Best OTH episodes
A list of what I consider to be the best episodes of One Tree Hill from each season.
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- DirectorRobert Duncan McNeillStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganThe night of Dan and Deb's annual basketball appreciation party stirs up old wounds and new feelings as Karen makes a new friend, Keith faces off with his younger brother once again and Lucas finally makes his move on Peyton. Also, Haley and Nathan grow closer until Brooke spreads a vicious rumor that leaves Haley devastated.
- DirectorJohn BehringStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganIn therapy with Deb, who by now wants a divorce, Dan tells he cut Lucas out of his life like a trapped man amputates his arm to survive. Haley gets basketball lessons (to pass PE) from patient Nathan, who to everyone's relief is back with the Ravens. Coach tells Keith he promised his wife 35 years ago they would 'start living' after 20 years of coaching; he just won 500 matches, but what about his most important intention: to make a difference? Strolling on the beach Dan meets Carrie, who fails to seduce him when invited to eat his spare steak as Nathan declined, but just then Deb walks in. Now Brooke believes Lucas is her first true love, he and Peyton don't come clean about the motel; but Haley overhears them and has a row with him. Nathan convinces coach he does matter for boys like him who still need guidance. While driving with Lucas, Keith is hit by another car. Dan is nearby and rushes Lucas to the hospital.
- DirectorDavid CarsonStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganNow Lucas is out of the coma and released home, where his ma tries to make him take it easy on doctors orders, Jake brings him a games console as a get-better-and-return gift from the Ravens and uses the opportunity to get a job in Karen's café. Nathan tells his ma he understands his parents' divorce is the only option by now, and turns all his attention to Haley, who makes him realize he's not a baby who must go where he's told but can legally choose; both parents seem confident and determined to win him over, but Dan convinces him Deb doesn't stand a chance because of her secret past. Lucas has decided to break up with Brooke -but didn't tell her- sneaks out to Peyton and collapses there; he is rushed to the emergency room, Brooke finds out and faces Peyton bitterly. Although Karen is determined to repay Keith Lucas' medical bills, since Keith 'can't repay' having endangered his life, he cashes in all his savings and plans a mortgage on his garage.
- DirectorThomas J. WrightStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganLucas believed he saw more then an auction slave's duty when Nathan kissed Peyton, but confronted Nathan is convincingly indignant. Brooke and a test kit tell Lucas they're expecting a baby. Jake still refuses Nikki any part in Jenny's life. Nathan tells Haley he doesn't understand she won't share his bed but tattooed his jersey number on her backside. After 15 years Keith proposes to Karen, who 'isn't ready', and decides to leave. Dan tells Lucas not to let Brooke ruin his life as Karen did by having him; and bursts in at Nathan's to tell him the beach-house will be waiting 'when' he hits rock bottom.
- DirectorPerry LangStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganKeith has a solicitation as auto-shop teacher in a Charleston school; Lucas is heartbroken his surrogate father may move that far away. Haley and Nathan finally feel cozy living together, but when Dan finds out he sold the car he gave his poor son, he demands the money it fetched unless he moves in with him again- so the kid chooses to stay poor and takes a lousy job serving food in the mall, where a kid he never even noticed in his history class is now the sports heroes' vindictive boss- one visit by Dan convinces even him to go easy on the long-envied golden boy whose silver spoon came at such a price, so he won't miss his own housewarming party. When he gets there, Mouths music and Nikki literally fighting with Peyton have alerted the police, so Dan -who just got in bed with Deb- gets a call from the sheriff to bail him out.
- DirectorBilly DicksonStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganWith the assistance of Peyton and Brooke, Lucas throws Nathan and Haley a wedding reception. Although Haley's parents support Nathan and Haley's marriage, Deb has a difficult time accepting it. Meanwhile, Dan's recent heart attack causes him to try and mend his relationships with Deb and Lucas.
