Jerry D

As the school year draws to a close, changes abound for the class of 2001. While Joey and Dawson deal with their respective break-ups, Jen makes a startling decision about her future. In his own way, Jack helps Jen to rethink it. Meanwhile, Dawson has his own decision to make with regards to Gretchen when an unusual opportunity comes their way. And when Mr. Kubelik from Worthington asks Joey to bring Pacey with her to a party for incoming freshman, which fills the pair with hope that they might be able to have a future together after all.

Jerry D

Hi everyone! Here's what I wrote about this episode at the time that it aired:

I found this particular episode of Dawson’s Creek to be very bittersweet, as reality set in on the romantic relationships of Dawson and Gretchen, and Pacey and Joey, and they sadly went their separate ways, and Jen learned the depth of her grandmother’s love for her, and how much she still needed Grams in her life, thanks, in no small part, to the wonderful friendship she has with Jack, who can intuitively sense the inner workings of her “big, beautiful heart.”

I loved the interaction between Dawson and Gail, and Dawson and Mitch, as their advice to him inspired him to make one last attempt at reconciliation with Gretchen, and the dreamer in Mitch Leery, along with the risk taking example inspired by the late Mr. Brooks, inspired Dawson to try, as he had all year with Gretchen, to toss aside his usual analytical introspection and caution, and to propose embarking on a romantic adventure with the young woman he had come to love.

I liked the way that Pacey and Gretchen related to one another, and I could understand their reluctance to deal with their “significant exes,” and I thought their farewell scene, which I actually got to see being filmed when I was in Wilmington, was sweet and touching.

I could understand Jen’s shock that Grams was preparing to sell her house to help finance her college tuition, and I thought that the scenes between Jen and Grams, and Jen and Jack, were filled with emotion and love, and I was glad that Jack, in his own subtle but knowing way, helped Jen find the solution so she could keep her beloved grandmother in her life, while fulfilling her dream of attending college. Jack and Jen have a friendship unlike any other friendship on that show, and I simply love seeing them together, as Jack, the perfect friend, enabled Jen to look into her heart and admit that she needed Grams, and he admitted that he needed her, and that he would be afraid of facing college without her. As always, Michelle Williams imbued Jen’s character with a touching combination of humor, warmth, and heartfelt emotion, and I loved watching all the scenes involving these beloved characters. Jen knew that she needed Grams, and the depth of love between this grandmother and grandchild was something truly moving to see.

I was really moved by Pacey and Joey’s scenes together, as they thought they had found a way to be together, as they were both under the impression that Mr. Kublick had found a way for Pacey to attend Worthington, but reality set in as Pacey realized that Mr. Kublick only wanted to hire him as a deck hand on his yacht for the summer, and I felt so bad for Pacey when his face dropped when Mr. Kublick and the Dean of Admissions revealed the reason why they had wanted to meet with him. Granted, it was unrealistic that Pacey would have been offered a special deal to attend Worthington simply based on the charm he displayed at the party for prospective Worthington candidates that he and Joey had attended several months before, but Mr. Kublick’s invitation definitely did lead them both to believe that this was a possibility. Therefore, the “sign” that Pacey and Joey expected concerning their relationship turned out to be different than the one they had hoped for, and my heart went out to both of them as they sadly realized that their lives were going in different directions, and they had to say goodbye to each other. I thought that both Katie and Josh did an incredible acting job in these very bittersweet scenes, and I’m glad that Pacey and Joey were able to get past the bitter rancor of their disastrous breakup at the prom, and share some poignant scenes together, scenes that spoke of their love and admiration for each other, but also spoke of the need for them to let go, as their lives were heading in separate directions. To me, their seemed to be a finality to their scenes together, but this is, after all, Dawson’s Creek, so I’m sure that the angst between them will continue into next season, and both sides of the love triangle will continue to be pandered to.

