It doesn’t take long for rumors to swirl around the Internet. About two weeks ago The Hollywood Reporter announced that One Tree Hill creator Mark Schwahn had signed on for a seventh season of the hit drama. The CW hasn’t officially renewed the series for another year, but the network is currently weighing the decision and negotiating with cast members to sign on for season 7. The rumor, which may or may not be true, is that every cast member aside from Chad Michael Murray has signed on the dotted line. This raises the question: Could One Tree Hill survive without Lucas?
Though Murray has yet to sign on for a seventh season, it’s hard to imagine he won’t stick around. Not only have the OTH crew allowed the actor to write a noir-themed episode that’s currently in production, but he’s also set to direct an installment that will air in the spring. Murray obviously has the desire to flex his creative muscles behind the scenes, and that’s something he could continue to do throughout season 7. If he has a desire to move into writing and directing in the future, One Tree Hill is a great place to start.
However, should Murray walk away from the series for one reason or another, could it survive? I think the answer is a definite yes. The great thing about One Tree Hill is that it’s truly an ensemble show, and it doesn’t rely on any one actor to make it work. In contrast, if either Blake Lively or Leighton Meester decided to leave Gossip Girl, the series would likely stumble creatively. I think One Tree Hill could live without Lucas, especially if Murray were willing to make some guest appearances. It’d make sense for the character to leave town for a book tour or some other big event, so the writers would have no problem weaving him in and out of the plot if need be.
According to TV Guide, Murray’s representative claims he’s “willing to listen” to offers to extend his contract. I hope he comes back for another year, but I think the rest of the cast would be just as interesting to watch in his absence. One Tree Hill has a wide array of fantastic characters, and though losing one of them would hurt, it certainly wouldn’t be fatal.
– Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: TV Guide
(Image courtesy of the CW)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
