The Pilot

I begin watching this pilot episode with the memories from my childhood. How I hung on every word Dawson said, his love for Joey, and the turmoil with Pacey. I know that most childhood shows are not exactly how you remember them when you go back -- but I have high hopes for this series.

Watching this at 24, verses watching it at 12 is a a big difference, and wonderfully the same all together. You view the interactions different, and you have a far more cynical perspective of their adolescent issues, but no matter what that show was exactly like me at one point or another.

The pilot opens with a scene of Dawson and Joey exchanging witty banter. Dawson asks Joey to stay the night. With insight far beyond her years, Joey acknowledges the inappropriateness of two 15 year-old "friends" of opposite gender sharing a bed in a platonic way. At 12 (which was how old I was when the first episode aired in 1998), I would have thought this entirely possible. Why couldn't guys and girls be friends during the peek of puberty years without letting feelings get in the way? With the insight that my 12 years post "peek of puberty" self now has - I just think "Really Dawson? Are you that dumb?" By 24 we are all aware that those types of friendly, supportive, and emotionless relationships don't exist, but I remember at 12 believing they did like I believed in the tooth fairy.

The pilot does a great job at introducing each of the characters and their personality traits. Pacey is the arrogant, insensitive, impulsive kid who charms his friends with quick wit and an underlying tone that reads "i'm really sweet below this tough exterior". Dawson of course is the responsible, sensitive, and driven kid who more closely relates to girls, but still maintains a strong relationship with Pacey despite the contrast. Joey's character is the troubled teen with an imperfect family who struggles with her identify and feelings.  Jen's character appears sweet, which most girls could read as a cover for a rebelious side we all felt was in her. This combination of characters makes for a perfect beginning to a teen drama in the late 90's, and i'm pretty sure even today.

The acting thankfully is not as bad as I had anticipated. It's not like when I went back trying to watch 'Clarissa Explains It All' and was horrified that it ever kept my attention for more than 2 minutes.

The episode also provides amazingly nostalgic music like 'Tubthumping', "I dont want to wait",  some Jann Arden and "I'll Stand By You." Immediately i'm hooked.

This episode is filled with wonderful controversy for 1998. The first episode contains interracial dating, pregnancy out of wedlock, teen promiscuity and a high school student/teacher relationship. This has TGIF written all over it (you know what that means if you're around my age as well).

I always thought the character I related to most was Joey growing up. At 24, I realize I'm totally a Jen. The line that made me realize this? When she tells her grandmother that she'll attend church when her grandma says able to say the word penis. Priceless. A young adolescents struggle with religion. One I shared at her same age.

The final minutes feature an argument between Joey and Dawson that goes back to the struggle and question: "Can a boy and girl remain best friends without complications?" Joey assures Dawson things have changed between them thanks to Puberty. How does she know this? Because he isn't able to confide in her how many times and when during the day he ... well... "takes care of business". I remember watching this episode at 12, (which I am now aware of how inappropriate that was - and how much MY daughter will not be doing that) and feeling as crushed as Joey was when Dawson remained silent. Joey, crying, removes herself (out the bedroom window of course) and into a boat where the viewer is left with the question answered... No. No, boys and girls cannot remain friends without complications. ... until Dawson yells out "In the morning to Katie Couric!". And suddenly, I'm swept back into my childhood fantasy... maybe.... maybe they can?

Favorite Quote: "We're growing up, that's all. I mean even Spielburg outgrew his Peter Pan Syndrome"