Synopsis of the next episode from thewb.com:

From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea

fresh Wednesday, Oct 12 8/7c

Brooke (Sophia Bush) organizes an "End of Summer Beach Party," but soon finds she's the only one in a party mood. Nathan (James Lafferty) comes home from High Flyers to reconnect with Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz), but he and Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) are at each other's throats. Meanwhile, Lucas struggles with Brooke's new rules for dating, Peyton (Hilarie Burton) tries to come to terms with the new truths about her family, and Dan (Paul Johansson) remembers what happened the night of the fire at his dealership.

2nd Episode, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, thoughts:

The second episode was a bit slow paced compared to the kick-ass premiere, and the acting was on a lower level than usual. Especially Sophia Bush/Brooke who seems to have dropped the ball a bit on what she had last year(or last two seasons). Shes back to the whore-bitch of S1 it looks like. And Nathan has also lowered his acting a bit when compared to his good drunk-and-lonely sulking performances last year. And Kevin Kliner is terrible, though I am seeing him more and more as her dad. Anyways not all that much happened in the episode, they were just been teenagers. One magnificent scene that almost saved it: Dan and Karen in the cafe. Paul Johannson and Moira Kelly are just getting better and better as they go on. He also had a great oh snap scene on Halie.

I didn't like the development at the end. I was hoping they'd run the 'who dun it?' through a lot of the season and play the clues and mystery angle a bit, rather than reveal it in Episode 2, but I guess not. Maybe Dan isn't totally right in his memory and this person(won't spoil now for later watchers) isn't actually the culprit. If it is true, then eh its kind-of weak they just reveal in a burst of remembrance like that.

Peyton's short hair is beginning to look good. Haley, with skimpy clothing, compared to the S1 wet silver t-shirt scene, looks terrible here. She's wide now for some reason, still skinny, but wider. Her upper body shoulders and chest are built like a man now it seems, unlike how petite she was before.

Nice to see Tim return, though his funny-ness had an offnight. Still waiting for: Skills, Jake, Nikki(the #1 best character in my mind), Erica Marsh, Taylor, Theresa/Avery.

Overall this is one of their worse episode in a while, but it'll rebound I'm sure. Episode 2/3 has always been down in all 3 seasons, so I'm sure it will work out. Maybe I was just let down from the premiere, who knows.

Okay episode, the premiere was better. I can't believe Lucas tried to kill Dan. I thought it would have been someone like Julie or Keith or even Hailey. I love Hilarie Burton/Peyton's hair this season.

For the record(now that you've let it out of the bag), I'm thinking Dan is just hallucinating the Lucas memory. For one I think it'd be almost impossible for it to be Lucas as that's completley out of his character. For two I think this mystery who dun it has to last a bit longer than 2 episodes.

omg! new avatar again!

The WB's synopsis of episode 3:

First Day on a Brand New Planet

fresh Wednesday, Oct 19 8/7c

It's the first day of senior year and estranged spouses Nathan (James Lafferty) and Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz) have trouble adjusting as classmates. While Brooke (Sophia Bush) continues to play hard-to-get, Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) learns a troubling secret about Peyton's (Hilarie Burton) mom. Meanwhile, Dan (Paul Johansson) closes in on the truth about the dealership fire


It doesn't say much, its just the start of school it looks like, and the rest remains unpredicatable for now.

Pretty excellent episode, compared to last weeks at least. It had much better pacing, and was down-to-earth and a pleasent watch.

Haley/Bethany Joy Lenz took the outright lead, most screen-time, for whats gotta be her first episode in the shows run. And she pulled it off. I'd say this some of her best work in my opinion since the beginning of S1, maybe ever. She also looks great with glasses.

Lee Norris took his first turn as a full-time castmember, and did well. Kind've disappointed we haven't seen the Erica Marsh yet, but I think they'll bring her back eventually to further his life along and to add a solid supporting role.

