One Tree Hill: Complete Sixth Season [DVD] [2009] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

I really love this season. I didn't enjoy the last two seasons much at all (in fact I thought the writing was pretty horrendous during those seasons). However, this season managed to make me laugh, cry and squeal in a fangirly type way -- no easy task. Season six had much better written than the prior two and has clear direction from episode eight onwards. Schwahn always talks about 'organic storytelling' and for once I think he just about managed it! Nothing about this season, after episode eight, felt too clunky or contrived to me -- I was impressed that everything flowed as well as it did once the Nanny Carrie arc was done with -- which I thought was kind of cheesy and silly. I was pleased it didn't go on for too long; it was one of the few missteps this season.

Season six of One Tree Hill picks up directly after the fifth season's finale cliff-hanger -- who did Lucas ask to marry him? We all know who it is and the relationship between Peyton and Lucas is one of the main through lines of the season. I've never cared who Lucas dated but wanted him to make a damn decision all the same, thankfully he puts us all out of our collective misery and thus it was nice to see him happy with Peyton. It was always going to be her. As for the other characters: Skills opens the season still dating Deb and acting as some nice comic relief, Nathan continues his struggle to get a shot at playing at the NBA while Haley continues to be a supportive and steadfast presence. Mouth and Millie have relationship issues when Gigi, Mouth's ex-girlfriend, starts interning at his work. One of my favourite arcs of this year is when Brooke fosters a troublesome girl named Sam (Ashley Rickards). Their relationship is surprisingly touching, as is Brooke's development as a character as she faces down her mother and the attacker that harmed her in her own shop. Brooke also gets a new romance which is really well written, and this person is the kind of guy I've been waiting for Brooke to date, one who's worthy of her -- there's also amazing chemistry there. I loved it!

I enjoyed almost everything about season six, aside from that asinine Nanny Carrie storyline which should have ended with season five. Carrying it over just made it drawn out and over the top. A certain storyline between Lucas and Peyton near the latter half of the season was well handled and reaped some surprisingly emotional acting from those primarily involved. I like it when this show leans more towards being realistic than being silly and melodramatic ie. crazy nannies. There's plenty of humorous antics and dramatic situations, as well as minor characters like Mia and Chase returning. Another important storyline for season six comes in the shape of Lucas's book being turned into a film -- along with that offer we're introduced to the charismatic and humorous film producer: Julian Baker (played by Austin Nichols), who shows up with some baggage extending beyond the movie itself. Julian's a great character and he fit in right away with the cast; I was so pleased when he was announced as a regular character for season seven. His interactions with the other characters are pretty funny (nice to have a snarky male on OTH) and I'm glad he was put to better use than just causing issues for Lucas, which would have been the unbelievably predictable way to go. I applaud the writers for utilising someone talented for a more satisfying purpose. Another new character we're treated to is the awesomely insane director Dixon (James Van Der Beek), who plans to direct Lucas's movie: Beek was totally hilarious and over the top as Dixon and I loved every single second of it.

Episodes like 'You And Me And The Bottle Makes Three Tonight' has a nice change of episode format as it's split into five sections for each couple; one that goes into depth of where they are emotionally at that moment. 'We Change, We Wait' delivers a well balanced fare and the finale, 'Remember Me As A Time of Day' could very much work as a strong series finale. I admit it. I cried! It was a fantastic and satisfying way to go out if there had been no seventh season. So there it is -- a great season.

Highlight episodes include: Remember Me As A Time of Day, You And Me And The Bottle Makes Three Tonight, We Change, We Wait, You Have To Be Joking (Autopsy of the Devil's Brain), and Touch Me I'm Going To Scream.

One tree hill delivers its best season to date. No other Season has had me crying right the way through and left me wanting it to carry on forever, though season 4 had its moments. The strong relationships built up between the core 5 stand as strong as ever throughout this season and as a result, Mark Schwahn has created the most heart-warming and emotional season yet. It is a rollercoaster of feelings and the most sought-after coupling finally blossoms into a "FINALLY" moment, with many amazing surprises along the way. I can guarantee that any One Tree Hill fan will not be disappointed.

For Lucas a film of his first novel? For Nathan more basketball despite that injury? For Brooke continued designer success after branching out on her own? For Peyton triumph with her record company? For Haley satisfaction as a teacher?

Season 6 is uneven. Weaknesses first! For Dan a ludicrous "Misery"-style scenario, he held captive by nutty nanny Carrie. (This might have worked as a horror film spoof dreamt by one of the characters but, as it stands, is out of place.) Haley's teaching seems confined to one class. Brooke conjures up clothes (and a magazine) out of nowhere. She also implausibly refuses to tell police of a savage attack. Antwon (Skills) dates grandmother Deb. Lazy plotting occasionally has people acting out of character - Mouth, Millicent and Owen amongst those deserving better.

As ever, strengths atone. The show is based on firm foundations and sports a fine cast. Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty continue totally to convince as brothers Lucas and Nathan. Those riverside court scenes still impress. From the show's start that setting has proved a haven, the place to go when needing to reflect.

Stand-out episodes? Ep.4 is heartrending after a sudden death. Ep.11: Lucas' "Casablanca"-style fantasy could so easily have misfired but works a treat. (Chad Michael Murray wrote the script!) Eps.12 & 13 contain strong developments. Although comedy is generally a little weak, note that gloriously black moment in Ep.18 - silly most certainly but VERY funny.

There is much talking to graves - not only Keith's whose loss is still deeply felt, especially by Dan who shot him. Forget that OTT early sequence. Dan's real horror is what his life has become - he a pariah, disowned by all and haunted by guilt.

24 episodes, three of them successful directorial debuts by those playing Lucas, Nathan and Haley. Despite implausibilities. cheesy moments and, at times, a surfeit of cuteness, the season immensely satisfies. It involves us right up to the end, we genuinely anxious that a final delightful celebration should not be followed by yet another funeral....

It is a tribute to all concerned that we care so much.