenting, Nicki shows up at Jake's door. He told her he'd promised himself that his daughter would never feel the pain that she caused him. She broke his heart but she'll never get the chance to do that to his daughter. She tells him she'll be in her daughter's life - with or without him.

Larry takes Karen home and tells her he hopes he didn't cause any problems between she and Keith. He realized that they have a history together. She tells him they do have a history together, she's just not sure they have a future. Larry kisses her and leaves. Just then Keith rings the bell at the other end of the house. He finally opens up and tells Karen that the past few weeks have been the worst of his life. He tells her that he loves Lucas and pops out the ring he's been carrying since the night of the accident. He also pops the question. Karen is speechless. How's that for no future?

At the end of the evening Brooke hunts down Lucas to tell him that she thinks she's pregnant. Lucas is shocked. Of course the poor guy would obviously think that she would be pregnant with his child but we all know that Miss Brooke isn't exactly the monogamous type.  [back to top]

Spirit in the Night Written by Terrence Coli Directed by Duane Clark April 6, 2004

What's the drama: The gang hits the road to Charlotte where Brooke is determined to win first place at the annual cheerleading competition, The Secret Sparkle Classic. She's sick of Claire Young and the Bear Creek Warriors beating them every year. She is admittedly a "psycho hose beast" and even hires "Lips"…er…Mouth to scout the other cheer team for her. Spying ain't nice Brooke! But it works. Lucas wants Haley to come to the tournament for the weekend. She agrees and Nathan seems pretty excited about her coming as well. Even after they arrive in Charlotte, Brooke drives the entire cheer squad insane with practicing and just when things look really ugly, squad member Theresa ends up getting the chicken pox. The practiced routine requires exactly ten cheerleaders and rather than let Brooke down again, Peyton begs Haley to fill in.

What's up with Karen: A fill-in chaperone is needed for the weekend in Charlotte and Karen gets finagled into it. Peyton's dad makes up for lost time by spending some quality chaperone time with the kids as well.

What's up with Lucas: The boy agrees to do some extra coaching for Whitey - unfortunately the subject is Nathan. He'll be getting double teamed more with Lucas out and he can use all the help he can get. Whitey wants Lucas to help Nathan "get open." Nathan declares that he can get to the rack without his help. To make matters even worse, Whitey assigns Lucas and Nathan to the same room.

Haley is naturally caught in the middle of the Scott boys. When she goes to get on the bus (Lucas is saving her a seat), Nathan asks her to ride with him in his car and when she is supposed to meet Lucas for pizza Nathan wants to make out a little. Lucas gets a bit miffed that his "friend" is spending the entire weekend with his nemesis.

What's up with Keith: Dan brings a cardboard stand up of himself into the shop (such marketing genius!) and makes Keith wear a fancy jump suit. He's trying to keep the shop up to his high standards but Keith is beginning to feel beat down and bullied. He goes by the Café for a coffee and Karen offers him dinner the next night. Baby steps she figures.

Karen ends up calling Keith from Charlotte to take a "rain check" but the man is clearly disappointed. Later, when Dan is frustrated that Keith and his other employees are not keeping up to speed he berates his brother for never going to college.

What's up with Nathan: He drained his savings in order to get his apartment. But he's officially emancipated and he's especially happy to be out of town without his dad. Dan is proving that basketball isn't his life by staying away from one tournament. Of course he bought a satellite dish in order to get the live feed. Naturally! But will he have time to catch the game with all the Keith torturing he's doing?

What's up with Brooke: Somehow Brooke and Peyton end up sharing a room and it's a nightmare. When Brooke needs some comforting after Theresa falls ill, Karen comes to do the consoling. She tells Brooke how sorry she is that things didn't work out between she and Lucas. As they talk, one Ravens head cheerleader to another, Brooke presents their savior…stand-in Haley! As the cheerleaders head upstairs to practice the basketball team heads out to a club that is "easy on the carding."

Mouth shows up to the cheer rehearsal with the Bear Creek Warriors' exact routine memorized for Brooke, and with the news that three other squads are using the same song, Brooke gets a bit intimidated.

What's up with Peyton: Peyton steps up to help Brooke and the cheer squad. She finds a totally different and original piece of music and gets Brooke's back when the other catty cheerleaders come around to talk some smack.

What's up with Haley: She looks cute in her cheerleader uniform and Nathan digs it but Lucas ain't exactly thrilled for her. He tells her she looks ridiculous and she tells him that he should be happy for her that she is having fun for once.

When Nathan asks Lucas what he's doing to Haley Lucas explains that she's changed. She used to be her own person and now she's not. Nathan tells him she's the same - she's just with him now. Maybe Lucas has trouble with that.

What's up with Dan: When Dan wields his power once again and tries to get the guys into the shop early from their break Keith decides he has had enough. Dan gets low and tells his brother that if he would have had a better work ethic to begin with he wouldn't have lost the shop in the first place. Keith tells Dan that he'll be taking Nathan's lead and getting away from him. He quits the shop.

How does it all wrap up: At the strip club Jake confides to Lucas that Jenny's mother has unexpectedly returned. He's freaked a bit and he doesn't even know that his friend has already gotten to know the dreaded Nikki. Intimately. It's "Ladies Night" at the Peppermint Zebra. The basketball team figures it's not worth the "easy on the carding" situation and they head back to the hotel where they happen upon the cheerleaders in the hot tub. Everyone ends up in the pool (hey - those chaperones aren't doing such a great job!) and just as things seem to be getting really fun…Whitey walks in. He's curious to know how he'll win a game the next day with a bunch of hungover idiots.

