I wish I could say I have no complaints with this show but it's the same old story. Haley gets about as many lines as a glorified extra while several peripheral characters get to wax on and on about their feelings. I'm certain Rachel, Mouth, Millicent, and probably even Chase had more lines than Haley did. Not only that but she gets to be the shrew to boot. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Well, somehow I've fallen into the habit of doing this weekly episode review. Let's see, tonight's ep . . .

Not as great as last week's, but then again, I didn't expect it to be. Because last week was just amazing.

I really liked this episode, though. It had some definite light-hearted parts, along with some heavier emotional stuff. Plus, the reintroduction of some of the other characters was great.

Nathan: Okay, first things first, my man looked FINE tonight! Like gorgeous! Drop-dead gorgeous! Seriously, I think the guy can never get hotter, and then he does. It's awesome.

I thought this was a great episode for Nathan. He showed real maturity and a genuine desire to make things right with his family. He loves them so much. The dynamic between him and Jamie is an absolute joy to watch. When he gave him that kiss on the head towards the end, I just about died because of the cuteness! I love Nathan as a father. I really do.

Haley: Okay, first off, I don't know how she can resist Nathan looking as fine as he was tonight. (I just can't get past his hotness!) But it's understandable, though. I feel bad for her. She has so much to balance in her life. She's a mother, a wife (yes, she is still a wife and always will be!), a teacher, a friend . . . she handles it all well, and of course it's frustrating for us Naley fans to not see her and Nathan together, but her reaction to all the stress in her life is realistic and actually long-overdue.

Jamie: I just about cried when he turned the smiley face on his pancake into a frowning face! He's so cute. This kid knows how to act! He did such a good job conveying Jamie's sadness tonight. That's what is so unfortunate about this situation between Nathan and Haley. It affects Jamie the most. I really wish he had gotten to play Rock Band with his parents at the end!

Brooke: Girl kicked ass tonight! I loved that scene between her and Victoria at the end. Victoria is always trying to make her feel like she's stupid, but Brooke is a lot smarter than Victoria will ever be. I hope she works her hardest and shoves her success in Victoria's face!

Victoria: Yeah, self-righteous, insensitive bitch. That pretty much sums it up.

Rachel: She looked so beautiful tonight! I loved her hair! Obviously, as a hardcore Naley fan, I couldn't stand Rachel last season, but this season, my heart really goes out to her. She's a young girl who basically grew up with no morals, no structure, and now she has to try to survive in the world, and it's really hard when people like Victoria are beating her down. I hope she's able to straighten herself out and that we see more of her.

Mouth/Millicent: Really cute pairing. I think their relationship brings an innocene to this show that is refreshing to see. But I always liked the relationship Mouth had with Rachel, too. It was very ambiguous. I loved Millicent's dress in tonight's episode, too! So pretty!

Lucas/Lindsey: Again, not a very Lucas-heavy episode. And it was fantastic! lol, I love Lucas, but sometimes the episodes where he is front and center grate my cheese a little bit. He should listen to Haley, though. He should NOT marry Lindsay. I really like Lindsay, and if he breaks off the engagement, obviously it's going to break her heart, but it's going to break her heart more in the long run if they actually get married and he cheats on her or something.

Peyton: Two episodes in a row without bitchy/immature Peyton. Thank God. I loved that she was able to be friendly with Lucas without being melodramatic and be cordial to Lindsay without being ridiculous. I hope she doesn't do anything too tricky next week. Let things happen. Let Lucas be the one to decide. Don't lower yourself to fight over a guy, Peyton.

Chase: Lookin' good tonight, buddy! I must say, though, if you try to make a move on your friend's girlfriend, you're going to be in big trouble with me. Hopefully it doesn't come down to that. We don't need anymore love triangles!

Owen: Hottie Mc-Hot-Hot. Not as hot as James, but still hot. I loved that scene where he was sitting in the chair and Brooke was on his lap. He's so big and she's so tiny! They make a cute couple.

Dan: Dan the Man wastes no time, does he? Get out of jail, get laid. He is NOT a good guy, but I'm so happy to see him out of jail. He's the core of this show. Everything stems from him. We need him back. Should be great. Paul Johansson rocks!

Blonde Woman in Bed With Dan: Good lord, get out! I'd be so freaked!

As for the preview for next week . . . I'm so excited (mainly because I saw a Naley kiss and a Moira return) and so anxious (because I saw ****-bag Carrie) and so intrigued (because of Dan's "perfect opportunity for a family reunion" line.) The hundreth episode! Should be HUGE.

I love Season 5!

-April

I for one am glad that Haley didn't call Nathan. For one because Haley and Lucas are best friends and she always told him how she felt and 2) her calling Nathan would've been too predictable and easy. If I had it my way Nathan and Haley wouldn't even end up together, but I've learned to accept that this is OTH and Mark would never risk his life because rather I like it or not, they are arguably the couple with the biggest fanbase.

Kid around club.

JD. Amazing review as always, braaa. I love all the thought and effort you put into them, and you're always right on the money!