When The CW recently gave early 2010-11 renewals to five series, two dramas were conspicuously missing from the list—Monday favorites One Tree Hill and Life Unexpected.   Last night reaffirmed why fans are lobbying hard for both to return this fall.  Zap2it calls the Tree Hill winter finale “one of the best episodes the show has produced in years,” particularly the scenes involving Bethany Joy Galeotti (Haley) and Bess Armstrong (her dying mother).  “They really have marvelous acting chemistry, and this story has given Galeotti a chance to shine.”  After seven years, this cast—perhaps more than any other on the network—does feel like a part of the family, and it’s easy to relate to their emotional struggles.  Later, Life Unexpected ramped up the friction with another strong outing.  Whether it was Lux and Bug, or Cate and Ryan/Baze, simmering feuds boiled over to really shift the relationship dynamics…and the upcoming preview looks downright explosive.  Even pitted against the Olympics juggernaut, the two series combined to draw nearly 20% more viewers than the prior week, The CW notes.  Wednesday encores of Life Unexpected have also performed well; and with Gossip Girl returning in two weeks, Lux and Co. may find even more viewers in their new 8pm timeslot.  One Tree Hill, meanwhile, will finish the season with four new episodes beginning April 26.  The timeslot-sharing experiment has not only kept fresh episodes on the air, but also enabled a critically-acclaimed new show to find a place in the lineup.  And with an overload of interesting fall pilots (a great problem to have), it wouldn’t be surprising if the CW Monday success story expands to other nights, as well.      

It’s difficult to contain talent and passion.  Bethany Joy Galeotti discovered that with her newest project.  “I thought, ‘This is either going to be terrible, or it’s going to be great,’” she reveals in a One Tree Hill podcast.  “I don’t know what it’s going to be, but I’ve gotta get this out.”  The result will very likely be a hit Broadway musical.  You see, Bethany was so inspired by the romantic tearjerker film The Notebook, she began writing songs based on the characters.  Nicholas Sparks, who authored the beloved novel (his first) in 1996, embraced her ideas and gave his blessing for the musical stage adaptation.  Teaming with record producer Ron Aniello, the pair held auditions for the various roles and hosted a workshop presentation in Wilmington, NC, for Broadway producers and investors—who loved the dialogue, story, and especially the music (“Don’t touch it,” they advised).  The process now involves refining the play and previewing it in front of still more industry heads in New York.  But realize, The Notebook spent over a year on the best-sellers list, and the movie is considered by many to be the definitive Hollywood love story.  How can this music original not be a success?  Interestingly, Bethany herself once aspired to be a Broadway musical theatre actress.  Now, of course, she has a singer/songwriter lead storyline as “Haley” on One Tree Hill, as well as an off-screen career as a soloist and member of Everly.  Monday night, she and her TV sisters share the spotlight with their mother in an emotional midseason finale episode, The Last Day of Our Acquaintance.   

If you enjoy a healthy dose of shock-and-awe while watching television, you sure weren’t disappointed in the past few evenings of CW dramatics.  Let’s take a whirlwind review:  

The Vampire Diaries:   The captivating 1864 flashback episode revealed that Anna (Jeremy’s new stalker girlfriend) was a vampire child back when her mother, Pearl, and Katherine were supposedly burned in the church fire.  And Stefan was inadvertently responsible for Katherine’s capture!  But unless we’re missing something, it sure didn’t seem like Katherine was the vamp who turned the Salvatore boys, did it?  So who did?  In the present day…Bonnie and Elena are both kidnapped by the undead.  Uh-oh. 

Supernatural:   Another trip to the past, just not as far.  Landing in 1978 to save their young parents from rogue angel Anna, Sam and Dean were forced to tell their mother who they really are.  Major wow.  But just when it appeared they’d all be killed, the archangel Michael made his first appearance, using the body of John Winchester.  He easily vanquished the bad seeds before laying out Dean’s stunning destiny. 

