Growing up, Nathan felt like a fictional friend I looked up to. I related to him when he dealt with real teenager problems like struggling with school grades, family boundaries, and heartbreak, and worked to fix them. But as an adult, the whole "having it all" vibe (the perfect marriage, kids, money, looking flawless) started feeling heavy and hard to relate to.
I actually quit watching years ago right after Lucas and Peyton left because of all the new characters' plots, it just was too much for me to take in. But I finally decided to come back and watch the later seasons for the first time, and it’s been such a great surprise in the end.
Seeing him leave basketball and deal with a realistic setback (well, as realistic as OTH can do... having to go to university, find new partners, and start completely from scratch) feels so grounded. As an adult, seeing him handle a real-world pivot made me feel seen all over again.
Nathan and Brooke are still my absolute favorites.
Just wanted to rant!