I know what I saw. It was ugly, and it attacked me...
...and it's still out there, just waiting.
I may not believe you, Stephanie...
...but I believe in you.
-What? What? Come on. -Cut.
Sorry, Dawson, he is just too repelling.
Joey, you're gonna have to kiss him.
I cannot and will not kiss that cretin.
It's a movie. You're playing a character.
It's not Pacey you're kissing.
So he's a sea serpent. Cite the difference.
But you're not aware of his evil alter ego. You're in love.
Forget it.
It doesn't work without a kiss. It's a love story.
It's a horror movie.
It's an homage with a heavy allegorical slant.
But he's so...
...un-kiss-worthy.
Do it for me?
I don't want to regurgitate on camera.
Why don't you kiss him?
Because my lips are reserved for someone else.
Have you kissed Little Miss Someone Else yet?
There's no need to rush fate.
Don't wait an eternity, Dawson.
She's from New York, where things tend to move faster.
Then, so how enchanting to meet a strapping young man...
...who doesn't have sex on the brain.
Helps you sleep at night.
You heard yourself, through her own admittance, she's a virgin.
For another second.
Jen happens to be a bright, intelligent young woman...
...who is clearly in charge of her own body.
I'm not suggesting leather straps and Crisco, just a kiss.
Jen and I will definitely kiss, don't you worry.
The question is, will your lips ever find Pacey's?
I vote for an extensive rewrite.
Well, that's too bad...
...because you definitely have kissing lips.
-What? -Check that out.
You give good lip.
You know, Joey, you could always just close your eyes...
...and think of someone else.
Explain to me the Crisco.
Don't forget about the big dance on Saturday...
...as we celebrate our victory at the big game on Friday.
Even if we don't know yet if we'll win the big game...
...the planning committee is optimistic...
...so get your tickets now.
-Mr. Gold, you got a sec? -What is it, Dawson?
Well, I've been thinking about what you said...
...and you were right not to let me into your class.
-I'm glad you gave it some thought. -I did.
I am, however, in a bit of a jam.
I have study hall fifth period in the library...
...and it's really crowded. It's a major overflow.
It's sweaty, unpleasant....
I talked to Mr. Gibbons about switching...
...and he thinks that with your permission...
...I could just spend study halls with you.
Fifth period.
That's exactly when film class is.
Now, that's an uncanny coincidence.
You will not be part of the class. You'll sit quietly.
You will not participate or involve yourself in any way.
Great. Thank you, Mr. Gold. Thank you.
This is a big deal.
-Good morning, Ms. Jacobs. -Good morning, Pacey.
Can we talk?
You know, this isn't your class, so I'll see you later.
No, we really need to talk.
Well, we have nothing to discuss...
...except homework, which, there's none.
So you can run along.
There's a lot to discuss.
We could start with the open-mouthed kiss, if you'd like.
I don't know what you're talking about...
...and I insist that you leave this classroom.
Listen, I'm just as confused about this as you are.
Pacey, please.
Nothing happened.
There was no kiss. Please, don't.
Your tongue was in my mouth.
You're not being fair.
Good morning, everyone.
I can't count on the film class for support like I was hoping.
So we have to work overtime if we want to meet the festival deadline.
We'll have to shoot all weekend.
Joey, this means no lip about giving Pacey lip.
I'm reaching a breaking point with this kiss.
I'm not engorged with this either, okay? It goes both ways.
Joey. Major revelation.
I think I know a way to make you the happiest actress in the world.
Know how you die at the end of the movie?
How would you like to die sooner, like tomorrow?
What do you mean?
Your character, in a surprise attack, is killed violently...
...but your beautiful but bright cousin from New York...
...arrives just in time to find your mutilated body.
Dude, I think you're onto something here.
-Wait. If this means I'll be playing-- -No, it's perfect.
This nullifies the kiss issue and puts you behind the camera...
...with me, where you belong.
But, haven't you already shot a lot of stuff with Joey's character?
