Bethany Joy Galeotti did a great job directing this week’s more upbeat and fun episode. Despite being a good laugh, character development was lacking a bit, which seems a little risky for a show trying to push another season.
Casting has begun on Lucas’ movie and in comes every emo Peyton lookalike and shirtless Nathan in the area. Brooke is excited to meet the actress playing her until she starts stalking Brooke as “research” for the role. These scenes were fun to watch.
Brooke is upset with Julian after finding out he characterized “Brooke” as someone who’s interests don’t go beyond sex. By the end of the episode, he makes amends by telling her that he was a nerd in high school and wouldn’t have had a chance with her. He also gives her a description of “Brooke” after the audience has gotten to know her. Cute scene, but it seems every episode Julian has to prove to Brooke he isn’t an ass. I want to see some more action!
Haley finally gets her own storyline and its long overdue. Sam writes a heartfelt essay about growing up without a family and her struggles with foster care. Haley chooses to publish it in the school paper despite disapproval of the essay’s message from the the new bitchy school principal. Haley debates whether to print it but ultimately does and risks her job. Something tells me the singing career is going to pick up again.
Nathan convinces his already frustrated coach that he should be starting because he plays a team game unlike his current arrogant point guard. The coach agrees and Nathan feels guilty when he finds out Devon gets cut from the team. He sees him crying and realizes he has a family too. While I did feel a little bad for him, I wonder if this really redeems his character. He did rip up pictures of Nathan’s family and basically treated him like crap.
Peyton spends the whole episode without Lucas trying to put together a crib that Karen and Andy sent (I miss Karen!). She’s a little hormonal and enlists Mia to help her. The crib is a mess and the house is apparently not baby-proof according to handyman Skillz. (Question: When did this happen and why has his character been reduced to this? Where’s Deb?!?). Peyton doesn’t want to bother Lucas, but wishes he was around to help.
Lucas is busy arguing with Reese (James Van Der Beek) over actresses. He prefers the more subtle Peyton while Reese is interested in sleeping with the ore well-endowed Peyton. Luckily, Lucas wins. Despite being busy with the movie, Lucas does make it to the ultrasound with Peyton, much to her surprise.
Jamie spends the episode on a quasi-date with his teacher at Dan’s house. While I find the interaction with his overly smart grandson cute, the will-he-or-won’t-he die scenario is a little overplayed. How many near death experiences can one character have?
While I did like the lightheartedness of this episode, I do wish we got a little more substance from the storylines. This is a crucial time for the show and we’ve got to step it up!
Oh, and now we have to wait an entire month for a new one. Torture!
Sharon Tharp is a freelance writer who has contributed to a variety of publications including HotIndieNews.com, YourTango.com and the Web sites of both Marie Claire and CosmoGIRL! magazines.
