The Brooke and Peyton drama is in full swing as Brooke sticks to her promise of not speaking to her former BFF. She walks right past her at school with a look of absolute stone cold bitchiness on her face. I can't say that Peyton doesn't deserve it. 

Jake Jagielski (!!!) is back and asks Peyton for a favor. He has a wedding to go to and needs a babysitter for little Jenny. Peyton obliges and Jake gives her the nod ("He gave her the nod!") and walks away with a big ole smile on his face. Sometimes I wonder if Peyton and Jake were robbed, folks. And then I remember that the two broody blondes (Pey and Luke) definitely deserved one another more in the end. Nobody else was gonna put up with their stupid asses.

Nathan is living with Dan at the moment, which seems like zero fun to me but to each their own. Nate's running late to school everyday since I guess the beach house is further away from school, so Dan solves the problem with the most logical solution ever; a brand new car. There's nothing like a father buying his son's love. 

Meanwhile, Haley really wants Sheryl Crow tickets, which is kind of a cool and normal subplot with all the craziness going on with everyone else's lives. Lucas is frustrated big time because he can't play basketball, physical therapy isn't help, he's an asshole, and both his girlfriends aren't speaking to him. Bitch Davis has a great encounter with him in the hallway where she tells him how stupid he is, and he just looks at her, dumbfounded.

Lucas, Haley, and Karen all have dinner together for the first time since probably the first episode and while they're all joking around and having a good time, Lucas decides to be the worst and explode on the two of them and then storm off to the bar. LUCAS. You suck right now! He uses the fake ID Brooke gave him to order a drink and then flirts it up with some older chick with horrible eyeliner. Who is this mysterious woman? Her name is Nikki, and she can do magic tricks with a set of matches and alcohol. She also used to work at the mall and has the key to the carousel. They break all kinds of laws (I'm assuming) and have sex on said carousel. In hindsight I really hope this isn't how Lucas lost his virginity because it's just so awful. Nikki is way worse than I thought (and I already thought she was bad) and this whole plot is just...gross. 

Karen is concerned about Lucas since, ya know, he just had his spleen removed like a couple days ago. She calls Peyton who hasn't seen him and also Brooke who is ignoring all her calls in favor of wearing a velvet track suit and eating Chinese food. Peyton goes over to Brooke's to ask for help and Bitch Davis is like, "Fuck you, I'm busy." B then realizes exactly where Luke is, the bar she took him, and goes with Peyton despite her current hatred for her former BFF. The bartender tells them about how Luke left with the Eyeliner Whore and Brooke is not surprised at all. I love this moment because you see another really human side of Brooke Davis. She says that she's the most hurt by what happened not because of what Lucas did, but because Peyton, her best friend did. Of course on the surface that sounds like a guy v.s. girl thing and how society gives women crap and gives men excuses, but I think Brooke might have a point here. She and Lucas had just started dating. Her and Peyton have been best friends forever. She didn't know what Lucas was capable of, but she thought she knew Peyton. Also, kudos to Pey for eventually breaking it off, but also, she let it on behind B's back for much longer than she should have. End rant.

Deb is keeping secrets from everybody because Dan is about to dig up a bunch of shit from her past. She eventually comes clean to Nate that a few years back she left Dan to be with someone else, but then came back. This scene is heartbreaking because Dan is clearly an emotionally abusive and manipulative father, and Deb left her only son with him so that she could escape. Nathan says, "No, Mom. You didn't come back for me. You came back because your fling ended." He goes on to describe how terrible that Summer was, and how he called her from help and she didn't help. Sorry, Deb. Your reign as the superior Scott parent has ended. Y'all are both disgusting humans. Poor Nate.

You know what else is terrible? An earlier exchange between Dan and Lucas. It's volatile in ways I can't even describe, which is probably why I didn't mention it before. Thinking about it makes me uncomfortable. I am deciding not to talk about it. 

Lucas comes home and apologizes to Karen, who is done with his bullshit. Lucas also goes to Whitey and encourages him to replace him while he's injured.

​Brooke makes fun of Peyton for "playing house with Jake Jagielski" and while I don't agree with every insult she throws Peyton and Lucas's way, she does have so many good ones. Jake invites Peyton stay after he returns from the wedding to enjoy some pizza and a movie and he's perfect. At the cafe, Sheryl Crow shows up wanting some coffee while Nathan and Haley discuss his decision to become emancipated from his parents. Haley freaks out in the most adorable way and Nathan captures a picture of her and Sheryl on his little tiny flip phone. God, a drama free of episode with Naley? The best.

Jake cleans up from his night with Peyton and finds a picture of Jenny she drew. Just then, someone knocks on the door. It's none other than the Eyeliner Whore asking him, "How's my daughter?" Cue daunting music. 

Favorite line: "As for excuses, you don't own me any. I'm not your girlfriend. And from here on out, I'm not even your friend." Bitch Davis shoots, and Bitch Davis fucking scores.
Worst character introduction: Nikki. Yuck. Eyeliner Whore.
Most annoying character: Deb. Pull yourself together. You are crumbling and it's an ugly look on you. 
Oddest guest star: Sheryl "One song per cup" Crow???
Random Observation: The way that Dan talks to Keith when buying his business is very similar to the mannerisms of early season 1 Nathan talking to Lucas. I'm so happy those two don't turn into these two. 

What did you think of the intro of Nikki? What's your favorite Brooke Davis insult? And mostly importantly, were Peyton and Jake robbed of a happily ever after? Tell me in the comments!

XOXO,
​Em

So I guess last episode was supposed to make us super emotional because everyone's favorite Scott brother (sorry Season 1 Nathan, you just aren't that great yet) was in a coma and recovering from a horrible car accident. But this episode actually had me MORE emotional. Why, you ask? Because turns out Brooke Davis and I have a lot more in common than I originally thought.

