"People always leave." That's what Peyton Saywer (Hilarie Burton) used to say, or moodily draw, as it were.
This week, "One Tree Hill" aired its series finale after 9 seasons, proving that beloved television programs always leave at some point, too. I count myself among the fans and the critics alike, as even the most delightful soapy lather can sometimes leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Watching the finale was the first episode I'd seen since the fateful and well-remembered moment in season 6 when the donor heart meant for a dying Dan Scott was gulped off of the hospital floor by a dog. Yes, that's accurate, and yes, I came back for more.
Though I primarily blame my absence on an ever-amassing DVR schedule, I never lost my affection for the show and like an old friend, found that I could return to Tree Hill as though I'd just left Karen's Cafe and was now at Tric hearing Kate Voegele say, "Stay out of it, Nick Lachey."
Prior to the last.episode.ever., the CW and creator Mark Schwahn gave fans a behind-the-scenes love letter featuring the final filming days, actor confessionals, and overall, a reminder of why we watched in the first place. Clearly, this was an invitation for me to sob alone on my couch before the real sobbing would happen later, as should always be expected whenever there's anything remotely "finale" related to things I care about. Or you know, any sort of sentimental plot line. Damn you, "Cops"!
No, seriously, did I mention they showed some of the actors' wrap scenes where everyone cried and said how much this changed their life?
JUST LIKE IT HAS MINE?! And I'm crying WITH Sophia Bush because you know, as fans, we so totally shared in those 9 years of living in North Carolina and acting and surviving the kidnappings and car crashes, too.
I'm laying it all out there: that's my kryptonite. Bearing witness to someone experiencing the emotion of closing such an influential chapter in their professional and personal life will get me every time. So thank you, Mark Schwahn for delivering yet again and for caring about the fans' post-"OTH" well-being, too.
No matter how much you can question that "OTH" lasted longer than most shows, more than "Gilmore Girls," more than "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," (I know, I know), the fact is, it lasted. Whether we will ever find understanding of the TV landscape or the desires of viewers or good story-telling, I am glad that "OTH" was granted closure.
I have a great respect for shows that do right by their fans in the end, especially in bringing back old cast members and giving nods to past significances that create beautiful full circle moments that somehow funnel years into minutes.
In one of the great V.O. quotes of "OTH," B. Davis signs off by poignantly asking, "If you had a friend you knew you'd never see again, what would you say?"
And I can't help but imagine that somewhere out there, P. Sawyer is sarcastically answering back, "...people always leave?"
Oh, and hoes over bros. Can't forget that.
This week, "One Tree Hill" aired its series finale after 9 seasons, proving that beloved television programs always leave at some point, too. I count myself among the fans and the critics alike, as even the most delightful soapy lather can sometimes leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Watching the finale was the first episode I'd seen since the fateful and well-remembered moment in season 6 when the donor heart meant for a dying Dan Scott was gulped off of the hospital floor by a dog. Yes, that's accurate, and yes, I came back for more.
Though I primarily blame my absence on an ever-amassing DVR schedule, I never lost my affection for the show and like an old friend, found that I could return to Tree Hill as though I'd just left Karen's Cafe and was now at Tric hearing Kate Voegele say, "Stay out of it, Nick Lachey."
Prior to the last.episode.ever., the CW and creator Mark Schwahn gave fans a behind-the-scenes love letter featuring the final filming days, actor confessionals, and overall, a reminder of why we watched in the first place. Clearly, this was an invitation for me to sob alone on my couch before the real sobbing would happen later, as should always be expected whenever there's anything remotely "finale" related to things I care about. Or you know, any sort of sentimental plot line. Damn you, "Cops"!
No, seriously, did I mention they showed some of the actors' wrap scenes where everyone cried and said how much this changed their life?
JUST LIKE IT HAS MINE?! And I'm crying WITH Sophia Bush because you know, as fans, we so totally shared in those 9 years of living in North Carolina and acting and surviving the kidnappings and car crashes, too.
I'm laying it all out there: that's my kryptonite. Bearing witness to someone experiencing the emotion of closing such an influential chapter in their professional and personal life will get me every time. So thank you, Mark Schwahn for delivering yet again and for caring about the fans' post-"OTH" well-being, too.
No matter how much you can question that "OTH" lasted longer than most shows, more than "Gilmore Girls," more than "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," (I know, I know), the fact is, it lasted. Whether we will ever find understanding of the TV landscape or the desires of viewers or good story-telling, I am glad that "OTH" was granted closure.
I have a great respect for shows that do right by their fans in the end, especially in bringing back old cast members and giving nods to past significances that create beautiful full circle moments that somehow funnel years into minutes.
In one of the great V.O. quotes of "OTH," B. Davis signs off by poignantly asking, "If you had a friend you knew you'd never see again, what would you say?"
And I can't help but imagine that somewhere out there, P. Sawyer is sarcastically answering back, "...people always leave?"
Oh, and hoes over bros. Can't forget that.
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