It's an easy cover. It's better this way.
It's unpredictable. The audience won't see it coming.
-Like Janet Leigh in Psycho. -Drew Barrymore in Scream.
A rip-off of a rip-off.
I think it fits in line with the tone of the piece, don't you think?
You're right, Dawson. It's perfect.
Okay, someone explain to me the state of Catherine's mind...
...as she drove Heathcliff away.
It was her tragic and dysfunctional way...
...of letting him know she loved him.
Yes, that's the obvious interpretation of the moment.
However, I think it goes deeper than that.
For some reason, this story is regarded as some great love story.
But the reality is that Heathcliff and Catherine never belonged together.
They shouldn't have been together. Catherine was essentially a mess.
Heathcliff was basically a decent guy...
...who had a lot to learn about life...
...and he was inherently better-off without some whimpering...
...mentally unstable wet rag following him around.
The whole thing was wrong. Never should have happened.
Brontë should have saved her ink.
So we'll have to move fast if we want to enter the film festival.
We can make it. The script's done...
...the movie's boarded, and we worked on it this summer.
Let's move on to story. Have you solved your third-act problem?
-Mr. Gold? -Yes, Dawson?
Would that be the Boston Film Festival?
Yes, that would be. They have a junior video-level competition.
Okay, third act:
I've been injured in the game with Tyler...
...my arm crushed, the bone broken in three places.
But I refuse to tell the coach...
...because he won't let me play at homecoming if I do.
Remember, we want the audience asking, "Can he do it?
Will the team win the big game?"
This is autobiographical, so if anybody has any questions...
...I was there, I lived it. Come talk to me, all right?
Helmets of Glory.
Chronicles last year's football season.
And get this. Mr. Cliff Quarterback himself...
...is writing, directing and starring in it.
-Oh, a Streisand. -This is serious, Jo.
They're entering it in the film festival. My festival.
-This is my immediate competition. -And it's a sports film?
A thin and pedestrian sports film.
The epitome of everything you're against.
Could life be more cruel?
-Hi, I'm Cliff. -Hi, I'm Jen.
This isn't happening.
I know being the new kid can be traumatic...
...so if there's anything I can do to take the edge off...
...introduce you around...
...take you out....
That's really sweet of you.
Can I let you know? I mean, I'm still getting settled and stuff.
Sure, absolutely.
And it was nice to meet you, Jen, short for Jennifer.
You too, Cliff, short for Clifford.
I told you, Dawson. They move fast in New York.
Dad.
Hey, Dad, have you seen my camcorder?
-Filming today? -Yeah. Joey gets decapitated.
It's in my bedroom on the night table, your mother's side.
You might want to take the tape out.
You know, you can get arrested for that in some states?
I have a question.
It's kind of a girl/relationship question...
...and I don't want it to go to your head that I'm soliciting fatherly advice.
But-- Because I clearly don't condone yours and Mom's perverse sex life.
But I'm not too proud to admit that my own inexperience...
...is hindering my current female relations.
Well, what's the question?
Mechanics of kissing.
How can I help?
I'm interested in technique.
Well, there is no technique, Dawson.
You just put your lips together and go.
Yeah, but what makes a good kiss?
The first time I kissed your mother--
Now, don't get too detailed.
And we were out on a boat...
...and your mother's lips were chapped from the sun...
...and she asked me if she could borrow my Chap Stick.
So I took it out and I put some on my lips.
And then I leaned over and kissed her.
The Chap Stick was really smooth...
...and just slid onto her lips. The sensation was amazing.
The chemistry was already there, you know...
...but this was just one of those things that cemented it, you know.
It was unforgettable.
And, most importantly, romantic.
See, and here I thought you were all about sex.
Well, we still jumped each other.
But you gotta have romance.
It's all about romance.
And Chap Stick.
But the kiss itself....
What did you do?
Well, here....
Give it a try.
No.
Well, come on. This is a big father/son moment here.
You asked for it.
All right.
