One Tree Hill - Series 3 (Box Set) (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Good
Special Effects	Standard
How does it compare to similar films?	Good

Advantages:	Great plots, acting, directing and editing .  Brilliant soundtrack
Disadvantages:	Cameo performances a bit stupid and sometimes poorly acted

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

One Tree Hill is a teen drama following the eventful lives of several high-school children in the small, but not too quite, town of Tree Hill, North Carolina. It was created by Mark Schwahn and premiered on September 23 2003, on The WB television network. It currently stands at six series long, and is now being aired in England on E4.

The following thousand words or so are basically just details of the plot, so if you are interested in watching the program from Series 1 I would advise skipping these and go straight to my opinion. The information is only helpful to those who missed a couple of episodes, or who want to get a general idea of what the show is about.

Background plot

(WARNING - series 1&2 spoilers)

Lucas and Nathan are two boys that seemingly share little in common, except for an overwhelming love for basketball. They have little to do with each other at school, and don't have many similar interests. However, they do have one other thing in common, the same father, Dan Scott, the best ever basketball player at Tree Hill, who now runs a successful car dealership.

Back when Dan was in his late teens, he accidentally impregnated his then girlfriend, Karen Roe, and a girl he met at college, Deb. Making one of those life-changing decisions, Dan decided to marry Deb and raise her child, Nathan. As well as that, Dan decided to have nothing at all to do with Lucas, leaving him and Karen to have to battle through life. Dan's more caring but less successful brother Keith took pity, and acted as a father figure for Lucas.

Skipping forward to the start of Series 1, Nathan now plays for the high school team Tree Hill Ravens, just like his dad used to. And just like his dad, he is the team's best player, as well as a popular, good-looking guy, the kid every boy aspires to be.

In contrast, Lucas grows up as a bit of a loner; quiet, brooding and driven. He has tremendous basketball potential as well, but doesn't try to join the team, keeping his abilities to himself. He also develops an interest in reading, and is determined to do well at school, to try and support his mum, who runs a coffee shop.

Series One

In Series 1, Lucas starts to become more popular upon joining the basketball team, following a recommendation from Keith. This adds to the rift between Nathan and Lucas. Nathan, encouraged by both Dan and the fact that Lucas has his eye on Nathan's girlfriend Peyton, deliberately makes life difficult for Lucas.

Nathan decides to get tutored by Lucas' best friend Haley, in an effort to get at him, which coupled with his general attitude, causes Peyton to dump him. Surprisingly for both Nathan and Haley though, they fall in love with each other, which puts a strain on Lucas and Haley's friendship.

Lucas starts dating Peyton's best friend Brooke, but his feelings for Peyton resurface, and they end up being unfaithful to Brooke. Obviously angered, Brooke tells Lucas she's pregnant to scare him, but she soon confesses she was lying. Meanwhile, Peyton gets close to single father Jake, but his ex-girlfriend Nikki comes back and starts making things a little bit difficult for them, which causes Jake to leave town.

Karen and Keith grow close, but when Keith's drinking nearly causes Lucas' death in a car accident, any romance between the two is crushed, as Keith finds out when Karen rejects his proposal to her. Meanwhile, Deb seeks a divorce from Dan, fed up with him, and Nathan is caught in the middle.

In the season finale, Nathan and Lucas decide to unite against their father Dan when he coaches the Ravens in the playoff final as regular coach Whitey has eye surgery. Lucas decides to leave Tree Hill with Keith to go to Charleston. When he goes to Nathan's flat to say goodbye to Haley he sees that it's obvious that her and Nathan have slept together. He expresses his surprise as she always said she wouldn't lose her virginity before marriage, which is when she reveals that she and Nathan secretly got married the night before.

Season 2

Lucas and Keith learn that Dan has had a heart attack, and feel obliged to return to Tree Hill. Dan learns that Lucas has inherited the condition that led to his heart attack, and convinces Lucas to move in with him, paying for his medication and keeping his condition secret. Dan also agrees to stay away from Keith and his girlfriend Jules when Lucas discovered that Dan hired Jules to make Keith fall in love with her and then break his heart, in revenge for Keith sleeping with Deb. Jules leaves Keith at the altar, breaking his heart, just like Dan intended.

Things start getting difficult for Nathan and Haley, with complications coming from both Haley's wild older sister, who it is revealed is the first girl Nathan slept with, and musician Chris Keller, who convinces the musically talented Haley to tour with him, leaving behind Nathan and Tree Hill. Out of desperation Nathan deliberately crashes a race car, hoping to kill himself, but he survives and realizes he has to get on with his life without Haley, and allows some annulment papers to be drawn up.