Let's just get right into it. Lucas is coming home from the hospital after having his spleen removed. His arm is also in a sling and the doctors aren't sure yet whether or not he'll ever be able to play basketball again. This is what we are supposed to care about after a nearly fatal accident, apparently. I don't give a shit about whether or not Lucas, who we haven't seen throw a ball in several episodes, plays again. I just want all of our main characters happy and healthy again.
​
Lucas and Karen are greeted at their house by a very happy Brooke Davis, who has decorated Luke's room to be a healthy healing space. Guys, she's so happy to see him, I cannot stress this enough. She's basically jumping up and down. Lucas looks less than thrilled (I've seen that look before and it kills) and Karen is glad that someone is treating her baby boy right. Seriously minutes later, he dumps her. This is where things get interesting for me, because I'm pretty certain that the breakup I just endured (with my bf of almost 2 years, not almost 2 months like Brucas) WAS THE EXACT SAME. Seriously. He said all the same things. It's as if he watched Chad Michael Murray tell Sophia Bush that they weren't working out and memorized the script and recited it to me. Here's the exchange word for word (disclaimer: not word for word at all):

Chad Michael Murray/ex-bf: I gotta figure some stuff out.

Sophia Bush/me: Of course! I'm here for you. 

CMM/ex-bf: I don't think that's such a good idea.

SB/me: *displays a look of shock and hurt*

CMM/ex-bf: We should spend some time apart.

SB/me: Are you breaking up with me?

CMM/ex-bf: I'm sorry.

SB/me: Not enough, apparently. 

​EVERYTHING HURTS AGAIN.

So anyway, my heart is broken all over again. Lucky for me, I, just like Brooke Davis, am a badass and also said some pretty ballsy things when my emotions were being toyed with for no logical reason whatsoever. He's so vague! And such an asshole! And then he goes kissing Peyton like two minutes later, which leads me to believe that all (most) teenage boys are dummies. Serious question for male readers: Do you all practice the CMM face in the mirror? Do you get all your breakup lines from One Tree Hill? Help me out, please. I'm so confused as to how this breakup and mine were SO damn similar.

Peyton and Haley (BFFs!) see Brooke crying in the mall, where she reveals that Lucas told her that he just wants to be friends. Haley gives Peyton the look of death because she knows the real reason for the sudden breakup. Brooke is trying desperately to be okay, and because she cares so much about Luke she wants to know how to best be his friend. Haley says, "Do pretty much what you were doing before, but without the sex." This is where I go WHAT? Because I totally believed (and still believe) that Lucas lost his virginity to Nikki (Jake's ex) later in the season! He hasn't slept with Brooke? Right? Am I wrong here, 'cause I think I'm right? Also: Why is it such a big deal that Haley is a virgin and wants to wait to have sex when Lucas and her are both virgins when the show begins? Y'all, I'm confused.

Lucas and Peyton spend the rest of the episode kissing and flirting and loving on one another. Look, good on him I guess for breaking things off with Brooke when he's really in love with Peyton. BUT the fact that he strung Brooke along in the first place just because Peyton didn't want him is terrible. Brooke is his number two, always. She always plays second fiddle to Pey when it comes to Lucas and it's unfair. Lucas disobeys his mama's orders and goes over to Peyton's house to fool around because he's a horny teenage boy. While there, he falls ill (BECAUSE HE ISN'T FOLLOWING DOCTOR'S ORDERS) and Peyton must take him to the hospital and call Karen. But who is Karen with? Her new friend, Brooke. B wants to be a good friend and so she comes over to chill with Karen and check up on Lucas. She is stabbed in the back so fucking hard.

Once Lucas is revealed to be okay, Peyton tells him that she can't do this anymore because she doesn't want to hurt Brooke. Jokes on her though, because her stupid webcam (seriously, we need to talk about this webcam) caught her and Lucas in a big lie. When Brooke went to check on Lucas, Pey's webcam was open on his computer, revealing that Peyton didn't just "bump into Lucas at the Rivercourt" like she previously claimed. The webcam showed the two of them together in her bedroom. Brooke tells Peyton she never wants to see her or Lucas ever again. The Bitch Davis era has begun, my friends. And I am here for it.

Also in this episode, Deb and Dan fight for custody over Nathan, who realizes both of his parents are pretty shitty individuals. Haley tells him about his rights, and that if wants to, he can actually become emancipated from them. He decides to move to the beach house with Dan for the time being, which is dumb but it's fine.

So friends, has anyone ever broke up with you in the same way that Lucas did with Brooke? Does it make your heart sink that this only breakup one out of three from these two? Who would you rather live with, Deb or Dan? And most importantly, who the hell did Lucas Scott lose his virginity to? Let me know in the comments.

Favorite line: "I don't know what hurts more. You sneaking around behind my back or you lying to my face." Brooke Davis, y'all. Go off.
Most relatable breakup: Lucas dumping Brooke. Asshole.
Funniest moment: Karen being confused as to who Lucas is dating because he breaks up with Brooke and then is with Peyton right after.
Random Observation: Even though she's the worst right now, you can really see the pain in Peyton's eyes throughout the episode. Shit is hitting her hard. It allows for the downward spirals she goes through to make total and complete sense.

XOXO,
Em

Get ready for sadness, friends, as we spend the entire episode in the hospital. Chad Michael Murray has a total of maybe two lines this whole episode, because he's in a coma and shit. The acting is actually pretty good despite how incredibly dramatic the situation is. And the funny thing, this isn't the worst thing that's going to happen to Lucas Scott while he lives in Tree Hill.

Everyone is freaking out once they learn that Lucas is in the hospital. Haley and Nathan are fighting, and her heart drops to the floor as she realizes that the last conversation she had with Luke was also a fight. Haley really does a 180 here, deciding that she was the one in the wrong and that she shouldn't have said all those cruel things to her best friend. Listen, I love Hales, I think she's one of the most consistent (minus season 2) and empathic characters on the show, but I really don't think she needs to feel quite as bad as she does here. Luke said just as many mean things, and he's the one cheating on his girlfriend. 