The next day the Tree Hill Ravens (ettes) take the floor and Brooke thanks Peyton for all her help. If it's important to Brooke it's important to Peyton too. They share a moment. The performance is a knock out and even Haley does a great job! Unfortunately the Bear Creek Chicks take first. But best original choreographer ends up going to Brooke Davis so it's still a victory of sorts. After the competition Lucas comes to tell Haley how amazing she looked out there. He also explains that he misses his friend. She tells him it's hard juggling him and Nathan and if he wants to be part of her life he'll have to make Nathan part of his life too. He reluctantly agrees.

Later at the game Nathan is double-teamed and when time is running out he puts up the fade away (as Lucas suggested earlier) after all. The Ravens win and Whitey gets his 500th win. When they get home Nathan tells Lucas he would have gotten the shot without him. Lucas jokingly tells him not if he were guarding him. They actually have a nice conversation and Haley is happy to witness it.

When they get back to town Brooke tells Peyton that it was nice to get away and forget all their troubles - but they're not friends anymore. Peyton says she is still Brooke's friend, and she'll prove it.

When Keith shows up to see Karen she is hanging out with Peyton's dad - the two definitely have a connection. Keith recognizes it and promptly leaves. [back to top]

The First Cut is the Deepest Written by Mike Kelly Directed by Robert Duncan McNeill March 2, 2004

What's the drama: At school Brooke gives Peyton the cold shoulder as expected and unexpectedly Jake asks Peyton to baby-sit Jenny while he goes to his cousin's wedding that weekend.

Dan gives Nathan a five-speed, fully-loaded Mustang as a gift (read a sort of pay off) for sticking by his "old man." Nathan sees the car for what it is - a bribe. He tells his father thanks for the car-now he can get away from him whenever he wants. Haley advises her beau to give back the dreaded bribe-mobile and he tells her he's going to take his father for whatever he can get. He's earned it. Later Haley informs him she'd been up all night trying to bid on Sheryl Crow concert tickets on Ebay and she still didn't get them-no sleep and no tickets. Bummer.

Lucas starts to push himself in the gym in order to get back to basketball as soon as possible but his real friend (remember Skills?) tells him to take it easy or he'll ruin his chances to come back…ever. Even Coach Whitey tells Lucas to take a seat on the sidelines and stay out of the weight room - he'll need him for playoffs, so chill for now. Lucas doesn't like the waiting game and tells his coach as much and bails. As Lucas attempts to storm out of the gym he happens upon Dan who expects a little kindness from the boy whose life he saved. When he doesn't get it he sarcastically tells Lucas "Your welcome" but Lucas comes back with an ugly, "You think saving me makes you a good guy?" They argue in front of everyone on the team, and the cheerleaders, Dan tells him he pulled him out of the wreckage just to make his life miserable and Lucas really storms out.

What's up with Lucas: At school, "We didn't mean to hurt you" and "We didn't plan any of it" are platitudes that don't help Lucas get back in the good graces of Brooke. The girl almost seems pleased with herself for her saltiness.

Later, when Lucas retells the story of Dan's appearance that afternoon at practice and Karen comes to Dan's defense the boy storms out again-this time to a bar with his fake I.D. He orders a beer and a total hottie at the end of the bar picks up the tab for him. She invites him to join her and kind of amuses him with silly bar tricks and as much silly bar banter. He tells her his name is Lucas and she tells him to buy her a drink and maybe she'll tell him her name. She attempts bar philosophy (What do the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus have in common??) and when that doesn't work she convinces him to leave with her. They go to a merry-go-round and she tells Lucas her name is Nicki.

At the merry-go-round the bar philosopher advises her new friend to pay attention to the important moments, sometimes they only come around once. They get hot and heavy as the merry-go-round goes round and round.

What's up with Nathan: Deb tells Nathan she can't compete with Dan on the handing out cars level. But Nathan tells his mother that all she would have to do is tell him her secret and this would all be over.

What's up with Peyton: Peyton confronts Brooke and tells her she will have to talk to her sometime. Brooke tells her she could smile and act all fake-Peyton style. Brooke wants to know if they slept together and if she loves him. Peyton assures her no on the first question but has no comment for the second. Forget it sister - Brooke's not interested in the answer anymore. They deserve each other.

Later that night, while studying, Peyton disables the bedroom cam. Too little too late. Suddenly Karen calls looking for her storming out son. She's worried about him and figures he must be with either her or Brooke

What's up with Brooke: Brooke isn't answering her phone. She's home sulking and prefers horror to romance while she enjoys her Chinese comfort food.

Peyton stops by looking for Lucas and Brooke snaps at her. Peyton tells her that If she can figure out where he might be, at least call his mom and put her at ease. Brooke leads her ex-best friend to the bar where she and Lucas had their first date. The girls inquire with the bartender who knows Lucas was there but also that he didn't leave alone. After this news both girls stick around for a beer. Guess everyone has a fake I.D.

