Ep 6. High Anxiety

Following Joey’s decision to enroll in the fictional Worthington University, the upcoming episode of Dawson's Creek Season 5 Episode 6, “High Anxiety”, begins with the ever-looming question of her future career. The discussion centered around her career ambition leads her to have a dream about her future, where she is a successful executive in the fashion industry but, surprisingly, estranged from all her friends. The dream serves as a wake-up call for Joey, who feels the pressure to succeed in college while also struggling with leaving behind her old life in Capeside.

Meanwhile, Pacey’s new boss prefers to focus on profits over ethics, making him uncomfortable in his position. He struggles to reconcile his desire to move up the corporate ladder with his principles, and his anxieties only increase when his girlfriend, Audrey, visits him at work. The visit leaves him even more conflicted, knowing that he may have to make difficult choices to get where he wants to be in life.

On the other hand, Dawson, who has returned to Capeside, is surprised to find that his friends have already made some significant life changes in his absence. Jack and Jen have started pursuing new romantic relationships, while Andie is preparing to leave the Pawnee University. In some way, this realization makes Dawson even more anxious, and he starts to worry that he is not progressing in life.

As the episode progresses, all the characters' high anxiety levels start manifesting in their behavior. Joey over-commits to extracurricular activities and other school-related events, while Pacey finds himself struggling to compromise his standards. Meanwhile, Dawson’s fears of failure lead him to contemplate attending an all-male writing program in the hopes of finding success as a writer.

In the end, the characters' anxieties prompt them to question their own identity and reconsider the choices that they have made in their lives. For Joey, this means confessing her true feelings to her roommate, who she has developed feelings for but always ignored. For Pacey, this means sticking to his principles, even if it puts his career in jeopardy. And for Dawson, this means realizing that he needs a new set of goals to aspire to.

Overall, the Dawson's Creek Season 5 Episode 6, “High Anxiety,” is an insightful exploration of the anxieties of young adulthood. It shows how the characters' fears can drive them to make both good and bad choices, ultimately shaping their lives and their futures. The episode is relatable and relays the message that pursuing what you love and sticking to your core principles is always a better choice than sacrificing everything to achieve success.