Smallville:   The Absolute Justice event was a true TV milestone.  We knew Hawkman, Dr. Fate and Stargirl were key guest stars, but who expected to see historical newsclips of so many other Justice Society legends:  Atom, The Flash, Wildcat, Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl and Ma Hunkle—along with the untimely murders of the now-aged Star-Spangled Kid and Sandman?  Did you catch the confirmation via Dr. Fate that Lex Luthor is, indeed, alive?  The more immediate threat, however, may come via Agent Amanda Waller and her Checkmate/Suicide Squad operation.  And Tess Mercer’s a secret agent?  Gal gets around. 

One Tree Hill:   When Bess Armstrong dropped in on her three girls for the first time in five seasons, you had to know something was up.  Pancreatic cancer and a short time live.  Haley and Quinn are devastated, and rebel sister Taylor is unable to face the end, quickly fleeing town without a goodbye.  Armstrong is a real heavyweight actress, and we’ll see her tackle this on-screen challenge over the next few weeks.  It was a bit surprising to learn that Haley’s father had also passed away, since it had never been mentioned on the show. 

Life Unexpected:   A week after the kookiest family dinner this side of Stars Hollow—and Lux’s shocking $3,200 rent payment for Baze—the kid reverted back to the kind of destructive decision teenagers often make.  In a fit of unbridled (and unjustified) anger, she exposed Cate and Ryan’s secret engagement to their radio audience.  And that led to the series’ most poignant lecture to date, as Cate offered up an ultimatum to a clearly-shaken Lux:  I’m doing the best I can at being a new mom, and you can take it or leave it…the choice is yours.  Powerful stuff.   

The list of long-departed characters heading back to their CW series continues to grow, and each new announcement brings more excitement than the last.  Which star are you most anxious to see? 

It’s been more than five years since we’ve heard from “Lydia James,” mother of Haley, Taylor and Quinn on One Tree Hill.  The always-radiant actress returns February 8 with a shocking announcement for her girls.  Are there even more siblings out there?  How many recall that rock star Huey Lewis played Haley’s father back in Season Two?  And can it really be three decades since Bess stole our hearts in her film debut opposite Alan Alda and Carol Burnett in The Four Seasons? 

Remember when Supernatural sent Dean sent back in time to meet his young parents—and his grandfather (Mitch Pileggi), who turned out to be possessed by Azazel?  Next Thursday, both Winchester boys find themselves in 1978 trying to prevent the murder of John (Matt Cohen) and Mary (Amy Gumenick).  The previous flashback was one of the series’ best episodes, and Sam’s first encounter with his disco-era folks will be emotional.  On a side note, how is Matt Cohen not a series regular somewhere on The CW?

Martha Kent has been one hard-working congresswoman, absent from the Smallville farm for nearly three seasons.  And Perry White, last seen in ‘03?  It’s about time he starts barking orders at the Daily Planet.  The real-life married couple returns with some big news in May, EW reports, and there’s online speculation it has something to do with “government agent/villain” Amanda Waller (Pam Grier).

You didn’t think we’d seen the last of Clay’s deceased wife, Sara, on One Tree Hill, did ya?  It was the season’s most heartfelt love story and certainly ended too soon.  Foreshadowing a new mystery, E! Online says we’ll see Sara again…but she won’t be Sara.  Hmm.

Last season, the Canton, Ohio native delivered one of the unlikeliest twists ever seen on Supernatural.  Turns out, Sam and Dean had a secret half-brother their dad never mentioned…and the kid led a normal, monster-free childhood.  Well, until a ghoul ate him.  On a press tour this month for Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Jake revealed that “Adam” comes back to play a pivotal role in an upcoming episode.  

