In the past, I have utilized a somewhat detailed system for rating fanfiction. I gave up on that when I realized I couldn't truely do justice to the works of my favorite author (actually, now my *second* favorite author, as shall be seen below), C.E. Forman.
Writing reviews about quirky fics is easy, since I can easily lay on the praise for good parts, complain about the bad parts, and overall, end up with a balanced review. With Forman, it was difficult. His (her) fics weren't exactly brilliant conceptially, but every one was enjoyable, well executed, and the schedule (s)he managed to follow truely felt like a second set of episodes for the season, not to mention the fact that each and every one could easily blend into the schedule of real episodes, to the point where I occasionally confused events in a fic for actual episodic events. (dang, my sentences run on like Quinn's! Ick.)
But, I didn't come here to lavish praise on C.E. Forman (though it certainly couldn't hurt anything). I came here to talke about the fan fiction of John Takis; that, and crappy e-mail service. In truth, I would've been content to e-mail him on his work, but Xoom is "upgrading" their e-mail service (read: adding features I'll never actually use), and Freewwweb has an annoying habit of not recognizing my password (though it sometimes does; go figure). So I post this to the group, in the hopes of allowing others the enjoyable read, and hoping Takis will see it, either because he reads the group (I've lost track of who actually reads it) or because someone passes it on to him. If you're reading this, John, kudos!
Fic 1: "Band Aid"
First of all, I will warn you when I reach the real spoilers. The first part might actually enhance the reading experiance for one who hasn't experienced the wonderous experience that is marching band. I just might get the atmosphere across to you, that is assumed in the fic. But if you really don't want spoilers, don't read past this point. Just go to:
http://systech.simplenet.com/daria/fanfic/band_aid.txt
I'll warn you when I start the *real* spoilers.
I read this one last night, and the night before. I decided to try out the work of this Outpost Daria "Featured Author" that I had never read before. The idea of Daria joining the band sounded a bit contrived, but I was desperate, to tell you the truth. Needless to say, I was very impressed.
As far as the setup for the story, it didn't seem contrived at all. Joining band to get out of P.E. is a perfectly valid reason, even for Daria. The only thing that approached contrivance was the idea that Jane, at some point, took piano lessons. This is made more unlikely by the degree of involvement her parents have with her upbringing (not exactly the sort to force lessons on her; wouldn't want to crush that butterfly, now would we?). But even that is slight.
The choice of instruments for the various characters was perfect, IMO. Daria on cymbals is perfect. Most people who join for P.E. credit, have a musical background, but aren't very good at their instruments, end up in the percussion section.
Jane's choice of the tuba also made sense, for all the reasons that Mike the Saxaphone Player said. Speaking of which, tell me, John. Have you ever played the saxaphone? ;)
Finally, putting Jodie on the clairnet made perfect sense. The only other instrument I could see her on is the flute or the trumpet (and those are unlikely). I never did agree with Forman's putting her on the trombone. She's just not... crazy enough I suppose. I have yet to meet a sane trombone player (and that includes myself!).
Putting Upchuck on trombone was entirely appropriate. In a way, I would prefer to see him on trumpet or saxaphone, but I suppose that's just me defending my section. ;) I have the visual in my head, and Charles is absolutely perfect for the instrument. And putting him in the midst of flute players proves that the band experience is the same, no matter where you're from. (Hello Laura, Sharon, JENNY ;p)
Now that I have thouroughly bored the non-musicians of the group, I shall moved on to the color guard. (Groan, says the audience.) Imagine those wonderful outfits the color guard wears, with the short skirts and sweaters, much more tactful than the cheerleader outfits, flags whirling, girls twirling; altogether a beautiful sight. Now, imagine the *fashion club* in those outfits. I don't think the actual production team has ever produced a more potentially beautiful image.
The mention of the fashion club in color guard leads on to the slight breakdown of social barriers in the band. This is *also* entirely appropriate. Barriers were low at my alma mater as it was, but barriers don't get any lower than in the band. Letting Staci and Tiffany actually hang out with Brooke was a nice touch. The dropping of the "outfit barrier" between Quinn and Sandi was very good, as well.
Quinn even interacted with Daria as a *person*, right there in the middle of the band room! At first, I thought this was an oversight on Takis' part. Then I thought about it. I don't think it was.
Okay, everybody get out the spoiler protection spray.
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Okay, spoiler protection up. I was rather disappointed by Daria's actions. That is to say, I know she did the right thing, but I was disappointed by the outcome. That is to say...
She ended a potential social golden age! Watching Staci cry was particularly heartbreaking.
What it is is this. The band "director" was unethical, attempting to take money away from sports, which would ultimately end up sucking money away from academics. Daria knew this, so she sabotauged the performance that was specifically designed to bring honor to Lawwwnnndaaaale High, in order to convince Ms. Li to allocate more of the special grant money to the band. Sounds great, but the end result is sports gets less money. Still not impressed? Ms. Li could hardly let the Lawndale Lions atrophy, so she'd redirect the money from academics to sports. Okay, now you're convinced.
Still, did she have to destroy the idyllic paradise that is having the main characters in the band? (I am, of corse, exaggerating.) I suppose she did, if only to avoid creating yet another parrallell Dariaverse. Still, it made me sad. :(
I'm done writing for now. I'll likely be back tommorow, with a review of "Daria's Christmas Carol."
I had but one complaint. The "matered matre 'd"? Please. :p