Ep 2. Homecoming

In the third season of Dawson's Creek, the second episode titled "Homecoming" centers around a special event that takes place in Capeside, the fictional town the characters reside in. The episode opens with the students of Capeside High School gearing up for the annual Homecoming dance. Dawson Leery, played by James Van Der Beek, is excited to attend the dance with his new girlfriend, Eve Whitman, played by Brittany Daniel. However, he begins to question his relationship with Eve as he suspects she may have ulterior motives for being with him.

Meanwhile, Joey Potter, played by Katie Holmes, is dealing with her own set of issues as she struggles with the fact that her estranged father, Mike Potter, played by Gareth Williams, has returned to Capeside. Joey is angry with her father for abandoning the family and getting involved in illegal activities. Her anger leads her to lash out and push away her boyfriend, Pacey Witter, played by Joshua Jackson.

Throughout the episode, tensions run high as the characters navigate their personal problems while trying to enjoy the Homecoming festivities. Dawson's suspicions about Eve escalate when he learns she has a connection to Joey's father, Mike. He confronts her, and a heated argument ensues.

At the same time, Joey's father tries to make amends with her by attending the Homecoming dance and reaching out to her. Despite her initial resistance, Joey decides to give her father a chance. However, the reunion is short-lived when he is arrested by the police for his past illegal activities.

The episode comes to a close with the characters each dealing with the aftermath of the Homecoming events. Eve and Dawson break up as he realizes she was using him to get closer to Joey's father. Joey mourns the loss of the relationship with her father and seeks comfort from Pacey. Overall, "Homecoming" is a tense and emotional episode that highlights the complexities of family relationships and teenage angst.