One Tree Hill 1X9: With Arms Outstretched
Added 2023-11-27 15:00:01 +0000 UTCI don't think I've ever been more upset with Dan. I also don't think I've ever been happier with a character than I was with Deb in this episode.
I'm still concerned that Nathan is manipulating Haley. But I can't really prove it yet. But I'm worried for her! And less worried about Nathan passing out. Is that bad?
Ugh. Why did Brooke have to be there? We were this close to Peyton/Lucas!
Also, Whitey has the best response.
Comments
I just worry for Haley. It does seem like Nathan is starting to be genuine, but with his past, it's hard to fully believe him. I agree, though. Haley seems to understand what's going on. She's certainly not going into this relationship blind. She knows exactly who Nathan was and is here for him regardless of his past. Nathan has had such a shitty life up until this point; I'm not sure he knows what to do when someone is genuinely on his side and rooting for him. He doesn't know how to express his anger in any other way. And while I 100% understand that, it makes me nervous that poor Haley (even if she knows and agrees) is going to get the brunt of his learning curve. I am shocked at how much of a turnaround I had about Nathan. It wasn't that many episodes ago that I was totally writing him off as an asshole; now, I'm actively rooting for him. This show is great with character development so far.
Dana Licciardello
2023-11-30 15:33:31 +0000 UTCI do not see any way for a redemption arc for him. I'd be happy (sort of) to be proven wrong, but I just cannot see a way. Oh, I love that he is the exact opposite of his character! I'd heard rumblings about things on this set, but I've heard stuff about other sets as well. I'm glad they had someone on their side! I cannot believe I'm saying this, but Nathan is turning into one of my favorite characters to watch. His growth is astounding, and I truly believe it. I'm just, as you said, really cautious because I do not want anything bad to happen to Haley. Ever. She's such a pure spirit, and I don't want anything to change that. It would gut me if Nathan hurt her. And seeing how their relationship started from him wanting to mess with Lucas, I'm nervous!
Dana Licciardello
2023-11-30 15:24:04 +0000 UTCIn the last epi, when apologizing to Haley outside of her house, Nathan basically said to her that he really did want to be a different person, but he was having a hard time figuring that out, which is why he kept screwing up. Nathan's got way too much going on to just turn it around overnight. Haley had to take a leap of faith that he genuinely wants to be a better person and to have patience while he navigates that. Haley's smart and she's been warned to be careful. She seems to know what she's getting into and with that the high potential of getting hurt. She's taking a chance anyway. In this epi, Haley knew Nathan's actions were a result of wtv he was going through, even if she didn't know exactly what that was. Up until this point, this was not typical Nathan/Haley interactions. How he was behaving towards her was not normal. It does suck to see him direct his anger at her and treat her badly and then her be so forgiving, but I think she's trying to understand. She does see there's more to him than what's on the surface. I actually love that she doesn't give up on him and is still supportive and goes to his game, especially after seeing how deep his issues run. Nathan lacks guidance. His father is an asshole who can't get over who he was in high school and his mother (hooray to Deb for finally kicking Dan out 🎉) has been pretty absent before now, leaving Nathan in the hands of his controlling father and his relationship with her is strained because of this. To me, despite who've we've seen so far, Nathan is extremely rootable because we see why he is like he is. He even knows why. I love in this epi Nathan was able to acknowledge this to Haley, sometimes it's his dad and sometimes it's just his own terrible choices. Like Nathan said, he is not ok. He was vulnerable in that scene and was reaching out for help. Haley is very mature even at 16. She's understanding, patient and offers perspective and guidance, making him think about things differently. Haley is a good positive influence in his life. I want Nathan to be better.
Heather
2023-11-28 06:18:23 +0000 UTCalso i know you're still on the fence about nathan and haley, but i really loved the ending of this episode with them. how he goes to her, how she comforts him. she just exudes "partner" and gave him that assurance that she was with him, he won't have to face what he goes through alone. they just felt like a united front in that scene and i really liked it a lot. their dymanic and how they treat one another thus far since staring their relationship has been something i've enjoyed seeing a lot. and i love that when he messes up, he apologizes. whereas before there'd be no apology or self-reflection. it'd be wonderful if there were no "mess ups" to apologize for, but alas...at least this is character growth. i understand where your trepedations come from though. haley is so good and sweet and deserving of so much. and nathan...while he's trying, he also hasn't been the most honest in many, many ways. with himself, with his feelings, with a lot. you just can't help but hope he's being honest with her, but it's hard to know for sure because of how he's been in the past, and how he still is with himself. also one thing i paid a lot of attention this episode is how dan talks to deb, vs how nathan talks to haley. even when he's frustrated and strung out on his pills that made him aggressive, i still can't picture him calling her "lady" like dan called deb, or speaking to her in the tone dan uses with deb. to me, that speaks volumes, seeing as how that's the enviornment he grew up in. to me, that solidifies more of him breaking away from the man his dad is, and the man he once thought he should/had to be.
emily ღ
2023-11-27 23:03:03 +0000 UTCscrew dan!! ugh that man gets me HEATED. but i will say this....from a character standpoint and how well his actor is with the character is just really well done. i can appreciate it from a narrative/fictional stand point. also idk if you know this but dan's actor is such a good guy!! there was some shady stuff going down behind the scenes (the oth ladies talk about this on their podcast) and he'd kind of step in and "protect them" and look out for them and they've said how truly grateful they are to have had him on set with them. also my heart continues to break for nathan here. it's so clear he has such complicated feelings for his dad, as a lot of abused kids do. he loves his dad, adores and admires his dad and wants to live up to him, and has spent his whole life doing so. but now he's at this stage of growing up and realizing the person his dad is and how maybe that's not the "hero" he wants to grow up to be. and that his dad has and continues to harm him. deb is incredible. i love her character and i'm so happy nathan has her at least. another great reaction! i always enjoy these uploads so much!
emily ღ
2023-11-27 22:33:57 +0000 UTC
