Season 3

Complete listed story — includes the ending

1. Like a Virgin

Dawson returns from spending the summer in Philadelphia with his mother, and on the journey home meets a beautiful blonde girl, Eve ( Brittany Daniel ), who takes a liking to him. He hasn't spoken to Joey all summer. Jen gets an unexpected offer after she stands up to the school's popular crowd. Mitch becomes the new coach of the high school football team, and leaves for a coaching conference. Eve shows very clear interest in Dawson, and he takes her out on Mitch's motorboat with the intent of impressing her; it works, but during a moment of distraction (which is implied to have involved fellatio ), he crashes the boat into the docks. Eve, it transpires, is a stripper, and Pacey, who is trying to distract himself while waiting for Andie's return, hatches a plan to host a house party with her co-workers at the Leery residence to raise repair money. Joey takes that moment to return to Dawson's life. She offers herself to Dawson, but he rejects her. Absent: Meredith Monroe

2. Homecoming

As Pacey and Joey leave Capeside to collect Andie from hospital, Dawson is manipulated by his father and the new school principal, Howard Green ( Obba Babatunde ), to produce a film about football for the upcoming pep rally. However, the ultimate stars of the film, which is seen by many students and teachers, are Dawson and Eve, who inadvertently appear semi-clothed. The same night, Jen is revealed to be the new head cheerleader and Jack, the new star of the football team, two facts which stun Pacey, Joey and Andie, who are watching from the audience. Pacey is overjoyed to be spending time with Andie, but she doesn't appear as excited to see him, and when confronted by her boyfriend, admits to having had a one-night stand with a fellow hospital attendee over the summer. Jack has an unexpected encounter with his father, who has returned to Capeside.

3. None of the Above

Dawson is stunned when Eve presents him with an advance copy of the PSAT exam he and his friends will be taking shortly. The entire gang are tempted to cheat for various reasons, and when the test goes missing, it becomes obvious that one friend in particular was unable to resist the temptation. In the quest to discover who stole the paper, Dawson gets into a fight with Pacey, who is still reeling from his break-up with Andie. As the gang takes the exam, the thief is revealed to be Andie, who is desperate to ace the test to prove that she is recovered from her medical problems and stole it with no other character noticing. Elsewhere, Jack is adamant he will be giving up football until a persistent Jen manipulates him into thinking otherwise.

4. Home Movies

Mitch and Dawson clash over Gail's offer for Dawson to produce a news report featuring Jack, Capeside's first gay football star, as Mitch worries it may affect the upcoming game. Joey and Pacey receive an unusual punishment for skipping classes together, but Pacey's personal project of restoring a boat helps mend their rift. Andie fears being caught for cheating when Principal Green requests to speak with her. Jen decides to quit as head cheerleader, but faces resistance from her teammates, especially when she's nominated for homecoming queen. To raise funds, the cheerleaders auction off a kiss with Jen, won by innocent freshman Henry Parker, sparking intrigue.

5. Indian Summer

Dawson grows frustrated with Eve's secrecy about her life in Capeside after catching her breaking into Jen's house. He and Pacey investigate further. Dawson discovers she is not registered at their school. He then steals a photograph from Eve's residence, resulting in her confession that she's searching for her biological mother. Joey distrusts her boss, Rob, because of his constant sexual harassment and eventually he fires her. Jack's attempts to set Jen up with Henry involve deception, and Dawson's visit to the Ryan house unveils a shocking revelation about Eve's connection to Jen's family.

6. Secrets and Lies

Dawson grapples with whether to disclose Eve's truth to Jen, who has already left town. Meanwhile, his mother's return to Capeside sparks curiosity. Jen reluctantly agrees to participate in a homecoming event, persuaded by Henry, who later asks her to be his date. However, Jen rejects his advances, causing tension between them. Dawson accompanies his mother, a former homecoming queen, to the event and discovers her career struggles. Andie reaches out to Joey in distress at a party with Rob, claiming he's crossed a line. Joey and Pacey rescue her, leading to a night spent on Pacey's boat, where Andie misinterprets their relationship. In the morning, Pacey clarifies their status, prompting Andie's disappointment. Rob denies making advances towards Joey, leading to tension between them. Andie accuses Joey of sabotaging her reunion with Pacey but later realizes Joey's innocence, fostering a bond between them. Absent: Kerr Smith