White text(spoiler), the biggest development of the episode:
It concerns Dan and Lucas's fun with fire situation. Dan and Lucas exchange threats early in the episode, but it doesn't come to the development until near the end. Dan corners him(with Peyton) in the gym, and starts blowing off anger. He, after getting hit by Lucas, almost chokes him to death. But just as Dan is about to kill him, the thrown Peyton yells that he saved your life. It turns out Lucas was there, but he didn't start the fire. He grabbed Dan and pulled him out of the fire, who barely made it as notified by the checking of the pulse. Dan says it'll be their secret. Its exciting, but I still liked the Haley segments of this episode a bit more.

And oh yeah:

Ellie(Peytons mom) tells Lucas she has cancer. And thats why she was buying drugs, and thats why she came back. As Peyton later points out, shes probably lying. If not, this is seriously one of the most terrible storylines in OTH history. 1. Shes been in what, 3.5 episodes? Theres no way we'd ever feel anything for this character anyways, its not like we're feeling sorry for this situation at all. 2. If they want to save the character of Ellie right now, the best they can do is make her an edgy scheming street-wise character with actual charisma and sharp-wit/attitutude, rather than the 'But I'm finally becoming a mom now! I've changed my ways and now I'm mature!' character shes being made out to be. Snore...Both Kevin Kliner(who is appearing way too much) and Ellie are combining efforts to create to whats turning out to be the first really bad arc the show has ever done, with two of the worst characters.

This season is really disappointing so far. A huge reason for me is the new guy playing Peyton's dad. I just can't get over it! Every time he's on screen I want to scream "You're not Peyton's dad," and sometimes I do . It's too hard to adjust to this change. This just makes an already weak start to Season 3 even worse. And he's even been in every episode so far!


The stuff with Peyton's mom is lame, but I do believe her and do think that is where the story arc is going. Man does the character of Peyton have a horrible storyline this year, with the lame mom thing and the new dad. The old one rocked but I can't stand to see this new one on the screen.

I liked Haley tonight and I agree, she looked awesome with glasses.


Anyway, so far this is just such a disappointing season to me.

I can kind've see Kevin Kliner as a rougher version of Ian-Griffith, so that hasn't been that much of a problem. But him along with Ellie chick, along with Lafferty and Sophia Bush, and to a lesser extent Chad Micheal-Murray, they've all been very belowpar with acting to start the season. I mean Lafferty and Bush were actually pretty good last year. Lafferty did a very convincing disappointed and alone character, and his drunk bashing of the wedding was excellent. This year hes not as good. And Sophia Bush/Brooke has dropped everything her character was last year and is back to being a whore.

I don't think Brooke is a whore, she's just scared of getting back with Lucas because she doesn't want to get hurt again. She wants to make sure he REALLY does love her this time. Also, even before when her character was sex crazy I don't think there is anything wrong with that. If it were a guy people wouldn't care. You don't see people calling Lucas a whore for dating Brooke, then messing around with Peyton while with Brooke, and then hooking up with Nikki as well. As far as my sexual appetite goes I'm like a male version of Brooke, and I can't help it, and I don't care. I don't think it's a big deal. And if guys can get away with it then I don't see why girls can't either. Just play safe!

Mhmm.

It has been a bit of over-doing it though. I mean with Lucas S1 he had perfectly good reasons to mess with Brooke Peyton and Nikki at the same time. Brooke, well that was the girlfriend of the situation. Peyton, they'd pretty much spent all of Season 1 developing Lucas and her. And those scenes in the motel, although you could see it coming, are up there in my mind as some of the best the show has done. Even with Nikki they brought the episode round good, with the bar magic-tricks, then the merry go round. And she was interesting.

With Brooke its more like:

Episode 2: "Hey! Lifeguards! *strips* Skinny dipping time!"

Episode 3: "Oh hey Lucas. Oops, there goes my rope heeeee."

Shes still a good character, and still charismatic so I don't mind it. But its there.

