4.04: Can’t Stop This Thing We Started

It’s in the water, baby! We’re discussing One Tree Hill S4E4, “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started” aka the one where we learn that we have been gaslit into thinking Brooke (Sophia Bush) was pregnant when it was actually Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz)! It’s also when we get further confirmation that Derek (Matt Barr) has far from brotherly love for Peyton (Hilarie Burton Morgan); get introduced to Shelley (Elisabeth Harnois), the Clean Teens and some problematic anti-choice narratives; and DebRoe (Barbara Alyn Woods/Moira Kelly) continues to be on the outs. Also, Rachel (Danneel Ackles) poses for Maxim and we’re both feeling very bisexual about it (Don’t worry, we do unpack some of the problematic aspects from behind the scenes as well).

We also discuss:

• The episode’s namesake, “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started” by Bryan Adams.
• Portrayals of addiction
• Whether the “pregnancy twist” works.
• Is Dan (Paul Johansson) complicated or just a terrible person?
• Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) rejoining the Ravens.
• Alternate portrayals of abortions and miscarriages in media (Jeremy gives shoutouts to Jane the Virgin, The Bold Type, and 90210!)
• Lucas’ growing suspicions of Derek

Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! That’s the easiest way to support us and to help One Tree Hill fans, new and old, find us! We’re Kaitlyn Ilinitch (@MissIReads) and Jeremy Rodriguez (@RodriguezJeremy) and you can find Always and Forever on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @alwaysothpod or email us at alwaysothpod@gmail.com.

Always and Forever is on Patreon! Join our community to gain access to our private Discord server, early episode releases, and bonus content, including our spoiler-ful mini episodes; our Drama Queens reaction podcast, Royal Review; and our movie podcast, Baker Soundstage. Visit patreon.com/alwaysothpod for more information.