Lookin’ for love?  As the song goes, Tree Hill might be the wrong place.  The seaside town has had more than its share of failed romances—not that we’re complaining.  Normal, happy couples don’t make for very interesting drama.  Since Lucas and Peyton drove off into the sunset, One Tree Hill’s most stable couple has been Nathan and Haley…and even their marriage was rocked by cheating headlines this season.  The one relationship that trumped the Scotts’ involved a ghost: Clay (Robert Buckley) and Sara (Amanda Schull) were heart wrenching in their short story arc, in which Clay could not get past his wife’s sudden cardiac death.  Beyond that, Millie cheated on Mouth with Owen (who’s soon returning!); Dan and Rachel’s nuptials were a scam of greed; and Quinn (Shantel VanSanten) never quite made it clear why she dumped her hubby, David (Scott Holroyd).  Well, guess who’s coming to dinner?  Haley and Quinn’s wild-child sister, Taylor (Lindsey McKeon), returns tonight with a new boyfriend that will send shockwaves through the family, for sure.  Another juicy showdown involves Brooke—still fuming over Julian’s blind obsession with Alex (Jana Kramer).  The Clothes Over Bros owner returns after six weeks apart with a new blue-eyed blonde model named “Alexander” (Mitch Ryan, pictured), and we’re guessing it won’t be long before he’s comforting the boss after work.  Austin Nichols agreed to return as a series regular if creator Mark Schwahn would give Julian and Brooke “a really powerful love story, the greatest happy ending ever,” TV Fanatic reports.  Maybe someday, in the finale.  But until then, most fans find the messy, zigzag hurdles far more addictive .        

As the New Year and new episodes quickly approach, let’s take a quick glance at each CW series and choose the storylines which promise to keep us on the edge of our futons: 

One Tree Hill:   This is a tough one, since many conflicts wrapped up nicely two weeks ago.  It’ll be interesting to see how the Brooke-Julian-Alex love triangle develops, but the show really needs Dan Scott to revive his villainous ways—or a new troublemaker to ride into town pronto.   Returns Mon., Jan. 18 

Life Unexpected:   Critics call this heartwarming gem The CW’s “next big thing.”  Who are we to argue?  You’ll be hooked from the first ten minutes.  Premieres Mon., Jan. 18 at 9pm 

Gossip Girl:   There’s juicy drama dripping from every corner here; however, so many lives will be turned upside down by the imminent appearance of Serena’s long-lost father…and Chuck’s long-dead mother.  Returns Mon., Mar. 8 

90210:   Now that Annie and Jasper have flung their criminal cards on the table, will they walk away hiding each other’s secret?  And what drives one of our West Beverly friends to attempt suicide?  Returns Tue., Mar. 9    

Melrose Place:    Well, we know the producers want a more “fun” show, and hopefully that means a lot more Heather Locklear.  Wonder if she’ll rip that complex apart looking for her $19-million painting?  And is it coincidence that David shares her larcenous hobby?  Speaking of David…is he the father of his half-brother?  Returns Tue., Mar. 9   

America’s Next Top Model:   The panel of judges for Cycle 14 will have an outrageous flair, with the addition of sassy Andre Leon Talley and Kimora Lee Simmons.  Let’s hope for some fierce, opinionated controversy.  Returns Wednesdays in Mar.  

The Vampire Diaries:   Yeah, just try to narrow this one down!  More vamps and witches are coming, along with a werewolf and a crypt full of new faces.  But the real mystery involves raising Katherine and those other 26 vampires from their ‘prison’ beneath the 1864 church remains.  Is it humanly possible for the series to get any better?  Returns Thu., Jan. 21 

Supernatural:   What’s more suspenseful than the outcome of the Apocalypse?  As Lucifer said to his expected vessel Sam, “I’ll see you in Detroit in six months.”  Along the journey, the Winchesters make another trip into their parents’ past and also encounter Bobby’s dead wife.  Returns Thu., Jan. 21

Smallville:   ‘Epic’ may not begin to describe the two-hour movie event, Absolute Justice, premiering on Feb. 5.  What began as an ambitious reunion of several Justice Society veterans has evolved into a full-scale landmark phenomenon that’ll have comic book geeks abuzz for years.  Details are being kept under close wraps—but suffice to say, don’t make other plans.  Returns Fri., Jan. 22

The first six weeks of the new TV season have offered an excess of hair-raising storylines and head-scratching mysteries.  For example…

Katherine sired the Salvatore brothers on The Vampire Diaries in 1864.  Wouldn’t you like to know how she became a bloodsucker, and whether she really died in that church fire?  Call us skeptical. 

