Dawson's Creek Wiki
Advertisement

If we really mean to each other what we say we mean to each other, then there's nothing to worry about. Everything will work itself out, I guarantee it
—Joey to Dawson

Swan Song is the finale and 23rd episode of Season 5 of Dawson's Creek.

Synopsis[]

SUMMER LOVIN’ – With school out, everyone makes big summer plans: Dawson (James Van Der Beek) heads to L.A. to work on his movie along with Audrey (Busy Philipps) who’s heading home, while Jack (Kerr Smith) and Jen (Michelle Williams) plan the epic Costa Rican adventure, leaving Joey (Katie Holmes) and Pacey (Joshua Jackson) feeling perpetually stuck back in Capeside. However, all plans change when Joey and Pacey race to the airport to reclaim their loves and a special someone crosses paths with Jack.[1]

Starring[]

James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery
Katie Holmes as Joey Potter
Michelle Williams as Jen Lindley
Joshua Jackson as Pacey Witter
Kerr Smith as Jack McPhee
Mary Beth Peil as Evelyn Ryan
Special Guest Stars
Busy Philipps as Audrey Liddell
Nina Repeta as Bessie Potter
Ian Kahn as Danny Brecher
and Mary-Margaret Humes as Gale Leery
Guest starring
Hal Ozsan as Todd Carr
Ryan Bittle as Eric
Co-Starring
Afemo Omilami as Clifton Smalls
Brent Lafontaine as Counter Guy
Logan R. Berkshire as Security Guy
Lynn O'Connell as Ticket Girl
Jennifer Ferrin as Nervous Girl
Ashley Williams as Glory

Quotes[]

I started this year thinking that I had to say good-bye to you, but I was wrong. Dawson, you're a huge part of my life; past, present, and future and I have to start getting used to that because you make my life better, not worse
—Joey to Dawson
Damn it. You have this annoying habit of making me not want to get on planes
—Dawson to Joey
You're gonna get on this plane, Dawson, and you're gonna go make movies. 'Cause that's your dream, and you're gonna be good to everyone you meet along the way because that's who you are. And if you ever get lost, you remember. Dawson: What? Joey: I love you too
—Joey
I went down to Florida to tell you that I love you
—Dawson to Joey
We're gonna go, we're gonna go to the airport, we're gonna find them, and we're gonna say everything that we really want to say to them
—Joey to Pacey about Dawson & Audrey
I know you two, there are things to be said, bitter sweetness to be had, things requiring alone time and nature and whatnot
—Audrey, to Joey and Dawson
Audrey, it's me. Look, I don't know if you can hear me right now but if you can, please don't get on that plane, please. Or you know what, if you do get on that plane, it's fine because all you’re gonna make me do is make me drive across country and hang out in front of your parent’s Beverly Hills mansion until you talk to me. Because I have to tell you that I am really, truly sorry for everything, and I’m sorry that I wasn’t completely truthful with you and I’m sorry for my predilection for the company of older women. It’s just that this has been a really strange year for me Audrey, because while the rest of you guys are off to in the whole college thing, I was just doing my best to stay afloat. And believe me, nobody is handing out road maps for the road less traveled, you just kinda got to get on and start driving. But ultimately, the only thing that I’m gonna take away from this year and the only thing that I’m gonna remember is you, because you are amazing Audrey. And you came along at the time when I thought all the big loves of my life are behind me, and you just rock my world. And I know that you and I don’t actually even know each other that well yet but, I’m sure that I could live without you, I’m just not sure that I want too, Audrey, so that’s it. Uh, that’s it. That’s my pitch. So, peace out everybody. Free the West Memphis Three
—Pacey, over the intercom

Locations[]

Trivia[]

  • Lilly's first words are "da-da"
  • Everyone's summer destination:
    • Dawson - LA.
    • Joey - Stays in Capeside despite momentarily considering going to Paris.
    • Pacey - LA to be with Audrey.
    • Jen - New York to be with her parents.
    • Jack - stays to help Eric figure out his situation.
    • Grams - Las Vegas with Clifton.
  • This season ends similarly to season 4 with Dawson and Joey kissing, but they go their separate ways for the summer.

BROADCAST

  • The episode was watched by 4.38 million people upon its original airing on the WB.[2]

Films[]

WATCHED
REFERENCED
Moon Struck (1987)
Rain Man (1988)

Music[]

go home | BARENAKED LADIES[3]
jen plays the song at the radio station as jack comes in
tell her this | DEL AMITRI[4]
audrey leaves joey's for the airport; dawson leaves a letter in joey's mailbox
leap of faith | BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN[5]
at the airport, audrey forgives pacey
taking chances | ABRA MOORE[6]
end montage; dawson gets on plane

Photos[]

Notes and references[]

  1. "Swan Song" official synopsis from The WB archived on dawson's creek daily
  2. Ratings Ryan — Dawson's Creek (WB): Ratings Recap
  3. Replaced on DVD and streaming with "Waiting For My Friends" by De Novo Dahl
  4. Replaced on DVD and streaming with "Where Do We Go From Here" by Wonderlife
  5. Replaced on DVD and streaming with "Never Lookin' Back" by John Cate
  6. Replaced on DVD and streaming with "Like I Would For You" by Kelly Brock
Advertisement