So, I tried to do this topic a few years back, got delayed pretty quickly, it purged, and I gave up.
But THIS TIME I am so serious. Also, the series is now out on DVD and I now own it, so that should make things a bit easier. Every episode will be watched, discussed, and ultimately, I will decide whether the episode should be considered canon and provide an explanation.
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
So, I know what you guys are thinking, "It's the freaking pilot! How can the pilot not be canon?" Well, the thing is, this episode is very interesting in that everything isn't quite where it's supposed to be yet. Some of the characters are right on (Daria, Quinn, Jane, Jake, Ms. Li), some of them are exaggerated stereotypes that will eventually become dynamic and well-rounded (Helen), and some of them are somewhat well-rounded now and will eventually become exaggerated stereotypes (Mr. D). Then there are the just plain nonsensical out of character moments, such as Mr. O'Neil getting the students' names wrong. Also, extended footage of Sick Sad World is just very out of place and not supposed to exist.
All of those things could be easily forgiven, but this episode ends with a moment that requires it to be excluded from the canon, which is Daria announcing to the entire school that Quinn is her sister. The entire rest of the series basically ignores this ever happened, until it is eventually resolved in what is portrayed as a pretty meaningful and emotional way (leading to some awesome character development as well). So basically, either this episode is non-canon, or every single episode in which Daria is referenced as "your cousin, or whatever" is non-canon. I think I'll take the easy way out and go with this one.
Verdict: Non-canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
So, this one has a few minor issues, but ultimately has enough good stuff to win out. Especially noteable are Jane's incredibly awesome Daria imitation, and Britney addressing something that will go on to be sort of an elephant in the room for the entire rest of the series, namely that for someone who is supposedly so unpopular, Daria sure does seem to be pretty well known by the popular people and talk to them fairly often.
Some of the slightly weird moments that scream "non-canon" are that blond girl talking to Sandy and Tiffany (who is she exactly?), Tiffany having a normal voice (for her one line of dialogue), and most especially, Daria once again referencing to the Js that she's Quinn's sister as well as Jane entering the makeout room with some random dude. In the end, canon wins out if only for some fairly excellent Daria/Jane hijinx and one-liners. "I'm Quinn's sister, people say we look alike!" and them quizzing the people at the gate at the end are particularly awesome.
Verdict: Canon, but just barely
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
Well, I'm generally not a big fan of episodes that take you away from the regular supporting characters for an extended period of time, but this one isn't too bad. Jake is spot-on in his failed attempts to be cool, and you've got some *incredibly* early foreshadowing via the dream sequences of basically what will end up being a large part of "Is It College Yet?" in Jane not wanting to go, Kevin and Britney secretly wanting to split up, etc.
The only thing here that would make me question the canon really is Daria almost being portrayed as TOO smart. Seriously, there has to be SOMEONE on the campus smart enough to hire out for papers rather than everyone having to rely on a high-school student. Also, Quinn's intimate knowledge of drinking games is a little odd, given that aside from one obscure subplot in one of the movies, the topic of alcohol is pretty much completely avoided throughout the rest of the series.
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
So, what did they end up doing with all the music rights issues in order to get it out on DVD? I remember the last time you made this topic was before then and that was one of the major roadblocks.
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http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8840/crashsig.jpg Dr_Football's bracket was made with 23 flavors.
I'm sure it will surprise absolutely nobody that any episode that ends in anti-Communist riots will automatically receive a 10/10 from me! Aside from the incredibly awesome ending, this episode features some very excellent Daria/Jake interplay (Jake starts off very strong in the series before becoming Flanderized towards the end), as well as some "vintage" Mr. O'Neil. "Don't you agree, Jane?" "No."
Anyway, the only real concerns from a canon standpoint all involve consistencies in regards to Daria's intellect in general, and writing ability in particular. Later episodes showcase her struggling to write things, and in this episode she busts out something good enough to start a riot basically with no effort at all. I'm gonna go ahead and choose this as the real indication of her abilities. And later on, I'm going to go read some Melody Powers fanfiction!
