Christian'sKimberDoll

He wasn't in so many episodes because he left immediately when Brooke couldn't say 'I love you' back. I really liked the last episode and scene when she finally was able to say the three words.

stlavin95

Thought you didn't like his introduction?

BlondieLeigh

I didn't, but late season 6 was fine, he became a pushover after that.

stlavin95

Fair point, wasn't really an fan of that.

Christian'sKimberDoll

I liked him best in season 7 and 8.

stlavin95

^ Why's that?

BlondieLeigh

I didn't like him then, tbh

stlavin95

Was it because you felt he was too soft?

Christian'sKimberDoll

As a Brulian shipper I liked him best together with Brooke. And they really had beautiful scenes together in S7 and S8.

stlavin95

True, it was definitely both of theirs' best relationship.

BlondieLeigh

It was, but I didn't like how much of a pushover he was.

stlavin95

The writers shouldn't have changed him in the first place.

Christian'sKimberDoll

I think based on his history, no male friends or only close to girls, very strong bond to his mother, clumsy in things regarding sports, always the nice guy, geek, looking for love his whole life, etc. they portrayed his character very well. What they showed from him in season 6 when he first met Brooke or Peyton again it was a facade. His true nature came out in season 7 when he fell in love and didn't know how to handle Brooke's rejection.

stlavin95

True, but they still could have done an better job of having him stand him for himself. Plus I wasn't really convinced that was facade when he first arrived because it was like that in the flashbacks too.

Christian'sKimberDoll

I remember the episode where they were in high school again. I think it was a costume party. He told Brooke that he felt like a geek again and didn't like the feeling. Dressed up as a cheerleader she kissed him then. So I think deep inside he still felt like the unloved boy he had been in high school. And in the story-arch with Davis you could clearly see how unsure he still was about his own actions and instincts. Sylvia had been a 'helicopter-mom' and her behavior still had an affect on Julian till the present day.