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 27 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.) 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.)
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.) Pierce Me (Another outstanding Daria/Trent episode.) 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.)
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.) 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.") 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.)
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.)
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.)