Now, moisten your lips...
-...and go for it. -Dad, this is ridiculous.
Wait, the trick is...
...it's your bottom lip. You gotta keep it relaxed, all right?
You want to let it have a mind of its own.
You want it to dance with hers.
Close your eyes.
That was good.
-Yeah? -Yeah.
Cool.
Forget this ever happened?
All right. Thanks.
I'll see you tonight.
No, no, no, I can't. He's downstairs.
Okay, but then I'm hanging up.
Okay, I promise. I promise.
Later. Okay, bye.
Joey, what are you doing?
I was just looking for Dawson. We're filming today.
That's nice.
Yeah, I'm gonna get killed today.
That's nice.
Well, be careful out in the sun. It's hot today.
Wear sun block.
-Well, see you later, Mrs. Leery. -You too, Joey.
Mrs. Leery?
I know.
Steven?
And cut. Beautiful.
Guys, that looked really good.
Perfect. That couldn't have gone better.
Joey, you die so well.
Could we get another one of those? Because I so love that image.
No, we're behind schedule. Moving on.
Hey, Joey, let me help you get that blood off.
-It's okay, I think I can-- -No, come on, I don't mind at all.
Not a problem.
It looks like it's really stuck on there, doesn't it?
-I can get it. -Okay.
Here, let's cover you up.
Here, go ahead.
You have nice breasts.
I mean, don't get the wrong idea, I'm completely hetero.
I'm just commenting girl to girl.
You have a really nice body.
I'm too tall.
No, you're not at all. You're commanding.
I mean, come on, I wish I had your stature and your long legs.
My body's a mess. I'm too short...
...my hips do this weird thing...
...and my face is shaped like a duck.
And I hate my breasts.
Are you serious?
Yeah, I mean, it's completely normal to hate the way you look.
You don't look like a duck.
You know, that's the nicest thing you've said to me since we met.
Joey, I plan to make it really hard for you not to like me.
Don't worry. I'll help you find your cousin.
That's so sweet of you. I can never thank you enough.
Cut!
Cut! Pacey, what the hell are you doing?
I'm kissing, man. What does it look like?
Snorkelling. That's not how it goes.
Are you okay? Did he hurt you?
No, no, no, I'm fine.
It was just a kiss, Dawson.
Yeah, and, honestly, I think we should have another, yeah?
No! No kiss. I'm cutting the kiss. It's out.
You can't cut the kiss.
Yes, I can. I just did. It's not working.
It doesn't make sense for our new character...
...to be kissing her dead cousin's boyfriend. The kiss is cut.
So is that a wrap? Because I got plans tonight.
-Yeah, it's a wrap. -Actually, I should get going too.
-Bye, you guys. -Jen, wait up.
And what are you up to this evening?
Well, it just so happens that the woman of my dreams...
...is gonna be at the school dance tonight, and I plan on attending.
Lucky her.
In honor of the dance...
...I've rented Saturday Night Fever, Staying Alive and Grease.
-In lieu of going? -Yeah.
It'll be a John Travolta night of interpretive expression.
You see, this way, we can dance and our feet never have to move.
I can't, Dawson. I'm sorry.
You have more enticing plans?
Actually, I'm gonna go to the dance.
I didn't know you wanted to do the movie-night thing.
No, it's okay.
Are you going--? Are you going alone?
No, actually, Cliff Elliot asked me.
He thought it would be a good way for me to meet new people.
Okay.
Come on, don't look so down. It's not like a date or anything.
He just asked me if I wanted to go, and I said yes.
Okay, well, call me confused...
...but that's the definition of a date, Jen, isn't it?
I know. You're right. I just wanted to go, you know.
I mean, I'm new here, and it just sounded like fun.
Why don't you drop by? We could dance.
No. I got a date with Travolta.
I wouldn't want to disappoint him.
-Well, see you later. -Okay.
-See you. -Bye.
Cliff.
Cliff Elliot.
What's that about? I don't get it.
