Finally, the real One Tree Hill begins! The fourth episode set up so many juicy storylines, the kind we've all come to expect, the kind that have taken a backseat so far.

 

First off, there's Lucas leading a four man Ravens team. Basketball was so important during the high school years -- it would be great to have some of that sports drama back.

 

What about Peyton and Mick Wolf?  Is he her dad? And how cool is it to have one of the original American punk musicians (John Doe of the band X) on OTH?! Since Peyton's brother Derek will be returning this season, it is safe to say her year will be all about family. My guess is Mick isn't her dad but his appearance will spark Peyton to seek out her real father. So much more fun than watching her get excited about typeface on her wedding invitations!

 

It looks like Haley is going to have her hands full with the kidnapping Nanny Carrie, a dying Grandpa Dan, a troubled student, her own record and Nathan's comeback. This week, Haley proved she has the compassion and class to handle it all. She took Jamie to see Dan (even if he wasn't there) because her son needed to know he wasn't dead. Dan has done so much to her and yet she is always able to put aside her own feelings to take care of her son's. Haley also reached out to Samantha, the new girl at Tree Hill High, and was rewarded with attitude.

She still reached out to the girl because she can see that she needs help. While I love Haley for being so virtuous, here's hoping for a real smackdown when she faces off with Carrie. There’s no doubt 'good girl' Haley will take her. That nanny is so skinny Haley will snap her like a twig!

 

Even though it was icky when Deb admitted her relationship with Skills at a funeral last week, it was a relief that they are finally out in the open. Once Nathan gave his mom his blessing and played a little ball with Skills, I began to look forward to a Deb/Skills - Haley/Nathan double date episode.

 

Then there's Brooke. She gave up her dream when she gave her company to Victoria. She's going to have some big decisions to make about her future. Thankfully, she's not trying to win her mom's approval anymore. Victoria showed her true colors this week in the episode's most engrossing moment. It was painful to watch as she told Brooke how she didn't want children; how her father wanted a son; how Brooke wasn't wanted or loved. Victoria surpassed bad mother status and became the Worst Mother Ever. Even so, I believed her when she said she didn't have Brooke attacked. Who did? It has to have something to do with either Quentin's killer or shoplifting Samantha.

 

Everyone is poised on the brink of a major drama. The weeks to come are going to be riveting in Tree Hill.