Peyton starts an all-ages club called TRIC which is successful, but her own life spirals downwards when she gets involved with heavy drugs, until Jake comes back and helps her with her problem in the nick of time. Brooke also finds love in next-door neighbor Felix, but she dumps him when she finds out he vandalized Peyton's locker. Brooke then begins to get close to Lucas, and moves into his old bedroom.

Lucas was previously dating the older sister of Felix, Anna, but after kissing Peyton, Anna realizes she is bisexual, and returns to boarding school to be with her girlfriend. Lucas moves on, and starts dating Brooke again.

Dan and Deb unite in their disapproval of Nathan and Haley's marriage, but Lucas finds out that Deb is addicted to pills and fast becoming a junkie, and she goes to rehab to try to overcome her problem. Meanwhile, Karen falls in love with her much younger business professor Andy, who makes an enemy out of Dan.

In the season finale, Andy is forced to return to New Zealand to look after his sick mother, but Karen is concerned when she follows him and finds he hasn't checked into his hotel. Deb tries to expose Dan's illegal business activities, but is forced to hand back the evidence to Dan when he blackmails her. Peyton is told by reporter Ellie that she is her real mother, which leads her to confusion, as she thought that the woman who raised her, who died in hospital, was her mother. A mysterious figure poisons and Dan, and burns down his dealership with him inside it.

Season 3 Episode Synopsis'

(Warning - slight spoilers)
=== Like You Like An Arsonist===
Lucas waits for Brooke to return home after he spent summer with Peyton, who herself is trying to investigate the mysterious woman who is claiming to be her mother. Nathan struggles with his life, with the fire at Scott Motors coupled with the reappearance of Haley after her unfaithfulness to him. Dan's fate is revealed after the mysterious arson attack.

From The Edge...

Brooke organizes an end-of-summer party on the beach, but is saddened to find out she's the only one in a party mood. Nathan begins to attempt a new start between him and Haley, but Lucas isn't happy with him, and the two are at each other's throats. As Brooke begins to party, Lucas finds himself struggling with his and Brooke's 'non-exclusive' relationship. Elsewhere, Peyton is finding it hard to adjust to the new truths concerning her family, and Dan starts having flashbacks about the night of the fire, and is driven to find his would-be killer.

First Day On A Brand New Planet

Nathan and Haley have problems with their classmates on the first day of the senior year, and they're not the only ones with a lot to deal with. Whilst he's not trying to win Brooke full time, Lucas helps Peyton out by keeping tabs on Ellie, and discovers a troubling secret about her.

An Attempt To Tip The Scales

In a masquerade ball at Tric, Haley is delighted to have the opportunity to win back Nathan, and the party also provides Brooke with the opportunity to seduce Lucas. Peyton has trouble with coming to terms with her current situation; the discoveries taking a while to set in. Meanwhile, Dan, who plans to run for mayor, sets Deb an ultimatum, but finds that she's made of sterner stuff than he originally thought.

A Multitude Of Casualties

It's the opening night of a new Raven's season, but things don't go according to plan. In an explosive ceremony, Nathan clashes with Lucas and chaos commences, with the cheerleading squad as well as the basketball team. Brooke is forced to fill a vacancy in the basketball team with the talented new girl Rachel, but begins to regret her decision when Rachel sets her sights on Lucas. Elsewhere, a surprising candidate for mayor steps up to rival Dan.

Locked Hearts And Hand Grenades

When her cheerleading squad begins to fall to pieces over boys, Brooke decides to organize a 'Fantasy Boy Draft' to settle the differences, however, her ingenious plan doesn't go quite how it should. Lucas struggles to keep up with Whitey's strenuous punishment practice schedules, with the brutal practices taking their toll. Dan and his new opponent clash.

Champagne For My Real Friends...

Dates arranged from the boy draft start, with Brooke finding herself on an unusual double date. Peyton and Mouth have a great night out with Mouth's grandfather, but finds out that he struggles with the depressing condition of Alzheimer's. Seeing how this effects everyone, Peyton begins to regret the choices she made with Ellie. Karen and Deb decide they have to go a bit further to help Karen's bid for mayor.

