"What Could Have Been" is the twenty first episode of Season 2 of One Tree Hill and originally aired May 17th, 2005. The episode was written by Jennifer Cecil and directed by Bethany Rooney.
The newly discharged Nathan returns home from the hospital to unpaid medical bills and an eviction notice, leading to Lucas and Peyton to organise a fund raiser to raise money. Haley is given an opportunity to become a solo artist, and Dan makes another attempt to end Nathan and Haley's marriage.
Contains examples of the following tropes:
- Bait-and-Switch: When Dan turns up at the tour to give Haley the annulment papers signed by Nathan, it's implied to the viewer that Dan forged Nathan's signature as the last time Nathan was seen, he was resistant to going along with Dan's wants. However, Nathan proceeds to move back home, now convinced he and Haley were a mistake - informing the viewer that he really had signed the annulment papers.
- Black Comedy: It turns out that the film reels in the A.V. Cupboard are all mislabelled, and the first movie that plays is a documentary about car accidents… at a fundraiser to pay Nathan's medical bills after his car accident.
- But Now I Must Go: Lucas decides to move out of Dan's house and return home now that Nathan is moving back in.
- Caught with Their Pants Down: Subverted - as Peyton and Nathan go through his various bills, they find one for pay-per-view porn, which Tim promptly snatches away.
- "Eureka!" Moment: As the kids brainstorm ideas to raise money for Nathan, Tim suggests a brothel before pointing out it worked in Risky Business. This gives Peyton the idea to run a movie night and charge people for attendance.
- Green-Eyed Monster: Brooke watches jealously as Lucas gives Peyton chocolate and a hug in an attempt to cheer her up over Jake's continued incarceration.
- Manipulative Bastard: Nathan pays for Nathan's medical bills and rent, before giving Nathan a big sob story about how he wants his family back. Nathan doesn't buy it, but Dan proceeds to change tact and tell Nathan that he’ll become like him if he keeps holding on to his relationship with Haley even though she left. This ultimately gets Nathan to change his mind.
- Mass "Oh, Crap!": Everyone is mortified when they realise that the film reels are all mislabelled and the first film to play is a documentary about car accidents. Thankfully, Nathan sees the funny side and the tension leaves the room.
- The Reveal: The money Dan has been embezzling from the dealership is revealed to be going to a college fund… for Lucas.
- Ship Sinking:
- Peyton assures Brooke that she’s free to pursue a relationship with Lucas as there is no chance of Peyton and Lucas betraying her again.
- After Lucas moves back home, Brooke assures Karen that she and Lucas are only friends.
- Dan gives Haley annulment papers that have been signed by Nathan.
- Haley decides to remain with the tour and potentially pursue a solo career rather than return home to Nathan.
- Ship Tease: Brooke finds a box full of mementos Lucas kept from his relationship with Peyton, suggesting he still has feelings for her.
- Shout-Out: Tim suggests running a brothel to raise funds for Nathan, specifically citing that "it worked for Tom Cruise in Risky Business."
- Titled After the Song: The episode title is taken from the song "What Could Have Been" by Callenish Circle.
