The debut episode of the hit teen drama
Dawson's Creek introduced audiences to Dawson Leery (
James Van Der Beek), a 15-year-old film enthusiast who desires a career as a director, and his lifelong best friend, Joey Potter (
Katie Holmes). The two have spent many a Saturday night watching movies in Dawson's room, but their maturing bodies have complicated the situation and made them rethink their weekly sleepovers. Emotions get sticky when the neighbor's granddaughter, Jennifer Lindley (
Michelle Williams), moves in next door and sparks Dawson's budding sexual awareness. Dawson's smart-alecky friend Pacey Witter (
Joshua Jackson) adventurously begins hitting on an older woman, who turns out to be the new Capeside High English teacher, Tamara Jacobs (Leann Hunley). The episode also introduces Dawson's devoted parents, Mitch (John Wesley Shipp) and Gail (Mary-Margaret Humes), whose devotion to each other will soon be tested. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide