...That Is the Question (17 Feb. 1999)

On Dawson's advice, Joey attempts to heal the wounds of her romance with Jack which has been left shattered by rumors and innuendo. Meanwhile, Jack and Andie's father, Joseph McPhee, ... See full summary »

Director:

Gregory Prange

Writers:

Greg Berlanti, Kevin Williamson (creator),

Stars:

James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
James Van Der Beek	...	Dawson Leery
Katie Holmes	...	Joey Potter
Michelle Williams	...	Jen Lindley
Joshua Jackson	...	Pacey Witter
Mary-Margaret Humes	...	Gail Leery (credit only)
John Wesley Shipp	...	Mitch Leery (credit only)
Mary Beth Peil	...	Evelyn 'Grams' Ryan
Nina Repeta	...	Bessie Potter (credit only)
Meredith Monroe	...	Andie McPhee
Kerr Smith	...	Jack McPhee
David Dukes	...	Joseph McPhee
Eddie Mills	...	Tyson 'Ty' Hicks
Edmund Kearney	...	Mr. Peterson (as Edmund J. Kearney)
Irene Ziegler	...	Jane Markey
Matt Lutz	...	Student

Storyline

On Dawson's advice, Joey attempts to heal the wounds of her romance with Jack which has been left shattered by rumors and innuendo. Meanwhile, Jack and Andie's father, Joseph McPhee, arrives in town for a get-together which brings out old family tensions which leads Jack confronting his innermost secrets. For the first time in his life, Pacey stands up for what he believes in when he takes on the mean-spirited Mr. Peterson. But the consequences of his convictions are more than Pacey could have imagined when he's suspended from school and Peterson makes his personal agenda to fail Pacey with unethical means. Pacey then sets out to ruin Mr. Peterson by investigating and challenging his authority with a code of conduct book over his teaching methods. Also, Jen thinks that Ty may not be the guy for her when she sees little amusement in his stereotypical comments especially over Jack's true sexual orientation, while Grams is surprisingly understanding and supportive.

---

Plot Keywords:

coming out | gay character | gay interest

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 February 1999 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min

Did You Know?

Quotes

Joseph McPhee: You are not gay.
Jack: Yes, I am! You know it. I see how you look at me - and I know you know. Think about how you treated me and the way you treated Tim. Because he was the real son, and I was different. And as hard as you've tried to stamp it out or to ignore it, I've tried harder. I've tried harder than you, to be quiet, and to forget, and to not bother my family with my problem. But I can't try anymore, because it hurts. I'm sorry, Dad. Andie, I'm sorry. I don't want to be going through this. But...

---

Connections

Features Jerry Maguire (1996)

---

Soundtracks

"Queen Bee"
(uncredited)
Performed by Jenifer Kruskamp

User Reviews

Jack Quack Like a Duck

I personally appreciate and respect what the writers did here, not just writing about something taboo, but also criticize and enlighten the viewers with it's own identity. In this episode Jack confesses that he is gay, such an emotionally nerve-wrecking between Jack, Andie and their father; a man that's so stubborn to put his ego beyond his son's need.

Another aspect is, Jen and Ty end of relationship with Grams interfering with her enlightenment of being gay in Christian's eyes. I'm no religious guy, but this episode just touch me the most and love Grams believe. A wonderful portrayal of a devoted lady, and what we should be. To end the episodes, we see Joey being comforted by one and only, her best friend Dawson Leery.