The Worst Day Since Yesterday

The town gets ready for the Raven's first game, but Lucas begins to feel physically and mentally inadequate for the game, and Nathan accuses him of being the weak point of the team. Peyton and Haley decide to forget their differences and help Brooke out. Dan resorts to a smear campaign when the mayoral race hots up.

How A Resurrection Truly Feels

Lucas reveals that he knows the identity of the attempted murderer of Dan. Brooke, Peyton, and Haley find themselves on the wrong side of the law and the wrong side of prison bars following a disagreement with a shop selling Brooke's new fashion range. Chris Keller convinces Nathan to help him out at some poker games, but things quickly start going wrong. A new mayor is chosen.

Brave New World

Lucas and Peyton take a road trip to find Ellie, who was harshly dealt with by Peyton. While out of town, Lucas meets a friend from the past, who brings things into perspective for him. Brooke, Haley, and Mouth successfully launch Brooke's 'Clothes Over Bro's' fashion range website, but their quick popularity sets them in over their heads. Deb reveals a secret to Nathan.

Return Of The Future

After a disappointing couple of results for the Ravens, Whitey decides it's time to shape up or get out for the players, and dishes out a new regime. Peyton and Ellie's relationship grows further, and start to produce a breast cancer benefit album, a condition which Ellie sadly suffers from. Brooke plans a romantic night for Lucas upon discovering that it was him who entered her designs for a competition in New York.

I've Got Dreams To Remember

Meetings with a careers adviser force Tree Hill students to make important decisions concerning their future, with Nathan and Lucas both eager to impress a basketball scout. Mouth finds himself trapped between the feuding Rachel and Brooke, whilst Peyton and Ellie grow closer to finalizing their album. Elsewhere, Dan tells Haley that Nathan paid Chris Keller to come back into her life.

The Wind That Blew My Heart Away

A violent spell of weather knocks out Tree Hill's electrical supply, forcing Haley to spend the night with Nathan, Lucas with Brooke, Mouth with Rachel, and Ellie with Peyton. Mouth is tempted by some of Rachel's offers, but surprises himself with his decisions. Lucas and Nathan find themselves in luck as they re-ignite their respective dwindling relationships.

All Tomorrow's Parties

Brooke is given a sneak preview of adult life when her fashion show stops her going to a key cheerleading event, but finds herself unhappy with the way her night turns out. Nathan and Lucas visit the family of an old friend, whose father inspires them both. Peyton, troubled by Ellie's cancer, joins Rachel for a night of blowing off steam, whilst the relationship between Lucas' friend Skills grows with cheerleader Bevin.

Just Watch The Fireworks

When a time capsule is opened and released mysteriously many decades before it was due to, old secrets are thrown into the open. Lucas and Mouth decide they need to help out their old friend Jimmy, who moans on the capsule about how bad the school is, and how he bitterly hates most of the people there. If he struggled with bullying before, he is bound to get even more now. Brooke is made to deal with the fact that she exposed much more than just secrets on the tape, and Haley learns to deal with what Nathan says on the tape. The benefit concert at Tric goes down a treat, with several big-name bands performing, including Haley. Dan learns to forgive Keith, who he believes started the fire.

With Tired Eyes

A normal day turns frantic when Jimmy takes a gun into Tree Hill. The school goes into a state of madness and is closed down for the day, whilst Jimmy keeps some students hostage. Upon learning that Peyton is hurt, Lucas returns to the dangerous environment to help her out, and Nathan follows when he finds out that Haley is still inside too. Keith and Dan also enter the school to try and help.

Who Will Survive...

The aftermath of the school shooting and the tragic suicide of Jimmy gives everyone in Tree Hill a wake up call, and forces them to re-examine their lives. Brooke and Rachel put aside their differences to support the student body. Dan is forced to come to terms with what he did, and struggles in doing so. Meanwhile, Lucas and Peyton consider the implications of their kiss during the school shooting.

When It Isn't Like It Should Be

Rachel decides everyone deserves a break, and invites the crew over to her family's getaway house, where everyone can relax and recover after the frantic last couple of weeks. Lucas, Nathan and Brooke conspire to arrange a surprise for Haley, whilst Peyton is pleasantly surprised to find guest star Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy seeking her affection. Mouth just about manages to hide his resentment for Rachel, but shows her that things have to change.

I Slept With Someone...

Lucas struggles with the death of both his friends at the Tree Hill shooting, and wonders whether it would be right for him to continue with playing basketball. Brooke reveals something about Rachel that she would rather not have revealed, and tempers flare. Peyton decides to visit Pete in Chicago, and see if anything could happen between them.

