Dawson's Creek (1998–2003): Season 2, Episode 15 - ...That Is the Question - full transcript

I'm starting
a new company

and the fish
will come with me.

Call me sentimental.

The fish, they're
coming with me.

Dawson leery,

personal homework
courier has arrived.

Apparently just in time

for a private screening
at his home theater.

Dawson, when my suspension
is over tomorrow,

I'll go back home.
But until then,

I'm willing to risk you
getting sick of me

for invading
your personal domain.

Because hiding out here
and alienating you

beats the hell out of
torture and death

at the hands of my father
back at home.

Well, I'm glad to help.

I'm just saying
I will be happy

once my room returns
to its original owner.

And odor.

Jerry Maguire
again, huh?

Yeah. I'm running it
on a continuous loop.

It speaks to my current
situation as a renegade
moral crusader.

TV: Who's coming
with me?

So, what's new in the land
of higher education?

Pretty much
the same old.

Plus or minus a few
sexual identity crises.

How is Jack?

Well, he seems ok.

He's kinda keeping
a low profile.

And Joey?

She's fine.

And, uh, Andie?

Andie...last I heard

had, uh, run off to Bali

with a Brazilian
soap star named Diego.

I hear she's very
happy, though.

And tan.

[Sighs]

Would you just
call her, you idiot?

I can't believe you
let a week go by

without even
talking to her.

Dawson, it's not
that easy, ok?

Andie thinks
I'm responsible for dragging

another McPhee scandal
through the school

and I think she
was being short-sighted,

selfish, and insensitive.

So for right now,
we're at an impasse.

No, last week you
were at an impasse.

Now, you're just
in avoidance.

She's hurting, and you
care about her, pacey.

Just apologize, man.

Swallow your pride,
get your girlfriend
back.

I don't want to apologize
to her, Dawson.

I stood up for something that
I believe in. I was right.

I mean, look at my man
Jerry here.

His mission statement.
He took a stand.

TV: We'll see you
all again.

And he lost everything.

And he had to beg,
grovel, and crawl
to get it all back.

And he was not
sleeping on his
friend's floor.

You said I could
have the bed tonight.

I don't think so.

Joey gets the bed.

Ha ha. Don't go there.

Ok. See you later.
Ok.

Bye.

Love blooms in capeside.

God, I feel so silly.

It's like I've got this
stupid junior high crush.

It's great. It's
a beautiful thing.

I'm very happy for you.

He seems like a really
nice guy, too.

He is.

He's very cool.
Great.

Actually, um, you feel
like joining us?

We're planning a little
evening excursion tonight.

A Bible party?

Not exactly.

How deep does
this thing go?

I can't find my econ book.

Ooh. Nice purse,
McPhee.

Yeah, let me know if
you want to borrow it
sometime, Morgan.

What a jerk.

Whatever.

It would be nice
if the running commentary

would finally come
to a stop, that's all.

And give up my role
as capeside's

most talked about
non-homosexual?

Look, you know what I mean.

Jack, you're not gay.

And what is the joy in
talking about something

that's already been refuted?

Well, we're gonna have
to fight fire with fire.

I say we make love right
on the student green.

Wait. Even better.
We can "in" me.

We can have a going
into the closet party.

And everybody
can come dressed up

as their favorite
straight person.

Get to class,
straight boy.

Oh, no. That's, uh,

[deep voice]
That's bubba to you.

I know that look.

Uh, yeah, um,

it's the universal look
for "don't ask," ok?

Ok.

Um, tonight Jen
has convinced me
to tag along

to this club
that Ty likes.
Do you want to come?

I can't.

Ok.

I'm sorry, um...

Thank you for asking.

It's just, um, Jack and I
have plans to study.

Oh. Sounds like fun.

I guess we haven't
been focusing too much
on fun recently.

Maybe you should.

You know, invite him
to come along with us.

Or you could--

I can't believe
I'm suggesting this--

um, just plan something
for the two
of you alone.

Maybe even something...

Romantic.

Dawson leery,
I cannot believe

that you're giving me
relationship advice.

There are easier things
in the world, yeah.

[Bell rings]

Anyway...

Dawson.

Yeah?

Nothing.

