spoiler space (see, I told you I'd get it)
Okay then. I'm just going to give everyone my opinions of the show right
now, and I won't be too brief, so hold on.
I've always been a Daria fan, since the first episode I watched when
practically no one had heard of it. It was funny in that it played on
everyone's predefined stereotypes of high school (I know; I'm a freshman
myself and I often find myself comparing my classmates to characters on the
show; sad, I know.), and most of the students were so shallow that it was
hard NOT to laugh. That was great; I loved every minute of it.
But lately, I've found that I'm even MORE engrossed in the show,
because, as many of you have probably noticed, it's been maturing in a
variety of ways. The characters have been developing with more depth,
making them seem more like *real* people rather than stylized stereotypes,
and that's what gives the show it's appeal, IMO. For instance, in #413
alone, many of the characters were opening up to their more realistic sides
(if that makes sense), and in turn developing their personalities.
Examples:
DARIA: Her speech in Tom's car alone was enough to make anyone believe she's
a real person, as she was finally *really* expressing her feelings to him,
something she rarely ever does, or usually does with sarcasm. Her opening
up to Tom makes you realize that she's a real teenager with real problems,
and not just "the outcast" with a cutting reply for every instance.
JANE: Jane's always had a little more character than Daria, but lately she's
displayed her true emotions in the situation with Daria and Tom, and that is
respectable, even in a cartoon.
TRENT: In this episode, Trent truly came out of his sleepy, out-of-it rocker
persona for the first time, I think, in that he showed some real love and
compassion for his sister, trying to console her and so forth. I've always
liked him as a character, I don't know why, and this other dimension he's
gained just enhances his image.
HELEN: I, for one, never expected her to develop a personality other than
the one she was stuck with in the beginning, but I was pleased and surprised
at the scene where she completely blew off her work to spend time with
Daria. She came off as a real mother who cared enough to "share her wisdom"
with her daughter who was really in need of some advice.
Not only have the characters matured, but even the little things have
too, like the animation (little details, like the way Daria's hair moves
when she turns around while Jane's drilling, or the expressions on the
characters' faces), and the voices (anyone noticed how Daria comes out of
her monotone a lot more than she used to?). And with these changes, the
storyline is bound to mature too, as it already has been, and I'm really
pleased about that. Daria has always been a great show, IMO, but lately it
has really been at its peak. Hardly worthy to be on MTV, actually.
Anyway, that was my two cents worth, long as it was. Adios and viva la
lawndale!
-gem