Next episode synopsis:

An Attempt To Tip The Scales

fresh Wednesday, Oct 26 8/7c

It's party time in Tree Hill. A masquerade ball at Tric provides the perfect opportunity for Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz) to win back Nathan's (James Lafferty) heart, and for Brooke (Sophia Bush) to seduce Lucas (Chad Michael Murray). Punk-pop sensation "Fall Out Boy" performs amidst the costume madness, while Peyton (Hilarie Burton) tries to come to terms with the new mother in her life. Meanwhile, Dan (Paul Johansson) gives Deb (Barbara Allen Woods) an ultimatum, but soon finds she's a much more worthy opponent than he thought.
Moira Kelly and Barry Corbin also star. Janice Cooke directed the episode written by Stacy Rukeyser


Hmm Fall Out Boy, it should be entertaining enough. I'm kind-of nervous about the Halloween theme(The Office Halloween episode sucked), but for this its probably good because its more light-hearted and funnier than the show has been lately, its a boost to what it needs. They haven't done a Halloween or Christmas or any other themed episode like this, so its a first.

EDIT-I just read over and it looks like its not Halloween, just a costume ball. Thats makes more sense too, because they just started school. And because the show works in half-year seasons, this would be skipping a lot of their room.

Damn! This was another so-so episode! This season is just really disappointing and I absolutely can not get over someone else playing Peyton's dad! That is so damn annoying! It makes it much harder to take things seriously.

I did figure out right away that *****SPOILERS***** it wasn't Nathan who kissed Haley. It was really obvious to me. And I was right. *****END SPOILERS*****

I must say, Chris is looking better this season!

Oh come on Mike, you didn't even like this episode? It was great! It was unbelievably solid, especially considering how Season 3 has gone so far.

The opening costume montage started it off well, and it kept picking up throughout. Dan charging in on the mayor with the camera, then the Dan vs Deb assualt on each other games, it gave it a nice mood. The Halloween party was an absolute blast. All the costumes were downright perfect. Lucas as Tommy Lee, Nathan as Batman lol, Peyton angel of death, Brooke devil, Haley Sandra Dee, Mouth Elvis, it all worked. Peyton and Mouth's dance routine, Fall Out Boy, the Batman kiss twist, it was just so kickass. And I didn't mind Kevin Kliner and Ellie in this episode, for the most part they gave solid performances and are getting to be a bit more likable. In fact every performance in this episode was great, everyone was up to the best almost they've ever done.

All I have to say is: One of the top 3 or 5 episodes ever. Just wow. What a way to rebound. I can't believe you didn't like it. At this point I wouldn't even mind it all that much anymore if the rest of season 3 is back to flagging again, I'm just so happy they managed to pull off at least one absolutley great episode in S3, it just picks my entire spirits about it so far up. I could buy the S3 DVD just for this.

By the way this is coming from someone who has been against Halloween-themed tv show episodes.

One thing about the couple of shows that I was forced to watch when my friend is over.

Can't they come up with another villain.

Most shows move on or add a different one over time.

This one seems to open and close every season with Dan.

Hes a great villian though, Paul Johannson has the role down pat. Because he has such a part in everyones lives, it'd be dumb just to get rid of him. Hes like the anti-Peter Gallagher/Sandy Cohen, I think he works great.

This thread deserves a batman.

I found the episode OK, but overall I'd call it, as well as all of the episodes that have aired so far from Season 3, some of the worst in the history of the series (no episodes could be worse than that horrible and boring as hell episode from Season 2 with Nathan dreaming things were the other way around ). I just find it all really disappointing. The show was so great in the second season (once we got past the first like four episodes), then it comes back and is all mediocre. Things have changed for the worse in my opinion.

I liked the coma dream switch-around episode, it was nice nolstagia.

To each his own I guess. I loved this episode, its somewhere in my top 3 ever.

I didn't say they had to get rid of him - they could still have added another one.

I think it would have been good if that Andy turned out to be bad - he money, power and would have made a good 2nd villain to counter Dan.

Maybe he will.

Remember, someone still unknown is the culprit behind the Dan murder attempt. If Andy is a fake, not a millionaire like I've been expecting, but rather a ex-con or something, theres one right there. Or Keith could be twisted up.