Which brings me to the awkward moment of Peyton and Brooke standing in Pey's bedroom, with Peyton getting ready to confess to her wrongdoings. Just as she's about to tell her best friend everything, B receives a call that Lucas has just been in a terrible accident and Peyton rushes her to the hospital. Okay, so I'm glad Peyton didn't decide to spill the beans right then and there and instead was a supportive BFF, but also this whole situation is just so messed up.

At the hospital, Karen learns from a police officer that Keith was drinking prior to the crash, and she is PISSED. She doesn't even want Keith at the hospital anymore, and any chance we thought these two lovebirds had is now very far gone. As much as I adore Keith, he is very much in the wrong here. We are all human and flawed, but the mistake he made was a pretty big one and now he has to pay for it. Quite literally. This man goes on to pay all the medical bills that the insurance wouldn't cover by lying and saying that he is Karen's husband. Daaaaamn. Talk about character redemption.

​Brooke meets Karen for the first time, and it's so much more adorable than I remember. Brooke is a babbling mess, and Karen is stunned that this is Lucas's girlfriend. On the surface she seems so preppy and flakey, but as they get to know one another, Karen realizes that Brooke is a huge sweetheart. 

At the Cafe, Haley tells Peyton that she can't visit Lucas because of their fight and she doesn't want to talk to Nathan because he's a jackass. Peyton is slowly crumbling here, because she feels awful for betraying her best friend and she knows that she's part of the reason that Haley and Lucas had a falling out. She takes it upon herself to approach Nathan and tell him that it would be beneficial if he encouraged Haley to go to the hospital to see Luke. He does, and has his own heart to heart with his brother. And guess what! Lucas wakes up!

Nathan gives Lucas water and alerts Karen that he is awake. On his way back from the hospital, he apologizes to Haley and tells her to go see Lucas. Haley finally goes to see her best friend, and breaks down at the sight of him. It's all so sad, you guys. 

Karen finds out that Dan was the one that brought Lucas to the hospital and thanks him by giving him a hug while he tries to defend his decision to allow surgery. Dan is the good guy in this episode and it's super weird, but also really nice. We also get a glimpse of Keith playing with the engagement ring he got for Karen. This is supposed to make us feel sad. It makes me feel angry that he screwed everything up.

As Karen arrives at her hosue for the first time since returning from Italy, she breaks down in tears because her life is kind of falling apart. Don't worry, Karen, things are going to pick up! And then they're going to get really, really bad again. That's the Tree Hill way.

Favorite line: ""So I'm here because everything's screwed up, I know you don't like me with Haley but I like her, alot, and she's hurting right now too. She needs you to open your eyes, she feels like she can't be forgiven and I'm sort of in the same place." Nathan to Lucas in the hospital room. They're becoming brothers for real. For real!
Cutest moment: Everyone decorating the River Court with notes to Lucas about how much they love and miss him. Also puts into perspective how crazy bad this car accident was.
Random Observation: Brooke assumes that Peyton doesn't want to go to the hospital because it's the same place that her mom died, and Peyton just lets Brooke believe that's the reason. Oh, Peyton Sawyer you are starting to get on my nerves like never before. 

Next time: The love triangle becomes absolutely unbearable.

XOXO,
​Em

Guys! Why do I remember the shit that goes down in this episode happening so much later in this season? I didn't think shit hit the fan so fast! But here I am, being proved wrong. Brace yourself, friends. We are about to go on a wild ride...pun completely and totally intended. I'm so sorry.

Karen's coming home, y'all! Moira Kelly's maternity leave must be up (that was crazy fast, right?) and Keith and Lucas can't wait to pick her up from the airport and give her all the hugs. One of these two Scott's is more excited than the other. I'll let you guess which one that is. As they anticipate her arrival, Keith goes around telling everyone "Karen's coming home! Karen's coming home!" and Lucas is galavanting through libraries with Peyton in tow, making out in front of the books (for shame!). 

Haley catches the two lovebirds in action and is rightfully PISSED. This is not the Lucas she grew up with. This is a very selfish, horny version. Haley addresses the issue head-on, telling Luke that he's a dumbass and cheating on Brooke (with her BFF, might I add) is wrong. The two of them then get into a huge argument about all the ways they've changed. Watching this back is actually infuriating. Lucas is completely in the wrong, yet he makes Haley feel like shit anyway. He tells her that "she's one to talk" since she's hooking up with Nathan. Okay, but like ??? Haley's not cheating on someone else with Nathan, she's dating Nathan, and things are going pretty okay. How are these two situations comparable? Why is Lucas being such a broody, moody asshole?

Peyton is starting to feel the most guilty about the whole thing, and it shows. Brooke and Lucas are supposed to come over later that night to help her redo her room, but other shit happens instead. 

Whitey is beginning to feel down in the dumps because this year has been really emotionally taxing on him, so he asks Nathan if he's made a difference to him at all. Nathan's lackluster answer sends Whitey spiraling, so Nate asks for Haley's help and the two go digging for some history on old Whitey and all the amazing things he's done. It's a very cute project for the two of them. Also in this episode, Haley gets a subplot of needing to pass P.E. She can't throw a basketball so her hunky boyfriend teaches her a thing or two. It's sweet. 

Later on though, Haley gets upset when Nathan confesses to only trying to get with Haley to piss Lucas off. I get why this bothers her, but also like...everyone already knew this? It was so obvious. It's adorable that he ended up falling for her, regardless. But it's hard for me to believe that Haley didn't think that Lucas had anything to do with it at all.