7. Escape from Witch Island

In an effort to add excitement to a dull school project, Dawson decides to make a documentary, enlisting the help of Joey, Pacey and Jen. The group head to a small island near Capeside, rumoured to be haunted by the ghosts of thirteen girls killed in the 17th century after being accused of witchcraft. Joey finds similarities between her own life and that of one of the dead girls, which provokes some deep reflections on her strained relationship with Dawson. After some exploratory conversations, Jen and Pacey make the decision to become friends with benefits. Back at school, Andie gets a little too involved with her role as head of the school disciplinary committee. When Dawson screens his documentary for his class, Joey is forced to again question her opinions about love and happiness. Absent: Kerr Smith

8. Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

When Jen's mother, Helen, unexpectedly arrives in Capeside to spend Thanksgiving with her mother and daughter, Dawson tells her what he knows about Eve. She asks him not to tell Jen, but a poignant speech at the dinner table forces Helen to think again, and she eventually tells Jen that she has a half-sister. Upset and confused by her mother's confession, Jen attempts to change her relationship with Pacey to the more physical, but finds comfort in another unexpected way. It also allows her to make peace with Helen, as she realizes that her mother's decision to bundle Jen off to Capeside was driven not by distaste for her daughter's conduct, but rather shame over her own poor mothering. Mitch and Gail reveal that their divorce has become final.

9. Four to Tango

To secure a college scholarship, Joey enrolls at a local dance school, choosing Pacey as her partner. Pacey, blackmailed into joining by Joey, struggles with his own romantic pursuits, attempting to tryst with Jen but finding no chemistry. Dawson's return leads to misunderstandings, as he mistakes Joey as Pacey's partner due to their dance teacher's remarks about unresolved tension. Eventually, Pacey and Jen acknowledge their lack of chemistry and return to friendship. Meanwhile, Jack seeks to connect with a gay student from another school inspired by Dawson's documentary, with Andie offering both encouragement and solace when things don't go as planned.

10. First Encounters of the Close Kind

Dawson, Joey, Jack, and Andie embark on a weekend trip to a Boston university to explore college life. Dawson faces criticism for his documentary at a student film festival, while Joey forms a connection with English major and Teaching Assistant A.J. Moller. Andie seeks advice for an advanced admissions interview and finds inspiration from an unexpected source, while Jack explores the local gay community and bonds with a returning Capeside resident, Ethan Brody. The weekend ends with the promise of new romances: Joey gives her number to A.J., Jack connects with Ethan, and Dawson encounters another filmmaker, Nikki Green, who happens to be his principal's daughter. Absent: Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams

11. Barefoot at Capefest

Dawson experiences an identity crisis when Nikki emerges as filmmaking competition, and Joey experiences her own crisis when Dawson won't open up to her about the pain of his parents' divorce. Meanwhile, Jack's first efforts to hit on Ethan are rebuffed; Pacey and Andie uncomfortably find themselves involved in the same after-school activity (the school's theatre production of Barefoot in the Park ) which Pacey agreed to star in exchange for a passing grade in English; and Jen finally sees that she may have passed up the chance at something special with Henry.

12. A Weekend in the Country

Joey's friends and their families come together to support the Potter family's new bed and breakfast venture. Tensions rise when Pacey invites a renowned critic for the opening weekend, leading to unexpected challenges like a malfunctioning furnace. Despite the setbacks, the warmth of their relationships shines through, leading to a positive review from the critic. Meanwhile, Jack and Andie find common ground, leading Jack to move back home. Jen and Henry work through issues, while Dawson seeks to reconnect with his parents. Mitch helps Gail rediscover a forgotten dream of opening a restaurant. Reflecting on his growing closeness with Joey, Pacey keeps watch over her as she sleeps on the couch, showing his care for her.

13. Northern Lights

Dawson, lacking inspiration, makes the radical move of dropping out of film class to spend some time re-evaluating his life. Back at the bed and breakfast, Joey is torn between attending Pacey's opening night and her date with A.J., who has come to Capeside for the evening. At the play, Andie must take over as director when Mr. Broderick falls ill. Jen agrees to meet Henry, but she throws him another block by bringing Grams as her date.

