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'One Tree Hill': James Lafferty's reduced role in Season 9
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When "One Tree Hill" fans were rallying for a Season 9 pickup, veteran cast members like Sophia Bush and Bethany Joy Galeotti proudly announced that they'd renewed their contracts for one final season on the long-running drama.When The CW finally announced that they were granting the show an abbreviated ninth season, the one cast hold-out remained James Lafferty.
Now, details are emerging about the actor's reduced role. We've confirmed that James Lafferty will be listed as a series regular, just as he always has been. However, TVLine reports that despite the title remaining the same, Lafferty will appear in only about half of the 13 episodes.
Word is that Lafferty's character, Nathan, who is now a full-fledged Fortitude agent, will be traveling abroad for a significant chunk of the season. (Perhaps he'll visit his MIA brother, Luke!) We're hearing that Nate won't be too happy about the return of Dan Scott, or the way Haley seems to have warmed up to him.
Weigh in below, "OTH" fans. Last season was smooth sailing for Nathan and Haley, but it sounds like there are some major bumps in the road ahead.
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nh fans should boycott this show.
WHAT???!!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS? HALF??? Look Nate's character has lost all significance and yes James isn't the best actor in the world but 'come on this is the show's final season!!! Only 13 episodes and THAT was too much? After 8 FULL seasons??? Whoever is responsible for this doesn't have a soul. Or is just not as nostalgic as me. Whatevs.
AngrodTV - you do realize it was James' decision to only come back as part-time, correct? It's not the writers fault.
It's not Mark's fault or the writers or whatever. It's all James' decision to only come back for a limited role. It's all on him.
Mark Schwahn was so desperate for $$$$ he decided to continue this show with more than 1/2 of the core cast gone. He's completely ruined Nathan's character and Nathan and Haley are a shell of their former selves. I'm not watching this show anymore.
CRY SOME MORE CRYBABIES NALEY FANS.
James doesn't care about his character or the show anymore. It shows in his performances.
Good more screentime for BROOKE, JULIAN QUINN, AND CLAY
I think it's clear that James isn't as invested in the show these days. I wouldn't be surprised if he never stars on TV or in a film again after OTH ends. Maybe, because he started on the show so young, he's realized acting isn't truly his passion. However, I know we all love the character Nathan (and I'm sure this news won't affect the quality of the last few episodes), and I know we all wish James the best!!
that stinks! I loved watching Nathan and Haley... They give everyone such hope for an epic romance. I wish he could be there all the time because it's the last season but it was his decision.
Why should NH fans even bother to watch next year? We might as well fanwank the Season 8 finale as our series finale and call it a day. It's never been clearer that ley or Nathan or HaNH aren't a priority anymore.
Thats bullshit! Like come on its the final season. Like f*** I am so pissed right now like it isnt even funny! Its bad enough the show doesnt even get a full season, but now James is only going to be in 6 or 7 episodes? Like come on! Screw Tyler Hilton coming back, I rather have James in all the episodes.