As they sip their frothy beverages, Brooke really lays it on thick with Peyton. She understands how Lucas could do this to her but they were supposed to be best friends. It's hard for Peyton to leave the glow of Brooke's love but she has a baby-sitting job to get to. Can they ever get past this Lucas thing? Brooke doesn't know and doesn't care.

What's up with Dan: Stops by Keith's garage and offers to buy the place. He tells his brother he'll purchase the garage for market value and pay him a good salary to work there - until he can pay him back and be the owner again. Dan hates to see his brother to go down for doing a good thing. Keith is skeptical but Dan tells him he's turned over a new leaf. For some reason Keith believes him.

What's up with Keith: Karen comes by Keith's shop looking for her son. She wants to know what's up with the for sale sign and if it has something to do with Lucas' hospital bills she will take out a loan against the Café and pay him back ASAP. He reminds her that Lucas wouldn't have a hospital bill if it wasn't for him. He tells Karen that he isn't exactly selling the garage, he's just looking for some financial backing. He got it and it's legit. They close the deal the next day. Karen is suspicious.

The next day Keith shows up at Dan's beach house to sign papers and prays that Dan will prove his misgivings wrong.

What's up with Deb: Karen thanks her again and again for all the wonderful work she's done at the Café and she suggests that they join forces and partner up-business has never been better. Deb tells her she'd love to but wants to spend all her extra time with Nathan - admits that Dan is embarking on a smear campaign and Karen tells her she needs to talk to him, no matter what the secret is, she needs to be up-front with her son.

Later that night Deb tells her son the truth. A few years ago, when she and Dan were having major troubles she left him to go be with another man. He was away at basketball camp for part of that summer and when she realized that she may lose him she came home for good. Nathan remembers that summer-it was Hell and she just handed him over to his evil father. He remembers calling her crying about the crap Dan was putting him through and all the while she was with a guy? Deb tells him she ultimately came home for him and he tells her he knows that she came home simply because her fling ended. He's done with the Scott family and he's especially done with her. He grabs his belongings and bursts out. So much for being straight with her son.

What's up with Haley: She's there to scoop up Nathan and his feelings of abandonment. He tells his gal that he doesn't want to live with his mom or his dad. Haley helps him look into emancipation. Later Nathan proudly presents the papers to his mother and asks her how it feels to be abandoned. She responds with tears.

How does it all wrap up: After the lovin' Lucas and mystery hottie have banana splits at the Café. He asks her to tell him her darkest secret and she asks him for Tobasco sauce. When he goes to the back to get it she disappears. When Lucas returns home he apologizes to his mom. He admits that he has been going down hill since he left the river court but he promises that he'll do better from here on out. Karen forgives her son.

Peyton shows up to baby-sit Jenny while Jake heads off to his cousin's wedding. He's never left the kid with anyone besides his parents so he's a little nervous. He should be because Peyton isn't exactly the matronly type. Little Jenny cries and cries but gets over it just in time for Daddy to return and be fooled by the calm. Jake gets home early and offers to get a pizza and pop in a movie to thank his new buddy Peyton.

When Keith shows up to work at the garage the next day, his new boss Matt Perry awaits him, as does Dan and his new "Dan Scott" sign. Keith is angry and refuses to work under that condition. It's supposed to still be his garage! Dan explains that the deal wasn't a hand out it was a legitimate business deal. What does he expect? When Keith tells him he is going to get out of the contract Dan assures him that if he does that he'll find himself out of the business altogether.

Later that night Sheryl Crow shows up at the Café with her band for a cup of coffee. Haley who hated missing her concert just happens to be the only one there with Nathan she trips over herself in a very cute fan-like way and charges Sheryl one song per cup. Looks like the girl got to go to the concert after all.

And at the Scott household Deb brings Nathan's emancipation papers to Dan and tells him that their son is leaving them…and she doesn't blame him.

As Jake cleans up after Peyton leaves the doorbell rings and he answers it to a big surprise. It's crazy Nicki from the bar and the merry-go-round…and she's Jenny's mom.  [back to top]

Suddenly Everything Has Changed Written by Mark B. Perry Directed by David Carson February 24, 2004

What's the drama: Lucas continues to recover but he's ready to leave the hospital. He asks his mother why Dan can walk all over her for years and Keith gets cut off after one mistake. Karen ponders the answer and is saved when the doctor walks into the room. Lucas asks her about basketball. What are his chances of getting it back and she tells him that he hurt his shoulder pretty badly. Full recovery may not be possible. This somehow doesn't ever seem to bother him as much as his girl troubles do.

When Lucas arrives home he's confronted by a surprise from his girlfriend Brooke. She feng shuis his room to promote healing. He thanks her by breaking up with her. Ouch! Maybe he is Dan's kid after all. Later Peyton pays a visit and Lucas tells her he's broken up with Brooke. When Peyton offers to tell the poor girl the entire truth Lucas suggests they wait a few days and then tell her together. Yeah, cuz that will hurt less.

Deb warns Nathan that things could get really ugly between she and Dan and Nathan realizes that the two of them splitting up is a good thing. Later, at litigation the gloves come off as once again Dan threatens to expose Deb's "ugly" past. She asks her husband if he really wants to do that to Nathan and Dan responds with, "Do you?"

What's up with Lucas: Not long after he returns home from the hospital Lucas heads down to the river court to check out the impromptu homage to him. Karen shows up to tell him to get his recovering body home. He tells his mom what he's been going through with the Brooke and Peyton situation and his mother tells him he should simply have healing on the brain not chicks. Okay - we say that but his mother should have!

