Well�I for one liked DARIA! It was an unexpected first
episode. Who would have ever thought that the writers and producers
would have been so bold as to make a musical? It was creative, daring
and innovative and I enjoyed it. The lyrics themselves were clever and
catchy (I caught myself more than once humming: "They must be worried" .
. . and "Gah, gah, damn it!" at work, so I know I must have enjoyed
it). The songs were original and well constructed and not simple
rip-offs of "She'll be coming 'round the mountain" et al.
It was a shock to watch the characters sing. Especially Tracy
Grandstaff who didn't so much as sing, as speak harmoniously like Rex
Harrison or Walter Mathau. Special honors must be bestowed on Wendy
Hoopes who not only has a lovely singing voice but who had to do several
of the characters voices (while keeping in character). We also
witnessed once again the writer's allusions to the parallels between
Helen's workaholic schedule and Quinn's shopaholic, boyahonic lifestyle.
Hmmm? Interesting. Even though I found Jake's solo: "Gah, gah, damit" to
be the highlight of the episode. I agree with those who have pointed
out that Jake is in need of serious character development less he become
a parody of himself.
Once again, we get to see that Daria has more friends that even
she is willing to admit. Kevin and Brittany are her friends. Not
withstanding, the most hilarious line of the episode: "Please point
those things the other way."
Well, I guess this pretty much settles the insipid
arguments about where is Lawndale. Since, Lawndale has never been
portrayed as particularly tropical (or Texan) . . . I guess that leaves
its geographical location somewhere along the Eastern seaboard, eh?
I am very much looking forward to next weeks episode when
Daria has to consider getting contact lenses. I have to confess, I am
very much in the: (Daria is beautiful) without her glasses camp. Oh
well, so much for superficial values.�S. Mc Allister