- DirectorThomas J. WrightStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganFelix organizes a "dare night" to test the limits of his new classmates. While out playing the game, Lucas meets a mysterious new girl, Anna. Peyton tearfully confesses to the church that she recently tried cocaine and Keith is caught off guard when a beautiful woman comes to the shop and begins flirting with him. Meanwhile, Karen goes on a date with Andy, her younger professor.
- DirectorJohn AsherStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganHaley makes Nathan agree to go to the prom even though his parents will be chaperons; Peyton pays Brooke's chosen dress for it; Lucas tells Felix he's taking Anna; Mouth comes alone 'on the prowl'. Lucas learns Dan is hiding his full recovery. Haley finally accepts to play with Chris in Peyton's club, but they run late, leaving Nathan dancing with his ma; when she finally arrives they are crowned king and queen of the ball but just then Nathan learns she worked with Chris even while he was in Charlotte, and ends up showing he gave up Highflyers for her. After Mouth tells her he, not Felix, took care of her while she was drunk, she's livid and tells Felix he'll never have her heart.
- DirectorLev L. SpiroStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganAfter the prom, Anna sleeps over at Peyton's- Felix sneers she's getting a worse reputation then his, while Peyton has a hard time with lesbianism-innuendos, even though Brooke says that appeals to boys, but ends up making a stand at school. Brooke finds Nathan slept on Lucas's floor; when he goes home, Haley tells him she respects his sacrifice and wants him to go to Highflyers, but won't do the one thing he asks, stop seeing Chris, so he walks out again and warns Chris in ominous terms and grip. Brooke blames Felix for her broken windshield and rages at him; he finds out it was Mouth, who also tells Lucas, but pays anyway; in the end he convinces her of his love. Dan takes the reins back at the dealership and offers Keith to stay on. Karen orders Lucas to take the medical test, or no basketball anyway- Nathan confesses he told her. Chris gets a chance to make a tour, asks Haley along and kisses her again. After Deb confesses her infidelity with him to Karen, Jules gets a call from Keith he loves her, and reports it to Dan
- DirectorMichael LangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganLucas and Peyton hide Jake and Jenny at Nathan's place while he chases Haley. Lucas finds Dan's secret hiding place for cash and a secret ledger; when he and Andy come to get it at night, all is gone. Anna's former lover Darby turns up; she ends up coming clean to her parents, who still love her, but returns to boarding school. Nathan accepts an invitation to spend the night at the bar where Taylor works; they drink heavily and participate in the bar dancing show. Niki claims Jenny isn't Jake's biologically. Brooke stays late at a party without permission, misses her shift in the café, and learns to pay her debts and her dues chore-wise. Jake won't hear reason from his lawyer and chooses jail over handing over Jenny to irresponsible Niki, even if that's his best chance to get her back in a few months.
- DirectorThomas J. WrightStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganDeb's cool younger brother, race pilot Cooper 'Coop' Lee, visits his favorite nephew Nathan and invites him and Lucas to Lowe's Motor Speedway (now Charlotte Motor Speedway), where the boys and his kid brother Jarret get a crash course from competitor Ray Green's daughter Daytona 'Toni' in not crashing for a taste of the race. Dan informs college about Andy's improper relationship with Karen- he must choose and gives his notice. Mouth fakes being drunk so Brooke can 'drive him home'; Erica is a real client, and hits on with him, kissing. Dan finds Deb wasted in the garden. At the day of the (private) race, competitive athlete Nathan's pride is hurt, so he tries to break the track speed record but crashes with bad long injury; the doctors tell Deb her blood is too 'rich' in pills to donate; Toni thinks Nathan was suicidal. Coach tells Peyton Jenny is safe in a small Florida town.