14. Valentine's Day Massacre

Joey disapproves when Dawson is persuaded by Pacey to attend an illegal Valentine's Day party. Despite her initial reservations, Joey ultimately decides to join the party along with Jack and Andie, accompanied by their childhood friend Kate. The party, hosted by local troublemaker Matt Caulfield, quickly spirals into chaos, leading to the group getting rounded up by Doug and thrown into the drunk tank. They are later rescued by Mitch, except for Pacey. During a heart-to-heart with Doug, Pacey reveals his feelings for Joey for the first time. At the end of the episode, Pacey attempts to broach the topic with Joey but ends up offering her driving lessons instead. Meanwhile, Jen's date with Henry takes a turn for the worse, ending in a trip to the hospital due to Henry's overzealous efforts.

15. Crime and Punishment

Joey is selected to paint a mural at school, but it gets vandalized, leading to Pacey taking matters into his own hands and facing consequences. Matt Caulfield is expelled after being identified as the culprit. Andie achieves top scores on her PSAT but feels guilty for cheating and confesses to Principal Green. Pacey's home becomes crowded with his sister and her children, prompting him to consider moving in with Doug. Pacey and Joey's bond strengthens as Dawson inadvertently tests Pacey's genuine care for her. Absent: Michelle Williams

16. To Green, with Love

Joey mobilizes her friends to protest Principal Green's forced resignation over Matt Caulfield's expulsion. Gail and Dawson collaborate on a counter-report to challenge biased news coverage, leading to a job offer for Gail, which she declines in favor of pursuing her dream of starting a restaurant. Pacey's growing feelings for Joey prompt him to seek advice from Jen. In an effort to support Joey's creativity, Pacey rents her a public wall for painting. Principal Green stands firm against the school board's orders and upholds Caulfield's expulsion, sacrificing his own job, earning the admiration of Capeside High students as he departs.

17. Cinderella Story

Pacey drives Joey to the train station for her date with A.J. in Boston, cautioning her not to get too hopeful. Meanwhile, Jen, Jack, and Andie help out at Dawson and Gail's restaurant. Dawson eventually seeks his father's help, much to his mother's initial resistance. Pacey mentors a young boy named Buzz, seeing similarities to his own past. At the train station, Joey meets A.J.'s friend Morgan, whose love for A.J. is revealed during his reading. Drawing from her own experiences, Joey encourages A.J. to pursue Morgan and ends their relationship. She calls Pacey for a ride back, and he willingly drives through the night. Pacey urges Joey to open up about what went wrong with A.J., leading to a pivotal moment where he expresses his feelings through a kiss.

18. Neverland

After their kiss, Joey and Pacey discuss the situation with their siblings. Pacey receives encouragement from Doug and attempts to confess his feelings to Dawson during a camping trip, but they are interrupted. Jen discovers Henry has lied about his birthday party and confronts him, leading to reconciliation. Joey has a girls' night with Jen and Andie, realizing her own confusion. They visit a roller rink where Jen and Henry reconcile. Jack invites Ethan to stay, but his father cancels his trip. Ethan helps Jack reconcile with his father, who canceled to bond with him.

19. Stolen Kisses

Jen and Henry go through a bumpy time when she is consumed with jealousy over his friendship with waitress Shelley ( Sarah Lancaster ) at Gail's restaurant. Dawson, Joey, Andie, Pacey and Will Krudski ( Rodney Scott ), a childhood friend of the gang who has remained close with Pacey (Will appears in two subsequent episodes as an introductory character for Young Americans, a backdoor pilot and spin-off for Dawson's Creek ), head to the house of Dawson's Aunt Gwen ( Julie Bowen ) to spend their school holiday away from Capeside. The trip is filled with tension as Joey and Pacey attempt to fight their feelings. Andie and Will appear to have a connection, and Dawson tries to bond again with Joey, who is preoccupied by her feelings for Pacey. Encouraged by Dawson's aunt, the friends have a karaoke contest. Pacey kisses Joey again and informs her that she must make the next move. At the end of the episode, Joey initiates a kiss with Pacey. Absent: Kerr Smith