Ms. Sullivan,
Mr. Weinert,

and...of course,
Mr. Witter.

Here.

What a delight it is
to have you return.

Tell me, did you
think of us

while you were
on hiatus?

Every day.

What's that?

It's all 4 assignments that
I missed while I was gone.

I didn't want
to run the risk

of getting an incomplete
on any of them.

I'll be sure to
take your diligence
into consideration.

And this is your poetry
assignment.

I'm sorry you weren't
able to get it back
sooner.

What exactly
was wrong with this?

Well...

In my educated
editorial analysis...

It stunk.

So as my teacher, you have
no comments or advice

on how I might compose
a poem more to your liking.

Yes. Write better.

From now on, people,

your grades will be
subjective,

whim to
my personal taste.

Those of you with
intelligence, talent,
and ability

will have no problems.

And the rest of you

should come to terms
with your inevitable
failure.

He's setting it up
to fail me.

And you can't drop it
because it's halfway
through the semester.

Bingo. Which puts me
at about a 7.4

on the screwed
Richter.

Or make that a 7.8.

The phase of massive
destruction.

Go talk to her.

She saw me. She could
come over here.

Pacey. Go.

I will. I just want
to give it a second.

What's this?

A menu.
I realize that.

If you don't
like anything,
just let me know.

It's what I'll be
cooking tonight.

For who?

You and me.

We're gonna have
the dinner to
end all dinners.

At my house on the dock.

And I was thinking...

Wherever it leads to
from there,

I guess, only
the fates can say.

That sounds romantic.

Well, that's
the plan, Stan.

You're something else, Joey.

I don't know what I'd do
without you supporting me
through all this.

Well, it goes with
the territory of kind of
diggin' you.

Hi.

You haven't called.

Last I checked, my phone
had an incoming line.

You left me stranded
on a pier

after telling me
that I was weak
and insensitive.

I really wasn't up
for talking to you.

And you judged and abandoned
me when I needed you the most.

I thought I'd wait
for your call.

My call? I should
call and say what?

For starters,
"I'm sorry."

I agree. "I'm sorry"
would be nice to hear.

Look, was there anything
else you wanted?

Because we don't
seem to be making
any progress here.

I saw you sitting here,

I thought I'd come
and say hello.

Any progress beyond that
I hadn't considered.

Well, consider this.

Hello is typically
followed by one thing.

Good-bye.

What was that all about?

Oh, I don't want
to talk about it.

I'm late to meet
with Mr. Milo.

What do you mean?

It's nothing. I didn't
want to bother you.

It's just he's been
calling for mom lately,
and I've been covering.

And finally, he just
asked me to come in,
that's all.

Andie, that's
where I'm going.

He asked me
to come in, too.

I figured it was just more of
his good guy counselor b.S.

I wonder why he wants us
both to come in?

Daddy.

Hello, sweetheart.

[Ringing]

Hello.

Jack: Uh, our romantic
evening for 2?

Yeah.

I can't come.

Why?

It's my dad.

He came in from
Rhode Island.

Wants to take Andie
and me to dinner.

Well, that's good, right?

Heh. Hardly.

Milo called him. Told
him everything that's
been going on at school.

Anyway, I gotta take
a rain check.

Oh, well, um,

hey, that's completely
understandable.

I'm sorry, Joey.

I hope I haven't ruined
your evening.

No. Don't worry about me.

I'll--I'll be fine.
I'll find something to do.

Ok.

All right, um, I guess
I'll see you then.

Yeah, ok.

Yeah, I'll
see you later.

Thanks.

Bye.

Dawson: Ok, this place
couldn't be seedier.

Dawson, it's not
that bad.

It sure beats sitting
home feeling dumped.

Yeah, but...

♪ I'm calling you ♪

So, Ty, I take it
you come here a lot.

Uh, yeah.
It's practically home.

What'll it be, Ty?

Um, 4 usuals.

What's a usual?

It's a surprise.

A rather stiff surprise.

I'll have a coke.

Me, too.

Ty, honey,
it's your turn.

Duty calls.
Excuse me.

What--what's he doing?

I have no idea.

Man: There you go, Ty.

[Jazz piano plays]

Ok.

