Mark Schwahn told me he wanted to make the series finale feel like “a quintessential One Tree Hill episode,” and that’s exactly what he delivered April 4: introspective voiceovers, unforgettable performances, and a look into the future that wrapped up nine years of story into an hour-long love letter to the fans of “the little show that could.”

So, without further adieu, here are the 24 moments that reduced me to a ridiculous Andy Puddle during the final hour of One Tree Hill:

1. The opening shot of Tree Hill with the show title looming in the sky.

2. The characters, as grown ups, looking back at their 17-year-old selves.

3. Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz) going through the old box of predictions.

4. Brooke (Sophia Bush) running her fingers along the records in “Peyton’s bedroom”

5. Haley singing at Tric for the last time — and beautifully, I might add.

6. Clay (Robert Buckley) asking Logan if he could be his dad again: “You’re already my dad, Dad!”

7. Nathan (James Lafferty) giving Jamie (Jackson Brundage) advice on the river court: “Play sports for you, and not for anybody else.”

8. Logan calling Quinn (Shantel VanSanten) ”mom.”

9. Nathan giving Haley the bracelet in the Cracker Jack box.

10. Quinn telling Clay she wants to marry him: “I just want to be your wife… before we adopt our son.”

11. The very existence of Bevin. Love that bitch and miss her every day.

12. Mouth (Lee Norris) talking about the Dan Scott foundation: “What you do matters, and how you do it matters.”

13. Nathan and Haley kissing in the rain. They should always be in the rain.

14. Julian (Austin Nichols) walking Brooke through her old house: “Welcome home, Brooke Davis.”

15. Clay and Quinn tucking Logan into bed: “Goodnight, son. We love you!”

16. Jamie putting his own prediction in the box on the rooftop: “It’s a magical place, son. There’s only one Tree Hill, Jamie Scott, and it’s your home.”

17. Brooke crying by her high school locker with the NOFX sticker: “I wake up sometimes and I miss it.”

18. Gavin DeGraw performing “I Don’t Wanna Be” at Tric.

19. Haley reading Julius Caesar at Karen’s Café.

20. Millie (Lisa Goldstein) wearing a wedding ring — hello, time jump! — and being pregnant with Baby Mouth!

21. An excellent use of U2‘s “One Tree Hill.”

22. Nathan looking at 17-year-old Jamie’s “all-time lead scorer” jersey in the gym at Tree Hill High School.

23. The beautiful moment when you realize Skills (Antwon Tanner) and Bevin are dating, or at least banging.

24. The freeze frame of Jamie (from behind) in his Raven’s jersey.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Remember when Mark Schwahn talked about the One Tree Hill fans who started watching the show in high school? How they’re now out of college? Well, I’m one of those fans. When the pilot first aired in Sept. 2003 — when Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) first towed Peyton’s (Hilarie Burton) car and changed the course of so many people’s lives — I was a junior in high school. Now here I am, nine years later, and I’m writing about the series professionally. I’ve never found myself connecting with characters like I have with the residents of Tree Hill, and I may never again. For me, for the actors, for all of you, this is the end of an era. And it’s been an incredible one.

Good night, Tree Hill.

What did YOU think of the final trip to Tree Hill? Which moments had you reaching for the tissues, and which characters will you miss the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below — one last time.

— Andy Swift

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The whole gang is coming together for the One Tree Hill series finale — including Nathan (James Lafferty), who’s been recurring throughout this final season — and now The CW has gifted us with the first photos from the last episode. Photos reveal Brooke (Sophia Bush) and Julian (Austin Nichols) making eyes at each other in the newly re-built halls of Tree Hill High, as well as everyone celebrating at Karen’s Café.

I got an opportunity to chat with creator Mark Schwahn about the finale, and about wrapping up nine years of Tree Hill history, so look for that interview in a little bit.

For now, click here to check out eight beautiful images from the two-hour finale — and try to compose yourself.

— Andy Swift

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Jamie’s (Jackson Brundage) words “He’ll be alright, he’s Grandpa Dan,” echoed throughout the hospital on the March 21 episode of One Tree Hill, as everyone came together after Dan (Paul Johansson) took a a bullet for Nathan (James Lafferty).

The doctors informed the newly reunited Scott family that after being shot, and combined with his heart problems, it was likely that Dan wouldn’t survive. Throughout the episode, Dan had flashbacks of the many paths he’d chosen in life. Some were good moments, like the 0ne time he and Nathan actually played basketball without keeping score, but others were more tragic events Dan sincerely regrets, like shooting his brother. But just when you thought he’d pull through, Dan flatlined and was visited by none-other-than his brother, Keith (Craig Sheffer). At this point, I thought it was appropriate to cry along with Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti), since she was the only person in tears the entire time.

