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Teen dramas have been on TV for years now, starting with Beverly Hills 90210, and continuing with Dawson’s Creek and The O.C. among others. They all featured high-school kids that were often played by actors who were at least 5 years older than the characters they played on the show. But one common problem that all high-school teen dramas run into is the transition to the college years. Sure, there is plenty of drama in college but it almost has a feel of “been there, done that” by the time a television series gets there. However, one recent teen drama thought they had the perfect solution to that problem. The creative people behind One Tree Hill decided to advance the show nearly 5 years into the future for its fifth season. The show goes straight from high-school to the “real world” with no college days in between. A smart move or not?
One Tree Hill focuses on the lives of high-school students living in the small fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina. Tree Hill is home to the famous High School basketball team, the Tree Hill Ravens, and two half-brothers Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan Scott (James Lafferty). The two brothers have grown up in the same town, but have had little or no contact with each other due to the influence of their mutual father, Dan Scott (Paul Johansson). Music and basketball were at the center of this teen drama at first. In addition, the series quickly became known for its numerous voice-overs featuring either literary quotes or characters reflecting on events of the episode. Most of them are voiced by Chad Michael Murray’s character Lucas Scott.
But now since the show has advanced four years into the future, all of the characters are playing close to their own age, which is a good thing. Storyline-wise, of course, there are going to be some plot holes in not knowing what exactly happened over during those four years. Thankfully the show makes good use of flashbacks to explain some of the missing pieces. Ultimately why this decision was a good one for a show like this is because now we get to see the dreams that these kids had either be realized or lost. Most teen dramas don’t get that opportunity. They only briefly tell you what happened during the series finale. But One Tree Hill gives us the chance to go along for the ride.
The acting in this series is fairly good for a teen drama. By this point, all of the actors know their characters extremely well and they completely believable in their roles now. So with that mind, the acting in this season is probably the best of the series so far. All of the new additions to the cast this season also do a great job, especially the new kid who plays Nathan and Haley’s young son. But props still go to Paul Johansson, who plays the most wicked villain on a teen drama to date. No one likes this guy and Johannson’s excellent portrayal of Dan Scott has a lot to do with that.
Most of the time when you take a big risk and it works, you reap big rewards. The fifth season of One Tree Hill is another example of that. They took a risk and skipped the college years altogether, but it worked. This season could very well be the best season since the first. It at least bought the series another year on The CW. The writers’ strike did hurt the momentum of the show a little bit, but a big cliffhanger helped end things on a high note. Whether season six is the last season of this show or not, if it can be half as good as season five then it will be a pretty good year.
Episodes:
Disc One:
Episode 1 – 4 Years, 6 Months, 2 Days
It’s four years into the future and the Tree Hill gang has finished college. Now, their lives have taken completely different directions. Lucas has written and published a book, Brooke has made it big in the fashion industry with her brand “Clothes Over Bro’s”, Peyton is pursuing a career in the music business, and Nathan and Haley continue to raise a now older James.
Episode 2 – Racing Like a Pro
Haley tries to make Nathan understand what is going to happen if he doesn’t change his ways. Lucas and Skills prepare Jamie to compete in a race-car competition. Meanwhile, Brooke faces problems at her company and Peyton meets Lucas’ new girlfriend. Mouth gets a job, but it doesn’t turn out well.
Episode 3 – My Way Home Is Through You
Now that Peyton and Brooke are back in Tree Hill, Lindsey worries that the two might threaten her and Lucas’ relationship. Meanwhile, Nathan visits Dan in prison (his first visit in four years) and gives him a picture of his grandson. Meanwhile, Haley tries to persuade Quentin to return to school, Brooke opens her store in the old Karen’s Cafe and Peyton signs her first band.
Disc Two:
Episode 4 – It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)
Peyton wants Haley to work with Jason on his music but he refuses to. Mouth is involved in a relationship with his boss and age is a factor in it. As the opening of Clothes over Bros approaches, Brooke finds herself in a few problems. Nathan takes strides to help Quentin.
Episode 5 – I Forgot to Remember to Forget
In this flashback episode, memories are looked back upon. Lucas surprises Peyton in Los Angeles and they talk. He asks her something and is left with a surprising answer. Meanwhile, Nathan’s temper triggers up after a guy reminds him of his cheating in high school basketball games.
Episode 6 – Don’t Dream It’s Over
It’s confrontation time in Tree Hill, as Lucas confronts Peyton about her nasty behavior towards Lindsey and Brooke must confront Victoria about meddling with Peyton’s record label. Meanwhile, Nathan begins to grow closer to Carrie, Haley continues to struggle in dealing with Quentin, and Mouth must choose sides between his co-workers and Alice.
Episode 7 – In Da Club
The Honorary Title performs at Tric and Mia plays her song there as well. Carrie tries to get closer to Nathan. Brooke sets Mouth up on a blind date with her assistant and Lindsey confronts Lucas about Peyton.
Disc Three:
Episode 8 – Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want
Brooke continues to pursue Owen. Carrie continues to flirt with Nathan. Haley is upset at Lucas and Peyton for what happened the other night. Quentin needs to change his negative approach in order to succeed in the season-opening game. Mouth tries to win Millicent back.
Episode 9 – For Tonight You’re Only Here To Know
Haley, Brooke, Peyton, Lindsey and Mia get locked in the Tree Hill High library; Brooke tries to stand up for her mother; Lucas and Nathan try to tell their loved ones about their indiscretions.
Episode 10 – Running To Stand Still
Brooke runs into someone from her past while on a trip to New York with the Tric bartender, Owen. Nathan and Lucas attend Dan’s hearing while they try to protect Jamie from him. Mia gets an offer from a major record label and in the meantime, Haley and Nathan’s marriage is on the rocks.
