The Best Episodes Written By David Strauss

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.7/10(3 votes)

   #1 - Danny Boy

   S9:E113/21/2012

   The search for Nathan becomes increasingly dangerous, and Dan’s life hangs in the balance. Brooke is surprised when her father returns. And Clay and Quinn reconnect with Logan.

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   Writer:David Strauss

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   Writer:David Strauss
2. 

   8.3/10(3 votes)

   #2 - I've Got Dreams to Remember

   S3:E121/25/2006

   As the students meet with the school counselor to plan for the future, Nathan and Haley realize they want to attend different colleges across the country from one another and Brooke discovers Rachel's reasons for submitting her designs to Rogue Vogue. Meanwhile, Ellie and Peyton bond as they finish the benefit album.

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   Writer:David Strauss

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   Writer:David Strauss
3. 

   8.3/10(3 votes)

   #3 - Messin' with the Kid

   S6:E710/20/2008

   Nathan and Haley must team up to help Jamie deal with a school bully. Meanwhile, Lucas and Peyton continue to adjust to life as a live-in couple. Elsewhere, Mouth tries to get his old job back.

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   Writer:David Strauss

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   Writer:David Strauss
4. 

   8.3/10(3 votes)

   #4 - Screenwriter's Blues

   S6:E162/2/2009

   As Lucas begins to start casting for his movie, Peyton begins to put together plans for their wedding. Meanwhile, Dan gives Jamie advise when he has his first school crush; Brooke is introduced to the actress that will play her in Lucas' movie; Nathan receives exciting news; and Haley is forced to make a tough decision at work.

   Director:N/A

   Writer:David Strauss

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   Writer:David Strauss
5. 

   8.0/10(3 votes)

   #5 - Holding Out for a Hero

   S8:E142/8/2011

   Brooke, Quinn and Haley decide to use their talents for the greater good. Meanwhile, Julian takes on a directing job and helps out a friend, and Chase mentors Chuck.

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   Writer:David Strauss

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   Writer:David Strauss
6. 

   7.8/10(5 votes)

   #6 - Something I Can Never Have

   S2:E174/19/2005

   Keith gets violent with Dan after learning that Dan paid Jules to fall in love with Keith. Anna turns Felix in to the school authorities after learning that he was the one who vandalized Peyton's locker. Lucas and Brooke discuss Brooke's possible move. Meanwhile, Nathan chances Haley in the hope of bringing her home. Brooke decides to move in with Karen.

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   Writer:David Strauss

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7. 

   7.3/10(3 votes)

   #7 - Good News for People Who Love Bad News

   S4:E310/11/2006

   Peyton spends more time getting to know her newfound brother, Derek. Meanwhile, Lucas gives up on his love for Brooke and Rachel tries to start a romance with Nathan.

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   Writer:David Strauss

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8. 

   7.3/10(3 votes)

   #8 - In Da Club

   S5:E72/12/2008

   The Honorary Title performs at Tric and Mia plays her song there as well. Carrie tries to get closer to Nathan. Brooke sets Mouth up on a blind date with her assistant and Lindsey confronts Lucas about Peyton.

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   Writer:David Strauss

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   Writer:David Strauss
9. 

   7.3/10(3 votes)

   #9 - Luck Be a Lady

   S8:E711/2/2010

   As the wedding approaches, Brooke tries to connect with Sylvia, while Julian looks for his best man at a guys' poker night. Meanwhile, Nathan struggles in his new job, while Haley's counseling abilities are challenged, and Skills returns to town with a new friend.

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   Writer:David Strauss

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   Writer:David Strauss
10. 

    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #10 - Family Affair

    S7:E141/25/2010

    Nathan tries to keep Haley calm after Taylor shows up at their house with Quinn’s ex-husband in tow. Julian sticks up for Alex on the set of their movie, and Brooke leans on Alexander to ease her heartache. Meanwhile, Clay gets a chance to prove his commitment to Quinn by helping her through a dinner with her sister and David.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:David Strauss

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11. 

    7.0/10(7 votes)

    #11 - 99 Problems

    S1:E210/17/2018

    While trying to be all things, on and off the field, Spencer quickly discovers the rules he played by at Crenshaw no longer apply in Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, Coop is also forced to learn a new set of rules, with Spencer’s protective “Halo Effect” now gone.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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12. 

    6.8/10(4 votes)

    #12 - After Hours

    S3:E156/21/2021

    When Billy forces Spencer and Frausto to get on the same page, the night takes an interesting turn. Olivia is excited to hang out with Layla, but the night doesn't go as planned.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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13. 

    6.7/10(3 votes)

    #13 - Your Cheatin' Heart

    S7:E510/12/2009

    Haley is thrust into the spotlight and storm of Nathan’s growing scandal. Against her better judgement, Brooke allows Julian to continue working with Alex. Millicent gets a new job, which may cause trouble for Mouth. Meanwhile, Clay and Quinn grow closer.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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14. 