Meanwhile, Brooke’s (Sophia Bush) father appeared at her front door, claiming he was concerned about his daughter after she’d been attacked by Xavier (Devin McGee), but Brooke didn’t believe it. And her suspicions proved to be right when he revealed he was only there for business, eager to sell Baker Man even though it doesn’t even exist yet. Because Ted (Richard Burgi) totally shut his daughter out of his life, Brooke proved she can close things too, by closing the door — right in his face! And despite all of the problems in her own life, Brooke still remained elated that Julian (Austin Nichols) finally had an idea for his sound stage.

Elsewhere, Clay (Robert Buckley) tried his best to prove he can be a good father by showing up at Sarah’s parents house to see Logan (Pierce Gagnon). He pleaded for them to let him be a part of his son’s life, and finally they caved — because if they didn’t, Clay, Quinn (Shantel VanSanten) and Logan couldn’t be the perfect blond family. (Duh!) Now that he’d finally found Logan, what he’d been looking for all along, Clay told his son that he was willing to be a part of his life. Finally, the moment I’d been waiting for since it was revealed that Clay had a son: Logan met Quinn and all was right in Tree Hill.

Even Dan Scott had himself a happy ending. After a heartbreaking conversation-slash-hallucination with Nathan, in which his son finally said he loved him, Dan was also forgiven by Keith’s ghost. Keith told Dan he could be his “plus one” in heaven, and the Scott brothers vanished down the hallway of Tree Hill High School.

So, apparently it really is possible to kill Dan Scott — but I don’t think he can be denied forgiveness. If his own brother can forgive him, then so can I.

What did you think of tonight’s incredible episode? Do you think Dan received a proper send-off? And have you, like Keith and Nathan, finally forgiven Dan for what he did? Leave us a comment with your thoughts on the man, the myth, the legend — Dan Scott.

— Jaymie Bailey

Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) was called down to the morgue to identify a body believed to be Nathan (James Lafferty) on the Feb. 29 episode of One Tree Hill – but those tears we saw in the previews turned out to be tears of joy, because Nathan was NOT in the body bag! In her desperate state, Haley even did the unthinkable and turned to Dan Scott (Paul Johannson) for help solve the mystery of her husband’s disappearance. It’s safe to say that hell has frozen over.

Meanwhile, Clay’s (Robert Buckley) therapist still wanted him to talk about Sarah’s death, but he couldn’t bring himself to get through the entire story. And instead of trying to leave things behind and get better, Clay spent his time flying airplanes with Logan (Pierce Gagnon) — the cutest little kid ever. Well, after a series of intense flashbacks, we came to find out that Logan is his son! Actually, Clay (somewhat) knew about Logan all along, but chose to block it out of his mind. What a revelation! Quinn (Shantel VanSanten) even told Clay that “nothing you say is going to change us.” Sure about that, Quinn?

Back in Tree Hill, Brooke (Sophia Bush) encountered her demon from the past, Xavier Daniels (Devin McGee), outside of Karen’s Cafe where he showed up and asked for a job! He kept popping up — inside the cafe, outside the cafe. Next thing you know, he’ll be on the roof of the cafe. Julian (Austin Nichols) physically removed Xavier from his seat as he was enjoying some cherry pie and Brooke demanded that he leave several times. Xavier seems a bit scared to mess with the Baker family because of Julian’s threats, but I don’t think that’s going to stop him completely.

Skills (Antwon Tanner) also encountered someone from his past: Lauren (Allison Munn) — and she’s pregnant! Unsure if he was the father, he confronted Lauren and things in Tree Hill get a little more interesting. It turns out Lauren’s “baby daddy” is actually David, Quinn’s ex-husband who showed up to support Haley during her time of need!

Finally, Chase (Stephen Coletti) prepared to leave for the Air Force, but was delayed since he took it upon himself to beat the crap out of Chuck’s (Michael May) father for attempting to abuse him again. Now we know why Chase was taking a ride in a cop car during the flash-forward in the premiere episode!

Viewers can now uncross their fingers and take a death breath of relief. Nathan’s body was not in the bag, so there’s still hope for the Scott family. But are other Tree Hill residents in danger?

— Jaymie Bailey

As the final season of One Tree Hill marches on, we’re slowly getting explanations for the shocking flash-forward sequence seen on the premiere — and on the Feb. 29 episode, we’ll finally figure out whose corpse Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) has to identify at the morgue! So who does the mystery body belong to? To figure that out, we’ll have to play my favorite game ever: Tree Hill Corpse Roulette! (Actually, that’s my second favorite game. My first is Dream Phone.)