How can she be attracted to him? What's he got?
We could start with his chest measurement and work down.
No, no, beyond the external.
There's nothing going on up here.
The guy's a lightweight. His script's ludicrous.
His story sense is even worse.
His cinematic prowess isn't the attraction.
What kills me is she was so open about it.
"I'm going to the dance with Cliff." Like it wouldn't bother me.
I respect her candor, but it's a little thoughtless.
Completely thoughtless.
At this very moment they're slow-dancing.
Her arms are around him and they're moving to some cheesy '80s song...
...and he's whispering, and it makes her giggle and toss her hair to the side.
Their eyes meet and they shift awkwardly.
They know it's coming down to that moment...
...where he tells her what a great time he's had.
He asks if they can do it again, and she smiles in that sexy, teasing way--
It's not teasing, just sexy, and says, "I'd like that."
And then their lips meet, their mouths come together.
Their tongues find each other-- I can't take it!
You're so dramatic.
I don't get it. I don't get it.
What did he do that I didn't do?
He asked her out.
-I'm going to the dance. -What?
I'm going to the dance.
-What? -It's my only recourse.
-Why? -Because Jen is there.
In the arms of another. Why torture yourself?
I'm an artist. Torture is a prerequisite.
Are you coming or not?
Think it through, Dawson.
This movie plot you've got may not end the way you want.
I'm the one who should be kissing her, Joey, not some J. Crew ad.
I can do it. I can make my bottom lip dance.
Tonight, it'll happen. I'm gonna kiss the girl.
This is so pathetic, Dawson.
But I'm not above witnessing your hormonal suicide...
...so count me in.
Give me two seconds. I gotta check my hair.
Though we probably won't discuss the telethon until after dinner...
...so I might be late.
I'll shoot for midnight.
Bye.
Good night, Mrs. Leery.
Joey, you scared me.
Look, we need to talk.
Do you remember my mom?
-I want to clear up this morning. -My mom was the best.
She was an incredible woman.
My dad, however, didn't always see that.
He cheated on her for as long as I can remember, and it tore her apart.
Crippling their relationship and nearly destroying the family.
-Why are you telling me this, Joey? -Because your actions affect others.
They bleed into the lives of those around you and--
-You don't understand-- -No, you don't understand.
My mom got cancer and died, so you do the math.
You know your-- Your reasons for doing what you're doing?
They can't possibly outweigh the everlasting damage you're creating.
Does Dawson know?
Know what?
How to dance. I told her we were going.
I know how to dance.
Yeah, right. Let's go.
Have fun tonight, Mrs. Leery.
Fortunately, this is a victory dance.
And did you make the winning play?
Well, you're here, aren't you?
You know, that could have been my exit cue, but somehow you pulled it off.
I sold it?
Yes. You're smooth, yet unassuming.
It's very endearing.
Is there anything that you're not good at?
Yeah, dancing. I'm rhythmically challenged.
Prove it.
Evening, Ms. Jacobs.
Hello, Pacey.
How are you this evening?
Confused, perplexed, bewildered, mystified.
A thesaurus of emotion.
You know, I'm the chaperon, and I should make the rounds.
Would you like to dance, Tamara?
That's not a good idea, Pacey.
Of course it's not a good idea.
But if things were different, would you?
I have to go.
They make such a cute couple.
What exactly is your plan?
I didn't get that far.
You better write something quick, because in some moral sectors...
...what they're doing is known as foreplay.
-Do you dance? -No.
Now you do. Come on.
Dawson, this is certifiable.
It's easy, you just move around...
...shake your ass back and forth.
-We lost her. -Maybe she's with your brain.
You're pretty good at this.
Hi, you guys.
-Hi. -You made it.
-Yeah. -Guys, do you know Cliff?
-Hi. -Hi.
We have film class together, right?
Not exactly. It's my study hall base.
But Dawson is a very talented filmmaker.
Oh, yeah? You into movies?
-I dab. -Cool.
I'll see you.
That went brilliantly.