Dan keeps trying to win Deb back. It isn't working because Dan is a psychopath. He then flirts with some lady on the beach whose name is Carrie which creeps me out because of all the other Carrie stuff that goes down later in the show. She invites herself over for dinner and Deb comes to the beach house to talk to Dan and finds him with this stranger. He's all like, "It's not what it looks like!" and she's like "Yeah, okay." Needless to say, they don't reconcile, which is a good thing because these two are not a good match whatsoever.

Keith has so many jitters in preparation for the return of the love of his life, so he has a beer (or two? I dunno). Him and Lucas drive to the airport to pick up Karen when Keith makes the mistake of turning left on a red arrow. A car comes crashing into the passenger side, leaving Chad Michael Murray looking rough as hell (still handsome though). As luck would have it, Dan also happens to be at the intersection and comes to save the day. He drives Lucas and Keith to the hospital and delivers the most dramatic and heartwarming line of the season when the doctor asks if he's a guardian who can sign off on emergency surgery for Lucas - "He's my son." Whaaaaaaaaaat? Is Dan Scott...dare I say it...human?

The episode ends with Lucas in getting wheeled off to surgery and Karen waiting for someone to pick her up from the airport. It's actually super scary and anxiety inducing. I do not remember the first season of the show being this intense (aside from the end of it, which I definitely thought this way, forgive me though, Tree Hillers tend to spend a lot of time in the hospital). So far in 13 short episodes we've had kidnapping, drug use, and almost fatal car accident. Deep breaths, guys. This is just the beginning.

Favorite line: "He's my son." Dan to the docs. Of course for every one nice thing Dan does, he does like 5 awful things, but this is such a good character moment for him. He isn't pure evil. He's just mostly evil.
Stupidest fight: Lucas v.s. Haley. Not a fair fight. Poor Hales.
Worst decision: Keith's to drink before picking up Karen :(
Random Observation: I am so mad at Lucas and Peyton right now. Even though I end up loving them, I find it super hard to get back to that point. Their actions are so bad right now. I don't know how Brooke forgives either of them.

Were y'all as freaked out as I was during this episode? Tell me in the comments!

XOXO,
Em

Ugh. Lucas and Peyton what the hell are you doing? I'll tell you what they're doing; making terrible decisions. BROOKE DAVIS DESERVES BETTER AND SOONER OR LATER SHE'S GOING TO REALIZE THAT. But for now, we have to cross our fingers that another tragedy doesn't strike Peyton Sawyer's life and survive a very awkward birthday dinner for Dan Scott.

Anytime Brooke and Lucas interact around Peyton it makes me incredibly uncomfortable. I feel bad for Peyton at the beginning of this episode and then I want to punch her in the face. Luke, B, and Pey are all about to fix an old car for her dad because pretty soon he's coming back to look after Peyton for more than a day at a time. But not before a hurricane could lead to his boat being lost at sea and him being gone forever. Oh shit. Not more bad news for P. Sawyer, she already has to watch her soulmate make out with her BFF. 

Peyton gets a call that because her dad's boat is lost at sea, she needs to go somewhere four hours away to identify a body. Lucas offers to take her and Brooke stays behind so she can watch the phone in case her dad calls. Brooke is very selfless in this episode. Despite Peyton showing sign after sign that she is also in love with Lucas, Brooke doesn't notice and instead trusts the two blondes to go on a trip with emotions riding high and a nice little motel room. I'm going to say it again, Brooke Davis deserves better.

In the other Scott universe, Dan is living at the beach house and Deb is living in the actual house with Nate when two old people show up at her front door. Who are these old people you ask? None other than the OG Mr. and Mrs. Scott. I don't remember Gerald McRaney (aka Dr. K from This is Us!) being Dan Scott's daddy! He's such an asshole here! Totally ruining the Dr. K vibes for me, but whatevs. Anyway, Dr. K and Mama Scott are visiting Tree Hill to celebrate Danny Boy's birthday. So instead of being upfront and honest, Deb and Dan pretend to still be together and host dinner with the fam.

Dr. K stops by Karen's Cafe to see Karen, but since she's still living it up in Italy he runs into Haley instead. Haley tells him what I just told you, and so he leaves and instead of giving Hales his name, he just asks her to tell Karen that an "old friend" stopped by. Because this is a DRAMA, Deb overhears and is perplexed. She had no idea that Dr. K was apart of Karen and Lucas's lives. Actually, I don't know that Lucas even knows Dr. K. But Karen sure as hell does. Deb looks super uncomfortable about the whole thing. But you know, The Scotts love their secrets.

Nathan brings Haley to dinner and she recognizes Dr. K instantly. They just kind of acknowledge one another as if they were strangers until Nathan later shares her interaction with him from earlier that day. Keith brings Whitey as his date, and everything is going okay-ish until they start talking about Nathan quitting basketball and Dan's college career. Turns out Mama Scott, whose name is Mae in case anyone was wondering, helped her son quit. He did suffer a knee injury, however, they (wait for it) LIED about the severity of it so it would take too long to rehab it and he would be done with basketball (playing it at least) forever. Mae delivers this line that absolutely kills, "He could've died because of this insane pressure to put a ball through a hoop." Dan's pissed. Dr. K (who didn't know any of this) is pissed. Keith and Whitey are like, "Oh shit." Haley is like, "Oh shit." Nathan is like, "I hate my family." And Deb is like, "Ohhhhhhhhhh shit."

So we realize that Dr. K is the root of the family drama and that the pressure he put on Dan turned into pressure put on Nathan which created a very messy family dynamic. Dan treats his mama like garbage despite her love for him and Nathan is kinda rude to Haley when she tries to be comforting. I've concluded that Nathan is very hard to read in this first season. Half the time I can't tell whether he is being genuine or not.