- DirectorLes ButlerStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganWhile Nathan is unconscious in the hospital, he dreams a nightmare alternative version of his life, in which Dan married Karen and lives with her and Lucas, while Keith is the successful car dealer, Dan is assistant coach and trains Lucas as the Ravens star. Nathan is the poor underdog living with Deb -who runs the café- but may still be recommended for Highflyers by coach Whitey if he wins a duel; Haley is his girlfriend, Brooke makes a pass at him. Karen cheats on Dan with Keith. Peyton goes steady with Lucas but tells Haley to warn Nathan about Lucas' dirty plans; Dan's attempt to bribe Nathan off actually motivates him to fight, so he is abducted, bound and dumped by Lucas's Ravens hardcore. Peyton dumps Lucas, who loses the duel after she picked Nathan up.
- 2003–201244mTV-148.5 (413)TV EpisodeDirectorThomas J. WrightStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganThe class's last essay assignment is about what they lost during the year, which sets some thinking. Karen attacks Dan when she learns he tries to get Andy deported; Andy cleverly trick him to check the black books hiding place. Jake has high hopes to get Jenny back now his attorney found Nikki lied under oath about attending college; but the day before, Nikki visits him to show she found Jenny already... Coach encourages Nathan to go to Highflyers, as he has grown in character enough, but Dan claims his ma Deb will collapse again if he leaves after her return. Karens club TRIC fills for Jimmy Eat World. Lucas and Brooke visit New York for an overnight stay with Haley; Chris says they never had sex, but she refuses to give up her musical life. Jake tells Peyton to forget him as his quest for Jenny looks desperate.
- DirectorGregory PrangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganLucas and Brooke's relationship becomes more intimate when they travel to New York for an overnight stay with Haley.
- DirectorJanice CookeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganIt's party time in Tree Hill. A masquerade ball at Tric provides the perfect opportunity for Haley to win back Nathan's heart, and for Brooke to seduce Lucas. Punk-pop sensation "Fall Out Boy" performs amidst the costume madness, while Peyton tries to come to terms with the new mother in her life. Meanwhile, Dan gives Deb an ultimatum, but soon finds she's a much more worthy opponent than he thought.
- DirectorThomas J. WrightStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganDan presents the Ravens opening show for the new basketball season, but after the choreographed cheerleaders the boys come rolling in with a public fight between Lucas and Nathan over Haley; then a major flashback... Brooke and Peyton audition would be-cheerleaders; the obvious winner is arrogant, slutty Rachel, who Brooke accidentally indicates when telling Lucas to date another girl. While Dans team plans his mayoral election campaign, Deb deliberately walks in dressed sluttier then a drunk whore. Captain Nathan puts Lucas on the bench for back-talk. Brooke wants to field Haley instead of Rachel. Coach grudgingly introduces Dan and smiling, to everyone's surprise, his late-hour mayoral opponent: Karen Roe! When Dan announces the team, Lucas calling Nathan 'just like' his dad starts their fight, and Brooke attacks Rachel. Coach is livid at the brothers- and makes Lucas co-captain. Rachel sits naked in Lucas's car, and Brooke chews both of them, to his surprise admitting she only wanted to be desired exclusively by proclaiming non-exclusiveness.
- DirectorJohn AsherStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganAfter Lucas surprised Chris with Brooke, even her self-confidence isn't enough to remain assured she hasn't really lost the possible love of her life. Chris informs Nathan whom he thought already knew and gets knocked for once more breaking up a relationship for someone he's not even truly in love with. Dan phones the radio station to point out on air his competitor Karen is unmarried and checks on Nathans condition for the new season, but gets the cold shoulder. Tim looks forward to the boys getting tattoos this year. Karen nor cake can cheer up Lucas, who doesn't even feel like basketball anymore; Nathans advice in the locker-room to concentrate on his playing and forgive Brooke for love's sake don't help either. Coach tells the team he'll retire after this season, and expects them, his best team ever, to prove so by results; Lucas stinks worst of all at the first game, which is an utter loss. Haley and Nathan are back on speaking terms. Mouth shows 'mayor' Karen his cell-phone recording of Dan roughing up Nathan and coach throwing him out after the match.
