This week was a nice little break from last week’s sobfest. Granted they also spent most of this episode talking about the recently deceased basketball player Quentin, there was some much-needed plot advancement and some great comedic moments thrown in the mix.
Nathan is still having trouble with his workouts and getting back into the game especially now that Q is gone. But, he’s got other things to worry about. Like his mom dating his friend, for instance. And everyone is teasing him about it. “At least Skillz will be a better dad than Dan,” Lucas jokes. But, Nathan is still mad and he kicks Deb out of his house.
Haley and Jamie go to see Q’s grave and while at the cemetery, they come across Dan’s grave. You know, the one he bought himself even though he’s still alive. Who does that? Oh right, Dan. Anyway, the two stop by Dan’s house to find old papers piled up outside an open door, which Haley obviously finds strange.
We had a Leyton break this week. Lucas was too busy with the team and Peyton met a guy that knew her birth mom Ellie. I’m calling it right now–this guy is her birth father. Guaranteed. The old musician is talking like he knows Peyton. “You look just like your mom.” Oh come on, only a father would say that.
Brooke goes to therapy and gets up enough courage to talk to her mom (who she thinks is behind the whole beating incident). When she shows up at her house, Brooke gives her the gun. “Aim low, I still want to look good at my funeral,” she tells her. How sad is this? While I think that the circumstances are a little over the top, it’s nice to see a parent-child storyline that isn’t so perfect. Of course, Victoria claims innocence. Not convinced, Brooke tells her that she can have the company, the name and no daughter. Ouch.
Deb breaks it off with Skillz to make Nathan happy. But after taking Q’s death into perspective and listening to Jamie say that he likes “Grandpa Skillz,” Nathan gives them his blessing. He just doesn’t want to see it or hear about it. Hey, I’m with you Nate. The hugging alone gets me a little nauseous.
While Haley is calling Dan’s doctor to see what’s going on with him, she finds out about the heart that was waiting for him but that he never claimed. Meanwhile, crazy Carrie actually goes into Haley and Nathan’s house to pack some of Jamie’s stuff. She apparently has some big plans…
Lucas is preparing for a tough season without Q. In an overly-corny speech, he retires his jersey and tells the team that Q will be on the court with them in spirit. The team then decides to play the entire season with only four players. I mean, I get the sentiment, but is that really necessary?
And I hate to say this, but it’s really hard to watch Chad Michael Murray’s scenes lately. Other than the horrible mustache and strangely flushed face, he just seems to just put forth less and less effort as the years go on. I mean I never thought he was the greatest actor, but at least he used to try. Come on, Chad!
In a genuine ending scene, Skillz goes to the rivercourt and decides to fill in for Q and help Nathan train. It was nice to watch after Nathan had been giving him the cold shoulder the whole episode.
Definitely tune in next week…we get to see crazy Nannie Carrie attempt to steal Jamie. Oh, the horror.
Sharon Tharp is a freelance writer who has contributed to a variety of publications including HotIndieNews.com and the Web sites of both Marie Claire and CosmoGIRL! magazines.
