Dawson's Creek (TV Series) Tamara's Return (1998) User Reviews

The return of Mrs. Jacobs, Tamara...

[m-47826 · 7/10 · 12 July 2022]

I see Alternate Lifestyles and Tamara's Return as a two part episode. And I love both equally. The first for the school assignment, and everything that ensued and the second, for the return of Tamara Jacobs. And how it will change both hers and Pacey's perceptions of things. Joey the artist, is something writers shouldn't have taken so lightly, and I don't understand why she didn't continue her drawing and art classes. Another real life Tamara plays her art program teacher, and I don't understand either why she didn't stay in the show longer. Abby and Jen hit on a hot sailor played by that guy from Stargate Atlantis (?) and Dawson diminishes Joey's passion, while Jack shows strong interest for it. And after that, she still didn't know he was gay?... We also learn more about him and his sister, Andie. Whose reaction to Pacey's petty comments about her and her family, on « Alternative Lifestyles » was more than justified. There, they grow a little closer, and that part where both stumble upon Tamara, was one of the best scenes of the episode. Gail and Mitch keep on with the charade, while their son is just taking it all in. Early season 2 of Dawson's Creek was full of promises, and I'm glad these episodes addressed issues that weren't entirely dealt with previously. And gave closure to one of first season's star couple... New end song don't fit the scene.

Back in the Day

[ttapola · 8/10 · 1 January 2011]

Season One of Dawson's Creek ended on a great note, if a predictable one. When a show becomes a(n instant) hit on its first season, the pressure on Season Two can often cause the show-runners try too much to capitalize on the show's success and when doing so, fail. The first three episodes of Season Two introduced us The Two McPhees, played by the by-the-numbers handsome Kerr Smith and the unconventionally adorable Meredith Monroe, both of whom have continued working in acting after Dawson's Creek ended, which does not come as a surprise since they are both pretty good actors. However, the addition of their characters to Dawson's Creek turned out to be more like a manifestation of the old adage of Too Many Cooks.

So, to stir things up, Tamara returns, and instantly proceedings become more interesting - and steamy. It also once again proves that Joshua Jackson was the real star of this show - along with Katie Holmes. Also, Abby recurs, which is good, but she should have been promoted to main cast. The character is more interesting - the change of her style since her first appearance has seemed odd, until here, where Vincent (Joe Flanigan of later Stargate: Atlantis fame) declares her a "phony". Plus, Monica Keena is soooo cute, and one cannot but wonder whether she'd have made it like Katie Holmes, had she been given more to chew in Dawson's Creek.

In the end, this is a great episode and Dawson's Creek becomes reinvigorated, but the lingering question remains: how long will it last?

Seeing some improvement

[savinainenpihla · 8/10 · 6 July 2021]

I always felt uncomfortable with Pacey's relationship with Tamara, I was in disbelief the entire episode, not sure how to feel really. I have said it a million times but I love Pacey, and I love how he develops in this ep!! Ah this can only mean that something good is ahead.