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Dawson's Creek: Season 4 [1998]
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The fourth season of Dawson's Creek is dominated by two themes. The first is senior year at Capeside High, as high achievers Joey (Katie Holmes) and Andie (Meredith Monroe) have as much pressure to deal with as low achiever Pacey (Joshua Jackson). The second is the constant love triangle following Joey and Pacey's return from their summer of bliss, threatening to destroy anyone's chance of having a healthy, functional relationship. Pacey's insecurity doesn't let him believe he's actually the lucky one, even as he proves with his actions that he deserves it. Fortunately for Dawson (James Van Der Beek), he finds a sympathetic ear in Pacey's older sister, Gretchen (Sasha Alexander), though he also has to enter an "indentured servitude" relationship with an old curmudgeon (Harve Presnell). Joey takes a job waiting tables at the yacht club, where she has to deal with the heir apparent to Abby Morgan's evil shoes, Drue Valentine (Mark Matkevitch), who also turns out to have a shadowy history with one of the friends. Meanwhile Andie and Jack (Kerr Smith) coach a youth soccer team, and Jen (Michelle Williams), having suddenly lost her boyfriend from Season Three, cements her best-friendship with Jack and drags him to a gay coalition group where he spars with the activist leader (David Monahan). Look for cameos by Andy Griffith as a retired movie actor and by frequent soundtrack contributor Mary Beth Maziarz as a club singer. Toward the end of the season, Dawson asks, "Is it just me, or did things get suddenly bigger in the last year?" It's true that as the characters have grown up--even Dawson, sort of--situations turn more serious, whether it's an afternoon sail on the cape or a rave that leads to the abrupt departure of one of the regular cast. After a prom from hell, the final phase is the graduation ceremony, and for Dawson's Creek it marked the end of an era, which the characters themselves felt deeply in the season-closing "Coda." The series would run for two more years, but it would never be the same again. As with previous DVD sets, the background music has been changed significantly, including replacing the Paula Cole theme song. On the bright side, some of the linchpin songs--Shawn Colvin's "Blue Like That," Eva Cassidy's "Fields of Gold," Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You"--have been preserved. Executive producer Paul Stupin contributes his usual (and increasingly unnecessary) commentary on two episodes, joined on the second by a "mystery guest," consulting producer Alan Cross. --David Horiuchi
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Editorial
Amazon.com
Best Couple On The Creek
Review date: 2006-07-31 Rating: 8 out of 10
Honestly, Joey and Pacey saved DC for me. And I would have never gotten to season 4 if season 3 hadn't brought forth the most compelling couple on the show. These two have undeniable chemistry, so much that it completely blows every other couple out of the water, especially Dawson and Joey, who have a weird, manipluative friendship (see season three) and NO chemistry or passion.
Season 4 was good only in the fact that it showed the relationship of Joey and Pacey continue on after the last season finale. These two are very good together, but of course, the writers had to bring drama into the mix. This wasn't always done the best way, particularly towards the end of the season, where it seemed as if the writers were thinking of any excuse to bring distance between the two characters.
The other characters were truly secondary for me. Dawson's character was turned into a more "saintly" one, a move that I didn't buy, and that just irritated me more. By this time, my dislike for the Dawson character intensified so much that after watching the season thoroughly, I now skip all of his scenes entirely. His hair cut doesn't help matters, I have to say. And I honestly would have been quietly thrilled had his character accidently fallen into the creek and drowned.
Jack and Jen were very lacking in presence here, sadly. They seemed quite underused. I would have gladly gotten rid of all the Dawson scenes to watch more of them. Jack had hardly any lines unless he was hanging around Jen, or with Dawson (do they think Dawson always needs a "sidekick" or something?). Jen's storyline didn't develop until much later in the season, and even then wasn't that compelling, if you ask me.
As for Gretchen, I liked her around Pacey. They had great chemistry as siblings and it was truly sweet and interesting to watch. As for her and Dawson -- yuck. Dawson has never had chemistry with anyone, and just thinking about him in love scenes makes me ill.
Season four had a strong beginning, for the most part, but the ending of the Joey/Pacey relationship really did it in. It WAS bittersweet, though, particularly the Graduation episode or the one right after they split. Both of those left me on the verge of tears.
The big drawback is that they ended the season in a cheap, horrible way. In fact, I haven't even brought myself to watch that particular episode and try to pretend it doesn't exist. Graduation will always be the ending for me, even though my DVD set says otherwise. However, in my opinion, episode 14 is the last of the truly good ones, as the writers take a different spin after that.
Accessories
Similar Products
- Dawson's Creek: Season 3
- Dawson's Creek - Season 5
- Dawson's Creek - Season 6
- Dawson's Creek: Season 2
- Dawson's Creek: The Finale [1998]
Reviews
One of the best
Review date: 2006-02-07 Rating: 10 out of 10
I really enjoyed this season of DC. My favourite characters in the show were always Pacey and Joey, and seeing them get together at the end of season 3 was great. I'm so glad the producers kept this couple together throughout most of Season 4 as the chemistry between them is undeniable. Dawson and Joey have never been a believeable couple for me, in fact Dawson really irritates me! His character starts off this show by being the central one but he grows more and more annoying until by season 6, he isn't even really a main character anymore- he gets pushed into the sidelines with the focus on Joey, who is a much stronger character. Take in this season for example, Dawson's relationship with Gretchen- there is zero chemistry between them. I think that storyline (and others featuring Dawson) would have worked better if James Van Der Beek was a better actor! I liked the storyline with Mr Brooks though.