So this one isn't one of my favorites, but a lot of interesting stuff happens in it. Jake begins his slide into a ridiculous caricature. We meet, and are introduced to the dynamics of the fashion club properly for the first time (although Stacy's voice is very messed up). Jody, Mack, and Upchuck all get fleshed out a little bit.
The only real continuity dynamics we have to deal with here are Quinn not being able to recognize Daria from a distance (really?) and Jody selling out principles for cash. Nothing too egregious.
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
So, this episode introduces us to a few different themes we'll see repeated several times throughout the course of the series, mainly Ms. Li doing something shady, Daria being outraged by it, and Jody trying to be the voice of reason/devil's advocate. Also, the practice of Kevin getting something that Britney really wanted is repeated at least once.
The only real continuity issues here are Tiffany being strangely absent from the fashion club, and the somewhat odd implication of Kevin having slept with some random crack-whore looking chick that we will never see again throughout the entirety of the series. Not enough to escape canon though!
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
So, this one is just kind of weird. Aside from the inexplicably random Kevin/Quinn thing that pops up from time to time (but usually is just ignored), it highlights the odd question of age that never really seems to come up. For obvious reasons, we're never given the specific year anyone is in. It's heavily implied (although never stated outright I think) that Daria, Jane, Kevin, and Britney are all older than Quinn, the Fashion Club, and the three Js. It's just odd how the entire topic is avoided except for the occasionally random instance of Quinn trying to pick up Kevin, which is also terribly inconsistent for her as her entire character is based on stringing guys along and making them come after her.
This episode is also weird for featuring a dynamic of Britney being ridiculously dumb when it comes to her suspicions of Daria, but smart enough to successfully sabotage their project. The only real upside to this episode is that it gives Upchuck basically the closest thing he'll ever get to a crowning moment of awesome.
Verdict: Non-canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
One of the first really quality episodes. This one really goes a long way towards developing Daria and Jane's genius cred. Also one of the best episodes for really defining how shallow and self-centered Quinn is, and a solid showing by Helen and Jake as well. Pretty much nothing here that even comes close to suggesting any lack of canon.
Oh, and "Hitler ate sugar" is an immortal line and tvtrope namer, so there's also that.
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
So, this one is sort of on the edge due to Quinn's ego faltering and her becoming insecure, which seems fairly out of character for her. But luckily, everything gets happily resolved and status quo returns. This episode also features some excellent Quinn/Sandi back and forth, and Jane's incredibly epic "Show me your boobs."
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
Another classic episode right here. Daria, Quinn, and Jake are all absolutely spot-on for their characters, even Kevin manages to be entertaining in the ending sequence. Daria's blues harmonica is absolutely epic.
The only thing that comes close to making this non-canon are Helen and Jake's seemingly totally irrational punishments (and then rescinding them). It seems pretty inconsistent for them. Also, Jody seems especially close to Daria and Jane in this one which is somewhat weird. Not enough to knock this one off track though.
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
Daria acting awkward around Trent is truly one of the highlights of the first couple seasons, and this episode probably includes more of it than any other. Some people think it demeans her character, but I only see it as humanizing. This episode is pretty excellent overall, even though the little bits of fashion club seem tacked on and unnecessary.
Also a good and humanizing episode for Helen and Jake. Helen stirring the pancake batter at the end is probably as close as this series ever gets to a "Jessica Rabbit moment"
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
Ugh. This episode manages to combine three different things that I absolutely hate. Flashbacks to Jake and Helen as hippies (way too cliche), Jake freaking out about his childhood (too annoying), and completely over-the-top and unrealistic scenarios (hallucinogenic berries that extreme). This is one that is just dumb and that I would like to forget, so I shall.
The only good parts here all involve the B-plot of the Lane family reunion, where Jane and Trent both excel. Still not enough to salvage this episode though.
