"Things I Forgot at Birth" is the second episode of Season 4 of One Tree Hill and originally aired October 4th, 2006. The episode was written by Mark Schwahn and directed by Greg Prange.
Whilst everyone waits for Cooper to wake up after the car accident, Brooke is in no mood to celebrate her 18th birthday thanks to her although Peyton hopes to use the occasion to help Lucas win her back. Meanwhile Deb’s relapse quickly becomes public knowledge and Skills looks to find a path to college.
Contains examples of the following tropes:
- Birds of a Feather: As they discuss their favorite birthdays, Lucas and Peyton both choose birthdays symbolic of their desire to be part of a traditional family unit - Lucas chooses the first time he felt like Karen, Keith and himself were a real family, whereas Peyton chooses the last one she had with her mother.
- Cliffhanger: Peyton arrives home to find a man sat on her porch, claiming that he’s her brother. The episode ends without showing her response.
- Failed a Spot Check:
- Neither Lucas or Peyton notice the open IM window on her computer before the power goes out.
- Apparently Lucas didn’t realise it was Brooke’s birthday until Peyton outright told him so.
- Get Out!: Said by Cooper after Rachel admits that she was lying about being pregnant before the limo crash.
- Green-Eyed Monster: When she shows up for Peyton’s birthday ritual, Brooke is seen jealously watching Lucas and Peyton leave the mall happily hugging each other.
- Hope Spot: Peyton tries to cheer Lucas up by reminding him that Brooke didn’t know he was going to be there, so there’s still hope for Lucas’ relationship with her… just not Peyton’s.
- I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: Despite being in love with Lucas herself, Peyton actively tries to help Lucas get back together with Brooke if it is what he really wants.
- Kleptomaniac Hero:
- Peyton reveals to Lucas that she and Brooke have shoplifted Brooke’s birthday present for the past several years; ultimately subverted, as Peyton’s dad knows the owner of the store and they would just pay for it later, but never let Brooke know because she loved the thrill of stealing.
- As they leave the mall, Peyton reveals that she stole something to Lucas.
- Meaningful Echo: Lucas takes Whitey to the River Court so he can see Skills play for himself, just as Keith did for Lucas in the Pilot.
- "The Reason You Suck" Speech: Rachel does one to Brooke when the latter tells her about the situation with Lucas and Peyton. Rachel points that Brooke is clearly seeing things in an opportunistic way as she deliberately ignores the circumstances in which the kiss between the two of them happened and she also broke up with Lucas not because of that, but because she doesn’t have feelings for him anymore while Peyton does, but for her is willing to keep them for themselves, so to her it seems she is a good friend.
- Scholarship Student: Skills asks Lucas to help him get on the Ravens, as he needs a scholarship to get into college.
- Ship Tease:
- Peyton asks Lucas who he wants next to him when his dreams come true, and Lucas’ response is to (eventually) name Brooke.
- Lucas’ initial response of Kate Bosworth could be seen as a substitute for Peyton, as they’re both blondes with long legs.
- As they wait for Brooke to arrive, Lucas tells Peyton how he used to watch her, specifically her legs.
- Peyton asks Lucas who he wants next to him when his dreams come true, and Lucas’ response is to (eventually) name Brooke.
- Stalker with a Crush: Lucas admits that he used to be one for Peyton.
- Titled After the Song: The episode title is taken from the album "Things I Forgot At Birth" by The Absentee.
