Show:  Dawson’s Creek

Role:  Insensitive mother

Best Lines:

Mama Witter:  “Why doesn’t Joanna set the table?”

Pacey:  “Her name’s Joey, mom.”

Mama Witter: “That’s what I said.”

Ah, Dawson’s Creek.  Our generation’s Gossip Girl.  Back when the WB was inventing its successful format of fast-talking, pop culture referencing, enormously witty yet alarmingly angsty casts of characters, Dawson’s Creek was right at the forefront of the movement.  In this episode, the sad, sad former Mighty Duck Pacey has a sad, sad family whose sad, sad parents belittle him to no end, giving Joey, his sad, sad-eyed girlfriend, sad insight into his sad childhood.  Jane plays his mom, with weaponized one-line barbs that all show that she has a complete and utter lack of faith in her son.  It’s a little over the top – ok, we get it, Pacey has had no emotional support his entire life – but it’s still worth the watch just to see Jane deliver what usually is deadpan humor in a setting where those words are meant to hurt.  You do really feel bad for poor ol’, well-intentioned Pacey.  Cue Paula Cole.