20. The Longest Day

The day Pacey and Joey's relationship goes public is played out four times, each time revealing a little more of what happened, a structure inspired by the film Go: As Pacey christens True Love, he promises Joey that he will tell Dawson about their relationship. He encounters Andie and Will at the library, where Will asks advice on asking Andie out on a date. As Pacey goes up the steps to Dawson's house, Joey intercepts him to stop him, and the two get into an argument until Dawson hears them and emerges with questions. Joey admits how she feels to Jen. She thinks twice when Andie admits Will has asked her out, but Andie cannot agree due to her feelings for Pacey. Dawson asks Joey to join her for a movie night; she finds him watching The Last Picture Show, the film he and Joey watched on their first date, concerning a love triangle. Unnerved by Dawson's commentary, she leaves and intercepts Pacey outside Dawson's house. They get into an argument until Dawson emerges to ask why they are arguing. Dawson reveals that he already knows what they're about to tell him. Dawson hands Pacey a bottle of champagne with which to christen his boat. At the library, Will asks for advice on staging first dates. Dawson goes to talk to Jen, and she offers sympathy, thinking Joey has told him the truth, which leads Dawson to guess Joey and Pacey are together. He returns home and Joey drops in as he watches The Last Picture Show. When Joey and Pacey get into an argument, Dawson emerges, asks the question, then castigates them for their betrayal. As Jen hangs out with Henry, Dawson interrupts and she accidentally reveals the situation. Henry seems oblivious to her being upset, and the two fight. Meanwhile, Will and Andie have their first date, but it ends when they stumble upon the argument outside Dawson's house. Andie upbraids Pacey for falling for Joey, whose first love is Dawson. As the looping perspectives end, Dawson gives Joey an ultimatum: if she continues her relationship with Pacey, she will be ending their friendship. Joey is brokenhearted at losing one of them, but reluctantly ends things with Pacey.

21. Show Me Love

Capeside prepares for its annual boat racing regatta. Pacey has entered with Will as his crew and Leery's Fresh Fish, Mitch and Gail's new restaurant, as his sponsor. Dawson decides to compete as well, bringing in Jack and Mitch as his crew and with Potters' Bed and Breakfast as his sponsor. Both Joey and Pacey realize Dawson is trying to make Joey the prize, though Dawson himself is oblivious; during the race, he breaks the rules by cutting off True Love, and is disqualified despite being first across the finish line. Joey scolds him for it, and tells both boys that she is not worth fighting over. After many weeks of deliberating, Gail finally makes things happen with Mitch. Henry, attempting to make up for his insensitivity in the previous episode, begs Jen to forgive him, and they spend a romantic night together on the roof of the restaurant. Grams is disappointed at Jen's conduct until Jen reveals that the two did not have sex.

22. The Anti-Prom

Dawson, Joey, and Andie organize a counter-cultural prom after Jack faces discrimination over his prom date, Ethan. Dawson asks Joey to be his date, while Andie asks Pacey, hoping to win back their exes. However, Joey and Pacey share a moment on the dance floor, overshadowing their dates' intentions. The next day, Joey tells Dawson she's not ready to make decisions. Jen learns that Henry will spend the summer at football camp without informing her, leading to their breakup. Jack's date with Ethan also ends poorly when Ethan admits he's not ready to openly date a man. Gail proposes to Mitch, witnessed by Dawson and Joey.

23. True Love

Gail and Mitch prepare for their wedding, with Dawson as the best man and Joey as the maid of honor. Despite news of Pacey planning to leave for a three-month trip, Joey pushes through the festivities for Dawson's sake. At Pacey's farewell party, Jen and Jack express regrets about their recent relationships, prompting Grams to encourage seizing the moment. Jen reconciles with Henry and Jack kisses Ethan, facing his fears. Meanwhile, Jack's father expresses pride in his son's identity. As the day progresses, Joey realizes her feelings for Pacey, and Dawson encourages her to pursue him. Joey and Pacey share a kiss and set sail together the next morning. Returning home, Dawson finds support from Jen, Jack, and Andie after his rejection by Joey.