In my opinion, it's the only thing saving the show. The ratings dipped to it's lowest last season and the storylines were NOT well received with fans. Especially Peyton's Stalker... it was all shot like some cheesy B-Movie. But I like this season. It's a refreshing change from what they were writing before. The characters are allowed to be more mature and I'm loving how Nathan and Haley are dealing with a small child, Nathan's injury, and Haley's new job as a teacher.
Lucas is isn't with Peyton... which is refreshing since he either been with Brooke or Peyton. Although I'm not really liking Lindsay. Peyton is starting her own label, but I think she should suffer financially somehow. Like Brooke's mother pulls the funding without Brooke knowing since Brooke is the one funding it. Brooke's clothing line has risen to a full blown fashion label. I have issues with that... since she got by with little to no training at all during the gap. But I understand her rise to fame... and how fast it was. Especially with her mother's shrewd managing.
Overall... there are things I hate and thing I like, but it's WAY better then last season. By far.