    6.7/10(6 votes)

    #14 - Toy Soldiers

    S1:E194/24/2014

    Mary's uncle arrives at the castle and brings dire news about her mother, forcing Mary and Francis to make a tough choice about priorities. Meanwhile, Henry devises a destructive plan; and Bash and Kenna grow closer as they strengthen their forced union.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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    Writer:David Strauss
15. 

    6.0/10(3 votes)

    #15 - The Choice Is Yours

    S1:E611/28/2018

    The return of Layla’s music mogul father gives Spencer the perfect opportunity to give back to Crenshaw and reunite with an increasingly distant Coop. But Coop’s deepening affiliation with Shawn’s gang threatens Spencer’s good intentions. Billy, Jordan and Asher take a journey to Malibu to scout their next big rival as tensions simmer between Jordan and Asher.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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16. 

    6.0/10(3 votes)

    #16 - Best Kept Secret

    S1:E153/13/2019

    Spencer learns the real reason his father left when he was growing up and is devastated by the truth. Billy must deal with the repercussions of decisions he made in the past, while Coop tries to stop a plan she set in motion, with tragic consequences.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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17. 

    5.8/10(5 votes)

    #17 - Prom Night at Hater High

    S4:E152/21/2007

    It's Prom day, and emotions are flying high at Tree Hill. An emotional Haley confronts Nathan about the sex tape and asks for a list of all his past sexual encounters. Meanwhile, an angry Peyton asks Lucas to skip the dance altogether, but he refuses to take no for an answer. Finally, Brooke and Peyton let out all their tension in a confrontation that can tear them apart forever.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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18. 

    5.7/10(3 votes)

    #18 - How to Survive in South Central

    S3:E21/25/2021

    Both Spencer and Billy are not getting the hero's welcome they expected from the football team and quickly realize they need to adjust their style and start earning the team's trust first.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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19. 

    5.3/10(3 votes)

    #19 - Bring the Noise

    S3:E135/24/2021

    When Spencer learns that Grace skipped her own college graduation, he enlists Olivia's help to throw her a surprise party. Billy is worried about his players' chances at college recruitment, so he tries to organize a scrimmage game to help.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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20. 

    4.8/10(4 votes)

    #20 - Roll the Dice

    S3:E73/1/2021

    With Coop performing in Las Vegas, Spencer and some of the gang take a road trip to see her and Layla on tour. Spencer gets a little clarity on his feelings. Olivia notices that Jordan and Simone are acting suspicious.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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21. 

    4.5/10(2 votes)

    #21 - Stakes Is High

    S2:E153/2/2020

    Spencer goes against Billy’s wish and goes around him to get what he wants. Olivia and Asher are both guilt ridden for different reasons when it comes to Billy and the position he now finds himself in. Layla continues to help Coop with her music which helps Coop receive an offer that she wasn’t expecting. Meanwhile, Jordan does something to try and make things easier for Simone.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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22. 

    4.0/10(3 votes)

    #22 - Protect Ya Neck

    S2:E101/27/2020

    With Tyrone back on the streets, Spencer is being a little overly protective of Coop and Laura and finds himself in uncharted territory. Olivia is nervous about her upcoming SoLA Muse Cotillion and tries to lean on Asher, but he seems more focused on football than ever. Coop and Patience are trying to get back into a rhythm, but things get worse when Coop’s jealous streak comes out. Meanwhile, Jordan alerts Billy about what he sees on social media that makes Billy worry a little.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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23. 

    3.5/10(2 votes)

    #23 - Speak Ya Clout

    S2:E210/14/2019

    Spencer is taken aback to learn who his dad has added to the team. Jordan faces repercussions for not taking his upcoming football game seriously. Layla gets mad at Spencer after Olivia let it slip about his football plans.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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24. 

    1.0/10(1 votes)

    #24 - Got Your Money

    S4:E92/28/2022

    With Spencer, Jordan, Asher and JJ living it up at JJ's rented summer beach house, Spencer is trying to have fun, but he is conflicted when it comes to sponsorship opportunities he is presented. Coop and Patience take a big step in their relationship, but things don't go as smoothly as they had anticipated, and Olivia offers to help. Layla's dad give her a touching graduation gift that brings up a lot of emotions she wasn't expecting. Meanwhile, Laura is at her wits end and steps in to help Billy.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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25. 

    1.0/10(1 votes)

    #25 - I Ain't Goin' Out Like That

    S4:E211/1/2021

    The gang celebrates a birthday, but not everyone is happy about it. As Olivia and Spencer's relationship grows stronger, Olivia struggles with the rift between Billy and Spencer. Jordan's buried feelings come to the surface leaving his and Billy's relationship strained. Meanwhile, Asher is trying to come to terms with his football career but is hopeful when he goes to see a new doctor.

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    Writer:David Strauss

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