One Tree Hill 8X3: The Space in Between

Melissa

I also really loved Will in this in between episode with Clay. I thought it really worked for the characters and Clay and Will played nicely off each other, and it was great to see the look in at the Naley scenes, and the Clay/Quinn scenes that Clay and Will were observing. Clay and Quinn are huge extensions of Naley's orbit, and this episode was a nice reminder of that, especially when we get a brand-new character like Will...who's used as a look-in on everyone's lives, and you're reminded of how close they all are. They really are family, and it's pretty heartwarming and touching to watch. Also really loved the musical scores used in this episode. All the songs matched the scenes and moments perfectly...they really were spot on and elevated the material so much. Love Nathan for immediately wanting to get tested to see if he'd be a match for a kidney donor for Clay. That's Nathan Scott for you, and so fitting for his character now. Of course, we sort of knew that it wouldn't be that easy, but it was an amazing gesture nevertheless, and Nathan was struggling with the fact that he couldn't help, hence the breakdown scene on the side of the road when he pulled over and watched the horses run by. Amazing, understated acting by James in that scene. He conveyed Nathan's heartbreak and helplessness to a tee. And when he found Haley in the chapel and was distraught and told her that he couldn't do this, he wasn't strong enough, and she told him that he was, and when he wasn't he had her, and they talked about what she just went through when she lost her mom...talk about the waterworks flowing. Those two slay me, they were so good there. I also really loved when Nathan finally told Haley about his back degenerating and why he wants to get tested for Clay. That conversation was amazing, and the fact that Clay and Will were listening from the other side.... was so endearing and poignant. It ended with Nathan telling Haley that he learned how to be selfless from her....and man alive...the emotions. Naley are just the absolute best. And then we get the scene of them in bed at their house discussing things and Nathan brings up how he once felt hopeless, helpless, and responsible all those years ago when he was praying for Haley to make it and for Jamie to be okay when she was pregnant with their son and was hit by Daunte after the state championship game. And Nathan was remembering how he didn't want to lose what they had, and what they would have.... their family, their someday. The fact that they could all tie that back to Clay and Quinn and their someday now, was amazing. That's the kind of stuff that only a long running show can do and portray and have it be that impactful, and they did a marvelous job with it all. That Naley scene was amazing!!! Jamie was great in this episode too and really helps to bridge the gap between the very real adult problems that his family is going through, and his innocence as a kid to believe in the best, and offer sage advice to his dad, and then in the next moment have fun playing baseball with Brooke and Julian. It all worked really well together. And the running theme from him of where do babies come from is hilarious this season, lol. And loved Jamie with Naley in the chapel at the end and him telling his parents that they should get confetti when Clay wakes up because it's going to feel amazing, just like Nathan felt all those years ago when he won the state championship game and felt nothing but euphoria in that moment. Naley just responded with how much they love their son, and nothing else needed to be said. They are amazing parents to him for sure. Such a wonderful family to see portrayed on tv. Also really loved Quinn's conversation with Clay at his bedside and her wanting to discuss his love for Sara and what that means for her love for him and heaven and how that all works, etc. I thought they handled it all very realistically, and Shantel was great with the emotions in this episode...very believable for sure. And Clay and Will singing the limbo song on the roof was funny as well. Such a silly thing to do to provide levity to the situation at hand, and it was great to see. And then love the transition at the end when unfortunately Will passes away, but we learn that he was an organ donor and saved Clay's life. So fitting indeed. Very touching episode...no doubt!!!