Nathan: Considering he’s currently in the custody of murderous basketball terrorists, Nathan is the obvious suspect. We know James Lafferty only appears in a handful of episodes this season, but that he’s definitely confirmed for the finale, so perhaps we’ll be seeing angel Nathan. And let’s not forget that Barbara Alyn Woods is also returning for an episode. (She might want to bring a little black dress along for the trip!)

Dan: Considering he’s going all “hero” and trying to save his son, it’s totally possible Dan (Paul Johansson) will get killed in the process. Just think about it: Wouldn’t it be so poetic — and so One Tree Hill – for Dan to receive the ultimate redemption in death? And of course he’d be buried right next to Keith.

Lucas: We know his plane took off… but did it ever land?

Clay: He’s been sleep walking this season. Could he also be sleep dying?

Mouth: He’s gotten super-fat this season. Mayhaps he’s going to eat himself into an early grave?

Skills: I know this is random — especially since we’ve barely seen him this season — but wouldn’t Skills’ (Antwon Tanner) funeral be another good excuse for Deb to return?

Jamie: Doubt it. That corpse would be super tiny, and it’s not.

Chase or Chris Keller: Doubt it. Haley wouldn’t look so sad.

OK, my speculation is “becoming” nonsensical, so I’ll leave the rest up to you. Who do YOU think is going to bite the big one next week? Celebrate democracy by voting in my poll below:

— Andy Swift

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He’s baaaaack! On the Feb. 22 episode of One Tree Hill, Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) — the one man who can compete with Nathan (James Lafferty) in the looks category — finally returned to Tree Hill. The fact that he’s back in town almost made every other event that occurred in “Last Known Surroundings” irrelevant. Still, this highly anticipated episode did not disappoint.

As Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) requested, Lucas returned to take Jamie (Jackson Brundage) and Lydia with him so she could focus on Nathan and protect her children in case anything bad happened. Lucas reassured Haley several times that her husband WILL COME HOME (please, please, pleeeease let this be true!) Jamie forgot to bring along the video of his dad and called Julian (Austin Nichols) so he could send it to him. Julian sent the video to Jamie and even made a copy for Dan Scott (Paul Johansson), and after intently looking at the same 30-second video for hours, Dan noticed a symbol in the background. (We don’t know what it means, but we do know it isn’t good!)

I couldn’t understand anything the crazy European terrorist said during the entire episode, but the most important thing was that Nathan broke free! I thought it was suspicious that the cop who turned Haley away from the beginning of Nathan’s disappearance showed up to help — and I was right! The cop has been involved in the kidnapping from the beginning. He kept whining about how the police department wouldn’t make him a detective (do you want some cheese?) and how his association with Nathan’s kidnapping paid more money. (I did NOT see this twist coming, but I did find it odd that the cop just showed up out of nowhere when no one had any idea where Nathan was.)

Clay (Robert Buckley) continued talking with his therapist, only to discover that he’s a boringly normal individual. He did, however, reveal that he felt responsible for Nathan’s disappearance. Clay was supposed to be the one to go to Europe, not Nathan.

Back in Tree Hill, Chase (Stephen Colletti) woke up to two strippers AND Chris Keller (Tyler Hilton) in his apartment. To top it all off, he was called back to the Air Force for active duty. He broke the news to his right-hand man, Chuck (Michael May), and basically crushed his heart. Chase noticed that Chuck had been lying about spending time with his father, and Chase took the opportunity to hang out with him before he had to leave. Chuck revealed a huge bruise on his abdomen, claiming he fell off his bike. This storyline has child absue written all over it.

Xavier Daniels (Devin McGee) requested that Brooke (Sophia Bush) meet with him before his trial where he hoped to be set free. He apologized to Brooke for attacking her, but he never admitted to murdering her friend, Quentin Fields. Unable to truly forgive Xavier, Brooke testified against him and told the court how he has not changed and that he will continue to be a threat if released. She felt good about her decision until she realized there’s still a possibility Mr. Daniels could still be set free. (Annnnnd go figure, he was. That was the most appealing testimony I’ve ever heard, and the criminal was still set free. Does this mean trouble for the Baker family?!?)

The previews for next episode showed Haley Scott crying over a body bag. Obviously, this did not set well with me. I refuse to even let myself think that Nathan’s body is in that bag because THAT JUST CAN’T HAPPEN!

Can it?!

— Jaymie Bailey

On the Feb. 15 episode of One Tree Hill, viewers finally found out where Nathan (James Lafferty) is — sort of. It turns out he’s been kidnapped! Also, people in Europe take basketball way too seriously. Apparently, Nathan tried to sign a player who was the “property” of someone else. (It’s just a sport. Winning isn’t everything, remember?!) Unfortunately, his family and friends back in Tree Hill are still left in the dark.