♪ The black black widow
is sittin' in the middle ♪

♪ of the web
it's the fly she seeks... ♪

Where did he learn
to play like that?

Church.

So, what is his deal?

I mean, doesn't his religion
frown on all of this?

Yeah, well,
he's got issues.

He's perfect for you.

Thank you so much.

Ok, could we just stop
and comment on the irony

of the 3 of us
sitting here.

Oh, you mean the proverbial
proverbial triangle?

Here I am, single.

Sandwiched in between
2 women who both dumped me.

I am pathetic.

Hey, look at me. I'm dating
a Bible-thumping hypocrite, ok?

Hey. My boyfriend
may be gay.

[Laughs]

Bartender.

3 usuals.

And hurry.

These are the code
of conduct by-laws

for every public job
in the county,

including the teaching
guidelines.

Not that I care,

but why exactly
are you doing this?

Just trying to make
the best out of
a bad situation.

Man, it's gonna
take forever.

No, it's going
to take 20 minutes.

We're closing.

So the doctor gave mom
this new prescription.

It sedates her a lot,
but her behavior is
noticeably improved.

Oh, she's gonna be
so happy to see you.

Hey, I know. Tomorrow I can
make this fabulous breakfast,

and we can surprise her.

Oh, and I made
the honor roll.

You always make
honor roll.

Yeah, well,
I made it again.

So, uh, Jack, why
don't you tell daddy
about the ice house?

Jack's working at this
great restaurant downtown.

He seems to be doing
really well.

You're especially
quiet tonight.

Well, there's
nothing to say.

Everything's
all right, I guess.

That's hardly
the case, Jack.

If everything were
all right with the world

Mr. Milo would not
have called me,

insisted that I leave work,

drive to capeside,
disrupt my life.

Well, I'm sorry to have
bothered you, dad.

Are you gay, Jack?

Would you care?

That is not an answer.

And yes, I would.

I think this family
has enough problems.

We don't need
to add to them.

And it would be
a problem?

You're the only son
I have now, Jack.

You don't have Tim
to hide behind anymore.

People notice you now.

Daddy, I think you've
made your point.

Andie, this does
not concern you.

I will have
made my point

when your brother gives
the appropriate response

to the question.

If Jack really cared
about this family

and all that we
have done for him,

he'd recognize
that we already

have enough to deal with

in the way of problems
we can't help.

And those that we can help,

would be best resolved
immediately.

Did I make myself clear?

Yes.

♪ I want a... ♪

♪ Sunday kind of love ♪

♪ a love to last ♪

♪ past Saturday night... ♪

So, you having
a good time?

Actually, yeah.

Good.

Thanks.

Me, too.

Sorry your plans
didn't work out,

but I'm really glad
you're here.

Jack is missing out.

You think he's gay,
don't you?

I never said that.

The thought has
crossed my mind once.

Ok, maybe twice.

I mean, you know him
better than I do.

Yeah, I do.

Do you know him as
well as you know me?

No. Of course not.

Not yet.

I can't read his eyes
the way I can yours.

So what are my eyes
saying right now?

Um...

I think what your eyes
are saying

is how...
Comfortable it is

for us to be here
like this together.

As friends.

You're good.

I don't get it.

They make such
a great couple.

Why would Joey want
to be with a fruit fly?

Jack's no fruit fly.

Oh, come on, Jen,
he's playing for
the other team.

You don't know that.

If it looks like a duck,
talks like a duck,

quacks like duck,
it's a duck.

What does it even matter,

I mean, even
say he is a duck?

Well, it's his choice.

I mean, if he
wants to quack,
more power to him.

See, I don't think
that it's necessarily
a choice that you make.

Well, you see,
that's what they want
you to believe,

that it's not a choice.

But everything in life
is a decision.

And all ducks
choose to quack.

And Jack's definitely
a quacker.

Are you kidding me,
or are you serious?

Completely serious.

Nobody has to quack
if they don't want to.

[Knocking on door]

Come in.

Hey.

Sorry about tonight.

He shouldn't have
said those things.

Yeah, it's ok. I don't
expect any less.

Jack, he hasn't
had it easy.

Yeah, and life here
on windsor's been
a bowl of cherries.

