Daria

I said in a previous review that I was going to discuss the idea of surrounding the main character by caricatures via a show that did this on purpose. It works with this show, for a few reasons. The first being that the show is so deeply entrenched in Daria's mind that it's easy to buy the idea that the characters are actually more rounded than Daria gives them credit for. The second being simply: It's satire.

People tend not to take cartoons seriously. Between the Dora the Explorers and the Spongebob Square Pants, there is the idea that cartoons are aimed exclusively at children. Often the greatest praise someone will give a cartoon is that adults can enjoy it too. And while this is not aimed at adults, it's the sort of workplace satire where the workplace is High School.

Honestly, it's an idea I wish had been done more than once, because it brought out great jokes that everyone could relate to. I didn't know the angry, overworked, under-paid teacher, but I did know the sister who seemed to do everything right, and out-shined me without even trying. The kid with the guitar, who was nice enough, but never going to go anywhere. The sarcastic artist.

This show is darkly funny, and strangely relatable. It isn't afraid to speak its mind, or even make fun of itself.

Daria is finally coming out on DVD, but as usual, you can see it with Hulu+, and you can see the two movies using Amazon Instant.