The Graduate

The Graduate is the 22nd episode of Season 4 of Dawson's Creek.

Synopsis

As the Capeside High seniors face graduation, Andie returns to town, and Joey's on the hot seat as she prepares a speech, while Pacey wonders if he'll graduate at all.

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-Margaret Humes as Gale Leery

John Wesley Shipp as Mitch Leery

Mary Beth Peil as Evelyn Ryan

Nina Repeta as Bessie Potter

Special Guest Stars

Meredith Monroe as Andie McPhee^[1]

Dylan Neal as Doug Witter

Mark Matkevich as Drue Valentine

David Monahan as Tobey Barrett

Harry Shearer as Principal Peskin

lilian's letter

My darling Joey

I know if you're reading these words it means you've graduated from high school. Congratulations, sweetheart. You didn't have a lot, growing up. You even have been shortchanged one mother. Still, I want you to be proud of your family. If our strife has caused you pain, remember, it also makes you strong. Bessie is strong, and I'm sure she's taking good care of you. Of all the things my illness has robbed me of, I count the greatest of them watching you grow up. You're barely 13 now, still a young girl. And so, I'm left to imagine the woman you've become. Strikingly beautiful, I'm sure, and equally unaware of it. Quick-witted and strong-willed.

Possessing the deep, soulful eyes of an artist, and a shy smile that regularly betrays the tough facade you do your best to keep up. If any of this sounds remarkably on the nose, it's because it's the girl you always were, Joey. And it's the woman you'll always be. Whatever you decide to do with your life, I know your future will be luminous. Wherever you decide to go when you leave, remember your days in Capeside fondly, and keep close those who shared your childhood. They will always love you in a way no one else can. And they will always be with you. Just as I love you and will always be with you.

Love, Mom

Quotes

Bessie – It's not fair, you deserved a mother

Joey – Bessie, I got two

Trivia

• Pacey graduates in absentia and only tells Andie that he graduated.

Music

pinch me | BARENAKED LADIES

grad party

if it's hurting you | ROBBIE WILLIAMS

dawson and andie talk

dream too small | AMY DALLEY

andie and pacey

if | DRAGMATIC

Pacey sees Joey

good mother | JANN ARDEN

bessie and joey

fields of gold (cover) | EVA CASSIDY

graduation

Photos

Notes and references