The Best Episodes of Dawson's Creek Season 1

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   8.4/10(665 votes)

   #1 - Detention

   S1:E73/3/1998

   In what is said to be one of the best episodes, the gang, after committing various violations at school, gets stuck together for an 8 hour Saturday detention, where Dawson and Pacey turn against each another; and Joey offers a tearful partial explanation for her anger toward Jen.

   Director:Allan Arkush

   Writer:Mike White

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   Director:Allan Arkush

   Writer:Mike White
2. 

   8.4/10(562 votes)

   #2 - Decisions

   S1:E135/19/1998

   In the season finale, Dawson and Joey confront their true feelings. Joey, visits her father in prison, and debates leaving to go to France.

   Director:David Semel

   Writer:Mike White

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   Director:David Semel

   Writer:Mike White
3. 

   8.3/10(625 votes)

   #3 - The Scare

   S1:E115/5/1998

   In honor of Friday the 13th, Dawson, plans a séance for the gang, they are all spooked by reports of a serial killer heading towards Capeside.

   Director:Rodman Flender

   Writer:Mike White

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   Director:Rodman Flender

   Writer:Mike White
4. 

   8.1/10(549 votes)

   #4 - Beauty Contest

   S1:E125/12/1998

   Joey and Pacey enter a beauty competition; Jen regrets her breakup with Dawson.

   Director:Arvin Brown

   Writer:Unknown

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   Director:Arvin Brown

   Writer:Unknown
5. 

   7.9/10(936 votes)

   #5 - Pilot

   S1:E11/20/1998

   Film-buff Dawson finds his best friend, Joey, growing jealous of his attraction to a neighbor's granddaughter. Meanwhile, pal Pacey falls in love with a mystery woman, who is really a teacher at Capeside.

   Director:Steve Miner

   Writer:Kevin Williamson

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   Director:Steve Miner

   Writer:Kevin Williamson
6. 

   7.8/10(569 votes)

   #6 - Hurricane

   S1:E52/17/1998

   When a major hurricane moves inland, all take refuge in the Leery home, where Dawson rages at Jen about her past, and Mitch storms out after learning of Gale's affair. That leaves a tormented Dawson to deal with their fallout. Meanwhile, Pacey ruins his brother's chances to get with Tamara at her beach house.

   Director:Lou Antonio

   Writer:Kevin Williamson

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   Director:Lou Antonio

   Writer:Kevin Williamson
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7. 

   7.5/10(601 votes)

   #7 - Kiss

   S1:E32/3/1998

   While working on the film class's movies, team player Dawson has a hard time being stuck in the background. Meanwhile as he plots to give Jen the "perfect kiss", Joey is swept away by a handsome stranger and Pacey tries to graduate to manhood.

   Director:Michael Toshiyuki Uno

   Writer:Rob Thomas

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   Director:Michael Toshiyuki Uno

   Writer:Rob Thomas
8. 

   7.5/10(523 votes)

   #8 - Baby

   S1:E62/24/1998

   Capeside is abuzz with rumors of a teacher's indiscretion, rumors that prove fateful for Pacey and Tamera. Meanwhile, Joey and Jen get a life lesson when Bessie is aided by an unlikely source when she gives birth in Dawson's living room.

   Director:Steve Miner

   Writer:Jon Harmon Feldman

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   Director:Steve Miner

   Writer:Jon Harmon Feldman
9. 

   7.5/10(512 votes)

   #9 - Double Date

   S1:E104/28/1998

   A double date finds Jen and Cliff joined by Dawson and a savvy sidekick who calls him on a plot to make Jen jealous. But it's Dawson turn to turn green when Pacey grows close to Joey working on a project.

   Director:David Semel

   Writer:Jon Harmon Feldman

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   Director:David Semel

   Writer:Jon Harmon Feldman
10. 

    7.3/10(650 votes)

    #10 - Dance

    S1:E21/27/1998

    Dawson casts Jen as the new leading lady in his film, but creates a messy off-camera scene during her date at the school dance. Meanwhile, Joey confronts Mrs. Leery about her liaisons; and Pacey gets under Tamara's skin with his public flirting.

    Director:Steve Miner

    Writer:Kevin Williamson

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    Director:Steve Miner

    Writer:Kevin Williamson
11. 

    7.3/10(558 votes)

    #11 - Discovery

    S1:E42/10/1998

    Dawson turns to Jen after learning of his mom's affair, and Joey's knowledge of it. But he regrets doing so when she tells him some of her problems; meanwhile Pacey and Tamara continue to tempt fate with their fling.

    Director:Steve Miner

    Writer:Jon Harmon Feldman

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    Director:Steve Miner

    Writer:Jon Harmon Feldman
12. 

    7.3/10(501 votes)

    #12 - Roadtrip

    S1:E93/17/1998

    Hoping to get over Jen, Dawson agrees to join Pacey and Billy in a boys night out and finds what he is looking for in another woman. Meanwhile Jen handles damage control after Joey becomes the subject of a rumor at school.

    Director:Steven Robman

    Writer:Rob Thomas

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    Director:Steven Robman

    Writer:Rob Thomas
13. 

    7.2/10(512 votes)

    #13 - Boyfriend

    S1:E83/10/1998

    Dawson feels the heat when Jen is visited by an old boyfriend; Joey lets off a bit too much steam at a beach party and ends up in a sticky situation; and tensions between Mitch and Gale reach the boiling point as they attempt to rebuild their marriage.

    Director:Michael Fields

    Writer:Jon Harmon Feldman

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    Director:Michael Fields

    Writer:Jon Harmon Feldman