What's up with Keith: He comes to visit Lucas when he knows that Karen is at work. Lucas tells him he knows he wasn't drunk the night of the accident and asks him if Dan was really the hero he's being made out to be. Keith admits that in fact Dan saved his life and Lucas wants to know exactly where he should store that bit of contradictory and freakish information.

Later Karen shows up at Keith's garage to give him the last of the things that he left at her house. Read between the lines guy - good-bye forever. He explains that he simply made a mistake and he wishes he could take it back. She cries that mistake almost cost her her son. Not much Keith can say to that fact.

The next day Keith attempts to get a loan at the bank in order to help pay bills but he is denied because his savings have been depleted. He used every last penny to pay for his nephew's hospital stay. The day just gets worse when Karen stops by the garage again. Keith tells her he wasn't drunk and she says she knows he wasn't but that's not what this is about. (What? That's exactly what we all thought it was about!) Keith vows that one day she will look at him and see the person she used to see and she wants to know where that leaves them now. Keith replies, "I guess it doesn't."

The poor man ends an already terrible day by putting his beloved garage up for sale.

What's up with Peyton: She hits the mall with Haley and happens upon her friend Brooke who is clearly broken-hearted. She asks how she's supposed to be "just friends" with Lucas and Haley tells her mainly by doing the same stuff, except without the sex.

Later, feeling terrible guilt Peyton begins to avoid Lucas. He realizes something is up and risks his health to sneak out of his house to visit her.

What's up with Nathan: The guy is truly changing. He notices Haley's new outfit and tells her how fantastic she is and that he couldn't get through all the hell that his parents are putting him through without her. When she asks him if it's really that bad at home he admits he feels that he'll end up having to live with the parent who hires the best lawyer. Haley tells her beau that knowledge is power and turns to the internet to look up his rights. Turns out he can plead his case to the judge and live with whichever parent he chooses. He happily breaks this news to his squabbling parents.

Later Deb apologizes to her son. She realizes that he's caught in the middle of the ugly mess and she promises that if he stays with her everything will change. He agrees to stay and heads to the beach house to tell his father his decision.

What's up with Dan: When Nathan comes to visit the man at the beach house he tells his son that he is relieved that he wants to choose. He knows that Nathan is smart and he'll make the right decision - to come live with him. As Nathan attempts to tell him he in fact will be staying with Deb, Dan starts in with the guilt trip and hints to Nathan that his mother has deep secrets that she won't want exposed. Nathan is curious and Dan tells him to go live with Deb if he really wants to discover the "truth" about her nasty past.

What's up with Brooke: Still broken-hearted, Brooke pays a visit to Lucas' home. Karen thinks he's sleeping but he's really over at Peyton's. Brooke tells Karen that she's just there to bring some information about some healing tea she discovered on the internet. She's all about the healing that girl. And she's obviously gotten to Karen. They talk about love and loss over photos of Italy and Brooke admits that after Lucas is healed she's hoping he'll give them another chance.

How does it all wrap up: Karen hires Jake as a waiter at the Café and before he even gets his first table his father calls him and tells him to come home. His real job needs him. Jake thanks Karen for the job but tells her he doesn't think it's going to work out. His first priority is Jenny and she needs him. Karen offers Jake Lucas' old crib in the back telling him sometimes people just need a little help. He keeps the job.

While sneaking out to visit Peyton Lucas collapses. He's burning up with fever and Peyton starts to call Karen. One problem, she's with Brooke. Peyton decides to call anyway and Karen tells her to get that boy to the emergency room - she'll meet them there. Concerned and a little more than suspicious, Brooke heads out with Karen. Once they arrive they ask Lucas where he's been. The river court he lies. Brooke doesn't seem to believe him.

At home Karen wants to know why Lucas is pushing someone out of his life that truly cares for him. He asks why she is doing the same thing to Keith.

Meanwhile, Nathan arrives at his mother's house. He's come to tell her he's decided to live with his father. Apparently she has something to hide and Nathan wants to protect her - if he agrees to live with Dan he won't be able to use whatever it is against her. Deb tries to get him to stay but he's out. He rides off with a very smug and victorious Dan as Deb cries in the doorway of her empty home.

That night Peyton comes to visit Lucas and explain her past with her best friend Brooke. It was Brooke who was there for her when her mom died and she's been there for her ever since. Lucas tells her that life is short and she says too short to live it as a bad person. Sadly, Peyton tells him they have to be apart.

Later Brooke pays Peyton a visit. She tells her she knows that she and Lucas were sneaking around behind her back and if they wanted to keep their relationship a secret perhaps she should have turned off her 24/7 internet bedroom cam. She knows for a fact that they betrayed her and she isn't interested in being "friends" with either of them.  [back to top]

I Shall Believe Written by Jennifer Cecil Directed by Greg Prange February 17, 2004

What's the drama: The E.R. staff quickly brings the paddles when Lucas flatlines. They bring him back from the great beyond and immediately begin surgery.

After Nathan admits to Haley how their relationship started with him trying to get back at Lucas she's surprised and very, very peeved. Before she can fully lay into the guy she gets a phone call informing her of the accident and that Lucas is in bad shape.

Speaking of admissions Peyton is about to break the news of her fling with Lucas to Brooke. Brooke lets her know she can tell her anything but just as the admission begins the phone rings informing the girls of Lucas' accident.

The next morning the doctor tells Karen that Lucas is out of the woods, he'll need physical therapy and they almost lost him for a moment during surgery.

What's up with Lucas: Alive but just hanging on in a coma.

What's up with Keith: As Karen is checking in with the hospital front desk a police officer informs her that (her husband) Keith's blood alcohol level was just one point shy of the legal limit - just one small point from being in a whole lot of trouble. But legal limits mean nothing to a mother in pain. She tells Keith how disappointed she is in him, how she trusted him with her son and how disgusted she is. She tosses him out of the hospital and presumably her life.

What's up with Haley: She avoids Lucas and the hospital out of guilt. She feels terrible that they fought the last time they saw one another and is afraid she won't be able to take back her harsh words. Peyton tells her she'll be glad to come with her to the hospital - strength in numbers.

Nathan inquires about Lucas and gets a very snippy answer from Haley. She's sickened that she has been spending time with the user Nathan and not her best friend.

Later Haley tells Peyton that Nathan was just using her to get to Lucas but Peyton tries to tell her that the boy is truly into her. It doesn't matter. They're taking a break for now. Both girls agree that they need to have Lucas in their life.

What's up with Karen: Deb comes to Karen's side at the hospital. She brings her food and tells her not to worry about anything other than her son - she'll take care of the Café. Karen tells Deb she is feeling that she is getting payback for being selfish and going to Italy. Deb assures her that is stinkin' thinking. But Karen tells Deb everything is crazy since she returned - that she can't believe that she's grateful to the wrong Scott brother and breaks the news that Dan saved Lucas' life. Deb is surprised to say the least.

Later things go from bad to worse when Karen finds out her insurance doesn't nearly cover the treatment Lucas has received and continues to receive.

Karen notices Lucas' tattoo and after meeting Peyton and Brooke asks her sleeping son if anything has not changed since she left.

When Whitey comes to pay a visit. Karen asks him how Keith could do what he did. Coach reminds her that no one ever loved a boy more than Keith loves Lucas.

What's up with Brooke: Spending plenty of time at Lucas' bedside with Karen and spending a mint at the hospital gift shop as well. When Brooke asks Peyton to join her to visit Lucas she tells her she's not comfortable with it. Brooke reads this as her friend is not comfortable because her mom died in that hospital after a car accident but reminds her that Lucas needs his friends around him right now. Peyton agrees to come visit with her the next day.

What's up with Deb: She asks Nathan how he is with the whole divorce thing. He tells her he's okay with it and they both realize how sad that is.

Deb pays a visit to Keith's garage. She tells him to give it time with Karen but he feels that she won't snap back from this one. Her son is comatose and he is to blame. And he was so close to real happiness.

What's up with Dan: He refuses to go to mediation with Deb. He thinks their marriage isn't a mistake and she threatens to hire a lawyer. He reminds her to think back to a long time ago when she almost blew it. He wants her to give him another chance the way he did. She tells him she's all out of chances. As Dan departs he tells her he will never give her a divorce. We'll see about that. She hires a lawyer.

What's up with the gang: Mouth and the boys from down at the river court (including Jake) make a get well video for their friend Lucas. They also start a chalk art tribute as each team member draws a little something on the court to Lucas.

What's up with Peyton: Peyton takes Haley down to the river court to show Haley the art tribute the guys from the team are creating. Haley is not shocked that Nathan is not around adding to the art. Peyton pays a visit to Nathan in order to snap him out his funk and to let him know that Haley is the best thing that ever happened to him. He agrees but realizes he blew it when he admitted that he originally got together with Haley in order to get back at Lucas.

How does it all wrap up: Keith finally gets the courage to show up at the hospital again just to leave a gift for Lucas. The woman at the front desk tells him that the billing department has a note to discuss payment with Lucas' parents and he's the dad right? He wants to know which way the billing department is.

The woman from hospital billing department reveals that anything not covered by Karen's insurance will be put on her husband's credit card. Karen realizes her Keith has come to the rescue again.

Brooke makes a sign and hangs it up in the hospital room for Lucas to appreciate when he wakes up but Karen wonders why there's nothing from the tattoo parlor. Brooke fesses up to the fact that she talked her son into the tattoo because he is always so serious. Another black mark against the new girlfriend. Brooke tells Karen she gets nervous when she's stressed out but she's crazy about her son, which is enough for Karen. She invites Brooke to stay and have dinner with her.

Nathan finally comes to visit Lucas in the hospital and talks while his brother sleeps. He pleads Haley's case and tells him that all she wants is forgiveness but that's all any of them really want. As Nathan talks Lucas slowly comes to. He asks for water and wants to know what he's doing there. Nathan wakes a sleeping Karen to show her the good news.

Nathan heads straight to see Haley to tell him that Lucas is awake, to tell her that he was there when he opened his eyes. He went to see Lucas because she couldn't. He apologizes for how their relationship started and lets her know that he's not that person anymore. He takes her to see her best friend in the hospital. When Lucas sees her he tells her he missed her and she hugs him.

Karen shows up at Dan's car dealership and as she walks through the door he immediately gets defensive - insisting he had to sign the consent forms and as he goes on she simply lunges forward and hugs the man, telling him "Thank you."  [back to top]

Hanging by a Moment Written by Mark Schwahn Directed by John Behring February 10, 2004

What's the drama: Haley is stressing on her school situation and having crazy dreams as a result. Apparently the girl is "flagging P.E." because she can't seem to make a free throw. She asks Lucas to help her out but he's too busy with his own dramas.

Peyton and Lucas discuss their "episode" at the motel and Peyton decides she would rather simply "bury" it but after some thought Lucas decides he can't do it. Peyton wants to be true to her friend but Lucas convinces her to betray Brooke when he kisses her. He tells her that Brooke is great but she's not Peyton. He feels it in his heart that they can make it work together. But what are they going to do about Brooke?

Deb and Dan continue therapy. Dan compares his situation with Lucas and Karen to the mountain climber who had his arm wedged in a boulder and had to cut his arm off in order to save his own life. He had to cut out the part of him that was weighing him down. Deb wonders how she differs from Karen since she got pregnant just a couple of months later. Why wasn't she considered extra weight? He tells her because with her he saw a future.

What's up with Lucas: He's looking forward to his mother's return.

Lucas and his "girlfriend" pay a visit to their friend Peyton's home to help her paint her room. While the two girls are alone Brooke admits that she is totally falling for Lucas. And hard. Peyton tells Lucas she just "can't do this" to her best friend and calls off the redecorating party. Lucas and Brooke head out to get hot chocolate and just as Lucas appears to get the courage to break the bad news to Brooke she tells him how excited she is about his mom coming home. She really wants Karen to like her and besides - she isn't close to her mother. This will be a nice change for her.

What's up with Peyton: Peyton comes to Haley for advice. She wants to know how she was able to risk losing her best friend Lucas for her relationship with Nathan. After their discussion Peyton tells Lucas once and for all that she doesn't want to risk losing her best friend over a "fling." He tells her he understands how she feels but he has to be with her. They kiss among the rows of books in the library and who should happen to see the whole thing? Haley catches the big show and is disgusted.

What's up with Keith: He stops by Coach Whitey's office to toast him on what is about to become his 500th win. Coach tells his friend that they can have a double celebration because he's thinking about stepping down. He confesses that before she died he and Camilla agreed that he would coach for twenty years and then they would start living. It's been thirty-five years and he's still there.

What's up with Coach Whitey: Later, as the coach gazes at his list of life goals he goes down the list, and crosses out "Win 500 games," but stares blankly at "Make a difference." Later when Whitey asks Nathan if he made a difference, Nathan can't answer him. Then he finds Coach's list of life goals.

After some research Nathan heads back to the Coach to congratulate him on 500 wins and tells him that he's made a difference…at least to him.

What's up with Nathan: Nathan steps up and offers to help Haley with her free throw skills (or lack there of). The girl is worse than Shaq before he started working with Magic Johnson. Dan stops by to ask his son to join him for steaks at the beach house but he denies his dad, telling him he has plans with Haley already.

What's up with Deb: During a heart-to-heart at the Café, Deb tells Keith that she's not sure she and Dan can find their way back. Keith admits he's nervous because he's supposed to pick up Karen at the airport soon. He asks Deb for a beer to ease his nerves. He's anxious about starting to live the life he's always wanted.

What's up with Dan: While walking on the beach in front of the condo he happens upon Carrie, an attractive neighbor. She seems very interested in Dan and he seems very unmarried.

Later that evening Neighbor Carrie shows up on Dan's porch. She notices he has an extra steak and she invites herself to dinner. He's cool with that. He even busts out the candles, the romantical tunes and the good wine. But it's no good. Dan tells Carrie he has a wife he loves very much and she retaliates with the coincidence that she has a husband who she loves very much but it just so happens that neither of their spouses are around at the moment…oops…but just then Deb walks in. Guess one of their spouses is there. Carrie splits real quick-like and Dan gives his wife the worst line ever - it doesn't look as bad as it is. She walks out the door and then he tells her he loves her.

What's up with Haley: She confronts Lucas with what she witnessed in the library. He tells her to butt-out…it's complicated. No actually, she tells him, it's quite easy - what he is doing is wrong. He has a girlfriend. She doesn't like the person he is becoming. Lucas throws Haley's relationship with Nathan back in her face and somehow tries to compare the two situations. Haley tells him that the next time he sees her he shouldn't bother talking to her. He's fine with that.

How does it all wrap up: Coach Whitey unpacks in his office and changes his life's goals from "win 500 games" to "win 600 games." Looks like he's sticking around.

Dan heads to the Café to see Deb - he's got to talk. For once he was misunderstood and he was trying to do the right thing. He arrives at the Café and tells his wife he needs to come home. Deb tells him she needs a divorce. Dan departs and drives home - dejected.

While Peyton and Brooke wait for Keith, Lucas and Karen to return from the airport Peyton tells her best friend that she has something she has to tell her…

On the drive to the airport Keith admits to Lucas that it seems like just yesterday he was kissing his mother goodbye at the airport. Lucas asks Keith to try to keep the P.D.A. to a minimum. The two joke and share the love. It really feels like the new situation is going to work out. As Keith pulls into the intersection for a left-hand turn another car slams directly into Lucas' side of the car. The metal crushes. Dan happens to be sitting at the same intersection and runs to help. 9-1-1 is busy on the cell phone so Dan carries Lucas to his car and drives the victims to the hospital himself. The doctor tells Dan that the boy will need surgery and asks Dan if he is the legal guardian. Dan admits that the boy is his son.

Meanwhile at the airport, Karen receives a page and in surgery Lucas flatlines.  [back to top]

Crash Course in Polite Conversation Written by Jessica Queller Directed by Sandy Smolan February 3, 2004

What's the drama: Peyton's dad is up on the "George Jetson" computer-style phone to say "hey" to his little girl. He announces that he'll be home soon and Peyton asks Lucas to help restore her dad's classic Corvette. But soon after the good news is announced Peyton gets bad news. It seems there's a category three storm in the area where her father was traveling.

Grandma and Grandpa Scott pay a surprise visit to the land of unhappy Scotts. It's a surprise for Danny's birthday and a surprise is what they get. Dan never gave his folks the news that he and Deb have separated and Deb ain't about to give it up. When it comes right down to it Deb wants Dan to tell them the truth. He elects to go through the motions and put on the happy family show…just for the night. She reluctantly agrees.

While in town, Father Scott stops by Karen's Café to say hello and inquire about her son as well. He leaves word with Haley that "an old friend" stopped by, though he doesn't give her his name. Pops also pays a visit to the car lot, and brags about his beloved son Dan. We see where Dan gets his glory days trip - directly from Dear Old Dad.

Nathan invites Haley to come to the dreaded family dinner, which will be much less painful with her there. Buffers are always nice. Needless to say it's a little awkward when she arrives and she and the elder Scott exchange knowing (or we've already met) looks over formal introductions.

What's up with Peyton: News gets worse when Peyton receives a call that her father's transport ship is missing and a body has been found. Officials want her to come to Hilton Head to identify the body. Always the gentleman (and good friend) Lucas offers to drive her, even in the middle of a storm. Brooke tells them she'd be of no help and she'll hold down the fort at Peyton's home while they are away.

The drive to Hilton Head is tense and when Peyton thanks Lucas he tells her "that's what friends are for." They come upon a roadblock - the storm has closed the a bridge and the ferry won't be operating until the morning. Might as well get a room at the motel. Lucas offers to sleep on the floor but she offers to share the bed.

What's up with Lucas: At the motel that evening, Peyton has trouble sleeping and tells Lucas she doesn't know what she'll do if her father is dead. Just when she thinks things are going okay something goes wrong. Later that morning they arrive to identify the body and luckily for Peyton, it doesn't end up being dad. She immediately puts in a call to Brooke who tells her she just received a call and he's safe. Peyton is overcome with emotion, hugs Lucas and hands him the phone. Brooke tells him she loves him and he says goodbye.

As the friends celebrate Peyton realizes that she has lost her heart bracelet that her father got her. They return to the hotel to look for it.

What's up with Nathan: During dinner Father Scott wants to discuss sports…only. He wants to know how many points Nathan is averaging per game. Big Dan averaged 27 points after all. Dan doesn't want to tell his folks that Nathan has left the team so he jumps in and lies for Nathan - he's still getting 24 points per game. Dinner continues with the major uncomfortable tenseness and finally Pops tells them to stop changing the subject and finally asks Nathan and Dan to come clean. Nathan admits that he quit the team and Deb tells them the entire ugly Dan versus Nathan story. Grandma tells Dan he should be ashamed of himself after the way his father bullied him…and the way he dropped out of basketball himself. It is revealed to the entire family (and Haley) that Dan's infamous knee injury wasn't exactly a "forever" thing. He simply used it to get out of the sport. Father Scott is incensed! Dan asks his mother why spill all the beans now? Rather than be angry at his father for all the pain he caused him in the past he blames his mother for finally telling the truth.

What's up with Deb: She is angry about the injury lie too. Deb complains that she dropped out of school when he did. Dan corrects her, reminding her that they dropped out to raise their son. Deb fears they've been living a lie all these years. When Dan tells her he was trying to protect her from the truth she tells him she doesn't know what the truth is anymore. Who does?

The next morning Mother Scott has a heart to heart with Deb. They're both glad she spoke up. Dan…not so much. He's cranky but Moms tells him he'll really hate it if history repeats itself. He needs to do right by Nathan. Instead he goes for a run.

What's up with Dan: Dan's heart to heart with his father goes much worse than Deb's went with his mom. His father was on the road when he hurt his knee - it wasn't a degenerative knee condition it was only temporary. But rather than fail in front of his dad he quit. Either way he lost.

What's up with Haley: Nathan confides in Haley. Some things were set in stone when he was growing up - one of them was the fact that Dan Scott would have been a pro if he wouldn't have blown out his knee. She tells him now that he knows the truth he's free from the pressure of his father. Nathan doesn't seem so sure.

How does it all wrap up: The next day Dan fesses up to Nathan that he allowed his mother to talk him into quitting. At the time it was good to get out from under the pressure of his father. Soon after he officially bagged the game he realized that he was playing for himself - he loved the game but it was too late. His knee never responded to the rehabing after he had let it go awhile. Now he pushes because he is simply trying to help Nathan not have to live with the regret he's lived with all these years…the regret of giving up.

Grandpa corners Nathan and tells him he's sorry about his dad and Nathan tells him he understands why his father did what he did - he must have really loved him to be so afraid he would disappoint him. Nathan decides he now has an opportunity to beat his father. He'll out-succeed him and continue to play ball. It's the only way he'll be free of him. Nathan has a new determination.

Back at the hotel, in search of the heart bracelet, Peyton finally lets the emotion and the pressure get to her. She finds the bracelet and her father has been found. In a moment of weakness (or clarity?) she kisses Lucas. He kisses her back…and then some. But during the heavy petting Peyton's hair gets caught on the necklace Brooke got for Lucas. Reality returns and the passion is brought to a screeching halt.

There's a serious stanky cold silence as the couple drive back to town. When Lucas attempts to talk about the awkward moment Peyton defensively tells him it was a mistake and it didn't mean anything. It didn't?

Lucas and Peyton arrive home to a Brooke who is ready to comfort them both with open arms. The little scene may not have meant anything but the guilty looks they share mean oh so much.  [back to top]

The Living Years Written by Mark B. Perry Directed by Tom Wright January 27, 2004

What's the drama: Family therapy is fun. Dan is hostile. Deb recaps the ugly situation for the therapist. Dan can't loose the unhealthy obsession with basketball. He disagrees. They do agree that things have gotten out of hand. Nathan sits silent. The confused therapist asks Nate what he thinks about the family's situation. Is basketball part of the family's problem? Nathan tells the therapist it may be.

At Karen's Café it's obvious that Deb is a little flustered. Keith asks her how she's doing. She admits to the disastrous counseling session the day before. Keith offers to help Nathan if he can. Dan shows up and in typical fashion is really rude. He lets his wife know that he's taking Nathan to dinner and wants to know if there's a problem. When she says there is he tells her he's doing it anyway - he'll pick him up at 7.

That Dan…always so considerate.

Later, Lucas stops by Peyton's house and spots a strange man pilfering through the kitchen. He confronts the strange man with a rake. When asked who he is - strange pilfering man, a.k.a. Larry Sawyer, tells him he's Peyton's father. Embarrassed, Lucas puts the rake back.

What's up with Lucas: All work and no Brooke make a very boring boy - at least according to Brooke. But Lucas seems happy with his books and other interests. When the cheerleader realizes that she and her beau have nothing in common she offers to try the switcheroo again with Lucas. She proposes to read another "Steinberg" book and then they can trade. She wants to know everything about him. He agrees to bring her along next time he does something he loves. And she will plan something legal and fun for them to do, but this time she promises…nothing that involves tattoos!

What's up with Nathan: Nathan admits to Haley that he's not exactly missing the basketball since practice has been cancelled - he can find other things to occupy his time. She tells him he's brave to rebuild his whole existence. Nathan tells her that practice is supposed to start up again that afternoon and he's not sure if he will be there.

Later, Nathan shows up at the shop to talk to Keith. Keith knows his nephew is going through some tough times. Nate asks him why he quit basketball when he was a kid. Keith admits he couldn't take the constant competition with his father. He tells him it was easier to let it go than to compete with a man like Dan.

Later at dinner Dan flirts with the restaurant hostess and discovers that Nathan didn't go to practice - on the advice of Keith. This is clearly very bad news to Dan who tells him not to listen to his uncle if he wants to get anywhere in life. Nathan admits he's not sure what he wants in life.

The next day at school he decides to "cut out early" and asks Haley if she'd like to join him for some fun. They ditch together, steal a convertible from Dan's lot, and get drunk at the beach house. When Dan shows up acting all authority figure, Haley barfs on his lap. Not that Dan doesn't deserve it, but she could have leaned the other way - out the window!

What's up with Peyton: Brooke wants to know who's got Peyton smiling so much. Peyton tells her it's her father Larry - back in town, just for a little while.

Later, when Lucas asks Peyton what's up with the father figure suddenly around, she admits that she wishes he'd stick around but he loves his job and it's not fair to ask him to give it up after her mother died.

That afternoon at practice, Jake brings his daughter Jenny and when Coach gets cranky about the kid being there, Peyton agrees to watch her for Jake.

The next day at school the two new friends discuss his fatherhood. He explains to Peyton that he's so in love with his daughter he can't see straight. He wants her around all the time. She wonders what her father must feel about her since he seems to have no trouble leaving her for long periods at a time. He makes it perfectly clear that night at dinner when he tells her he got a great, big money job in New Zealand. He's hoping he can make enough money to send her to art school.

What's up with Brooke: She admits that she and Lucas have nothing in common. He likes art and books and stuff and she…well, doesn't. She likes to make out and stuff.

When she shows up to meet Lucas at Karen's Café she glances through the window and notices Lucas, Peyton and Peyton's dad discussing literature all cozy-like at the table together and she's a bit taken aback knowing her best pal is much more suited to her boyfriend, intellectually speaking.

The next day at school she confronts Lucas with the fact that he and Peyton look more like they are dating than they do.

What's up with Haley: Haley ended up missing a pop quiz in English the day she ditched and she received her first F. She ditches one day and her life's headed down the toilet.

The next day Nathan apologizes to Haley for dragging her down and though he's happy to spend so much time with her he doesn't want to hurt her and pull her into his troubles. She tells him she likes hanging out with him and being there for him but he insists that he wants the "good girl" he fell for. One of them "rebuilding" their life is more than eno