One Tree Hill Renewed!

TCamen

from thefutoncritic.com

The WB is planting a second season of "One Tree Hill," as various industry insiders confirmed today the series has been renewed through the 2004-05 season.

After a rocky start, "Hill" has gone on to consistently win its Tuesday, 9:00/8:00c time period among women 12-34 and teens. Overall, the series is the second most-watched drama among female teens this season, behind only FOX's "The O.C."

"Hill's" most recent broadcast hit series highs in adults 18-34 (2.6/8), persons 12-34 (3.0/9), women 18-34 (3.6/10), men 18-34 (1.6/5) and women 12-34 (4.5/12).

Over the course of its run, "Hill" has climbed from 2.5 million viewers and a 0.9/3 among adults 18-34 to 4.4 million viewers and a 2.6/8 in said demographic.

"Hill" joins the previously renewed "7th Heaven," "Everwood," "Gilmore Girls," "Smallville" and "Charmed" as the returning drama class for the 2004-05 season.

I, for one am happy. It looked uncertain there for a while! YAY

doh.ie

TCamen -

Seem to be replying to all of your posts today!!!

Am delighted about Tree Hill too. Caught the first few on TG4 and downloaded the rest.

Unlike The OC which is more leave-your-brain-at-the-door entertainment, I think OTH and Everwood are the more mature, serious dramas in that genre right now, so it'd be a damn shame if it failed to have a second year.

Not that everything in the first year has been perfect, but it did manage to develop some very interesting characters and moves along at a nice, decent pace. Plus, the basketball element isn't nearly as important as you might first think.

And finally, Hayley has really grown on me - she's one of my favourite characters. Thank God, then, that they replaced the actress from that dowdy one who appeared in the original screener this time last year! She was really dreadful by comparison.

TCamen

Unlike The OC which is more leave-your-brain-at-the-door entertainment, I think OTH and Everwood are the more mature, serious dramas in that genre right now

IMO Everwood is a more substantial show in that it can be 'issue' driven, but not quite as heavy-handed as 7th Heaven. I think OTH is still quite fluffy entertainment, but it's enjoyable entertainment nonetheless.
I think between the two, OTH doesn't yet have the capacity to really move the viewers, whereas Everwood has definitely had some outstanding episodes that elicit emotional responses quite easily. At least in my case
OTH does deliver (so far anyway) a consistent level of quality in the scripts, unlike The O.C which has produced a few stinkers already.
One thing that worries me about OTH is that the writers are using up a lot of potential material very early on, especially considering it's now definitely coming back for another season.
I'm hoping that they have plenty more up their sleeves though :cool:

As for Hayley, I like that the writers have thus far avoided a 'Dawson-Joey' best friend love thing. It seemed a lock from the pilot, yet through decent writing, all the characters have ended up with unlikely partners. Well so far anyway....I don't have much hope for Lucas & Brooke lasting, even though she's way cooler than Peyton
I haven't seen the original pilot with the alterna-Hayley, or Reagan as she was known then, but I can imagine the awfulness of it. Watching the 30min Buffy pilot/intro thing with the original Willow is quite the eye-opener in terms of bad casting on The WB's part Of course there was Lori Rom in the 'Charmed' pilot who was replaced by Alyssa Milano in recent WB history too...

Ps- There's basketball in OTH? :rolleyes:

doh.ie

"IMO Everwood is a more substantial show in that it can be 'issue' driven, but not quite as heavy-handed as 7th Heaven."

Definitely - 7thH is way too over the top. I remember once the "issue" was domestic violence and they found a way to have all of the characters affected by violence in some way, and all 'learn' something by the end... The show might have worked has this element not crept in from early on, but now it's just too dire to contemplate!

I should say, though, that 7thH did have one exceptionally powerful episode about a concentration camp survivor (played by an actual survivor).

"I think OTH is still quite fluffy entertainment, but it's enjoyable entertainment nonetheless."

Exactly - it's harmless in the OC sense, but it has managed to drive home a few lessons without being obvious about it, which should always be the intention. (The cruelty of Nathan's bullying early on, for example.)

"I think between the two, OTH doesn't yet have the capacity to really move the viewers, whereas Everwood has definitely had some outstanding episodes that elicit emotional responses quite easily."

Absolutely. All of s1's Colin Hart stuff was very powerful, and I remember a wonderful scene where Andy was talking to his father-in-law in his office, who commented, "This train station reminds me of a town we got stuck in when Julia was a child..." recounting the very reason they moved to Everwood in the first place. Andy said something like, "Remind me...", though he (and the audience) already knew the story. Very powerful stuff.

And, of course, with Linda Abbott's HIV status, there's some powerful stuff in the regard in season two as well. (Edna going up the stairs at home at the end of the episode where she found out, for example.)