Did you expect last week’s Supernatural slant toward The Omen, with the all-powerful little kid?  He’s gotta figure into future episodes.  Just like with Buffy’s “anointed one,” these evil children are creepy.  

Bobby possessed, then in a wheelchair?!  Jim Beaver wasn’t kidding when he teased a major twist with his Supernatural character this season. 

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (Violet) totally pulls off the psychotic chick on Melrose Place.  Admit it:  her bizarre, unpredictable scenes are the highlight of every episode.

Fellow popstar Hilary Duff has rocked her role on Gossip Girl.  Really enjoyable.  And we pine for the return of Georgina, whose convoluted schemes are a welcome treat.  

Will Annie actually get away with murder on 90210?  This tangled web with Jasper has to end badly, you’d think.  Either way, “damaged” Annie is so much more fun to watch than the innocent farm girl.

Nathan and his family melting down amidst scandalous allegations on One Tree Hill gives us a new perspective of the media circus pro athletes and celebs face daily.  Can’t wait to see the accuser on Dan Scott’s TV show Monday.  And speaking of Dan—how shocking was his marriage reveal…to Rachel!?

O, Death!  Sydney (Melrose Place) and Vampire Diaries trio Logan Fell, “uncle” Zach Salvatore and Coach Tanner were gasp-worthy murders.  But hold tight!  There’s another Melrose corpse on the way—and two fan faves will face the end next month on Supernatural.

Hey, remember me?  Auggie (Colin Egglesfield) on MP is ready for a beefed-up story.  Ditto Jenny and Nate on Gossip Girl.  And are we gonna meet Serena’s evasive Daddy-O, or what?

For a show whose creator says owes its existence to ‘flying under the radar,’ One Tree Hill has received an inordinate amount of press this week—and for good reason.  Through its first three fall airings, the 7^th-year darkhorse has outpaced drama peers Gossip Girl, 90210 and Melrose Place, while pulling off yet another successful reboot of the series.  Fresh actors like Robert Buckley (Clay), Jana Kramer (Alex) and Austin Nichols (Julian) have given the writers “a new canvas with different colors” to add adrenaline to storylines, says producer Mark Schwahn.  And while heartfelt moments remain a trademark, scandal is roaring throughout the seaside community.  Longtime villain Paul Johannson (Dan) tells the L.A. Times, “Sometimes I just put a script down and go, ‘Mark’s sick.’  But it’s an evil genius; we’re never boring.”  Schwahn is so impressed with Jana’s take on model/actress “Alex,” he’s making her a series regular, notes The Futon Critic.  The two had long talks about walking the tightrope of nasty, dumb and likeable.  “We found a balance with that character, and she’s just killing it,” the boss praises.  Post-Lucas, the show has steered clear of one person serving as the “moral compass,” leaving everyone open to mistakes; while groundbreaking music, such as Monday’s awesome live performance by Noisettes, continues to drive key scenes.  One Tree Hill’s methods have full support of the network.  Schwahn and Joe Davola “have always been very inventive and clever producers,” says CW exec Dawn Ostroff.  “They’ve reinvented the show multiple times in these bold ways, and it’s always worked.”

The CW has branded its fall lineup as TV to Talk About, and it seems the viewers got a head start on that concept.  A new “Social Engagement Index” measures the amount of in-show social activity online against the total viewing audience—in other words, how many people are talking about what they’re watching.  One Tree Hill is the runaway winner, followed immediately by 90210.  LiveHive Systems, which charts this information, attributes the Tree Hill score to “the combination of a story format that’s well-suited to active social discussion and interactivity, and a demographic that gravitates to multiplatform media consumption,” reports Wilmington Star News.  All we know is, based on the first four minutes of the upcoming Season Premiere (click here), there may be even more fans rushing to their keyboards.

Have you missed any recent CW episodes or forgotten key plot points?  The network has assembled four incredible recap videos from this past season to help refresh our memories and whet our appetites for new episodes, which begin in just three weeks.  Watch the summaries of Smallville, Supernatural, One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl below.