Haley (Bethany Joy Galeotti) tried her best to keep composure, Dan (Paul Johannson) made a list of his enemies, Quinn (Shantel VanSanten) scared the mess out of Haley by telling her that posters were being put up and people were searching the woods, and Jamie (Jackson Brundage) shocked us all by calling Dan a liar. Oh, and Lydia took her first steps.

Meanwhile, Tree Hill was informed that Brooke (Sophia Bush) vandalized Tara’s (Chelsea Kane) café and all hell broke loose. Millie (Lisa Goldstein) had the brilliant idea to bring some entertainment to Karen’s Cafe to boost revenue, sure enough Chris Keller’s (Tyler Hilton) voice really did bring all the ladies to the yard — or in this case, the cafe.

Tara busted in during the middle of a song and demanded to know why he’d help Brooke take away her business. (Well, duh, Tara, it’s because Brooke accidentally spilled the beans that you were also sleeping with Chase). Chase (Stephen Colletti) and Chris Keller had somewhat of a “fight” and decided to resolve their issues — at the STRIP CLUB! Chase paid, of course.

Over in mental rehab, Clay (Robert Buckley) was busy talking about superheroes with Logan and forgetting who Quinn was. (Seriously, Clay? You two were shot and almost died together, how can you not recognize her?!)

Meanwhile, Julian (Austin Nichols) and Dan tag-teamed to find a potential suspect who may have a reason to be involved with Nathan’s disappearance — but the man wasn’t even able to walk, much less arrange a kidnapping. And although Mouth (Lee Norris) hasn’t lost any weight by eating side salads, he did serve up some crucial information that could help Dan trace Nathan’s whereabouts.

This episode was kind of slow, and I was really only aware of one thing during all of the chaos: THERE WERE WAY TOO MANY GUNS POINTED AT NATHAN! He is too beautiful, and the Europeans with the lame jokes just need to put their guns away.

— Jaymie Bailey

The final season of One Tree Hill is going to be an intense one for all of our favorite characters, but it sounds like Nathan (James Lafferty) is going to have a particularly rough go of things. And since we’ve all heard the rumors about his mysterious disappearance from Tree Hill,  HollywoodLife.com couldn’t help but ask him for more details.

“Nathan gets into a situation where he’s powerless to control his fate, which is not something he’s used to dealing with,” James tells us. “It’s probably his biggest test yet.”

But before he makes his temporary exit from Tree Hill, Nathan will have dear old daddy Dan (Paul Johansson) to deal with, which is another storyline James promises gets… tricky.

“Things escalate between Dan and Nathan, but in a way the audience might not anticipate,” adding that there will be closure for their father-son relationship, “but I can’t say whether it will be one of love or hate.”

Oh snap.

Read on for the rest of my interview with James…

I know part of Nathan’s drama includes him disappearing for a while. Will that be connected to anything we’ve seen already in the series?

“I can say it’s pretty new stuff. Nathan gets immersed in a world he’s not that familiar with and gets himself into a bad situation. There aren’t any skeletons coming out of the closet to haunt him. It’s a new curveball for him to deal with.”

Even though you’re M.I.A. for part of the season, will we still get quality Nathan/Haley scenes?

“I shot eight episodes of the 13 episodes, but they’re scattered throughout the 13. So yes, his presence will be felt pretty constantly.”

What’s it like, for the first time, being done with an entire season before it airs?

“It’s going to be interesting to be able to sit back and watch the work that’s been done. We’re all going to enjoy it.”

If you could steal one thing from the set, what would it be?

“From a materialistic standpoint, I’d want to take Nathan’s Range Rover. That thing’s bad ass. But for sentimental purposes, the best things I got to keep were a couple of the Ravens jerseys. I have them mounted. Those are going to be the things I look back on most fondly.”

Wait, you mounted them? You won’t put one on and play basketball in your driveway?

“Maybe alone, when I want to relive the glory days.”

Speaking of the glory days, do you have a favorite storyline from the past nine seasons?

“I think the most fun I’ve ever had in my life was the SlamBall arc on the show. It was something different and out of left field, but we had so much fun. It was the most exhilarating thing I’ve ever done. It was a huge challenge to gain the skill set, but I feel like I got pretty good at it. I’ve never had more fun doing anything than playing on the slamball court. I’ll have those memories forever.”

OK, your turn to talk: Any guesses as to why Nathan suddenly disappears from Tree Hill? Do you think he could really be the corpse alluded to on the season premiere? How would you like to see the series end for him and Haley? See you in the comments section!

— Andy Swift

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