The 2011 Summer Re-Watch: Dawson's Creek "Beauty Contest" Review

As the episode opens, Dawson and Joey watch a program about mating habits of insects. Dawson wonders how a female praying mantis knows which male mantes she's attracted to because they all look the same. Joey states that it's instinct and comments on how sad it is that humans don't trust instinct to guide them to their mate. And thus, a theme is born. Dawson and Joey have a back-and-forth about the media and culture's influence on people's pursuit of a sexual and romantic partner. The argument dies without resolution. Dawson wonders if Joey's driven by pure animal instinct. She stares at Dawson with lust, half-smiles and shrugs her shoulders so it's THAT kind of animal instinct. "Beauty Contest" is about Joey's beauty, and how Dawson reacts when he realizes how beautiful his best friend is (and it's about other stuff too).

The Miss Windjammer pageant conveniently happens as the theme of beauty emerges in the narrative. The pageant's run by wealthy, small-minded individuals who reward wealthy and young women of Capeside with $5,000. Joey reluctantly enters the pageant with Jen as her coach. The reason? Joey wants the $5,000. The money represents the possibility of a life outside of the borders of Capeside, Massachusetts, which is a significant plot point in the episode because it sets up the urgency in the season finale. Joey doesn't win the Miss Windjammer pageant. She charms the audience, the judges, and Dawson (most importantly). She sings a stirring rendition of "One My Own" from Les Miserables but she finishes second. And she's okay with that. Joey's accepted that nothing will come easy for her, especially in a town that looks down on her family. When she hears Hannah van Wanning insult her family, she nearly cracks until Dawson reminds her that she's better than all of the Hannahs in the world, and that he's proud of her. Hannah finishes third in the contest. More importantly, Joey receives the last word and uses it to remind people that no one deserves to be judged regardless of class and implores everyone to remember who they are and never sell out.

"Beauty Contest" is Joey's episode and she shines. Dawson's overwhelmed with what he suddenly feels for Joey. He's unable to convey what he feels because he's fifteen years old (I'll say it again--that's good writing). The episode's designed for Joey to emerge from her shell because she'll never grow if she remains in that shell. Joey's sense-of-self is important for the next bunch of episodes in the series. The episode's also designed for Dawson to recognize Joey as more than his best friend. "Beauty Contest" succeeds in both areas. Joey emerges from her shell without sacrificing her identity and sense-of-self; her beauty changes Dawson's feelings. After Miss Windjammer's over, Dawson and Joey spend time with one another on a pier. Dawson stumbles over words. Joey smiles. The best friends are close to becoming more but Joey stops Dawson before something happens. She's like Cinderella before midnight. Tomorrow, when she wakes up, she'll be the same Joey she's always been, and Dawson should want her as much as he wants Miss Windjammer Joey. Until he does, she'll wait.

Throughout the Miss Windjammer pageant, Jen re-discovered her attraction towards Dawson as his attraction for Joey grew. Suddenly, Jen doesn't embrace the thought of being the third wheel to a Dawson-Joey romance. She tries to become his girlfriend again but Dawson rejects her because he needs to think about some stuff (i.e. Joey Potter). Jen's near tears when she leaves. Dawson never bothered to look his ex-girlfriend in the face. I'll add that Dawson insulted her two or three times in the first act and admitted to Pacey that the insults were meant to draw her back to him--it begins. The writers created a solid love triangle heading into the season finale.

In the B story, Pacey competed for the Miss Windjammer crown because he needed money to move away from his parents' house. The fight with his father is the first instance of the trouble between Pacey and his father. Their issues will be explored further in a season two episode. Pacey's story of the fight isn't long and it makes him more sympathetic. Pacey didn't become a worthwhile character until Tamara left. Dawson encouraged Pacey to compete in the all-female contest for the chance that Dawson's footage would hit national airwaves. Pacey doesn't win and feels embarrassed that he competed, especially when he learns the judges never gave him a shot. It's not a feel-good Pacey story but he'll find happiness soon.

"Beauty Contest" is the penultimate episode of the season. The pieces are in place for a memorable season finale. Will Joey and Dawson figure it out? Will the writers remember that Jen's grandfather is in the show? I digress. I've always enjoyed "Beauty Contest" because I have a soft spot for Joey, and it's her episode. The episode's great set-up for "Decisions."

Some other thoughts:

--Pacey and Dawson have a conversation about Joey. Dawson explains why he'll never look at Joey as more than a friend. Pacey points out that Dawson, despite his platonic feelings, doesn't want any other male to have her--that won't change as the series progresses. In fact, Dawson's behavior only worsens.

--"Superman" by Goldfinger plays during the montage of the contestants performing. Great song.

--Dana Baratta wrote the episode. Arvin Brown directed it.

--Will next week be the last week of the Dawson's Creek Re-Watch? Maybe. I've thought about writing about the season two premiere and one or two other season two episodes. I probably will write about three season two episodes.

UP NEXT: "Decisions"--In the season finale, Dawson and Joey are forced to confront their true feelings. Joey visits her father in prison and debates leaving to go to France. Jen's grandfather dies and she turns to Dawson for comfort.

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