- DirectorGregory PrangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganLucas reveals that he knows who tried to kill Dan in the dealership fire. Brooke, Peyton and Haley find themselves behind bars. Chris Keller convinces Nathan to be his wingman at a high-stakes poker game. The residents of Tree Hill finally choose a mayor.
- DirectorStuart GillardStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganKeith is arrested as suspect for the arson attempt on his brother Dan, but to the mayors anger soon released for lack of proof. The kids are supposed to get counseling about choosing a college, but nearly all have their minds elsewhere. Nathan and Haley make up, but have chosen colleges 3000 miles apart. Brooke believes Rachel deliberately entered her for the New York fashion contest because it's the same day as the cheerleaders' high-day, the Classic. Ellie insists Peyton shouldn't doubt about going to college at all. Mouth has enough of Brookes bitching, so he goes to the game with Rachel. Because Nathan missed political science class now Dan teaches that course, coach benches him, just when the major East Coast talent scout is present; still he gives Lucas the winning tactical tip, which really impresses coach...
- DirectorDavid JacksonStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganA violent rainstorm knocks out the power in Tree Hill, leading Haley to Nathan's doorstep and Brooke out into the downpour for a dramatic confrontation with Lucas. Peyton finally confronts the truth about Ellie's illness, while Marvin is tempted by his new friend, Rachel. Before morning, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and new love gets hotter than ever.
- DirectorBilly DicksonStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganLast year's time-capsule is maliciously opened 49 years early, revealing many kids' embarrassing secrets, lies and even worse truths, shown on TV screens at school and even on the Internet. Peyton prepares a benefit for the National Breast-cancer action, in memory of her recently deceased ma Ellie Harp; it rocks and brings most kids back together. Keith announces his engagement to Karen and his plan to adopt Lucas. Jimmy Edwards, who bagged the worst on everyone in his time-capsule speech, gets roughed up, but the Scott brothers, Mouth and Rachel save his bacon. Dan reminds Keith how close they were as boys and hands him the black ledger but is scorned and burns it. Nathan and Haley enjoy closeness again. Lucas embraces Keith as his future father, without step-.
- 2003–201244mTV-149.7 (1.8K)TV EpisodeDirectorGregory PrangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganA dangerous day at Tree Hill High gives Nathan and Lucas a common goal, as they put their lives on the line to save their friends when a distraught student comes to school with a gun and holds Haley hostage.
- 2003–201243mTV-149.0 (497)TV EpisodeDirectorJohn AsherStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganThe aftermath of the school shooting and the death of Jimmy Edwards forces everyone in Tree Hill to examine their lives. Nathan reassesses his relationship with Haley, while Brooke and Rachel join forces to heal the student body. Dan must deal with the ramifications of shooting Keith, while Lucas and Peyton consider the implications of their kiss in the library.
- DirectorThomas J. WrightStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganOn the night before Nathan and Haleys wedding, Brooke argues with Haley over the wedding dress. Meanwhile, Lucas and Karen return.
- DirectorMark SchwahnStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganNathan and Haley's wedding is a time of great joy. And great sadness. Peyton and Brooke fall out, Dan learns the truth about the fire, and Rachel gets publicly drunk....and publicly bitter.
- DirectorGregory PrangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganThe aftermath of the post-wedding car accident unfolds. Haley is deeply affected by Nathan's attempt to rescue Cooper and Rachel, Brooke confronts Lucas with her true feelings and Peyton makes a startling discovery. Pressured by the fact that someone might know he killed his brother, Dan assaults Deb.
- DirectorGregory PrangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganAs Nathan, Rachel and Cooper's lives remain precarious following the car accident, Brooke celebrates her 18th birthday but finds it diminished by her struggles with Peyton. Lucas and Karen come to terms with her pregnancy and with the pregnancy of someone close to Lucas, while Deb's past addictions intersect with Haley in an explosive manner.
