But it's still a very good and rewarding series finale. This rewatch was very important, it made me realize seasons I used to love (3 through 5) weren't so great, but it also comforted me in some of my first impressions. Season 9 is great (best returning cast, drama, and less music. Which made the musical moments stand out more), but is also so late in the game, I can't rate it higher than number 5 or 6 on my seasons ranking. It got too soapy with the whole Julian/Brooke drama (I just can't stand them) but the rest was there to keep your hooked. And even though the stalker storyline became something we would laugh at, because every seasons since season four had one. It was nice to see Quentin's murderer being dealt with once and for all. It'll probably bring controversy saying that, but I didn't like the way the « Danny Boy » episode was handled. Turning Dan into a tragic figure was too on the nose, and how writers explained why he killed Keith, was like grasping at straws. I mean, he looked like the kind of guy whose motto was « kill or be killed », so it's perfectly understandable that blinded by vengeance, he murdered his own brother, thinking he was the one who tried to murder him first. They just overdid it. As far as « One Tree Hill » is concerned, they just wrapped everything up so well, you wished Lucas and Peyton would be here. Not that they were my favorite characters either, after all they were broody in the angsty and annoying way Clay and Quinn (favorite couple) never were. But their absence still feels unnatural. Another thing I regret, is how creators passed on the opportunity to edit a « house of Trick » CD, with songs from the episode's « concert » and some of the iconic scenes of the OTH series. Though I can appreciate the nods at all of US throughout the finale, for a show that relied so much on its soundtrack, it is unbelievable they never gave their fans a farewell mixtape. I know a reunion is probably out of the question, but I'm still curious to know how it all turned out for these characters, now that they are pushing forty.
Season ranking:
Season one: best episodes, they just flow naturally and the drama was more realistic.
Season two: great sequel. Ana and Felix still feel too at odds with the rest of the series. But it's the most iconic year in my opinion.
Season 7: the show rose from its ashes. The new cast was great (Alex was still tolerable) and the season finale was fun and chilling.
Season 3: it got a little too over the top and melodramatic. But it has some of the best episodes.
Season 9: one crazy ride. It's the true guilty pleasure season of One Tree Hill.
Season 6: It has a good mix of drama and comedy, and it was back when the show felt like comfort food.
Season 5: too short, but good. Only the way it focuses on the Peyton/Lucas/Lindsey love triangle. Makes it skip-able, when you know how it ends.
Season 4: the drama became ridiculous and barely any episodes stood out.
Season 8: it has some nice episodes, like the premiere, the thanksgiving , « Hangovers », « Kick-ass » and stuff specials. But it is also kind of dull and some characters come off as unlikable.
Season ranking:
Season one: best episodes, they just flow naturally and the drama was more realistic.
Season two: great sequel. Ana and Felix still feel too at odds with the rest of the series. But it's the most iconic year in my opinion.
Season 7: the show rose from its ashes. The new cast was great (Alex was still tolerable) and the season finale was fun and chilling.
Season 3: it got a little too over the top and melodramatic. But it has some of the best episodes.
Season 9: one crazy ride. It's the true guilty pleasure season of One Tree Hill.
Season 6: It has a good mix of drama and comedy, and it was back when the show felt like comfort food.
Season 5: too short, but good. Only the way it focuses on the Peyton/Lucas/Lindsey love triangle. Makes it skip-able, when you know how it ends.
Season 4: the drama became ridiculous and barely any episodes stood out.
Season 8: it has some nice episodes, like the premiere, the thanksgiving , « Hangovers », « Kick-ass » and stuff specials. But it is also kind of dull and some characters come off as unlikable.