Dawson's Creek (TV Series) Parental Discretion Advised (1999) User Reviews

As good as season 1 finale.

[m-47826 · 8/10 · 25 January 2022]

In other shows this higher bid of pathos, would look over the top. But on a show like Dawson's Creek, that had both quality writing and acting, it's hard not to fall for these traps. The father issues come full circle and the reconciliations fans have been waiting for anxiously, finally happen. Leading us to believe season 3 is about to be the best. And it is, to some extent, only with double the dish and a lot more soap. I can't go past some of the replacement songs. Whose idea was it to put this cheerful guitare man song, to replace the dark and gloomy Oleander track, when Dawson tells Joey's father he knows, and will call the police if he doesn't confess?!...

There Are Certain Circumstances Love Cannot Overcome.

[jamericanbeauty · 9/10 · 23 May 2022]

Who knew Katie Holmes could churn out a moving performance! Who knew Greg Berlanti could write an agenda-free episode that engages you and leaves you conflicted and invested in the characters' arc! This episode is part heartwarming, part heartbreaking and profound throughout and my favorite episode of the series so far. This smartly written episode closes the gap between an abusive, belittling Father and dejected Son when common ground and respect is found through a language the Dad understands best - violence. A devout Christian Grandmother and rebellious atheist Granddaughter find their way back to love and caring for each other. While Pacey (Joshua Jackson) and Jack (Kerr Smith) are my absolute favorites in this series, Joey (Katie Holmes) and Dawson (James V.) are the best part of this episode. One looks at life, love, right and wrong as gray, the other looks at those things as black and white and their differing philosophies clash and burn to the point of no return. Great episode!

Great performances save some forced story conflicts

[sheepandsharks · 8/10 · 2 May 2023]

Oh boy. We've arrived.

I know Kevin Williamson said he regrets the storyline of Joey wearing a wire. I can't really disagree with him (although it seems downright mundane after some of the storylines modern teen shows like Riverdale include). I know we needed something BIG to split up Dawson and Joey again, but it could have been as simple as Dawson going to the police about Mike. Fortunately, it's easy to overlook the silliness of the plot when Katie Holmes is acting the hell out of it.

Next, Jen and Jack. As I mentioned in my last review, this is the BEST relationship in the show. The sudden suicidal ideation feels very After-School Special, though. Again, we're saved by Michelle Williams' fantastic performance. And the ending (where the 2 move in with Grams) makes me very happy for next season.

Saving the best for last: Pacey Witter. With no Meredith Monroe this week, we only have Joshua Jackson to carry the weight of the heaviest storylines, and he does it beautifully. His is a plot feels earned (a continuation of Uncharted Waters and the last 2 episodes) and an acting masterclass together. Sheriff Witter gets the punch he deserves, an off-screen Andie reminds both Witters how special Pacey is, and Pacey gets another well-earned breakdown, and finally gets a bit of the love he's always wanted from his father. Excuse me, I have some dust in my eye.