Ok, ok, I have to admit it… I loved tonight’s One Tree Hill. Who knew?!

I mean, I was pretty sure I’d give in but I was kind of hoping I wouldn’t. I’m not sure why. Unlike others, I’ve never been ashamed of liking this show. Even when the actors on the show did their best to spoil my enjoyment, I’ve always been invested in the characters of Tree Hill. Which means it didn’t take much to make me willing to swallow a setup that works.

And I think the writers pulled it off. Yes, there are things I don’t buy. Things that will no doubt continue to bug me. But Hollywood has never exactly worried about being realistic when it comes to portraying the average middle class lifestyle and it’s definitely not like life in Tree Hill was all that believable during the first four seasons of the show. Right? Right.

So, I am pretty sure the things that bugged me tonight (and by bug me I mean, I rolled my eyes briefly and then never thought about again, mostly) would have existed (and bugged me) in some form even if we were getting One Tree Hill: The College Years. Overall, I really enjoyed catching up with these characters.

Of course it now amuses me to think back to all the people praising Mark Schwahn for setting up an entirely new show with this fast-forward. Because what I just watched? Was the same exact show I’ve been watching for four years. All Mark did was eliminate the hassle of trying to deal with the next phase of their lives. He just moved ‘em right back to where life kinda becomes just like high school again, routine. Routine enough for the little dramas to become full-scale melodrama again.

Don’t get me wrong. I love it. If I’m going to praise Mark Schwahn for something, it’s giving me back the exact same show I’ve loved for the past four years. And this time I don’t even have to be annoyed that only parents in sight are the ones stirring up trouble. Brooke is a successful fashion designer so now she can legitimately throw her money around and do things like buy Karen’s Cafe and invest in Peyton’s record label. Sure, it’s a little hard to believe that she got so far so fast but it’s easier to hand wave than say a 17 year old’s parents letting her live with another (parent-free) 17 year old AND neither of them ever having to worry about money for pesky things like FOOD or GAS. And, yes, I find it impossible to swallow that Nathan and Haley could afford that house on their own, much less on any money that she alone was making. But he’s Nathan Scott and I can believe that she could get a loan based on his name alone in Tree Hill. And Lucas? Well, if him being a published author means we never have to listen to another Lucas voice-over, I’m happy. I’m just going to completely ignore Peyton and that ridiculous place she was staying in LA. What impossible things happen in LA? Can stay in LA.

Now we’ve got everyone back in Tree Hill and right back into their usual spots. Lucas is proving himself to the Ravens and leading them to victory. Nathan is once again struggling with what he’s going to do with his life. Haley’s spreading her knowledge. Brooke is struggling with her self-confidence and taking care of her friends. Peyton’s trying to make her dream a reality. Mouth is pretty much the only one who isn’t exactly where he was four years ago, except he sorta is. He’s still the geeky guy who has to prove himself as good as the good-looking folks on the show. See how that all works out? Plus, hey Nathan and Peyton love angst!

Man, it’s good to be back in Tree Hill.

Oh, and the show made me cry… so, see, not much as changed! Well, except for the sad lack of my favorite adults. I’ll miss Whitey and Karen. I thought I’d miss Deb more but they managed to kill all of my Deb love last season. And, well, I couldn’t be happier that Dan is gone. While I’d love to occasionally have the others guest star, I really hope we never have to see Dan again.

So, what’d you guys think? Do you approve of the jump forward four years? Will you be watching again next week?

PS: Jamie? Cutest kid ever. Stroke of genius casting that kid!