Episode 11 – You’re Gonna Need Someone On Your Side
On the eve of Lucas and Lindsey’s wedding, they conspire to save Nathan and Haley’s marriage; Brooke pairs Peyton with an old boyfriend; Rachel and Dan return to Tree Hill.
Disc Four:
Episode 12 – Hundred
The big day for Lucas and Lindsey’s wedding has arrived. Nathan attempts to reconcile with Haley, with no avail. Peyton sees her last chance to get her man as Lucas says “I do”. Meanwhile, Dan and Nanny Carrie have dark intentions.
Episode 13 – Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
Lucas is distraught after being being dumped at the altar, while Nathan and Haley go to counselling to work out their marital problems, with surprising results. Dan is a free man, but he runs into a dead end trying to readjust. Brooke is asked some difficult questions while being interveiwed to be an adoptive mom. Meanwhile, Peyton gets a visit from her old friend, Max the old owner of the infamous Tree Hill music shop.
Episode 14 – What Do You Go Home To?
Not to have a repeat performance, Nathan and Haley interview nannies, with no such luck. Brooke is undeterred when adopting, and she is given a second chance to prove herself to the adopting agency. Mouth is given a chance to have a permanent sports spot in Omaha, which forces Mouth and Millicent to make a decision about their relationship. Meanwhile, Quentin is making trouble with the Ravens coaches.
Disc Five:
Episode 15 – Life Is Short
Nathan and Haley throw a birthday party for Jamie. Deb hired a clown, and Haley is not happy with it since it’s a creepy one. Lindsey returns to Tree Hill for Jamie’s birthday, which gives Lucas hope that the relationship will be rekindled. When Dan arrives, Deb’s mood swings fast and in the meantime Brooke and Peyton attend the party with baby Angie.
Episode 16 – Cryin’ Won’t Help You Now
Lucas investigates Dan’s heart condition. Haley struggles with letting Dan into Jamie’s life. Peyton also still struggles with her guilt over Lucas’ breakup and Mouth finally gets the chance to be a sports anchor.
Episode 17 – Hate is Safer Than Love
Lucas is crushed by devastating news. Quentin is pushed to his limits during a Ravens game. Dan’s is second on the donor recipient list to get a new heart. Haley thinks about her decision to release a new album while Brooke’s baby undergoes emergency surgery and a shocking truth stuns Peyton, told by Lucas.
Episode 18 – What Comes After The Blues
The Tree Hill residents are forced to face their fears as Dan turns over on a new leaf and Brooke makes the hardest decision of her life. In the meantime, Haley’s career takes a turn and Peyton is visited by somebody from her past. Lucas is still struggling to mend his heart after Lindsey left him at the alter. Mouth and Millicent meet a new face. With all, Lucas and Brooke help each other through the struggles.
The video is given in anamorphic widescreen color with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, which is enhanced for 16X9 TVs. The transfer is pretty good. Not the best looking show on TV, but above average. No major problems at all.
The audio included is in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound. The dialogue and music come out loud and clear. There are English, French, and Spanish subtitles available as well. No major problems here either.
Audio Commentaries –
There are two audio commentaries on this set for two different episodes. Mark Schwahn (creator), Lindsay Wolfington (music supervisor), James Lafferty (actor), and Torrey Devito (actress) comment on the “Don’t Dream It’s Over” episode. Mark Schwahn (creator), Joe Davola (director), Michaela McManus (actress), and Kate Voegele (actress) comment on the “For Tonight You’re Only Here to Know” episode. This is a pretty good mix of information and entertainment. We get to hear from some of the newest additions to the cast, so that is always good.
“Fast Forward” Featurette –
This runs 30 minutes and it’s broken down into small 2-3 minute segments that showcase each character (both new and old) and give a little background on where they are and where they will be going within the show during this season. If you watch this before you watch Season 5 you will spoil everything about it, but if you watch it after it doesn’t really reveal too much. But it does give you some insight into why they did this.
“One Tree Hill: Musical Stars” Featurette –
This runs 12 minutes and guest stars Kevin Federline (aka “K-Fed”) and Kate Voegele gives us a short behind-the-scenes look at working on the show. Voegele is good, but why Federline is on here is a mystery. He is not that great at rapping or acting. But at least we do get to hear from some of the cast and crew as well about these two musical stars this season and music in general on the show.
“One Tree Hill at 100” Featurette –
This runs 25 minutes and it showcases the party held at the Cameron Art Museum celebrating the 100th episode of the series. The cast and crew also talk about reaching 100 episodes and the 100th episode itself. Basically, no one can believe they have made it that far. Not that interesting as everyone pretty much says the same thing, but it’s decent.
Unaired Scenes –
There are 8 total scenes that total 17 minutes. Nothing here of any real importance, but they are here if you want to look.
Gag Reel –
This runs 4 and half minutes and it’s your typical gags and bloopers from this season.
Kate Voegele Music Video –
This is a music video for “Only Fooling Myself” by Kate Voegele, who plays Mia during this season of the series.
Hardcore fans of the show will no doubt want to buy this set. Casual viewers of the show that may have been turned off from the show in recent years, should give this season a rental and a chance. For newcomers of the show, this season wouldn’t be the worst one to start watching. There is a pretty big “reset” here that you won’t be completely lost. So everyone should at least give this a rental as this is the best season of One Tree Hill since the first one, and as a result a pretty good dose of “teen drama”.
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Warner Home Video presents One Tree Hill – Season 5. Created by Mark Schwahn. Starring Chad Michael Murray, James Lafferty, Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Galeotti, and Lee Norris. Running time: 810 minutes. Rated: NOT RATED. Released on DVD: August 26, 2008.
Available at Amazon.com
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