As I continue on my epic journey of marathoning Dawson’s Creek, I’m realizing that this time around I’m much more fond of Jack McPhee than ever before. Why? I’m not really sure. But as I make my way through season 4, his best season, I realize that Kerr Smith’s charming football player is a much more endearing character than I’ve ever given him credit for being. He’s cute, he’s sweet, he’s a loyal friend, a caring brother, a part-time jokester and the best darn little league soccer coach ever.

Add on the fact that Smith is the perfect guy to round out the cast of the CW’s schmultzy darling Life Unexpected (which I’m catching up on now), and he quickly becomes an all-star of my TV week.

Further investigation reveals that the 6-foot-tall actor has a BS in business administration, taught himself to play the piano and the bass and was the face of the first gay kiss on primetime network TV.

Colour me impressed.

In related news, I’m also catching up on The Good Wife. And among that brilliant cast (Josh Charles I adore you!) is Mary Beth Peil, the Creek‘s erstwhile Grams. Which got me thinking: Jack is on Life Unexpected, Grams on The Good Wife, Pacey on Fringe, Audrey on Cougar Town and Dawson on Mercy. Add in 2 certified movie stars in Michelle Williams and Katie Holmes and the Dawson’s Creek cast, it turns out, completely transcended any trace of a teen show curse: almost all of them going on to successful careers. I knew there was something special about that show.