Previews and commercials had me salivating all week long for the Haley/Nanny Carrie showdown. Well, don't believe the hype! That big chase through the cornfield featured in the CW's promos happens in the last ten minutes of the episode. But there was no need to feel cheated - it was a good ten minutes.

The rest of the episode was quiet, about beginnings and endings. Lucas saw Lindsay and told her about Peyton.  In the middle of a meeting. Which she had set up to help launch his book. Instead of wiping that squint off his face with a swift kick you-know-where, Lindsay went the mature route. She helped him change the dates for his book tour so he can have his wedding day free. She even told him it was her fault, that she saw it coming with him and Peyton, that she was being unfair staying with him. What? Lucas was a complete jerk. Lindsay's heart got crushed. She left town and let him pursue his love for Peyton. I'm not sure which part was unfair. It's not that surprising. Lindsay was always wishy-washy. Hopefully this pathetic good bye with Lucas (including an inscription inside his new novel about how she loves him) means a permanent good bye from One Tree Hill. Since Michaela McManus (the actress who plays Lindsay) is the new prosecutor on Law & Order, it looks like I might get my wish.

On a more interesting note, Nathan was offered a coaching job with a pro basketball team. He was told his playing days are behind him. Nathan seems to be considering the offer. He's worked so hard to come back from his injury that it would be a shame to give up his dream now. Lots of guys start their NBA careers in their early twenties. Sure, it means he'll never be a Chris Bosh but he can be a valuable player. I'm routing for him to go for it.

Brooke also has a huge decision to make. Her therapist has her thinking about what she really wants out of life. It's obviously not working with her mother but it has to have something to do with fashion. Brooke has cared about designing clothes since she was in tenth grade.

We missed out on her finding success when the show fast forwarded five years last season. It would be rewarding to see the former boy crazy cheerleader become an accomplished business woman. Although seeing Samantha living in a car leads me to believe Brooke's future may have something to do with a more noble cause. She has a connection with this high schooler that could lead her down a different path. But I might be wrong. Hey, I thought Samantha was the one that sent the guy to beat up Brooke!

Peyton's own path is dark and sad. I was convinced Mick wasn't her dad until he gave up his one year of sobriety chip. A man doesn't drink like that when he meets his friend's long lost daughter. There's more to their relationship, that's for sure. She is certainly more interesting when she's in crisis mode than in happy mode. This is the Peyton I signed up for!

As advertised, the final chapter of the Nanny Carrie saga closed out the show. Thankfully there were no big speeches where she explained how her son dying made her into a maniac. There was Nanny Carrie with an ax, Nanny Carrie with a needle and Nanny Carrie with a bottle of Dom Perignon smashed in her face. It was refreshing that both Haley and Deb realized something was wrong (Haley when she saw Dan in restraints and Deb when she saw Carrie's picture in Haley's kitchen). Normally, the girl walks cluelessly into the obvious trap. Now if people would just remember to turn off their cell phones when they are hiding from a killer - I'm talking to you Haley! Even still, it was gratifying to see Deb take Nanny Carrie down.

It was even better watching Dan finish the job. He's the villain. He threatened to kill the nanny if she ever came near Jamie again. Guess what? Dan Scott keeps his promises. He's ruthless and cold and a convicted killer. This whole trying to be worthy of a new heart business wasn't him. Welcome back to the dark side.

The next episode should explain why Millicent returned but Mouth didn't. Unfortunately that's two weeks away. Until then, visions of Deb knocking out Nanny Carrie will dance through my head.