Well, it's not gonna get any
better unless he comes back.

Andie, come on.

No, it's true.
I mean, we cannot

keep watching after mom
and everything.

We are too young for this
kind of responsibility.

Yeah, well,
get used to it,

'cause he's not
gonna stay.

You're a fool
if you think he is.

But if we make him see

that we all need
to be together then--

why? Why do we need to?

Because he's
our father.

Andie, we lost him
when Tim died.

And then mom got sick,
and he bailed.

So what makes you think
things are gonna be
any different now?

How do you expect
him to accept you

if that's the way
you feel about him?

If you continue
to resist loving him,

how's he ever gonna
love you back?

I don't know, and frankly,
I don't care.

As far as I'm concerned,

you can spend
the rest of your life

listing your accomplishments
to him,

begging at his lap for a few
meager signs of approval

that he just decides
to toss your way,

but I can't do that.

I don't think that
there is anything wrong

with me wanting
my father to be
proud of me.

No. No, no, there isn't.

But did you ever stop to wonder
if you're proud of him?

Thanks, grams.

I really like
that Ty boy, Jen.

That was a great
sandwich, Mrs. Ryan.

Would you like a little
more milk, Tyson?

Oh, no, thanks,
no, thanks.

One's my limit.
I'm driving.

Are you upset about
something?

No.

No, no, it's--it's--

you know what? Yeah.

Actually, I am.

Let me guess.

The quacking ducks.

How can you think
that it's wrong?

I never said
it was wrong, Jen.

I said it was a choice.

So then you think it's ok?

No. I think it's wrong.

It's in the Bible.

Hey, Mrs. Ryan,
what's the chapter

that condemns
homosexuality as a sin?

I believe it's in
the book of leviticus.

Grams, stay out of this.

Please. Ok? I am not gonna
let you two gang up on me here.

How can you have such
a narrow view about being gay?

How can your view be
so narrowly liberal?

Ty, you're no Saint.
You know that.

I don't claim to be.

But one day i'm
gonna have to answer
to the big man

and so will Jack.

And if he's ready

to take responsibility
for his actions

then he can do
whatever he wants.

I just think
that his kind

is damaging
to the world at large.

I cannot believe you.

For you to suggest that
somebody can just magically

decide to be gay is insane.

The facts
don't lie, Jen.

The gay movement
has been nothing

but medically
and morally damaging
to this country.

I've tried to stay
out of this.

I have. But I can't,
Jennifer.

Now, if you just
let me explain.

I'm not gonna let you guys
moral majority me here.

I mean, you don't even
know all the facts.

What I have to say isn't
directed at you, Jen.

What I have to say
is for Tyson.

All I'm saying is--

if Jack is gay,

he does not need
your judgment, young man.

The lord above will be
the one to judge him

as he will all of us.

What he needs from you,

from me, from everyone
else in this world

is love and tolerance.

If anything, that boy
must feel scared and alone

and he will need
the understanding
of his fellow man

to help him through this.

Let's save judgment
for someone

much more experienced
than you.

You know, you didn't
have to walk me home.

Well, maybe I wanted to.

How are you doing?

Mmm. Ok, I guess.

Blues club just
make you more blue?

Yeah.

Want to talk about it?

It's stupid.

If it's stupid
you're talking to
the right person. Ok?

I happen to have
a wealth of experience

when it comes
to stupidity.

Dawson, can I
ask you something...

Straightforward
and honest?

Yeah. You know you can.

Um...

Am I sexual?

What?

The thing is, um,

I know that Jack's not gay,

but I mean, he's obviously
confused about something

and it's always kept him
at a distance. And...

I was just wondering if
he chose me because I'm safe.

You're safe?

I mean, look at me.

I'm Joey Potter,
virgin at large.

I don't have any real
experience with men

or relationships or sex.

Joey, you are
extremely sexual.

But you didn't see it.

I mean, you fell for Jen.

Sex machine, and...

I was something else
to you.

Joey, I was just stupid.

It took me time to see
what was there.

So what was there?

What was there was
an amazingly sexy girl.

Joey, your sexuality is
in everything you do.

Your wit,
your intelligence,

your anger,
your feistiness.

