Humanizing Upchuck

I was very glad to see Chuck actually getting to do something that publicly succeeded, and making a friend in the process (*). One of the few things I _didn't_ like about the situation portrayed _Daria_ was the assumption that Chuck was doomed to permanent pariah status.

Unless we want to assume that Chuck is fundamentally evil or incurably insane, there was no reason for this status to be permanent. Chuck is capable of growing and maturing like any other characters.

We've all known someone like Chuck. Some of us have _been_ like Chuck. Almost _all_ guys have been Upchuckish on occasion during their teenage years.

I'm glad to see that Chuck is finally stepping outside his assumed persona, and demonstrating his real talents.

(*) There is no actual evidence, yet, that Stacy is anything more than his friend.

in article [email], Jordan S. Bassior at [email] wrote on 6/1/01 11:47 AM:

I agree. I was glad to see Upchuck (or should we call him Charles now) use something other than trite pickup lines to garner the attention of women. His skill in magic also could be used to mask his seemingly vast insecurity and intimacy issues. (Remember his reaction to Daria's "practice boobs" in Too Cute?)

Any other characters besides Kevin and Brittany. They've basically stayed the same.

Unlike Sandi, who on several occasions, called Upchuck "Charles".

Perfection is subjective.

Know all men by these presents, that the aforesaid "Shawn St.Clair" did write in news:B73D3E45.2005%[email], on the date of 01 Jun 2001:

I think that's what she usually calls him to his face, but Sandi being Sandi, she manages to make it sound more insulting than 'Upchuck.' (The fact that she followed it with a knee to the groin in "Fair Enough" added injury to insult...)

Mark Steese a/k/a Corvus Marinus who will make a dainty garland for his head and sing

Yeah. I mumbled "back off a little, Daria" under my breath while watching.

I think he'd prefer "Chuck". That's the name his cousins in "Daria Dance Party" used. Being ironically formal is just Sandi's haughtiness.

And subjection is perfective. :-)

M Man

Shawn said:

Yes -- I don't think that he's actually had all that much intimacy with the opposite sex. Stacy, despite her obvious innocence, may actually have had more -- we do know that the FC at least_kisses_ on their dates.

It's even possible that Sandi and Charles may have been friends when they were small children.

In article , Jordan S. Bassior wrote:

Chuck was a damned good DJ at the school dance. He's a pretty smart guy, and more than likely social adjustment will come in time.

Jordan S. Bassior wrote:

I think Daria has had too many bad encounters with Upchuck to be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Also, up till now, Upchuck's not been in a position where he can be humanized. This has changed.

And yes, Upchuck is capable of growing and changing. The only ones who haven't shown any growth or change are Kevin and Brittany (and maybe Tiffany, too).

It is a good thing that we see a more human side to Upchuck.

And yes, most likely Stacy's just a friend at this point.

Belle Book

Belle Book said:

Being able to be friends with a girl is a major step for Upchuck. And being able to be friends with a guy is probably a major step for Stacy too .. we have no evidence that she's ever related to a guy in any way other than in terms of the stereotypical Fashion Clubbish dating.

Jordan S. Bassior wrote:

You're right. Upchuck has never had a girl take any interest in him, period. All he's experienced has been rejection -- of course, he brought a lot of that on himself -- so befriending a girl is a major step for him.

And Stacy would've known no other way to relate to a guy other than in the terms she's always known -- stereotypical Fashion Clubbish dating, which doesn't seem to have worked for her much -- so developing a friendship with a guy is a big step for her, and one that will further her self-confidence.

Belle Book

[email] (Belle Book) wrote in message news:...

I liked how Stacy seemed virtually immune to his innuendo. She never responded to it at all, focusing only on the magic. It was also nice to see that Charles wasn't disappointed by that; he shifted gears and turned Stacy into a partner. He let her in on the joke.

While I would very likely loathe him in real life, I have to say I admire Upchuck's teflon resistance to criticism, his unflagging optimism, and his creativity. Like Daria, he's charted his own course, and disapproval or criticism isn't going to deter him. Unfortunately, I find his course generally revolting, but what the heck? He's a cartoon.

David

David wrote:

So do I. His resistance to criticism, his optimism, and his creativity are stuff I also admire; I just wish he'd choose a different course to use in applying his gifts. Still, he may find a better way to utilize his skills, and the relationship with Stacy might be just the trick for him. And who would've guessed * that * might happen?

Belle Book