Back on the road, Luke and Pey discover that the road is closed until morning because of course it is and they have to spend the night in a shitty motel. This is way too romantic of a road trip in search of a possibly dead father. They manage to sleep in the same bed without doing anything dirty, and it's not until the next morning when Peyton finds out the dead body is not her dad's that her and Luke hook up. They almost make it back to Tree Hill without doing anything bad! But then Peyton thinks she lost her bracelet her dad gave her, so they go back to the motel and get real hot and heavy. They stop before all of their clothes are off because Peyton's hair gets caught in an (ugly) necklace that Brooke gave him. They then remember that Brooke exists. Not their shining moment as human beings.

When they get back, Brooke shares the good news that Peyton's father called and he is safe. She is so happy for her BFF and so happy to see her boyfriend and it just breaks my heart that they betray her so badly. I don't remember being this angry at them the first time I watched this. But I am very, very disappointed in these two.

Next up: Some serious shit goes down. Like, scary serious shit.

Favorite line: There's two. When Dan says to Deb, "I want to thank you for not throwing gas on the fire." Because...season 2....if you know, you know. And when Haley says to Nathan, "You shouldn't know that look yet." Because it's really cute that he can already read her and they're becoming a real couple.
Best guest appearance: Gerald McRaney! Dr. K! I don't like him playing the bad guy though.
Biggest betrayal: LUCAS AND PEYTON!
Random Observation: For real though, why is basketball so damn important to the Scott family?

XOXO,
​Em

Oh, Brooke Davis. How sad I feel for you and you don't even exist. Even though I totally agree that Peyton and Lucas belong together and are soulmates for sure, rewatching the show has me aching for Brooke. She adores Lucas Scott. She'd do anything for the boy. And yet in the end he just...I really can't get into this right now. I just can't. 

Anyway, the Scott family (Deb, Dan, and Nate) are attending family therapy and it is a hot mess. They're all talking over one another (expect Nathan, who looks annoyed beyond belief) and accusing one another of things. Everything's Dan's fault (probably true), everything's Deb's fault (also probably a little true). Therapy gets them nowhere. This should not be shocking to you, fellow rewatchers. Because the Scott family is broken and never getting put back together.

Brooke and Lucas are living their best lives going skinny dipping in strangers' jacuzzi. This is weird, guys. I mean, I guess good for them? But also this is mostly just really weird. If I had a hot tub and two teenagers just got in naked I would be severely alarmed and very pissed off. But I guess the owners' never find out? Also, I don't think the writers want us to think about it as much as I currently am. 

Guys, I feel like it's important to point out now that there are like no gifs that exist on the Internet from this specific episode. I have searched far and wide and have continuously come up short. I am exhausted, so the rest of this recap will be gif-less and I apologize for that. There's probably an easier way to find them, but I just don't know how. Okay, moving on now.

Haley and Nathan ditch school to go the Scott's beach house because they can. They cuddle and drink vodka from the bottle on the sand and it's all very high school. Eventually Dan catches them and is PISSED. Then, the iconic Haley James vomits on Dan Scott's pants. Watch this episode for this reason and this reason alone.

Even though Brooke and Lucas aka Brucas are living it up in other people's backyards, Brooke is feeling down because she can't seem to connect with Lucas on his broody level. She asks for help from Peyton, who does relate to his broodiness. Peyton gives her a CD to tell Lucas to listen to and screws it up when she tells him to listen to a song that doesn't exist on the track list. Oh, poor sweet Brooke Davis.

We meet one of three of Peyton's dads in this episode. He comes around so infrequently that they recast him every time he shows up in Tree Hill. Lucas tries to attack him with a rake, which is weird. Then they end up bonding hardcore which also makes Brooke uncomfortable because Luke fits in so well with Peyton and her family. By the end of the episode, Brooke is ready to break it off with Lucas because she isn't Peyton enough for him, but he says that's what he likes most about her, how un-Peyton she is (he doesn't say this). They kiss and make up. 

Oh! And Nathan decides to quit basketball in this episode. His family is driving him crazy and he was just caught taking drugs to improve his performance so he is pretty much over it. Whitey is not happy. Lucas feels oddly indifferent. Dan is about to be PISSED. 

Favorite line: "I don't want to see you change, I like you and I like the fact that somebody like you sees something in me." Nathan to Haley. My heart. 
Favorite moment: Nathan giving Haley a piggy back ride up the pier whilst they're both a little intoxicated.
Most relatable character moment: Brooke thinking she's not enough for Lucas and feeling insecure.
Random Observation: That therapy scene is SO awful. First of all, the room they're in is super empty and uncomfortable. Also, I think it would have been more beneficial had they gone to individual or couples' therapy before doing a family session. It's all very overwhelming and awkward.

And that's about it for "The Living Years". Question for y'all: Are you more Team Brucas or Team Leyton? Tell me in the comments. Also discuss how awful those ship names are.

XOXO,
​Em

It's a Jake Jagielski episode! Well, kind of. It's also the first time that Brooke refers to Lucas as 'Boyfriend' which is both the most adorable and grossest nickname ever. Also, Dan is trying to win back Deb, but she is so over her mess of a marriage. A planned getaway for them turns into an awkward father-son bonding trip for Dan and Nathan.

So, first off Keith is still looking after Lucas while Karen is living her best life in Italy. Keith meets Brooke for the first time, who is sweet and kind and absolutely obsessed with Lucas (in a good way, not a creepy way). Peyton is bummed that Lucas and Brooke are a thing because she has feelings for Lucas. It soon becomes clear that Peyton also knows Luke a lot better than Brooke does, as Brooke is all fun and flirtatious and Lucas is more serious and broody. 

Also, Whitey cancels basketball practice after what happened with Nathan last episode. At first I was like, "He's just shutting down basketball? Why?" and then I realized that the whole Nathan thing was actually pretty serious. I mean, he took PEDs to help him in HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL. All because his dad is a jackass! That's wild.

