Things are so bad between the Scott half-brothers that they are thrown off the court for rolling over the floor fighting each-other during a game in a North Carolina hick-town, Pinkerton. Brooke is hurt and scams a strong painkiller from a med student, but takes an overdose which forces Haley and Peyton to give the 'drunk' a ride; despite car trouble, they'll have it relatively easy getting back home. Coach decides to punish Nathan and Lucas by making them walk some 30 miles, which turns out just the 'fraternal' male bonding they needed as they are not given a lift but abducted by local hicks who force them to go shopping in their undershorts marked 'Ravens suck' on their backs; even after doing so, their ordeal is far from over... On the home front, Dan and Keith seize the evening without the boys to take Nathan's mother, Deb and Lucas's mother, Karen out, but land in the same restaurant where they get into a fight of their own.

Peyton shares shocking news with Lucas who is still in LA with Dixon and Julian. Nathan struggles to adjust to his new career and Brooke desperately searches for Sam.

Nathan is on the bench during five losses, but has more maturity, team spirit and insight than the arrogant, selfish star scorer. He feels this is bound to pay off, as Dan predicts. After refusing six top directors, Lucas and Julian get an ultimatum from his father, Paul. He also tells Peyton that the infidelity she dumped Julian for was his publicity stunt. Julian is incredible patient with Brooke's insecurity. Chase is Mia's ideal playmate, inspiring a new single.

Lucas wrestles with casting for his movie while Peyton tries to prepare for their future. Dan advises Jamie on a school crush. Brooke meets the actress who will play her while Nathan gets exciting news, and Haley has to make a tough decision at school.

Nathan is offered a two year pro contract, but in Europe. He agonizes whether he should take it, as Bobby suggests, or stick to his NBA dream, as Haley advices. Jamie not only does well at his first school dance, he is the one who counsels 'babsitter' Skills to date his teacher there. While Peyton grumbles bedridden, Lucas repairs the Comet as a surprise, while both reminisce. Chase must convince Mia his affair with Brooke was and could only happen before them. Haley enjoys working with Nick Lackey, who wants her to produce music.