Monday night's episode of "One Tree Hill" may not have fit into the context of the current storyline, but it definitely provided fans with a glimpse into the writing style of Chad Michael Murray. Whether or not fans loved it or not, the 67-year-old flash to the past introduced avid OTH fans to another world devoid of the usual drama and old antics seen each week. The unique spin on familiar characters and their lives arrived as a welcomed change to break up the familiar pace fans had been used to for several years.

As Casablanca streamed from his TV, Lucas Scott worked on writing his screenplay for his upcoming movie debut, An Unkindness of Ravens. A storm brewed overhead while Peyton stayed late at her studio to finish up work.

Enter the year of 1941: Lucas owns Karen's Cafe, a popular night spot, Nathan Scott is a bartender awaiting his military acceptance letter, Haley James is a locally famous singer, Brooke Davis is the devious female fatale, Mouth a drunk gossip reporter, Peyton a cooped up girl struggling with a lack of freedom and Dan Scott is your typical mobster supported by his sidekick Julian.

Lucas, donning a stunning white tuxedo, is a close confidante of Nathan as they both discuss their past and hopeful futures. Nathan, who used to live above the cafe, has just received his letter to join the military, but has his eyes set on winning Haley's heart. After standing up to an over the top drunk, he gains the attention of Haley and spends the rest of the night swooning her. The two talk over drinks, dance when no one else is around and end up marrying each other in a quick and hasty "always and forever" decision.

Dan walks in with Peyton Sawyer on his arm and with the help of tough Julian, clears a table for the two. As Brooke mingles amongst the crowd, Dan stops her in her tracks and inquires about her debt with him. Her debt goes unpaid as she explains to Dan she used the money to fund her garment line. He gives her until midnight the next day to pay it off or else. Extremely threatening and since it's Dan, it works. Lucas throws Dan out of his club, but not without a scene.

Dan drops Peyton off at home but she makes her way back to the club in an effort to talk with Lucas. She fakes car troubles and fans are treated to a déjà vu scene when Lucas offers his assistance. Since Peyton secretly holds (and then drops) the missing car part, Lucas offers to walk her home. During their walk, the two find out they are both missing love in their life and are looking in the wrong places. The night ends with Lucas extending an invitation to Peyton to come to the club more often, symbolic of his sign (and Peyton's drawings) he hangs over the club door: People always leave - but I say stay awhile or even for a nightcap. Nice touch, Chad. Brooke sees the two in an intimate moment and relays the information back to Dan in hopes of clearing her debt.

The episode drags on with Dan interrogating Owen, who's a cop as well as shoving Mouth off a bridge after he finds out Dan murdered Keith. With the secret out, Lucas tries to seek revenge but instead finds himself in a serious situation with Peyton in the middle. In an emotional final scene, Dan's single gunshot struck Peyton in the gut and she immediately falls to the ground. Lucas embraces her and assures her of her long awaited freedom. He fades back to reality as he hears his cell phone ringing and awakes to Peyton who informs him she'll be coming home soon. Glad to be back in the present, he tells his fiancé to never leave him and she agrees. Yet, as the episode ends, Peyton clutches her stomach in pain. Based on the previews for next week, Peyton seems fine, but is it possible that Chad Michael Murray could have added a bit of foreshadow in the final moments of his debut episode? Could Peyton be pregnant?

This week's episode was completely random, a bit hammy at times and inconsistent with the rest of the current season's storyline. But while some may have disliked it, it was a nice breath of fresh air and an escape from some of the more Nanny Carrie-like moments. Haley's singing was phenomenal and the acting was at times more hilarious than not. Think about it: when's the last time fans were treated to something different in an OTH episode? Since this was Chad's breakout moment in writing his first OTH script, he deserves a lot of credit. The storyline was unique and fun and I loved the several character references including "Brooke Davis will change the world one day." My only wish would have been shaking up the story a bit; mix different couples together, make someone else the villain and completely surprise the audience with a never seen before twist.

Loved it or hated it: that is the question. While the episode may not have been every fan's favorite, it did provide us with a unique twist of events and the ability for an actor to hone his writing skills. What were your thoughts on the episode? Should Chad Michael Murray continue to pen OTH episodes or should he merely stick with acting?

Cast: Chad Michael Murray / Sophia Bush / James Lafferty / Hilarie Burton / Bethany Joy Lenz / more


Story by Kathryn Sparks

Starpulse contributing writer