Haley and Deb decide to hold an open-mic night at Karen's Cafe because they haven't been getting a lot of customers. Haley draws up some terrible looking flyers, but then runs into her new BFF Peyton, who draws some really amazing flyers (because she's an artist!). Peyton comes across Gavin DeGraw (he's the "I don't wanna be anything other than what I've been tryna be lately" guy) and invites him to come perform. He's like, "But I'm the 'I don't wanna be anything other than what I've been tryna be lately guy', I'm too famous for this shit" and Peyton's like, "Please! You're actually not that famous, I don't think anyone will recognize you!". He agrees. He performs. Disclaimer: That is not how that exchange went down at all.

​Meanwhile, Nathan and Dan go on a road trip and it totally sucks (for Nate at least). All Dan can talk about is basketball, and when he's not talking about basketball he's telling Nathan what a worthless piece of shit he is and how much better he is at all sports than him. They play golf and Dan constantly tries to one-up him, which just exhausts poor Nate.

Lucas tries to invite Jake to come to open-mic night, but since he's always busy and hiding things, he can't go. He introduces Luke to his baby girl, Jenny and Lucas persuades him to bring Jenny out with him. He encourages him not to hide Jenny from everyone, as she might leave her whole life thinking she was unwanted and unloved. So what does the gorgeous and kind Jake Jagielski do? He brings sweet little Jenny with him to open-mic night and performs! Gavin DeGraw sings the theme song which is super meta. 

Since basketball is cancelled, Lucas invites everyone on the team to play at the River Court. They all come and play (even Jake and Jenny!) and Whitey and Keith watch from a parked car (kinda creepy), realizing that these boys can get along and just be kids after all. Yay! Basketball can start again!

Favorite line: "And Jenny, this is my whole world." Jake introducing Jenny to the people of Tree Hill! Welcome to the madness, Jenny!
Cutest interaction: Jake and Peyton! Pey asks, "So are you like married too?" and watches Jenny while Jake plays with the guys at the River Court. After all that P. Sawyer is going through, she deserves some action from cute Jakey Jake.
Most embarrassing moment: When Brooke and Lucas go to buy condoms and whip cream and run into...Deb Scott.
Random Observation: This episode is not that fun, but it moves the plot forward! Also, they were really trying to plug Gavin DeGraw, eh?

Up next: Haley rebels! And vomits on Dan Scott!

XOXO,
Em

The Scott boys are so DUMB in this episode, you guys. They make so many bad decisions. It makes me angry just typing this and thinking about it. Who is this a good episode for, you ask? Absolutely NO ONE. Maybe Brooke Davis, she has a few moments where she shines and is really, truly happy, but it is all ruined by the fact that Lucas later ruins it (sorry spoilers). So in conclusion, "With Arms Outstretched" is an episode that, while watchable, makes me angry for reasons I am about to explain.

So first off, Dan Scott is still a dick. He's such a dick, in fact, that he's pressuring Nathan (again) about basketball. So what does Nathan do? He goes to Tim (ick, first mistake) to get some performance enhancing drugs so that he'll do well in the next game. This action is possibly forgivable. It's not the worse Scott brother decision in this episode, at least I don't think it is. Nathan feels a lot of pressure from his (asshole) father. He is also trying really hard to not turn into his father (i.e. he's finally entered a healthy relationship). I am rooting for Nathan.

On the other side of the episode you have Lucas Scott, who isn't getting anywhere with Peyton, because she just broke up his brother, has abandonment issues, and was almost raped like a couple days go. Since he can't sleep with her, he decides to move on to his next best option; Brooke. Brooke has the hots for Lucas (is that something people still say? I remember hearing it a lot on Full House) and is totally ready to, um, spend more time with him. She reads a book for him, and in return he must do something she wants to do. You can guess that what she wants to do is not school appropriate. 

So since Karen is away having a baby (I mean, cooking in Italy), Lucas goes out late one night with Brooke to a bar. She has fake IDs already made, what a pro. They drink beer and play pool and then Brooke shows him her tattoo and then Lucas decides to get one too. What does he get? Oh yes, my friends, he gets the Chinese symbol for 'fun'. I'm not making this shit up. I wish I were. HOW OUT OF CHARACTER IS THIS? IT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE ANY SENSE. Keith is all like, "You're an idiot." And Lucas is all like, "Man, you just don't understand." It's like that episode of Lost (which aired later, might I add) where they explain the backstory of Jack's tattoos. This is totally just to work in the fact that Chad Michael Murray has the Chinese symbol for fun tattooed on his arm. Like a douchey douche (sorry, Chad MM). 

Anyway, Keith is hella pissed. This isn't the Lucas he knows! To be fair, Uncle Keith, this isn't the Lucas any of us know! He isn't having any of his bullshit, and gives him some tape to cover up the tattoo at the game later that night. We don't deserve Keith Scott. More importantly, Lucas doesn't deserve Keith Scott.

Nathan is really distracted during his tutoring sessions with Haley because he's on the drugs and also worried about the game. He treats her really unfairly, and it's not super fun to watch. He gets kind of mad when she doesn't want to have sex (not cool, bro) and then storms out of her house like the jackass he was just a couple episodes ago. Haley is way too tolerable of him at this point, but I think it's because she knows there's more to the situation than Nate is letting on. 

Later, Peyton finds out Haley is a virgin, which I guess is important. I love that Haley owns it. She's just like, "So what if I am?". Mind you, these children are (supposed to be) ONLY SIXTEEN. I don't know what's going on in Tree Hill, but it seems like a lot of the kids lost their virginities before they learned to drive, which is kind of scary to me, but I am staying opened minded and letting the children live. I'm also fairly certain Lucas is still a virgin at this point as well. 

At the game, Nathan passes out, and the doctors tell Dan that it's because he was taking drugs. Dan is like, "MY SON WOULD NEVER!" and the docs are all like, "Uh, he definitely did." When Deb finds out, she's hella pissed (like Keith was earlier about the tattoo), but she's not pissed at Nathan. She's pissed at Dan, because he's an asshole. She decides they're gonna get divorced. Question: Is this the first time in the sixteen years they've been married that she's decided to leave him? It's gotta have happened before this, right? I mean, Dan is SUCH an asshole. Anyway, Deb kicks Dan out and decides to be there for her son more. Good for you, Deb. Please don't crazy on us just yet.

