Jake's character

It appears that a lot of people have been comparing Jake to Homer Simpson. I very much disagree here. First of all, he most certainly isn't lazy; he was on edge with nothing to do in "Arts 'n Crass." A second aspect for comparison may also be a surprise: Jake isn't stupid!

He had a college education and owns his own business. Not many morons can pull that off. He has plenty of knowledge! In fact, he isn't stupid at all so much as he's oblivious. And if the medicine cabinet in "The Daria Database" is any indication, that isn't even all his fault.

He also cares about his family and at least *tries* to participate in parenting. Some of this aspect may be due to his faulty childhood, but he still makes an effort to keep a happy household as much as, if not more than, Helen.

I did write a fanfic where I tried to develop Jake a little, but I suppose I must have failed at that as much as Daria's "Depth of Shallowness" fail to "show more than the surface Quinn." But Jake's character is much more complex than people give it credit for, making it harder to write for and develop.

I'm reminded of a quote from Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, paraphrasing: "Is it possible to create a character that no one will find to be a stereotype?" Jake is one of my favorite characters, up there with the Lane siblings and the VERY under-rated Mack. And unless he actually DOES become a clone of Homer, it'll stay that way.

--- John Berry

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Hellelujiah! I couldn't agree more - it seems so obvious to me. Just because Jake is perhaps more "cartoony" than the other Daria characters doesn't mean he's one-dimensional. "D! TM" was really his moment of glory.

*Queefy

"You mean she's out there? In that maelstrom!? Oh, God, nooooooooooo!" -Jake

!!here there be spoilers!! /un /deux /trois /quatre /cinq / / / / /dix / / / / / / / / / /vingt / / / / / / / / / /trente / / / / / / / / / /quarante (okay, my Francais sucks.) [email] wrote:

Well, I agree that D! saw Jake in a much better light-- especially when he finally asserted himself in front of Helen (will wonders never cease?) <g>, until, of course, he wrecked the car within sight of the house. <g> Will Jake *ever* win? I feel his pain. <g>

I like Jake-- I just wish that someone would let him finally mature a little. (Just a little-- I like his emotionality contrasted with Helen's cooler nature-- but I'd like to see him become someone a kid could turn to for advice without fear of being traumatized.)

just wonderin', rich.

Jake: Who do you want in an emergency? Superman, or your *damn inner child?*

I have to agree with John here, even if his name has a H in it. <g> I posted a theory long ago in a far away ng on how the human male ages. Basicly it stated that the loss of brain cells in the human male accelerates as soon as the kids come along. A babys' wail causes the human male brain to resonant, frying neurons. By the time the kids are teenagers, the human male has been reduced to a blithering idiot only able to hand out cash and car keys. I think Jake is part of the proof of this theory.

Jon Armstrong The Space Ranger Graveyard gives one a unique outlook on life. A dark one.

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That was funny BUT...if only you knew my dad....

Let's just say no Native American warrior can make a mean face quite like Dad. He gives you one look -- just ONE look -- and you'll know you're in trouble.

Then again he can sometimes be a big teddy bear, so there goes that.... :)

deena lissa

"I believe you'll follow me, it's all I need to know" (Duran Duran, 1987) Jane: Dear Daria, Lousy Traitor. Daria: Dear Jane, I know what you are, but what am I?