One Tree Hill fans have been wondering a lot about the future lately, as the CW drama plans to jump ahead four years to kick off its fifth season.  So far we've been given a taste of where the characters will end up thanks to fast forward minisodes on the CW's website, but now creator Mark Schwahn is dropping more hints about who we'll be seeing less of, and who he almost decided to kill.

In a recent statement to TV Guide, Schwahn let it be known that fans won't be seeing Rachel (Danneel Harris) early on in the season, but that the show "hasn't lost anyone entirely."  This includes the adults on the series, who will make appearances but won't be as much of a focus as they were in past seasons.  "We're not going to see as much of the parents, but the specter of them will always be there," Schwahn confirmed.

One person who almost didn't make it to season five is Whitey (Barry Corbin), as Schwahn considered having him bite the dust during the four years that are skipped.  Ultimately he just couldn't bring himself to do it, and for that I am thankful.  Whitey has always been the heart of One Tree Hill, and also one of the only characters who always keeps his head on his shoulders.

Schwahn also mentioned that the guest star we're all dreading, Kevin Federline, completely won over the cast with his work ethic during his three-episode arc.  He was even spotted going over lines with Bethany Joy Galeotti at one point.  There's no telling whether K-Fed can act, but at least we know he can memorize words.

One Tree Hill returns to the CW with a two-hour premiere on Tuesday, January 8.

- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: TV Guide
(Image courtesy of the CW)