In my opinion S5, of Dawson’s Creek or at least the first half of S5, is better than S4.
S4 puts too much focus on the Dawson/Joey/Pacey love triangle, to the detriment of other characters. Pacey and Joey don’t communicate and constantly rehash the same arguments. Overall, S4 is dreary and exhausting to watch.
S5 is more fun to watch. The characters are no longer in Capeside and we are introduced to Audrey who brings a new energy to the group dynamic. This season the characters actually get to have fun. Pacey isn’t his mopey self anymore. He’s lighter and happier. Dawson gets some compelling storylines and his relationship with Jen is cute. I pretty much hate the direction they took Joey’s character (she descends into a Mary Sue) but I’m glad that she took a break from Dawson and Pacey. I prefer Joey and Pacey’s interactions in S5 to their interactions in S4. In S4 everything is so heavy and complicated between them. In S5 they’re able to have a healthy friendship without all the drama which is something Dawson and Joey are unable to do.
anonymous, you have a point. i really love s4 bc of pacey and joey’s relationship but i got to give it to you: it’s exausting when it comes down to the love triangle bc, like you said, it’s always the same speeches and the same arguments. but, in my opinion, outside of this, when it’s just joey and pacey or the other characters enjoying some time together, it’s so much fun, you know? that’s also the reason why i love s3: joey and pacey’s friendship is just *chef’s kiss*, doesn’t matter if they are a couple or not.
but, i agree with you!! s5 has a different vibe which comes with the change of setting and them growing up. i like how we can see them through individual lenses, each and every character having their own development, with new directions to explore as characters. adding audrey actually helps a lot with this. i simply love her. yes, she brings a new spice to the group. she’s funny, charismatic, and, may i add, a great friend to joey. and she also has her own depth and arc, i love that for her.
dawson and jen are actually great, i was just about to make a post about them. i’m really surprised by those two together. and, at another note, i think the reasons that make them work at s5 are just the reasons joey and dawson don’t work at all. it’s not just timing, but those two (joey/dawson) don’t bring their best selves when they try to pursue a romantic relationship. immaturity and lack of connection are just the tip of the iceberg (could say that i also don’t like their friendship, but that’s another thing)
overall, i think s5 focuses on a more coming of age point of view, if you know what i mean. something that lets us watch more closely the process of becoming an adult, having to deal with life at a different pace and without the pettiness and the extremes of adolescence, despite their best efforts of going back to that mindset.
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