Recap / One Tree Hill S5E15 "Life Is Short"

"Life is Short" is the fifteenth episode of Season 5 of One Tree Hill and originally aired April 28th, 2008. The episode was written by Elisa Delson and directed by cast member Paul Johansson.

It’s Jamie's fifth birthday party, and Lucas has renewed hope for his relationship with Lindsey as she returns to Tree Hill. Brooke and Peyton adjust to life with baby Angie. Meanwhile, Dan tries to use the occasion worm his way back into the Scott family, leading to a confrontation with Nathan.

Contains examples of the following tropes:

• Actually Pretty Funny: All of the adults laugh when Jamie instinctively recognises Lucas’ present for him because it’s clearly a book.
• The Atoner: Skills still blames himself for Jamie’s abduction. It’s part of the reason he’s intent on tracking down an elusive Wii for his birthday gift.
• Continuity Snarl: Jamie’s birthday was established to be at the end of the school year in the Season 4 finale with Haley going in to labor during their high school graduation ceremony, and the timing of events was reiterated as recently as three episodes ago.
• No Indoor Voice: Amusingly subverted. Brooke takes Angie, who only slept after much trouble, to Jamie's birthday party, with noisy kids abound.
  Kid: DO YOU HAVE ANY CHICKEN FINGERS?!
  Brooke: Do you have an inside voice?!
  Peyton: Brooke, we are outside.
• Papa Wolf: Nathan makes it clear to Dan that he’s not welcome at Jamie’s birthday party upon being asked for an invite.
• Practically Different Generations: Lampshaded by Lucas as he helps Brooke put Angie’s car seat back in the car after Jamie’s party, with Lucas noting his skill at doing so comes from getting a baby sister at 18.
• Product Placement: A subplot in the episode revolves around Skills trying to buy a Wii for Jamie’s birthday.
• Ship Sinking: Lindsey once again rebuffs Lucas’ attempts to salvage their relationship, and this time she leaves her keys to his home as she leaves.
• Shipper on Deck: Skills makes it clear to Peyton that he’s rooting for her and Lucas.
• Shout-Out:
  • Skills name drops Facebook when he visits Peyton in her office.
  • Skills tracks down a Wii for Jamie’s birthday.
• Sleep Cute: Brooke and Lucas fall asleep next to one another on his couch, with Lucas holding baby Angie.
• Something Only They Would Say:
  • Jamie immediately recognises Lucas’ present for him without even looking who it’s from.
    Lucas: How d’you know it’s from me?
    Jamie: It’s a book!
  • Nathan and Deb immediately realise that Dan is the one behind Jamie receiving a black and orange basketball jersey as a birthday gift, as they recognise it as Nathan’s first jersey from Junior Leagues.
• The Reveal: Dan’s HCM has worsened, and he needs a heart transplant or else he’s expected to die within six months.
• Titled After the Song: The episode title is taken from the song "Life Is Short" by Butterfly Boucher.
• Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?: Haley is clearly unnerved by Deb hiring a clown for Jamie’s party.