Hey.
Hey, where you been? I've been looking all over for you.
Well, you know, here and there.
I was hoping we could dance.
What about Cliff?
Well, if you'd rather dance with him....
You know what I mean.
It's a song. It's a three-minute distraction from life.
But he might get upset, you being his date and all.
-Forget I asked. -Jen....
Sorry.
This is embarrassing. Let's blow.
No. I'm enjoying my misery.
While you stand here on the dock pontificating...
...little USS Jenny is sailing farther and farther out to sea.
-Haven't you had enough? -No. I'm still breathing.
-You hardly even know this girl. -I know.
That's the magic of it, Joey.
True, Jen stepped into my life not more than two seconds ago...
...but already I feel that connection.
That bond that says we're meant to be together.
You call it a delusion of the highest adolescent order...
...but, Joey, I'm telling you, something primal exists between us.
You're scaring me, Dawson.
You're doing this Frankenstein/Hyde thing.
I mean, one minute you're Dawson, the next, your psycho alter ego.
You're the sea creature from your own movie.
So be it, Jo. I can't explain it any better.
The girl's a mystery to me, but I feel like I've known her my whole life.
I mean....
It's like the way I feel about you.
I mean, she challenges me the way you do.
She could be you...
...except she's Jen.
Well, let me just remind you...
...how your little allegorical horror movie/love story ends.
The creature doesn't get the girl.
He dies a violent, bloody, horrible death.
Rest in peace, Dawson. It was nice knowing you.
Where you going?
I'm already dead, remember?
It's time for a rewrite.
Excuse me. I'd like to cut in.
What are you doing, Dawson?
Actually, I don't want to cut in. I'd like to take over.
Thanks for showing Jen a great time...
...for the earlier part of the evening...
...but I'm here now in sound mind and body, and I can take it from here.
-What are you talking about? -Yeah, what are you talking about?
You and me, me and her.
I know it's a little confusing, but all you need to know...
...is Jen and I have something going on...
...and it's raw and undefined, but this is my attempt to clarify the situation.
So I'd like to ask you to manly step aside...
...so I might have a moment with the object of my desire.
-Jen, who is this guy? -Dawson, what are you doing?
Hey, you're gonna have to leave. Now.
Okay, this is too weird.
No. I think you need to go. I'm staying.
What's going on, Jen? Do you wanna be with this guy?
-Why don't you just go? -Why don't you go?
-And if I don't? -I haven't thought it through yet.
I'll tell you what. I'll make it easy for both of you. I'll go.
This could easily be the single most horrific night of my life.
I'm a simp.
Joey, how could you let me do that?
I knew this would turn against me somehow.
I mean, it would all be my fault.
And, Pacey, my nonexistent friend.
I'm sorry, man. I was otherwise engaged.
At least I didn't desert you.
I came back.
Who is this mystery woman you keep alluding to?
Unfortunately, the mystery woman remains a mystery even to me.
You know, at this moment...
...Jen's lips are probably pressing against Cliff's.
Don't go there.
You know what? This is my stop, kids.
-Hi. -Hey, hon. How'd it go?
Okay. Brought you a doggy bag.
So is Dawson home yet?
No. I think our son is busy kissing the girl next door...
...for the first time tonight.
Sounds romantic.
You remember our first kiss?
Of course I do. It was our first date.
You took me to the movies...
...the one where Mary Tyler Moore was a horrendous mother.
-Ordinary People. -That was it.
No, that wasn't it.
That was our second date.
Wait. It was in your car at a stoplight.
I remember, you leaned over and you kissed me.
-No. -Yes, it was.
I can't believe you don't remember our first kiss.
I remember. I don't think you remember.
I remember every moment.
It is the single most vivid memory of my life thus far.
Honey, I'm sorry. It's late. I've had a long night.
There I was, giving our son advice on how to deliver a memorable kiss...
...only to discover that I'm an utter failure.
I know. We went for pizza. It was that terrible restaurant...