Nathan apologizes to Haley, and they make up in a super sweet way. I still can't tell if Nathan is 100% genuine at this point, but I want to believe it. He spends the night at Haley's (no sex though) and she makes sure he is okay. I love it. I love them.

Back in the other Scott household, Peyton decides that she was silly earlier for turning Lucas down just because she was too scared of having a real relationship. She goes over to his house, professes her love for him, all the while he has this "oh shit" look on his face. Seconds later, Brooke Davis enters the room, wearing just Lucas's sweatshirt. It's the beginning of a very, very messy love triangle. Peyton looks so hurt here, I hate it. I also hate that Brooke begins to look hurt (after she makes the most amazing bitchy face of all time) too. Lucas Scott, you are about to destroy a beautiful friendship! Oh well, all's well that end's well, right?

The episode literally ends with the three of them just staring at one another, not sure what to say. It is so f'ing awkward. 

Favorite line: "I'm happy, Mom. Dad loves me." Nathan to Deb. I would give this quote context, but I feel as though you already read it in a very sarcastic, Nathan Scott voice.
Most awkward moment: That ending. Yikes.
Worst decision: I think it's the tattoo, guys. Nathan had a legitimate reason for taking the PEDs, Lucas was just being a drunk idiot.
Random Observation: I have a lot of thoughts regarding Brooke and Lucas getting into the bar. Isn't Tree Hill a small town? Wouldn't they be recognized? Or did they go outside of town? Also, do I really care?

Next time: Gavin DeGraw performs! 'Cause that was a thing that people wanted to see in 2003!

XOXO,
Em

Such a good episode for Naley fans!!! But I won't spoil it just yet. That would be cruel. First we have to deal with the aftermath of last episode's shitshow created by Brooke Davis. A very hungover Brooke wakes up next to Peyton, who despite everything still takes care of her best friend. Brooke remembers absolutely nothing from the night before, so Peyton tells her what an absolute bitch she was. Brooke feels bad, I think, and decides to go on a nice streak to undo all her bad actions and hopefully receive some good karma.

In order to do this, she has to get Nathan and Haley back on good terms, or better yet, turn them into a full-on couple. She tells Nathan that she's gonna take care of all of it, and he seems very unsure. But, Brooke Davis is magical, you guys. She is so amazing when she wants to be, and this is an episode where she wants to be!

Nathan tries talking to Haley in the record shop when she's with Lucas. He tries to apologize, but she is so over it and him. She tells him she isn't going to tutor him anymore, and that while she accepts his apology she still doesn't want anything to do with him. A little harsh, Hales. A little harsh.

Brooke approaches Haley at the cafe, who is like "Get the hell out, bitch". Brooke accepts all the insults Haley throws her way, as she totally and completely deserves them, and begs her to make up with Nathan. She is unconvinced. Brooke tells her that Nathan will pick her up later and take her on a date. She really wants to punch Brooke in the face.

After doing what she thinks is appeasing the Gods, Brooke goes shopping with Peyton for clothes that they can wear to a college party at Duke later that night. This sounds like a great idea, said nobody. Brooke says she isn't going to drink (because of last night's disaster) and will instead being on hunt for college boys. She wants Peyton to have fun too. It's a bad idea, but baby P. Sawyer and B. Davis have so much to learn still. 

Back in adult land, Karen gets a call that she has finally been accepted into this cooking school in Italy! She's dreaming of going FOR YEARS. Deb is all like, "Go, new bff/my husband's ex!" and Karen's all like, "I'd better not." Spoiler alert: She ends up deciding to go because Moira Kelly, who plays Karen, was getting real preggers at this time in the real life and took some time off. So they just sent her away, and left Deb in charge of the cafe. So weird, yet somehow believable? I don't know, I'm still processing it.

Nathan picks up Haley just like Brooke told him to, and the two of them follow the instructions she gave them. She sends them on a scavenger hunt throughout town, and it's really freaking cute. They have to tell each other three things they like about the other person and then they go into the clothing shop Brooke and Peyton were in earlier to buy each other something. Haley plays it safe and buys Nathan socks. He buys her a lovely nightgown. I don't think I'm stressing HOW ADORABLE ALL OF THIS IS. 

They go to dinner and order one another their favorite items off the menu. Haley orders Nathan Mac & Cheese and ARE YOU IN LOVE WITH THEM YET? BECAUSE I AM. They are being so cute and the date is going amazing until Nate's basketball friends show up and he gets all weird. He says that it isn't a date, it's just tutoring, which leaves Haley confused and upset. She gets up and leaves. I don't understand why all of these characters start to redeem themselves and then turn right back into assholes.

Trigger warning here: At the college party, Brooke hooks up with a guy who says he's in college but actually is also in high school. She's mortified, and tells him it's super gross to go to a college party when you're still in high school (the irony). Meanwhile, Peyton starts flirting with this indie dude listening to her kind of music and it seems like they are getting along just find until he roofies her. He gives her the drink and she becomes confused and helpless pretty easily, and then he tries to force himself on her. Luckily Brooke, who has just dumped not-college-boy, runs into the room and rescues Peyton from being raped and gets her out of there as quickly as possible. A med student follows them outside where they make sure that Peyton is okay. This is some SERIOUS subject material from OTH, but it's also super important. Brooke calls Lucas who comes right away, and goes back into the party with Brooke to take the guys' drugs and swiftly punch him the face. Oh, Lucas. I'm so happy that this guy gets punched, but also, 16 year old Lucas Scott just walked into a college party and beat the shit out of a rapist? This show tends to go back and forth in its believability. However, because Lucas just punched an f'ing RAPIST, I'm okay with it. Screw you, indie music dude. 

