Episode 1.17 Spirit in the Night

Posted on April 6th, 2004 by Amy

Overview:

The gang hits the road to Charlotte where Brooke is determined to win first place at the annual cheerleading competition. But when one of her squad falls ill, Peyton begs Haley to step into the cheerleader’s shoes for a day. Meanwhile, after Whitey assigns Lucas and Nathan to the same room, tempers flare and Haley is caught in the middle.

Recap:

The Classic, better known as the biggest cheer competition, is approaching and Brooke does want to win. Before leaving for Charlotte, Whitey tells Nathan and Lucas they have to work together: even though Lucas is in on the injured list, he could help Nathan out with double teams. Unfortunately, Nathan doesn’t look that eager to learn about Lucas’ fade-away.

It’s time to leave: the bus trip can get started. Everybody is there including two special chaperons: Karen and Larry – Peyton’s father.

Once at the hotel… surprise, surprise… Brooke and Peyton are in the same room, and so are the Scott brothers. Nobody is exactly jumping because of joy, but that’s it. While Brooke is freaking out because of the competition (and acting like a CN – Cheer Nazi, as well), Lucas feels left out of Haley’s life, since she’s always hanging out with Nathan. In the meantime, in Tree Hill, Dan and Keith are clearly not able to work together, and Keith can’t help but quit.

It turns out Theresa, one of the cheerleader, is sick – chicken pox. Yep, Peyton and Brooke have to find a replacement: Haley, who eventually accepts thanks to Peyton’s words, “It’s important to Brooke.” When the whole routine practice is over, the girls (plus Mouth) relax in the hot tub, and Brooke doesn’t look mad at Peyton anymore. In that moment, the boys come over – after a terrible male strip (of course it was all Tim’s fault) – and Lucas tells Haley she looks ridiculous wearing that cheerleader’s outfit. The girl looks hurt and makes a good point, saying: “You do realize that both your former girlfriends are cheerleaders?” Anyway, the hot tub party is done, as soon as Whitey shows up.

It’s a new morning and the cheer competition can get started. In the end, Brooke’s team doesn’t win but, at least Brooke wins the final award of the competition, for best original choreography.

Now it’s Ravens time. Before the game, however, Lucas apologizes to Haley and they make up. The Ravens win, thanks to Nathan’s final shot. He did practice Lucas’ sporty advice, after all. It seems Nathan and Lucas are kind of bonding, and Haley is clearly happy about this. Someone else isn’t that thrilled: Peyton, since Brooke points out: “We’re not friends anymore, we’re just on the same squad.”

In the last scene, Lucas is playing in the Rivercourt and he shoots a basket. “That’s one.” Meanwhile, emancipated Nathan enters his new apartment.

Originally aired: Tuesday April 6, 2004 on The CW Writer: Terrence Coli
Director: Duane Clark
Show Stars: Moira Kelly (Karen Roe), Chad Michael Murray (Lucas Eugene Scott), Barry Corbin (Coach Whitey Durham), Barbara Alyn Woods (Deb Scott (as also starring; 2004-present)), Paul Johansson (Dan Scott), Craig Sheffer (Keith Scott), James Lafferty (Nathan Scott), Hilarie Burton (Peyton Sawyer), Sophia Bush (Brooke Davis), Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley James-Scott)
Recurring Role: Sarah Edwards (Thresa), Brett Claywell (Tim), Lee Norris (Mouth), Bevin Prince (Bevin ( Cheerleader)), Bryan Greenberg (Jake), Thomas Ian Griffith (Larry Sawyer)
Guest Stars: Sarah Lucas (Cheerleader #1) , Brecka Coleman (Reese) , Melissa Ponzio (Alice) , Rick Forrester (Matt Perry) , Corri English (Claire Young)
Production Code: 177516