(I originally did this at the start of this season. I've updated it to include the rest of the season 3 eps. On hindsight, I also hiked "Pierce Me" up to the top grade, just because I can. Only one new ep in the highest tier, but also only one in the lowest ... conclusion, the writers continue to refine the formula(s), making fewer egregious mistakes, but some of the shine is coming off the rose as the series ages.)
One of the more interesting things about this group is seeing the contrasts in what various members view as the really great Darias vs. the sorta lame Darias.
Just to add fuel to this particular fire, I've taken all 39 eps. so far, and ranked them into five distinct groups in descending order of quality. The groups are:
Classic: For episodes that far exceed even the high standards of Daria.
A Night to Remember: For episodes that deliver everything we expect from Daria.
Really Cute: Solid episodes that are a credit to the series, despite maybe some rough spots.
Cute: Episodes that weren't that great an idea to start with, or that never live up to their promise.
Sorta Cute: Still good, because Daria never sux, but definitely below the standards we've come to expect.
Here's the list.
CLASSIC Esteemers (As a pilot, some things are in an embryonic state, but the satire is sharp, the character's are well introduced, and classic one liners fall like rain.)
The Road Worrier (The first time Daria displays any emotional vulnerability. A completely charming episode.)
The Misery Chick (The show reaches out into new territory, dealing with serious life issues without sacrificing any laughs.)
Pierce Me (Another outstanding Daria/Trent episode.)
Arts n' Crass (The moral delimma is believable, the satire is sharp, and wonderful character moments for Daria, Jane and Helen.)
Write Where It Hurts (Some of the fantasy bits worked better than others, but still probably the show's high point so far. The great thing about this one is the way it lets us directly into Daria's head.)
Lane Miserables (Great comedy writing, and a believable and satisfying resolution to the Daria/Trent thing)
AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER This Year's Model (Lots of people seem to hate this episode, but I find it one of the sharpest satires from season one.)
Pinch Sitter (Nothing spectacular here, just some really, really hilarious writing.)
Quinn the Brain (For me, the role reversal thing between Daria and Quinn definitely worked. Showed how the girls are more alike than different.)
I Don't (Aunt Amy hiked this one a full grade. Daria gets a role model.)
Monster (Another great sisters episode. We see Quinn at her very worst, and also at her most honest. Characterization shines.)
Depth Takes a Holiday (Inexplicably hated by many rabid fans . bottom line, it's funny. It plays like something Daria herself would write in a whimsical mood.)
Speedtrap (Effective mix of Daria/Quinn and Jane/Trent/The Band . two of the show's strongest elements. Plus rednecks!)
Jane's Addition (Great, funny character episode. Almost made top grade, but the Daria/Trent stuff seemed tacked on - especially after Lane Miserables - and the whole thing just never quite jelled to perfection.)
REALLY CUTE The Invitation (Competently plays on riffs that would quickly become familiar.)
Caf� Disaffecto (Great ending, nice scene with the fat lady, but the whole thing's just a bit too over the top.)
College Bored (Mixed bag. Daria and Quinn's bits are great - but too short, Jake and Helen's are annoying.)
See Jane Run (A good characterization episode, but maybe just a bit too earnest.) Ill (Some nice moments of both humor and character, but never really comes together like the classics do.)
That Was Then, This is Dumb (Very funny business with Jake & Helen, but why did Daria run away from the main action?)
The New Kid (Seems to annoy lots of people, but I found it sweet. A bit too low-key to be a real stunner.)
Daria! The Musical (For a lot of people this was a love it/hate it thing. My reaction was, "Hey, fun ... but don't do it again.")
Through a Lens Darkly (It's good that the focus is so firmly on Daria, but nothing to make it a truly great episode.)
Daria Dance Party (Daria stays in the background, but at least she's visible.)
Jake of Hearts (Some nice family stuff, but rather disjointed - morning DJs? - and Jake is at his most pathetic.)
The Lawndale Files (Cast of thousands, nobody gets a real chance to shine.)
CUTE Malled (Malls = Dehumanization. This episode hits the target, which is roughly 10 times the size of a barn.)
Lab Brat (An excuse to recombine the characters a bit, more or less at random. Just a bit too random. Where's the payoff?)
Too Cute (Quinn's "problem" is so ludicrous, you never really believe the interaction between her and Daria.)
The Teachings Of Don Jake (We expect more focused humor than this. Daria is pretty much wasted, while her family plays three stooges.)
The Old and the Beautiful (Not without moments, but uncomfortably close to Caf� Disaffecto, and it lowers Daria's personality to the level of schtick.)
It Happened One Nut. (Daria and Kevin working at the same fast food place . now that you know that, you could write this episode.)
Just Add Water (Titanic parody . yawn. Plus very little Daria, but strong Quinn quotient & some nice faculty moments save it from the basement.)
SORTA CUTE The Big House (Daria is grounded. This ep never goes a single step past its high concept.)
The Daria Hunter (Everybody runs around making fools of themselves. Daria wanders off. Isn't this supposed to be her show?)
Fair Enough (At least The Daria Hunter had some clever satire. Pretty pointless, and almost no Daria. The show's low point so far.)
Gifted (Supposed to finally be Jody's time in the spotlight, but we learn nothing meaningful about the character. The other shows in this category are what they are, but this one could have been so much more.)
The Lost Girls (I wanted to rank this one higher, but was prevented by major credibility problems, plus what's-her-name is just SO annoying.)