Verdict: Non-canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
Not a particularly funny or entertaining episode, but very important nonetheless. Some outstanding and significant character development here, and deals with a not often dealt with philosophical issue that seems to come up on THIS board fairly often. The conflict between Daria and Jane is a little foreshadowing of some things to come, and Britney's internal struggle is surprisingly deep and meaningful for her. An outstanding episode for Daria, Jane, Britney, and Trent. Even Jody being the mature "I may not like it but it's my responsibility" person is gold.
Even though it doesn't change much, it establishes a lot about the personality of the main character, so this one has to stick.
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
My favorite episode ever! Pretty much near perfect. Daria and Jane are spot-on, and all the ensemble characters (Britney, Ms. Li, Mr. O'Neil, Trent, Jake, and Helen) are all great. Helen in particular achieves her crowning moment of awesome right at the end. There's pretty much nothing non-canon here at all. The entire thing is just superbly crafted.
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
This one is really tough. In general I like it, and it has a lot of stuff that's really spot-on in terms of canon and consistency. Fashion club dynamics are at their best here, O'Neil and Bartch hooking up will become a long-term thing, and it's nice to see a little unlikely bonding between Mr. D and Jake.
But on the other hand, it's a fairly ridiculous "out of their element" episode which aren't great in general. Britney being a military genius is kind of out of nowhere and although funny, not the model of consistency (and we never see it again). Quinn getting Sandi left behind seems like it should have some sort of consequence, but never does, and Helen and Ms. Li's interactions always seem to go negative but they never seem to remember them in future episodes. Anyway, ever so slightly, I give the edge to the canon here.
Verdict: Canon
Hey, those paintball thingies hurt!
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
From: SmartMuffin | #030 The only good parts here all involve the B-plot of the Lane family reunion, where Jane and Trent both excel. Still not enough to salvage this episode though.
You're a bum! You're a lazy bum! You're a rotten bum! You remind me of myself! Do you know why?
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Will not remove this line of my signature until the Seahawks, Jazz or Rockies win a title (Started 5-16-09) Yes, I know I'm never getting rid of this signature
This may be the toughest one of all. An overall good episode, but has a critical canon issue. I'm actually fine with the main theme of the episode, the premise that with some effort, Quinn can pass as reasonably intelligent, and combined with low expectations can be made into a huge deal. How she deals with that is completely in character. Also, Sandi not being able to talk to Daria is hilarious.
It's Daria for whom this episode has some rather unsettling implications. The implication at the end there seems to be that she could be as attractive and popular as Quinn if only she put the effort into it, which UNLIKE Quinn's intelligence, is something we never really see developed at all throughout the course of the series. It's an odd thing to just throw out there and then never follow up on, and I'm not sure I like it. To be on the safe side, I'm going to go ahead and EXCLUDE this one from canon, especially because the topic of Quinn being intelligent is dealt with much better in Is It Fall Yet.
Verdict: Non-canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
So this one, like all the episodes involving Helen's sisters, is just.... weird. I know what they're trying to do here, and I really don't like it. Once again, we have some rather unsettling implications for Daria. Even weirder is that the justification they use for Amy doesn't really apply to Daria, so it kind of ruins their whole point there. Also, the "cool adult" thing is just way too cliche for my liking.
The b-plot with the bridal show is weak and pointless, and there's pretty much no Jane in this episode. Jake is good, Quinn is okay, but the rest is just meh.
Verdict: Non-canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
Another awful episode centering around the "hippy past." The worst part of it is, the series does in fact have TOLERABLE hippies in the Lane family, but yet they choose to go with these pretentious asses. Quinn is bad in this episode, and Daria's awkwardness around Trent is kind of stale at this point in the series, too. Bad episode, well worth skipping.
Verdict: Non-canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg
A top 5 episode! The quinntessential Quinn episode (get it?). This one just kicks ass all around and goes to great lengths to really capture the "depths of shallowness" that Quinn represents. Daria and Jane are good and Jake's subplot is tolerable. Nothing to complain about here, all around excellence.
Verdict: Canon
-- SmartMuffin - Because anything less would be uncivilized http://img.imgcake.com/lolkrugmanjpgry.jpg