Everyday is A Sunday Evening

With Lucas sidelined from basketball, Nathan is forced to face an old rival alone at the Coastal Classic, and things get a little heated when the rival shows an interest in Haley. Brooke and Mouth team up against Rachel, and also going head-to-head is Dan and Nathan's uncle Cooper.

Over The Hills And Far Away

On the night of a rehearsal dinner, Haley and Brooke clash over a disagreement about Haley's wedding dress. Elsewhere, Lucas and Karen return to Tree Hill, and Peyton makes a startling discovery.

The Show Must Go On

On the eve of renewing their wedding vows in front of friends and family, Nathan begins to worry for Haley, after a disturbing dream. Deb can't resist telling Dan that it was in fact her who set the dealership on fire, which makes Dan go crazy with guilt for his actions at the Tree Hill shooting. When things seem to be going just right for Nathan and Haley, it all goes up in smoke when something happens which throws several character's lives into the balance, ending the series with a huge cliffhanger.

The Plot

With a few exceptions, the plot of One Tree Hill is superb. I'll start with the bad points first; my only complaints being the unbelievability factor of some of the stories. For example, when the famous Pete Wentz falls in love with Peyton despite hardly knowing her is quite stupid, and while there's the off-chance that something like this could happen to everyone, the chances are very slim and it's probably best sticking with a more believable storyline.

Apart from that, the plot is virtually faultless. In a show aimed at teenagers, One Tree Hill delivers pretty much all the story-lines that would affect people of this age, with relationship issues, family problems, bullying, and more.

The best two episodes in the series are the season finale, which is great because of the sheer explosiveness of events, and the episode of the school shooting, which is brilliant as it helps get inside the mind of the troubled lad who brought in the gun to school, and this can be paralleled with several situations that the USA has had with gun crime.

The series has many different stories and sub-plots as it progresses, and nearly all of them are interesting, engaging and can relate to real life. These great bits of writing mean that no episode is ever boring, despite lasting for about 45 minutes in length.

The Acting

In general, the acting in One Tree Hill is also superb. The only exceptions to this would be a couple of guest stars who put in cameo performances to help or kick-start their careers, and their roles are often not up to the high standards set by the regular members of the cast.

The acting is rarely what you would call 'exceptional', although you do see some flashes in the more moving episodes. However, the acting is always very good, and this makes the great plot and scriptwriting really come to life, and great for teenagers to watch. The addition of new characters, such as Rachel, are almost always great choices, and that keeps us entertained.

A list of the One Tree Hill actors:
Chad Michael Murray as Lucas
James Lafferty as Nathan
Hilarie Burton as Peyton
Bethany Joy Galeotti as Haley
Sophia Bush as Brooke
Daneel Harris as Rachel
Lee Norris as Mouth
Antwon Tanner as Skills
Paul Johannson as Dan
Barbra Alyn Woods as Deb
Moira Kelly as Karen
Craig Scheffer as Keith

Directing and Editing

Each episode lasts longer than an episode of a drama generally does, which gives the director and editors a bit of a chance to play with and experiment with some of the clips and show styles, which they do brilliantly.

For example, in the episode which shows the opening night to the Raven's season, we see the explosive event first, and then the rest of the episode shows us how we got to that stage. It's an experimental technique that worked quite well this time, but more importantly it showed us that the director and editors are open to trying new things with the show, and you should be glad that they do, as the end result is normally fantastic.

Another part of the team responsible for the success of One Tree Hill is whoever picks the soundtrack. There are some real gems on some of the shows, including lots of lesser-known American groups, who are more or less unheard of to us here in England.

Product Details

Price: £14.98 (www.amazon.co.uk)
Number of discs: 6
Classification: 12
Overall Run Time: 968 minutes
DVD Extras: Gag reel, 'Anatomy of an episode', cast and crew commentary on two episodes, deleted scenes

With those amounts of minutes for that price I think you can see for yourself what a bargain you would be getting if you like the show and wanted to buy this. The DVD extras are quite good, giving you a better look at the people behind the show.

My conclusion

I would recommend One Tree Hill to any teenagers who enjoy real life dramas, as it is an enjoyable show which rarely has a dull moment. Don't expect to be on the edge of your seats every episode, there obviously have to be some episodes for building up characters, plots etc. One Tree Hill is just one of those shows that you can watch every week (or in England at the moment it's every weekday, catch it on E4) and expect a great show; easy to watch whilst still being entertaining. Keep the new series coming!