James Van Der Beek Was Once On "Clarissa Explains It All"

It was adorable and amazing.

In 1993, five years before James Van Der Beek would become Dawson, he had a guest role as a hot drummer on Nickelodeon's Clarissa Explains It All.

Nickelodeon

Clarissa and Sam are getting away with hosting a party and Clarissa has dressed as her alter ego, a Long Island rocker named JADE.

Nickelodeon

Jade comes over to Dawson after his performance. She's impressed with his skills despite him looking "so straight."

Early shades of Dawson: Here, James is tortured by another art. His music.

Clarissa/Jade REALLY tries to impress him with her badassery.

Nickelodeon

He actually seems more uncomfortable than impressed.

To view an adorable clip from Dawson's appearance on Clarissa, see below!