Season 2 has been dubbed "The Year of Change", which it was managing quite nicely for the first 10 or so episodes (up to Amy 'running away') but unfortunately there's some stuff coming up on TG4 with Amy and Ephram which starts to stretch each of their relationship plots a bit too far.

Having watched the latest US one this week (2x20), it's safe to say the season will probably end quite well, but it's been a weaker second half, definitely.

"At least in my case OTH does deliver (so far anyway) a consistent level of quality in the scripts, unlike The O.C which has produced a few stinkers already."

We mentioned this on another post - I agree. There were several weak OCs in the second half of the year, and tons since the Oliver plot resolved.

"One thing that worries me about OTH is that the writers are using up a lot of potential material very early on, especially considering it's now definitely coming back for another season."

True - the speed at which Nathan and Peyton broke up surprised me, but it's still no harm to have things move at that pace when you consider how dragged out equivalent plots became (become if you're watching on TG4) on Everwood.

"I'm hoping that they have plenty more up their sleeves though"

I have a lot of confidence in OTH's production team (same company as Smallville). Bearing in mind that the show was moved up the schedule when the WB's Fearless wasn't going to be ready in time, the producers may have had to use up some tricks quicker than expected in the early episodes. Still, you can't say it did the show any harm. I hope they keep the same level of risk-taking next year.

"I haven't seen the original pilot with the alterna-Hayley, or Reagan as she was known then, but I can imagine the awfulness of it."

Worse than you can imagine, believe me! Always incredible, though, to see the same scene, played in identical ways by the other actors, but to a different person. Same with Willow, and the original Phoebe, as you say.

Other 'Screeners' as they're known I've seen, include a shorter (30 min) test version of Joan of Arcadia's pilot with a different ending (?!) and Everwood's pilot which was unusually *longer* (55 mins) and had several extra, but largely unnecessary, scenes, including an identical conversation with Nina (after Ephram goes off on his bike), but this time with Sam and some kind of cough diagnosis involved! For rights reasons, they always include different (usually more commonly known) music as well.

On the whole, though, casting tends to be for the right reasons - once a pilot is cast, it's often just for the sake of getting the show commissioned. After that, any changes the producers (or more usually, the network) require can be made long before the September launch.

"Ps- There's basketball in OTH?"

LOL! You'd never guess...

TCamen

First off....
I really enjoy 7th Heaven, if only because it's so easy to laugh at most of the episodes. I hate to admit it but I watch it every week (when it's on) and some of the hyper-schmaltzy ones have been guilty pleasures. Shame RTE One hasn't put the latest series on yet. I'd prob be downloading it if I didn't live outside broadband territory :mad:

I wish we weren't so far behind on TG4 with Everwood, it was off the schedules for a month there recently, though at least they took a break on the cliffhanger of Amy running away, which was a good point to do so.
I hope it doesn't go too downhill in the latter part of the season, as I really enjoy the show a lot. Amy's depression arc was really well done I thought, especially all the tension with Dr. Abbott.
Absolutely loved the revelation about why they came to Everwood, and when the father-in-law retold the story. The flashback episode to when they were all still living in NYC and the mother was alive was really great. Season 1 finale with Colin's surgery was very moving-- I actually downloaded the song they used over the montage of scenes towards the end. It's an amazingly perfect song choice, and an excellent song -- Jump Little Children 'Cathedrals'.
Most recent scene that really was beautiful was, as you mentioned, when Edna collapsed in tears on the stairs. It was really well realised, and I'm enjoying how they're treating Linda's storyline so far. Poor Delia...

Unfortunately I don't have the same confidence in the producers of OTH based solely on the fact that they're also in charge of Smallville. I think season 3 is easily Smallville's weakest with so many bad episodes out-weighing the good ones. In saying that, I'm still confident that OTH will maintain a decent run into and including a second season.

Just out of interest, was the Fearless pilot ever made available online? I was actually looking forward to that show, but it went the way of Manchester Prep, shelved before it got on the air, ho hum.

doh.ie

7th Heaven - I'm in a similar boat. Can't really resist its crapness, mostly because you can get a good laugh out of it. Though I can't say I have too high of hopes for a proposed spin-off with Chandler and Roxanne - sort of the Camdens 20 years ago. That sounds even worse than its parent show...

TG4 - Everwood catching up quite quickly. It had one of the longest breaks in the US there after ep 16 (end of Feb to mid-April) - very annoying, but is racing towards the end now. Some very nice episodes towards the close (18, 19, 20 in particular), but there are some poor, slow ones in the middle (a fair few between 11 and 17). Noticed TG4's break from the US Christmas episodes - same spot, similar length off air. It would have been better if the cliffhanger wasn't resolved within the first few minutes!

Agree with the song during Colin's surgery - picked that up. Same with Edna/stairs scene (Beth Orton - "Ooh, Child") - check out www.everwoodmusic.com - a fine site for that kind of thing. The WB often uses decent tracks on promos as well. There's also a decent Robbie Williams song "One Fine Day" played at the start of "The Last of Summer" (2x01) which was never released here.