I see it more
and more every day.

You're blossoming.

And it's amazingly sexy.

Thanks, Dawson.

Look...

I don't think
the question is why
did Jack chose you.

I think the real
question is why did
you choose Jack?

Good night.

Good night, Dawson.

Principal markey.

Pacey. Judging from
your tardy records

I didn't think you
Rose before 10:00.

Well, rising
requires sleeping,

and I didn't get a chance
to do that last night.

This is for you.

What is it?

It's a document
I prepared.

I checked out
the state by-laws

on professional
ethics for teachers.

Mr. Peterson's
in violation of
almost every one.

What's your point here?

"All educators
shall maintain

"professional
relationships
with students

"in a manner which is
free of vindictiveness,

recrimination
and harassment."

Want me to keep reading?

What are you suggesting?

That I call Mr. Peterson
to my office,

give him Saturday detention?

No. You don't have
to do anything.

That folder
contains over 20
other testimonies

from students
I gathered last night.

There's a school board
meeting on Tuesday.

I sent a copy
to every member of the board.

I want this man publicly
reprimanded for his behavior.

[Sighs]

Pacey, I hope you know
what you're doing.

I'm sorry if I had
to go around you,
principal markey.

I was just trying to do
the best I could

within my given set
of circumstances.

Daddy, where are you going?

I have to get back.

I've got 3 meetings
this afternoon.

Here are the names
of some nurse companies
for your mother.

We'll get some help
in here for you.

Well, can't you stay
any longer?

No. I'm sorry.
It's not possible.

But you said we'd discuss it,
and we haven't yet.

Andie, don't get
emotional.

I'll be back
in a few weeks.

But--
don't bother.

Excuse me?

I said don't bother
coming back.

Jack, daddy and I are
talking right now, ok?

Please just let us talk.

Would you like to
explain your comment?

You don't want to be here,

so don't come back.

We have everything
under control.

Save yourself
the gas mileage.

I will not suffer
that tone from you,

do you understand?
I work too hard.

That's always
the excuse, isn't it?

You work too hard.

Well, I couldn't care less
how hard you work.

What's the sense in trying
to support a family

that you don't
care about?

All right, that's it.
Good-bye, Andie.

I'll call you
in a few days.

No. No. You're not
going anywhere.

You get out
of that doorway.

No. This is
one conversation

that you can't
run away from.

You don't want to talk
about Tim's death.

About mom being sick
or even why she's sick.

You don't want
to address the reality

of why your daughter's

been on and off
prescriptive drugs

for the last 2 years,
that's fine, too.

But we are gonna
talk about me!

You calm yourself down!

No. I will
not calm down!

And I will not be quiet.

You want
to resolve this?

Then you ask me again.

Ask you what?

The question. Ask me
the question again.

Ask me if I'm gay.

Ask me.

You are not gay.

Yes, I am!

You know it.

I see how
you look at me,

and I know you know.

Think about the way
that you treated me

and the way that
you treated Tim.

Because he was
the real son,

and I was different.

And as hard as you've
tried to stamp it out

and to ignore it,
I have tried harder!

I have tried harder
than you to be quiet

and to forget it

and to not bother
my family with
my problem.

But I can't try anymore.

Because it hurts.

I'm sorry, dad.

Andie, I'm sorry.

I don't want to be going
through this, but I am.

[Sobbing]

Jack.

Stop crying.
Both of you.

I said stop crying.

Leave.

Andie, this is between
Jack and me.

Not anymore, it's not.

Just leave.
Get out of here.

Joey!

Hey.
Hey!

You survived
your dinner.

Yeah, barely.

Listen, can we
make a plan to see
each other tonight?

Sure. Calling in
your rain check?

Yeah. I really
need it.

Ok. I guess
until tonight, then.

Ok.

Bye.

I'll see you.

Bye.

What's going on?

Um...
No Peterson today.

We're supposed to
go to study hall
in the library.

Oh.

Uh, pacey.

Yeah?

I've been meaning to tell you
something for a while.

Um...thank you.

You're welcome, man.

So, why isn't class
in session?

Oh, you didn't get
the latest update?

Your favorite teacher
is leaving

this godforsaken
institution.

