This episode aired as a two-part, two hour finale special with "The Leavers Dance".

Jimmy Eat World performs live at TRIC.

(closing voiceover)
Lucas: George Bernard Shaw once wrote, "There are two tragedies in life; one is to lose your heart's desire, the other is to gain it." Shaw was right: as we strain to grasp the things we desire, the things we think will make our lives better: money, popularity, fame, we ignore what truly matters. The simple things: like friendship, family, love. The things we probably already had.
Brooke: George Bernard Shaw once wrote: "There are two tragedies in life; one is to lose your heart's desire, the other is to gain it." Clearly, Shaw had his heart broken once or twice.
Mouth: So, Mr. Shaw thinks that getting your heart's desire is a tragedy? I say he’s wrong. I mean, clearly, Shaw never kissed Erica Marsh.
Haley: This year, I got everything I wanted and everything I wished for … but, in a way, I lost even more.
Peyton: Yeah, losing your heart's desire is tragic. But gaining your heart's desire … It's all you can hope for. This year, I wished for love. To immerse myself in someone else and to wake a heart long afraid to feel. My wish was granted. And if having that is tragic … then give me tragedy. Because I wouldn't give it back for the world.
Nathan: As far as I’m concerned, Shaw was a punk. 'Cause you know what? Tragedies happen. What are you gonna do, give up? Quit? No. I realize now that when your heart breaks, you gotta fight like hell to make sure you’re still alive. Because you are, and that pain you feel …it’s life. The confusion and fear … that’s there to remind you that somewhere out there is something better. And that something is worth fighting for.

Nathan: Where you been?
Lucas: Went to see a friend.
Nathan: Yeah? Anyone I know?
Lucas: Not really.

Andy: You don’t lock your door at night.
Dan: No one can hurt me.
Andy: Now, that’s where you’re mistaken.

Haley: I’m guessing you’re here because of Nathan.
Lucas: Kind of.
Haley: You know that he told me not to come home, right? You know that?
Lucas: Look, mostly, I’m here because of us, Haley. You know, I was sitting in class and I looked over and saw your empty seat and it struck me that not too long ago, it was just you and me.
Haley: Yeah.
Lucas: Suddenly, it felt wrong that you weren’t there.
Haley: You think I was wrong for leaving.
Lucas: Here’s what I think: you stood by me when I left the Rivercourt because a voice in my head told me that it’s what I had to do. So I’m here for you, Hales. And I always will be. Even when I don’t understand it.
Haley: Thanks, Luke. Thank you. Because sometimes I don’t understand it either.

Haley: It’s good to see you too, Brooke.
Brooke: Yeah, you too, fugitive girl.

Whitey: Little bird told me you were moving back home.
Nathan: That little bird’s name Lucas?
Whitey: He cares about you. So do I. You’ve come quite a distance this year. I think moving out of that house has been good for you.
Nathan: Coach. Look at me. I’m a mess.
Whitey: Nah, you’re just a little bit broken.

Lucas: Look, I know you don’t wanna hear this, but if you blow off this English final, you’re not gonna even be eligible to shoot the "weak-ass jump shots". It’s about loss. I can help you if you want.
Nathan: You don’t think I can write about loss?

Brooke: I can't breathe!
Haley: What?
Brooke: There's no room with Chris's ego.

Jake: (to Peyton) You know I could've held you in my arms forever? It still wouldn't have been long enough.

Midway through the episode you can see a Ravens roster in the gym while Lucas is shooting baskets. On the roster it says that Lucas is a sophomore and Nathan is a senior. However, both Lucas and Nathan are juniors.

Episode Title: The Tide That Left and Never Came Back

"The Tide That Left and Never Came Back" is the title of a song by The Veils.

Nathan: Where you been?
Lucas: Went to see a friend.
Nathan: Yeah? Anyone I know?
Lucas: Not really.

Nathan and Lucas' conversations parallels a conversation between Lucas and Haley in "Are You True?" when they talk about who Haley's tutoring.