Teenage questioning sexual orientation is explored at Dawson's Creek's Capside High after series regular Jack McPhee (Kerr Smith) reads a poem that brings his sexual identity into question. After getting advice from title character Dawson (James Van Der Beek), who told him that "writing is about opening up...as chance to offer the world a peek at that very private part of yourself that you otherwise just stifle," Jack is forced to read his poem in front of his entire class after a teacher with a vendetta with Pacey (Joshua Jordan) decided to redirect his anger toward him. As he nervously reads his poem, he reveals that the subject of the poem is masculine, writing, "I see him...The Angel of Perfection...His strong frame...his lips smooth...and I keep thinking what am I scared of...and I wish I could escape the pain...but, these thoughts, they keep invading my head...unto my memory, they're like shackles of guilt." Halfway through it, Jack runs out of the classroom crying. While Capside High continues to speculate, Joey (Katie Holmes) grapples with the thought that her boyfriend might be gay and Andie (Meredith Holmes) avoids her brother in a complete sense of denial.
Finally, Joey confronts Jack directly, asking "Are you gay?" But, Jack's response is, "no." At the same time, as the episode closes, they draw in on Jack's face whose expression suggests that he is still hiding something. The previews for next week and www.dawsons-creek.com offer the following for the February 17 follow-up episode, " On Dawson's (James Van Der Beek) advice, Joey (Katie Holmes) attempts to heal the wounds of her new romance with Jack (Kerr Smith) left shattered by rumor and innuendo, but when Jack confronts his innermost secrets, their lives and everyone's close to them will never be the same again."
So, tune in next week to find out what happens. At the same time, please thank show creator Kevin Williamson for introducing the subject of questioning sexual orientation on the show.
Contact: Kevin Williamson, Creator and Executive Producer, Dawson's Creek, c/o The Warner Brothers Television Network, 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California 91522.