Anyways, heres my top 5 episodes after pondering:

1. Pilot-(For a few of my own reasons, mainly it just sticks in my heart the most.)
2. The Leaving Dance/The Tide That Left and Never Came Back-(S2 2 hr. finale, just estatic. If Pilot didn't have its special circumstances, I would say this would take #1. Its the epitome of teen drama in my mind, just the highest level of excellence a show like this or almost on tv period can gain. Is better than most movies released in 2005.)
3. An Attempt the Tip the Scales-(This one!)
4. What Is and Should Never Be-(S1 episode 20, one of the many S1s that come out of nowhere and surprise you with an absolutley excellent episode. The houseparty aspect is great. Nikki+Peyton fight=Gold.)
5. I Will Dare-(S2 Truth or Dare episode, very funny. Introduces Felix and Anna well.)

Honorable Mentions:
Crash Course in Polite Conversations-Lucas and Peyton lying on the bed in the motel is one of the most beautiful and most powerful scenes OTH has ever made, but the rest of the episode including the family dinner at the Scott house drags it down.

Season 3 Premiere(forget title)-For what it was coming off of, it did the best job it possibly could, and wrapped thing up well enough to start Season 3.

The Leaving Song-Yet again, a S1 knockout from nowhere based on fantastic execution. Features Bryan Greenberg leaving, producing a pretty heartfelt moment for Hilarie Burton.

Life Piling Up-The Nathan coma switcharoo episode. I liked it, it gave a new outlook at how the show started. Nice nolstagia.

EDIT-

Forget: Time Capsule episode from S2, I forget the title on it.-Would normally be a regular episode, but the ingenious interview style pacing with the time capsule makes it memorable. Very sweet moments in this too, they all do a good job with it.

ATTN news:

Lee Norris(Mouth) is signed on to play a part in the upcoming movie Chronicles, in 2006. The story revolves around a true story serial killing spree from Zodiac, who still is an unknown identity, in 1960s-1970s San Franciso. Robert Downey Jr, Anthony Edwards, Jake Gylennhall star. On IMDB Lee is listed as 6th on the cast list, playing 'Young Mike Mageau'.

Sounds like its definitly the biggest outside OTH project for any of the castmembers so far.

Chad Micheal-Murray has House of Wax and Cinderella Story, Bryan Greenberg has Prime(6-7 mil opening weekend), Bethany Joy Lenz has DTV Bring it On Again, Hilarie Burton has indie Our Very Own, Sophia Bush has Supercross. This, from Lee, looks to blow them out. Thumbs up.

Synopsis of next episode:

A Multitude of Casualties

fresh Wednesday, Nov 2 8/7c

It's Midnight Madness in Tree Hill as the Ravens officially begin basketball practice - with explosive results. New hoops captain Nathan (James Lafferty) clashes with Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) over Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz). Brooke (Sophia Bush) fills a vacancy on the cheerleading squad, only to regret her decision when the new girl, Rachel (Danneel Harris), sets her sights on Lucas. Meanwhile, Dan's (Paul Johansson) bid for mayor takes a surprising turn when an unlikely opponent steps forward.
Hilarie Burton, Barbara Alyn Woods, Barry Corbin and Moira Kelly also star. Tom Wright directed the episode written by R. Lee Fleming Jr.

First basketball-team appearance since S1, should be an interesting revert I guess. The new girl Rachel/Dannell Harris(odd name) was apparantly the girl dresses as Pam Anderson in the last episode, and will be a reuccuring character for a while. I'm hoping to see Erica Marsh return one of these days, after all she IS one of the OTH 5 immortal supporting characters, and I'd expect they'd have to bring her back to make Mouth's day happy. And yeah the mayor opponent thing, I already know who it is, I expect its pretty obvious anyways...Moirraaaaaaaaaa.

? How is it a bigger project that either Chad or Bryan staring in very high-profiled movies.

Come on, lets not strech this out of proportion.

Definitely agree. Bryan was also in The Perfect Score, and even that will be a bigger role/project than this movie.

No way. I think Chronicles will be pretty big. Wax and Cinderella did half-well, but are mostly trashed. Prime will be forgotten soon. This will garner the biggest respect in the movie landscape.