After taking Peyton home, Lucas and Brooke spend a lot of time bonding. Brooke feels really bad about everything that happened, mostly because going to the party was her idea. Lucas tells her that it isn't her fault, and that she's a great friend. I'm willing to argue here that she is BECOMING a great friend, but isn't one quite yet. They talk all night and this is where you can start to see Brooke really falling for Lucas as a person. She later visits him at the River Court and makes friends with Mouth (I love Mouth). It's super sweet, even if I will always be more of a Lucas/Peyton fan.

The next day, Nathan shows up to Haley's house and begs for her forgiveness (again). He's all like, "I'm bad at this!" And she's all like, "Well, I don't have time for you to be bad at being a good person!" (These are not their lines). Then somehow, miraculously, in a way that only Nathan Scott can, he does it. He redeems himself. He says, "I want to be somebody who's good enough to be seen with you." And then just as Haley starts telling him that there is absolutely nothing he can do to surprise her, he kisses her. It's their first kiss. It's a great kiss. It's a perfect moment.

Karen leaves for Italy at the end of the episode and when she does, she gives Keith a goodbye kiss because she "has good instincts". Two of the best couples kissing for the first time in one episode? Yes please. That's why this episode will always be one of the great ones. 

Favorite line: "I want to be somebody who's good enough to be seen with you." Nathan Scott to Haley James. The cutest.
Best moment: THE NALEY KISS.
Scariest moment: Peyton getting roofied :(
Best character development: Brooke Davis. She's trying.
Random Observation: I'm really glad that they addressed such a heavy topic in this episode. It's so real and raw and scary. It also really shows the beginning of all of Peyton's struggles throughout the show. She goes through A LOT. Poor thing. I also love that in no way does anybody (besides Roofie McRapist) blame Peyton for getting roofied. It's not her fault, obviously, but this was FIFTEEN YEARS AGO. Blame gets placed on women all the time, especially in the past. I'm so happy that nobody makes her feel like it's her fault.

Next time: More drugs! I'm sensing a theme here.

XOXO,
Em

Brooke Davis is a bitch, y'all. No matter how much we grow to love her, 16 year old Brooke showed absolutely no mercy whatsoever. She is ruthless.

The Scott family is throwing a (very formal) party for a reason nobody really knows. What we do know is that those on the invite list include the basketball players, the cheerleaders, and the parents. Lucas is like, "No way I'm going to that!" But then Peyton bats her eyelashes at him and he's convinced. He's now going.

Nathan is still being tutored by Haley and tells her about the party, and apologizes for not inviting her (it's basketball peeps only!). She doesn't really care, what she does care about is him doing well in school so she makes him a little care package and tells him that if he needs her, she'll be able to help. It's so freaking cute, guys. 

We learn more about Jake Jagalski in this episode too! He's always late to practice and always has to dip out early and everyone just lets him. What is he hiding?

Peyton once again tells her new BFF Haley James to "be careful" when it comes to Nathan, which is starting to get on Hales' and my nerves. Like, let her fight her own battles, P. Sawyer. She hasn't had to be careful thus far, so maybe just lay off a little and stop scaring the poor thing.

Lucas and Haley talk as Luke gets ready to go to the party, and Haley finally admits to liking Nathan. Lucas is less than thrilled, but he's still a great best friend and is supportive of her, which is super awesome. He goes to the party with Karen and Keith, who are both anxious to be attending a gathering at the Scott household as well. They come up with a little bird call in case any of the three of them wanna dip.

Things get really dramatic when Brooke makes Nathan and Peyton talk to one another about getting back together, despite neither of them wanting to. This leaves room for Brooke to make a move on Lucas. Nathan and Peyton yell at Brooke, who storms off and finds the little care package that Haley made Nathan, and looks at the note inside of it. She also grabs some vodka from his dresser drawer. Drunk Brooke is ready to rage.

Brooke decides to play 'Truth or Dare' because she is furious with everyone. She dares Peyton to kiss Lucas, and she does, which results in them almost hooking up but not because Peyton is terrified of commitment and real feelings. The kiss pisses Brooke off even more and she goes on a warpath. When Haley arrives with dessert from the cafe because of some mixup with Deb's caterer, Brooke embarrasses Haley in front of everyone and tells her that Nathan made fun of her note, despite never seeing it. Haley runs off, and Nathan does a bad job at defending himself.

Dan is having a rough night too, because his ex and his wife are becoming friends and he only lives for drama. He gets mad at Deb despite her being the only sane one. Whatever, Dan.

After Lucas is ditched by Peyton, he goes back to the cafe where Haley is crying (aww) because her heart is being played with. They sit together and have the cutest little best friend bonding you ever did see. Later, Nathan comes to the cafe to apologize, but Haley is like "Hell, no" and turns off the lights and locks the door.

Brooke passes out at Nathan's house after effectively ruining everyone's romantic lives. Next episode she tries to rewrite the story though!

Also, guess what? Jake Jagalski is a DAD. He has a little baby daughter named Jenny and that's why he's always leaving early. He has to take care of his baby. I remember the first time I watched this and being so shocked because Jake totally did not seem like the 'accidentally knock a girl up' type, but he was! And he is a fantastic dad! And singer! And person! I love Jake Jagalski.

Favorite Line: "I wanna have everything with you." Lucas to Peyton. It's super ballsy to be that upfront about his feelings, and it's super embarrassing that he then gets shut down, but he tried! He tried so hard.
Worst character moment: Brooke exposing everyone :( C'mon, B. Davis.
Biggest surprise: JAKE JAGALSKI IS A DAD!
Random Observation: What is this party for? Like I know it's for basketball and stuff, but everyone is super dressed up and fancy and I just don't know why. I didn't know high school basketball was SUCH A BIG DEAL. Someone explain this.

XOXO,
Em