May 14,2008
Named after a U2 song and just as rockin, One Tree Hill has defied the critics survived the UPN-WB merger and with a post high school jump four years into the future this season redefined its teen soap image. Now as the gang heads out of their fifth season amid a storm of adult angst ranging from Brooke’s adoption heartbreak to Haley’s music career breakthrough, it’s clear that OTH is one hot spot still worth visiting. Here’s why:
1. It’s the little show that could
OTH has always been under the ratings radar. But thanks to its websavvy fans, including the 300,000 plus members of Facebook addicted to OTH site the show makes up for its lack of Nielsen numbers with an online visibility other net would give their repo’d bionic women for. “viewers save this show… all the critics in the world can’t save a show that nobody is watching” exec producer M. Schwahn says.
2. It’s softer than your average soap.
Sudsy without being splashy, and unabashedly emotional (nobody cries better that Hil Burton) OTH distinctive pace moseys along, unlike that of The OC.
3. The kids are all right…as grown ups
Not only did this spare us the 90210ish forced insanity of the gang attending the same school but it also put the cast closer to their own ages. turning OTH into more of a universal show rather than a teen drama.
4. History actually matters
The time warp also gave diehards a payoff by fulfilling the characters teen dreams Emo babe Peyton (Burton) now runs an indie label, “tutor girl” Haley is tree hill highs hottest teacher, and fashionista Brooke has her clothes over bros line. “if you change too much you might as well create a new show” explains Schwahn. Plus if Lucas didn’t publish after all of CMM’s lit inspired voice overs Burton wouldn’t have been the only one crying.
5. Love is always in the air
Whether you’re team Naley or just falling for Misfits Mouth and Millicent OTH is all about couples you can adore. Even potentially doomed ones. “Lucas and Peyton have a very classic romantic architecture”, Schwahn says. “That doesn’t mean it will work out.” What it does mean is we can expect their on-again, off-again romance to go on and off well into next season.