I think the ending between Pacey and Joey was sad, but I can understand why it happened. I really like Jen and Jack in this season- their friendship is inspired. And Jen's grams is lovely too. nice to see her kinder side here!
I also thought the way they ended the season was good- it dealt well with the pain of having to leave your friends and start a new life. However, the kiss between Dawson and Joey at the end is not very realistic! Joey is supposed to be heartbroken about Pacey and that just makes her out to be totally shallow and fickle. Big mistake!!
It's a real shame that DC went kinda pear shaped after this, particularly in season 6. This season is great though,I would highly reccommend it!
You have to love the Creek!
Review date: 2005-12-14 Rating: 10 out of 10
ok- I admit it- I love Dawson's Creek! When it first came out, I was a similar age to the characters and the show struck a chord- i remember crying in the Graduate episode of this series, it was the summer after i had left school! Anyway, I have all the show on DVD and series 4 is one of my faves- i would say series 3 is the best but series 4 is really heart wrenching. I swear i have an emotional connection to DC- the show is set in beautiful surroundings, the acting is top notch and the music stirs in the background.
The best episodes in this series are trhe ski trip when Joey finally sleeps with Pacey- as if you would wait that long when faced with Joshua Jackson! Anyway, and the Graduate which is very moving! The only disapointment is Joey and Pacey breaking up at the prom- i loved their relationship- much more suited than Joey and Dawson and thought they ended it a bit badly- after all, at the start Pacey promised to follow J to her college but then decides he can't- only to turn up in Boston at the start of Season 5!! Oh well! Also, in the last episode, depite only just breaking up with Pacey J kisses Dawson- i know this whole episode is meant to mirror the pilot and does so cleverly but i didn't buy it personally!
Gretchen is a nice character but you know it will come to nothing. Jen and Jack are great but this series is all about Joey and Pacey as they struggle to stay together and i must say it's pretty compulsive!
It's sad the show ended but they reunite P and J in the end so i was happy! Watch this and be moved by an American TV show for teenagers!! It's brillant! Buy it!
Brilliant!!
Review date: 2005-09-30 Rating: 10 out of 10
"It's senior year for Dawson, Joey, Pacey, Jen and Jack!After spending the summer together Joey and Pacey find it difficult to keep their romance going with the realities of school, college applications and their strange relationship with Dawson. Dawson rediscovers his true life's dream, Jen turns over a new leaf after getting a new boyfirend and Jack tries to rebuild his relationshipd after revealing he's homosexual. This DVD includes new music exclusively provided for this release including the international opening theme song."
- This is the information on the DVD set and it lives up to the expectations it sets! A must need.
Excellent Series
Review date: 2005-07-06 Rating: 10 out of 10
Series 4 of DC really see's the characters starting to grow up. For me there were some really emotional scenes in this series more than any other which had me weeping buckets. I really think Joshua Jackson (Pacey) steals this series. His character is put on an emotional rollercoaster as academically his peers seem to leave him behind and emotionally he starts to lose the people he loves most. The final scene in 'The Graduate' where he is getting on a plane to Miami as his name is read out at Graduation was inspired. Helped by the soundtrack I found this moment very emotional. His acting is fantastic. I have to admit I am a big fan of the Joey/Pacey relationship, so for me series 3 and 4 are the best. I didn't enjoy the introduction of so many new characters in series 5/6 as much as some others. The on-screen chemistry between those two is so believeable whereas I find the Joey/Dawson relationshop less so. In this series the Dawson issue comes between J&P so much I find it frustrating. I started to feel quite a dislike for Dawson in this series. His attitude to the Joey/Pacey relationship, and his non-existent chemistry with Gretchen got on my nerves. I liked Gretchen but not with him. He redeemed himself in the last few episodes when he chilled out a bit, but before that I could have quite happily watched him drown in the creek. Jack and Jen were as lovable as ever in this series, Jack starts to deal with his sexuality and Jen with her demons. But really they are just sub-plots. Series 4 is mainly about Joey and Pacey, and Joey's unresolved feelings for Dawson in their final year in Capeside. If you love that particular love triangle you will love this.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Mary Beth Peil
Katie Holmes
Michelle Williams
James Van Der Beek
Joshua Jackson
Creators:
James Van Der Beek (Primary Contributor)
Katie Holmes (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
EAN: 5035822174610
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 6
Format: Box set, Dubbed, Full Screen, PAL,
Release date: 2005-01-17
Number of discs: 6
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 957 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1998-01-20
Language: Dutch (Subtitled)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: German (Subtitled)
Language: Italian (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Dubbed)
Language: German (Dubbed)
Language: Italian (Dubbed)