DAWSON'S CREEK, Columbia TriStar Television's triumphant dramatic series, continues to entice audiences as it enters its fifth season on the WB network. What began as a show branded racy and controversial by skeptics has since spawned a loyal following both nationally and internationally and a chart-topping soundtrack, and has become the standard in the teen-drama genre. Those currently suffering the pangs of adolescence and those who just enjoy the teenage turmoil continue to follow the lives of five recent high school graduates from Capeside, a small tourist town in coastal Massachusetts, as they face issues that today's teens encounter in their journey toward adulthood. A show that set out to capture that time of adolescent anxiety, sweaty palms and first kisses has since confronted issues including mortality, infidelity, homosexuality, discrimination, and betrayal. DAWSON'S CREEK, which was created and developed by Kevin Williamson, ("Scream," "I Know What You Did Last Summer," "Teaching Mrs. Tingle") presents a surprisingly realistic portrayal of the growing pains of five individual teenagers. The series' setting in the small quaint town of Capeside was an aptly picturesque location to chronicle the continuing relationships of five high-school friends. But with the transition from adolescence to adulthood comes the challenge of life in the big city as Joey (Holmes), Jen (Williams) and Jack (Kerr) move to Boston and Dawson (Van der Beek) moves to Los Angeles to pursue their college careers, while Pacey (Jackson) decides to explore opportunities without the college experience. Four years ago viewers were introduced to Dawson and Joey, life-long friends and assumed soul mates. This wholesome friendship, beginning on years of Joey climbing through Dawson's bedroom window, has grown increasingly complicated, as the two have matured. As their relationship swings between long-time companions and love interests, their friendship had been further tested by Joey's relationship with Pacey, Dawson's other long-time friend. As they enter a year of unknowns, Dawson and Joey will once again investigate their feelings for each other. Dawson Leery, first introduced as an aspiring filmmaker with a Spielberg fixation, has grown in so many ways over the last year. Reeling from losing his soul mate Joey to his best friend Pacey, Dawson had to dig deep within himself to find the strength and maturity to regain friendships with them. But two critical relationships, one with Pacey's older sister Gretchen and the other with A.I. Brooks, the older man whom Dawson was in debt to for sinking his boat made Dawson realize that there was more to life than just Joey Potter. Gretchen taught Dawson about the world outside of Capeside and allowed him to recognize that he could have feelings for other women. Mr. Brooks reawakened Dawson's passion for film, inspiring him to pursue an internship and education in Los Angeles. It won't be long before Dawson realizes that the world of filmmaking is not what he expected and that his heart remains attached to Joey. Joey, the ultimate girl-next-door, suffered a difficult childhood in which she lost her mother to cancer and faced her father's imprisonment. She was raised by her sister, a single mother, and like many of today's children, Joey was forced to grow-up far too quickly. This now ravishing young lady became an honorary member of Dawson's family early on, which led to problems when the two became romantically involved. After a senior year filled with a roller coaster relationship with Pacey and unresolved feelings for Dawson, Joey embarks for Worthington College with her potential love life unsettled. Joey, who is usually rational, has her world spinning from a kiss exchanged between her and Dawson before she left. As she tries to work out her feelings and frustrations on paper, her hip and handsome English teacher David Wilder (Ken Marino) tries to guide Joey on her talent, life and love. To make matters more complicated, Joey's new roommate Audrey (Busy Phillips) is everything Joey is not. Her wild and promiscuous ways expose Joey to a side of college she wasn't expecting. After almost not graduating, Pacey enters life after high school on somewhat of a low note. After struggling to keep Joey's affection, Pacey's low-esteem and underachiever attitude got the best of him and led to the eventual break-up of his relationship with Joey. To make matters worse, after doing double-duty to finish classes in time for graduation, Pacey was unable to get into college. Instead he was offered the opportunity to work on a yacht, an offer he couldn't refuse. After a summer sailing in the Caribbean, Pacey eventually docks in Boston and decides to test the waters in this cosmopolitan city. New opportunities lead Pacey to become involved with gorgeous Latina barmaid Karen (Lourdes Benedicto) who has a complex past. Jack, not only endured family hardships, but he struggled with his own inner conflicts and ultimately made history by becoming the first teen character on a television drama to announce that he was gay. Despite being initially rejected by his father, Jack came to terms with his sexuality, and eventually found the courage to express these feelings in a romantic relationship. Viewers have witnessed Jack face homophobia at school, go on his first date and join the football team. Jack has since re-established a relationship with his dad and inspired viewers with his courage. The transition to college life is fairly easy for Jack. Since Grams relocated to Boston, Jack still gets to share a house and attend school with his best friend Jen. The only trouble Jack may have is being faithful in his long-distance relationship with Tobey. Jen, the sophisticated city girl, originally sent to live in Capeside to reform, has clearly benefited from this move. She overcame her confusing relationship with Dawson, found a place among a group of friends, and abandoned the mischievous ways that once led to the death of a classmate. Jen is no longer the promiscuous gal of old. She has at last gained Joey's friendship and has also won the trust and understanding of her grandmother. Jen begins Boston Bay College secretly yearning for a relationship but greeting all romantic advances with pessimism. However, while working at the college radio station she befriends Charlie (Chad Michael Murray) a wild-man bass player who may just change her mind about men. The development of the show's adult characters has also been cultivated throughout the series. The once tumultuous relationship between Dawson's parents has developed into a stable commitment, reaffirmed with their renewal of vows and the birth of a new child. Through the years, Jack's father has conveyed absolute disapproval regarding his son's sexual orientation and has re-evaluated his positioning order to salvage the relationship. Jen's grandmother has also taken on a significant role, as their bond has grown tighter. "Grams" now serves as sounding board and surrogate mother to many of Jen's friends. The five leading cast members, all relative newcomers just four years ago, are now internationally know celebrities who continue to appear in the feature film world. Katie Holmes, 21, starred in a number of films including: "The Gift," "The Wonder Boys," "The Ice Storm," "GO," and "Teaching Mrs. Tingle," the directorial debut of DAWSON'S CREEK creator Kevin Williamson. James van der Beek, 23, starred as Mox in the highly successful "Varsity Blues." Joshua Jackson, who gained early notoriety in the "Mighty Ducks" trilogy, has released two films in 2000, "The Skulls" and "Gossip." After a groundbreaking performance in the HBO production "If These Walls Could Talk 2", Michelle Williams moved on to the screen adaptation of "Prozac Nation," for release later this year. Kerr Smith, who joined the cast in the second season, has also had success in the film world. Smith was seen in this year's thriller "Final Destination." Through great uncertainty, self-evaluation and self-doubt, these five teenagers have alternately danced and trudged through their adolescence and will now have to deal with all that college has to offer, and the trials and tribulations and responsibilities of being on their own. The group will have to try harder than ever to continue their friendships as this year brings new loves, new friends and less time for each other. Paul Stupin, Greg Prange and Tom Kapinos now serve as executive producers of DAWSON'S CREEK, a production of Columbia TriStar Television. - Dawsonscreek.com