I don't get it.

You haven't even met
with the board yet.

Please. Did you
really think that
I would appear

before some collection
of idiot parents and
have them tell me...

What I've done wrong
for the last 30 years?

I'd rather eat dirt.

I was, uh--i was planning
on retiring in 6 months.

Your action gave me
every reason in the world
to make an early exit.

Mr. Peterson, this
may feel a little late
in coming,

but I am sorry.

That stunt
that you pulled

was one of the few
admirable moments
in your life.

Don't ruin it
with an apology.

You are
unbelievable, man.

What is it inside
of you that makes
you so damn mean?

Mr. Witter, as awful a man
as you find me to be...

You came here
to learn from me.

I have learned, sir.

I've learned
that respect

is not commanded
through fear.
It's earned...

Through compassion.

Then tell me this...

Should I respect you?

You're responsible
for ending my career.

Where's the compassion
in that?

I come in peace...

Nursing my wounded ego,
hoping for redemption.

Ty, this isn't
gonna work out.

I'm sorry.
There's...

There's just too many
differences, and...

And I can't seem
to get beyond some of
your inherent views.

So...

So, we can't disagree?

I thought
a relationship

was about growing
together.

Look, if you think
that my beliefs
are wrong,

then teach me...
Show me another way.

Ty, it's not that easy.

What relationships
are easy?

All I'm saying is
that I'm open-minded.

My narrow-minded ways
are open for discussion.

What about
your liberal views?

Are they as open?

You are...
A wonderful...

Beautiful girl.

Can't we just...
See what happens
next?

You certainly have
a charm, don't you?

I've been looking
for you.

No. Actually, I came
to talk to you, Andie.

No, no. Before you
say a word, pacey,

I need to say something.
I want to apologize.

I came to apologize.

No, I should be the one.
I've been treating
you so unfairly--

but I hurt you with
my little crusade.

I never stopped to
think about how it
would affect you.

I got obsessed.
Wait a minute.

Why do you get
to be the only one
who apologizes?

Why are you arguing
with me about it?

Because I failed you.
I was self-righteous

to the point of
alienating everything
I care about.

I forced you to try
and live up to these
unreachable expectations--

Andie, please...
Just shut up and
let me apologize, ok?

This last week
without you has been
a living hell,

and I don't ever want
to have to go through

another moment
like that.

I'm sorry, McPhee.

You're forgiven, pacey.

So, your turn now.

Yeah, um...

It's just that...

I molded you
into this person who I
thought you should be.

I did it to
my father, too.

I thought it was
what I needed.

I place this
unfair burden on people

just so they can
save me from myself.

But I realize I don't need
a knight in shining armor.

What I need is a partner,

someone who I can be
proud to love,

and who's proud to love
me back in spite of
all my faults.

And...that's you.

You're the one, pacey.

And I'm really sorry.

How come your apology
was so much better
than mine?

I always lose
to you, Andie.

Hmm.

Mmm. I take that back.

I'm definitely
the winner here.

Hey! You're early.

I haven't finished
lighting the candles,

and the food's
still inside.

Wow. Joey, this
is magnificent.

Yeah, I'd be
pretty impressed
if I were you.

You shouldn't
have done this.

Ah, I wanted to.

I know...

But you shouldn't have.

This...

This is the part where
I say "uh-oh," right?

Look, Joey, uh...

I don't--i don't know
what to say, really,

or even where to...

Just be honest
with me.

I mean, this time,
just...Be honest.

Please?

This morning,
I told my father
that I was gay.

So you are.

You're gay.

Well...i mean...Not...

You're not gay?

No...

Part gay?

No...please, don't
laugh at me, Jack,

'cause, um...
I don't know what you're
trying to say, ok?

Um...

Are you gay?

When I wrote
that poem...

It clicked something
inside of me

that has been quiet
for so long.

And it made me realize...

That whatever it is
I'm going through is
not gonna go away.

Maybe ever.

Joey, I care
about you so much.

You've been such
a good friend to me,

which is why I can't stand
the thought of losing you.

But I don't wanna
hurt you, either.

Look, I, um...

I know the rest.

Thank you for being
honest with me.

Thank you
for being you.

Joey?