"It was really well realised, and I'm enjoying how they're treating Linda's storyline so far. Poor Delia..."

You'll be even more impressed when you see where it goes. Ep 19/20...

"Unfortunately I don't have the same confidence in the producers of OTH based solely on the fact that they're also in charge of Smallville. I think season 3 is easily Smallville's weakest with so many bad episodes out-weighing the good ones."

True - Lana, who was previously a reasonably strong character, has completely gotten on my nerves this year. As for the bad/good level, it's certainly on par with previous years. Smallville is always watchable, but it does have a certain 'monster of the week' quality I always hope it will go away from...

"Just out of interest, was the Fearless pilot ever made available online? I was actually looking forward to that show, but it went the way of Manchester Prep, shelved before it got on the air, ho hum."

Fearless - yep, but just a screener. Watchable, not great. May be decent if the plots from the pilot can be strengthened. Doubt it'll ever see a series now - WB allowed it to be postponed for OTH. If it's not on their autumn schedule this year, it's a gonner. The pilot I saw was made this time LAST year. That said, loving Rachael Leigh Cook's work. She looks great in it. Also includes Eric Balfour (Eddie from OC, Milo from 24 and a dozen other shows lately) and Ian Somerhalder (from Smallville and Young Americans).

Out of curiousity - you seen any of Carnivale (TG4 again - well done on picking that one up!) or Dead Like Me? They were may favourite new shows of last year - finest stories, writing, acting, production values - absolute serious must-see-TV - can't wait for the second season of both!

TCamen

Out of curiousity - you seen any of Carnivale (TG4 again - well done on picking that one up!) or Dead Like Me? They were may favourite new shows of last year - finest stories, writing, acting, production values - absolute serious must-see-TV - can't wait for the second season of both!

Yup, watched and really enjoyed both of them
Carnivale was nicely not rushed with the unfolding of the various plots. And I love them for casting Patrick Bauchau. Loved him in 'The Pretender' and 'Kindred: The Embraced'.
Dead Like Me...at first I wasn't sure what to make of perma-scowl George, but I ended up really enjoying the series, especially any scenes @ Happy Time with Delores hehe.

As far as I know, 'Fearless' is benched permanently, which is a shame. Though I do dislike Eric Balfour quite a bit, so I won't miss him.
The 7th Heaven spinoff premise is a bit weak alright, considering that Chandler and Roxanne are goddam boring. What will their kids be like? I don't think they'll ever challenge the Camden clan for pure unintentional fun... :rolleyes:

As for Smallville, I've enjoyed the past few episodes, particularly the return of Christopher Reeve, and Chloe's truth-eliciting krypto-power episode. Still think there's been a lot of sub-par episodes, like Pete & his race cars.

ps-- Everwood music site has been one of my bookmarks for ages
Between Everwood, Charmed & the other WB stuff I'm always needing reference for the songs!

doh.ie

"Dead Like Me...at first I wasn't sure what to make of perma-scowl George, but I ended up really enjoying the series, especially any scenes @ Happy Time with Delores hehe."

So funny - Ms Herbig is the best. Was a bit shocked for one episode there near the end when George quit working at Happy Time and I thought there'd be no more Dolores! But then she turned up again in the last one, thank God! What was the name of her website? That cracked me up!

"As far as I know, 'Fearless' is benched permanently, which is a shame. Though I do dislike Eric Balfour quite a bit, so I won't miss him."

Damn it! But Rachael was so lovely. I was hoping to see her wild eyes some more (which show no fear, apparently - she had to act like nothing was bugging her when I gun was held to her head!)

"The 7th Heaven spinoff premise is a bit weak alright, considering that Chandler and Roxanne are goddam boring. What will their kids be like? I don't think they'll ever challenge the Camden clan for pure unintentional fun... "

They are so boring, which is a shame as Jeremy London hasn't been a bad actor in the past. Reminds me of how he was in "I'll Fly Away" - love to see that again. Nearly bought some episodes on eBay a while back, but they were too expensive.

And speaking of spin-offs, the offspring of naff preachy shows aren't always the worst (though I agree it would be in this case) - Touched By An Angel was spun-off into "Promised Land" for three years, which was a way superior series about the Greene family, who travelled around the country - very 7thH in style, but better, gritter. Had its bad points (too many TBAA crossovers), but otherwise quite enjoyable. Wonder why it was never shown on UK/Irish TV - I caught it on (of all places!) The God Channel about five years ago!

"Still think there's been a lot of sub-par episodes, like Pete & his race cars."

One of the very worst...

"Between Everwood, Charmed & the other WB stuff I'm always needing reference for the songs!"

Ugh! Charmed is so bad these days, the music must be the only thing redeeming it!

TCamen

For anyone who missed 'One Tree Hill' on TG4, it's starting on E4 in July.