I was also moved by Dawson and Gretchen’s scenes together, as Dawson, inspired by his father’s telling him about how impressed he was that Mr. Brooks had been a dreamer and a risk taker, by running away to California with Ellie, found the inspiration to try and be a risk taker himself, and propose to Gretchen that they embark on a romantic adventure together, but he soon realized all that he would be giving up to do so, and in the end, I don’t think that Dawson would have had the heart to go through with what he had proposed, even if Gretchen hadn’t pre-empted this possibility for him by leaving early, and telling him, in her sweet and loving note, that he had to stay, because I think that she was right that Dawson shouldn’t miss out on experiencing one of the key events of his life, and disappoint the people who meant the most to him. Gretchen was right when she said in her letter that Dawson was opening up a new chapter in his life, and he had to give a proper goodbye to the old one. I also think that Dawson’s propensity to tell the truth to Gretchen, which has always been one of the highlights of their relationship, worked against him this time when Dawson mentioned that Alexander and Lillian could become best friends and climb through each other’s windows like he and Joey had, and I watched sadly as the expression on Gretchen’s face changed to heartrending resignation, as she realized, once again, that she would never be able to replace Joey in Dawson’s heart, and it was time for her to leave, as she tenderly kissed him goodbye, bidding him her final farewell, although he didn’t know it yet, to someone she loved more than he could know. I also thought that James Van Der Beek did an incredible job of conveying Dawson’s torn emotions very well, as this young man struggled between following his heart and following his sense of responsibility towards his loving parents.

I loved the final scene between Dawson and Joey, as they both began to deal with the loss of people that they loved, but taking comfort in each other’s presence, and as a fan of Dawson and Joey, I too can take comfort in their friendship, which is finally back on track.

Overall, I really enjoyed this episode, and I think the bittersweet emotions depicted in this episode, as the two relationships that had sustained Season Four ended, were showcased in a moving and heartfelt way.

fisher & sons

i hate and love this episode at the same time. i hate seeing pacey and joey apart but the moments they share are so bitter sweet like you said. you can tell that what they have is unresovled and still isn't over forever.

stoptheqtip

I like this episode. I like how Pacey and Joey try to skirt around the major issues of their breakup, but there's a lingering tension between them. They obviously still feel very strongly about each other, but there's a sort-of anger between them. Pacey seems to resent Joey because she seems to be able to move on, while he can't, even though he broke up with her. I adore the hug at the end... one of my favourite PJ moments ever. A fantastic follow-up to a disappointing episode.

NikNak

My 2nd favorite episode ever. ::sighs::

fisher & sons

you are very insightful especially for your age (i am not calling you young i am only one year older than you)

I think it is a good episode. We PJ'ers deserved a better ending than what we got in promicide, and that is what happened.

stoptheqtip

Hey, call me young. I appreciate these years. Because soon kids are gonna be calling me an old fogie, and I'll whack them with my walking stick.

I'm insightful? Jeez, I didn't even realize that made any sense. Thanks.

What's your favourite episode, NikNak?

NikNak

The Longest Day.

smoothaise

Mine too.

I'm trying to remember this episode, but I'm drawing a blank. Will have to re-watch it tomorrow and then I'll post my thoughts.

NikNak

My buddy, Ken, has excellent taste!

COOLCAT200

I don't know why but I really do not have much to say about this episode. It had some very sweet moments. This was the last we would see of Gretchen Witter and as much as loved Dawson/Joey and wanted them to get another chance I was glad Dawson had a relationship with another woman and I think it was important for him.

TLD really was as drama filled as you can get because to me it seemed the show played up Dawson finding out being just as big of a deal as P/J acting on their feelings.

Sugz

Awesome episode. Although very bittersweet if there's PJ angst it doesnt takemuch else in the episode to please me. Im not sure whose comment I read that said something about this episode showing that Joey moved on quickly and Pacey couldnt but couldnt disagree more, this episode was about the both of them transitioning from both of their longest and, I would say, most meaningful relationships of their young lives to physically and emotionally leaving one another. Joeys words to Pacey, "how can I without you?" in reference to enjoying her life showed very much that Joey was just as scared and bittersweet about the breakup as Pacey was. However, in the end, it was definitely, definitely the best thing for both of them. I think that the separation they had was the one thing that brought them back to a tentative friendship, then to a real friendship then finally back to a relationship in season 6.

Back to the episode, have to admit, was all about PJ in this episode, could care less about Dawson and Gretchen because, again, they just werent going to amount to anything, that much was obvious, and I always thought they were mismatched anyway. I am glad that the end of the season focused a lot on Jen and her future. Well maybe not a lot, but the decisions teenagers have to make about college were reflected mostly in Jen, not so much anyone else.

fisher & sons

i think the longest day is a genius episode.

I know i wasnt interested in D/G. it was only inevitable that they broke up anyway.

smoothaise

That I do. Yeah, TLD is my all-time favorite episode of "Dawson's Creek" with "Be Careful What You Wish For" in a close second. But yeah ... how could you not love "TLD" ... that was one of few episodes where you literally screamed at the TV. Especially, when Jen blurted the secret to Dawson. It was like ... everyone hated Jen after that.

FelicityBenKissesx

i really liked this episode cuz it was soo good i cried a lil