...where you rubbed the red pepper in your eye.
Third date. You know, you just need to quit.
How are those lips? Still chapped?
I think I need a little more.
This cannot be happening.
Ms. Jacobs?
Hi, Pacey.
You know, I feel this strange familiarity creeping over me.
I thought it might be appropriate.
Give us a chance to do it all over?
Only change the ending.
I'm sorry, Pacey, about my behavior.
I mean, this is without question the most absurd thing I have ever done.
Not to mention punishable in a court of law.
-It was just a kiss. -No. It was more than that.
Look, what I did was deadly wrong...
...and I could stand here and try to explain to you...
...my hopelessly troubled state of mind...
...because you do deserve an explanation for my behavior...
...but instead of feeding you 10 years of therapy...
...I was hoping that maybe I could get by with a simple apology...
...and hope that I haven't left any permanent scars.
I am sorry, Pacey.
What I did was wrong, and I am sorry.
Now, where do you get off taking all the responsibility for this?
I may just be 15...
...but I'm well beyond the age of accountability.
Maybe not within the confines of the judicial system...
...but for me.
My lips kissed back.
Right? I kissed you back.
Fair enough.
And you know what? I don't regret that at all.
You shouldn't either.
But this can't happen again.
From now on, our relationship is strictly teacher/student.
-I want that clear. -And if I were to object?
Well, it's not up for discussion.
You know it has to be this way, Pacey.
For all the obvious and not-so-obvious reasons.
This is so unfair.
I'm not good with girls...
...and I finally meet someone....
Don't worry, Pacey, that'll change.
Trust me.
Good night.
Jo, let's assess.
What have we learned from tonight's 90210 evening?
We should stay home on Saturday night and watch movies...
...because the remote on the rewind of life does not work.
No, it doesn't.
That won't be any problem now that I've officially ruined it with Jen.
It's officially over.
It never began, Dawson.
You know, I do feel like the monster from my movie.
There's something inside me that I can't control.
It's like I have no balance.
Everything's either high or low, hot and cold, black or white.
There's no middle ground anymore.
I mean, nothing's just okay.
I'm too tired to philosophize, Dawson.
Do me a favor? If I get like this again...
...and I'm sure I will before this adolescent growth process is over....
Next time, just chain me to my bed...
...and wait till my moment of clarity to come.
Can I use leather straps?
Not until you explain the Crisco.
You are such a sphincter. You really are.
I can't understand how someone so self-aware can be utterly clueless.
Oh, man.
Enjoy it.
What do I do?
It's your call.
Well, I've pretty much bastardized the evening.
I may as well complete it.
Till no one's left standing?
-Can I bag on you, Jo? -Yeah, you can bag.
Wish me luck.
Good luck, Dawson.
I hope you get your kiss.
I'm beginning to feel like your TV set.
I didn't know what to say.
A first.
I am really angry, Dawson.
I know.
What do you want from me?
I wanna know what's going on between us.
And does that question have to be answered tonight?
I'm sorry about tonight, Jen.
I got scared.
Scared I was becoming "the friend."
Oh, God, the friend. How awful.
It is awful.
I feel like I'm becoming that friend who you tell your boy adventures to.
I don't want that to be the case.
I want to be your boy adventure.
Can't you be both?
No. Not at 15, you can't.
It's too complicated.
Okay.
So I'm interested.
In what?
An adventure.
What do I have to do?
You could kiss me.
You know, I really am a cliché, Dawson.
In New York, I was moving fast. I was moving really, really fast.
So fast I kept stumbling and falling.
But here I feel like, for the first time in a long time...
...I'm walking at a steady pace...
...and I'm afraid that if I kiss you...
...my knees may buckle and I may stumble...
...and I don't know if I can handle it now.
Would you like to dance?
Here? Right now?
I've been wanting to dance with you all night, Dawson.
See, the kiss is just the end result.
It's not what's important.
It's all about desire and wanting.
And romance.
Yeah.
And romance.