Mark Schwahn returned to the “happier” themes of OTH S1-4 in the Season Five (S5) Finale on May 19, 2008. From the opening theme song, sung by Gavin DeGraw “live” at the piano with Jamie, to the “positive” outcomes in the show itself, this was the most “satisfying” episode for long time fans in the otherwise “dark and dower” themes of OTH S5.
Nathan recovered his basketball “skills” by “dunking” a basketball (his “patented move”) for the first time since his accident ruined his original NBA aspirations. Jamie overcame his “fear of water” by jumping into the family pool to “romp and play” in the water with Haley and Nathan. Deb and “Skills” continued their “consenting adult relationship”, which is now a “poorly kept secret”. Mouth and Millicent “upped the stakes” in their “close and warming” relationship, when Mouth, after saving the debut of the new Sportscaster at his old TV station, decided to take the “on air” job in Nebraska, and Millicent decided to go there with him.
Peyton told Lucas “face to face” that she had made a mistake when she “didn’t accept Lucas’ proposal” in LA when they were both 19 years old, and that “in HER recurring dreams since then of that original proposal”, she always says “YES” to Lucas’ proposal of marriage. Peyton said the “acceptance of Lucas’ marriage proposal” was her “DREAM”. Also, Peyton, after Haley showed her the “predictions” which she and Lucas had written and hidden all through their school years, became aware that Lucas had “desired” her and “admired her from afar” from their middle school days forward. Haley told Peyton that people sometimes “write” what is truly in their hearts when they cannot “tell” (“speak”) “what is in their hearts”, in words, out loud, to the object of their affection in “face to face” conversation. This would explain why Lucas expressed his “love” for Peyton in his two books, but could not “say” those same feelings to her, in person, even after she had expressed her “eternal, and unwavering love for him” after she returned to Tree Hill.
Both Haley and Lindsey “knew” what was in Lucas’ heart (He LOVES Peyton), from reading his two books. They made their respective declarations to Lucas before and during the aborted wedding ceremony. Haley told Lucas to be sure of his “true feelings” BEFORE he went through with that wedding. Lindsey told Lucas at the altar DURING the ceremony that she knew Lucas was “conflicted” because she knew he still loved eyton. Lindsey implied Lucas was “lying to himself” when he said his wedding vows and attempted to marry her.
In the S5 finale, Peyton declared her “undying” love for Lucas, in writing, by painting those words, repeatedly, on the surface of the outdoor basketball court, which played such a crucial role in Lucas’ life in OTH S1-S4, for ALL (and especially Lucas) to see. Peyton has done everything she can do, except “prostrate herself at Lucas’ feet and “beg””, to let Lucas know that she loves him and wants to be with him forever.
The final scene phone call that Lucas makes from the airport saying, “I have two tickets to Las Vegas, do you want to get married?” culminated the “dramatic tension” of 5. Here is what I think (hope?) will happen in 6. Although Brooke, Lindsey, and Peyton received incoming phone calls at the same time as Lucas’ outgoing call in the final scene, only a call from Lucas to Peyton makes “any rational sense”. Lucas and Brooke exchanged “friendly ‘I love you’” expressions, in person, like a brother and sister would say those words, earlier in the evening. If Lucas wanted to “marry” Brooke, he would have asked her then. Lindsey had “lied” to Lucas when she saw him, in person in his room, and told him that the book was finished, and that she had not “missed him” while they were apart. If Lucas really wanted to “marry” Lindsey, he would have made a more “desperate gesture” while they were together in his room. The fact that Lindsey called Lucas’ voice mail and told him she “still loved him, was not dating anyone else, and did miss him while they were apart” is a “red herring” at this point. Unless Lucas picked up that voice mail from Lindsey BEFORE he made the airport call, he was still under the impression that Lindsey had “moved on”, and that relationship was at an end.
Only a call from Lucas from the airport to Peyton makes any sense, “logically”. Having heard that Peyton “dreams” of accepting his marriage proposal, and having seen her “written” (painted) declarations of love on the basketball court, Lucas has no doubt what Peyton’s true feelings are. Lucas would want to give Peyton one last chance to make good on her declarations of love before he “vacations” in Las Vegas and elsewhere while he is under suspension from the Tree Hill coaching position. Peyton will say “yes” to his offer in OTH S6, and the only “suspense” is whether they actually have a “quickie” marriage in Las Vegas, or do they just get engaged to marry later in Tree Hill in front of their family and friends. Of course they could do like Nathan and Haley, wed once in Vegas, and have a church wedding later in Tree Hill, but I bet Lucas and Peyton will be engaged (with Keith’s ring on Peyton’s hand), and/or married before OTH S6 ends.
If the TV show, “October Road” with Brian Greenberg is canceled, I hope Mark Schwahn will bring back the Jake Ziegelski and Jenny characters in S6. If Lucas thinks there is anyone else around who Peyton might “love”, he will be far more inclined to make his relationship with Peyton “permanent”. Lucas knows deep in his heart, that he and Peyton are “destined” to be together, and he does not want to lose Peyton to any other man. Jealousy is a powerful “motivator”. All in all, I am looking forward to OTH S6, and many more seasons, if we are fortunate. Thanks to all the cast of OTH S5 for a wonderful season of “pain and anguish”. Let’s wish for more “joy and happiness” in 6. Comments?
