I have a secret shame, and those who’ve read this blog for a while know that I rarely feel shame over my television choices. I mean, I watch America’s Next Top Model, so I have nary a leg to stand on when it comes to trashy TV. However, during the strike, I was so desperate for some light-hearted fare that I turned to One Tree Hill. I figured that, considering my weakness for teen soaps, it couldn’t be that bad.
But oh, is it bad. So terribly, horribly, fantastically bad. It’s so bad it crosses the line back into fabulous. I’ve heard comparisons to the Melrose Place glory days, though I wouldn’t go that far. Until someone returns from the dead to reclaim their former lover and rips off their perfect wig to reveal a skull criss-crossed with brain surgery scars, it can’t claim to be in the same league. However, the show does feature a 22-year-old who not only has her own major fashion label, but her own national magazine, and she recently decided that, despite being single and, you know, 22, she needed to adopt a child. Not enough? How about a famous author AND high school basketball coach, or a former rock star/current English teacher who somehow finds time, between marking papers and raising a family, to also produce a hit album for her friend’s indie record label? This show isn’t just removed from reality; it saw reality approaching and decided to hit it with a Mach truck before reversing over it several times, leaving it gasping and defeated. Still, while reality may have no place on One Tree Hill, the show has fun, and I can respect that (even if I don’t entirely respect myself for watching). The show owns its ridiculousness, and if you can embrace that, it’s a damn good time.
Plus, it’s got basketball. That may not mean much to you, but a good basketball game is one of the things I miss about the US (along with Mexican food, top shelf bourbon, and really big trees), and there are some pretty good basketball moments on the show. Also, I just found out this week that James Lafferty (who plays the briefly paralyzed, borderline alcoholic Nathan) and other stars of the show are holding their annual charity basketball game this Saturday in Wilmington, NC, with the proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Wilmington Family YMCA, and Winnie’s Garden, which provides support for animal shelters and homeless pets. I may not take the show seriously, but I do take the welfare of pets and children very seriously, and am happy to help publicize this event – even if it does mean breaking my silence of shame.
Any other One Tree Hill viewers want to ‘fess up? Or do you have your own secrets to admit? Come on, we’re all friends here.
Share This
April 25th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Er…I may have watched it, in the past. I wouldn’t call myself a fan, it is more car crash tv, I have to see what happens next, because it is bound to be ridiculous and awful. I mainly watch and scoff and poke fun. The characters on this show change personalities at whim to go with whatever the storyline wishes. It’s frustrating, and yet compelling at the same time. I haven’t seen any of the new ‘flash forward’ series yet, but I probably will.
Oh who am I kidding, of course I will.
April 25th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
No, I can’t say that I’m necessarily a fan, either, but I have to admit that I’m enjoying it far more than I have any right to. Especially with the new fast forwarded season. Suddenly, they’re all achieving their dreams at the ripe old age of 22. It’s just like real life, it is.
April 25th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
They’re only 22 now? I thought they’d be older. Surely they’ve only just finished uni and are wondering what to do with themselves? Humph. Oh yes, I forget, no bearing on reality whatsoever.
April 26th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I’m also ashamed, but I’ll admit it. Love this show. It was one of those nights a few years back in college. Had a big exam the next day, so I borrowed the first season on DVD and watched it straight through. And been watching it ever since. All the drama my life never had.
April 26th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Interesting study technique, Ryan. Did all the drama inspire you to write a better exam?
April 27th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I cannot get enough of One Tree Hill and I have no shame. It is utter utter brilliance. It started out so tackily bad, like Dawson’s Creek’s annoying kid sister, but in the last 2 seasons (3 & 4 – not yet watching season 5) it’s just come into its own. And it’s actually challenged some really serious topics. It’s not just teenagers behaving badly by having one cigarette, it’s teenagers on a WB show (well it was at the time) actually doing coke. A high school shooting. A seriously evil stalker. Teen pregnancy with and without marriage. I love it. But I’m also not alone. Channel 4 cancelled it and actually had to bring it back because they had so many complaints! And they won’t be making that mistake again.