- 2003–20121hTV-148.7 (460)TV EpisodeDirectorStuart GillardStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganPeyton finally realizes that her brother Derek isn't her real brother but in fact the very same person that's been sending her online messages using the alias "watchmewatchyou". When she learns this and starts pushing him away, Derek breaks into her house and tries to hurt her. She is saved in the last minute by her real brother Derek and Lucas. In the end, Derek disappears after surviving a bad fall through Peyton's window.
- DirectorGregory PrangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganAs Whitey's last game approaches, the residents of Tree Hill feel the pressure of a looming State Championship. Peyton reveals to Lucas that she has feelings for him. Haley learns the sex of her baby. Nathan and Lucas clash over personal and team goals. Karen shows Deb tough love, while Dan tries to strike a bargain with Daunte.
- DirectorJohn AsherStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganLucas receives an unlikely visitor -- his supposedly dead Uncle Keith. Haley's life and the life of her unborn child are threatened when she experiences serious complications with her pregnancy and Nathan wrestles with the guilt and consequences of his dealings with Daunte.
- DirectorLes ButlerStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganA class assignment reveals the deepest secrets and desires of Lucas and the students at Tree Hill High. Worried about college prospects, Skills turns to Haley, while Nathan wrestles with Deb's suicide attempt. Chase learns that Brooke cheated on her calculus exam, while nudity and drugs run rampant in the halls of the school.
- DirectorJanice CookeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganHaley confronts Brooke regarding the stolen calculus test. Lucas and Peyton consider taking their relationship to the next level as Peyton and Brooke grow closer. In Deb's absence, Nathan throws a senior party at the Scott House, where a sex tape from Nathan's past surfaces.
- 2003–201242mTV-148.9 (501)TV EpisodeDirectorThomas J. WrightStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganIt will be an unforgettable Prom at Tree Hill High when Lucas discovers who was in the hallway when Keith was killed. Meanwhile, Peyton's decision to skip Prom leads to dire consequences. Nathan and Haley vow to be romantic teenagers at Prom, while Dan tries to win Karen's affections, as the witness to his murder closes in.
- DirectorGregory PrangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganThe teens of Tree Hill mount a rescue mission to retrieve Marvin from his ill-advised road trip with Rachel. While on the trip, Haley and Nathan get a second chance to enjoy the prom, and Lucas and Peyton decide to take their relationship to the next level. Brooke tells Haley that she lied about stealing the calculus exam, and Nathan struggles with the residue of a past mistake.
- DirectorDavid JacksonStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganPeyton is scared by images of "Psycho Derek," so she decides to confront him. Meanwhile, Lucas continues seeking answers about his Uncle Keith's Murder.
- DirectorMichael LangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganNathan and Haley grow closer in spite of the recent scandal. Brooke wonders if a spark might be rekindled with Chase. Peyton receives a tempting offer that would ultimately take her away from Tree Hill. Mouth reconnects with Gigi, while Lucas tells Karen that Dan is a murderer, setting off an explosive series of events.
- DirectorGregory PrangeStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganAs graduation day dawns in Tree Hill, some dreams begin as others end. Haley prepares for her graduation speech and her role as a young mother, while Nathan prepares for life without basketball. Brooke makes a heartfelt confession that puts her future in jeopardy. Lucas confronts Dan as Karen's life is threatened.
- DirectorMark SchwahnStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganDan must face the harsh consequences of his decision to murder Keith as Karen and Haley's pregnancies complicate the lives of Nathan and the graduating seniors of Tree Hill High. Lucas wrestles with his post-high school options, and Peyton and Brooke prepare to spend the summer in Los Angeles together.
- DirectorPaul JohanssonStarsChad Michael MurrayJames LaffertyHilarie Burton MorganOn the day of Prom, the residue of Nathan's pre-Prom party has serious repercussions for everyone in Tree Hill. Haley asks Nathan for a list of his past sexual conquests. Rachel is suspended after taking the blame for the exam she stole with Brooke. Peyton tells Lucas she wants to skip the Prom entirely, but he refuses to take no for an answer. Finally Mouth and Brooke must deal with dating Clean Teens on Prom night.