There's something off-putting about this show. It's as though the intent behind the writing was to depict a typical perspective of a pessimistic teenager coming to grips with the sometimes-hypocritical world. This isn't a new concept, as some shows pull this off well. However, this show didn't. It doesn't quite fit in the comedy genre, either. What does this show offer? Not much.
Even considering the fact that Daria is in the teen phase of her life, she seems very, very miserable for someone who lives in a first world country with well-off parents. Daria doesn't appreciate all the comforts in her life, is incapable of feeling a normal range of emotions, and thinks she's above everyone else. Is Daria supposed to have a personality disorder?
Instead of a glorified brat, it would have been more fitting for someone of a different (hardened?) background to have that dark personality. Lots of inconsistency as well - she's supposed to be unsociable, yet she's able to make a close friend.
When you get down to it, Daria's arrogance makes her not that different compared to the popular people. It's annoying how Daria substitutes sarcasm and humor with uppity snark (mixed in with some irony to prove some sort of moral high ground). Maybe this show only appeals to those who share Daria's traits.
An unsociable and/or unpopular character doesn't have to be a downer constantly. Key word: constantly. Although some ironic situations were depicted clearly, and the show doesn't have to be happy all the time, the writing could have used some humor - it doesn't have to be either/or when it comes to positivity/negativity.
Even when interesting things happened in the show, it was dulled by Daria's monotone voice and overall bitterness. Usually in other shows, the other characters add something to the episodes. With Daria, that doesn't happen. The other characters could be replaced and not missed. They exist to make Daria look good, which should not be considered an option in any show. The flat, uninspired, overly-simplified animation look rips off another show, and seems lazy for a show with "deep" commentary.
Would not re-watch.
Even considering the fact that Daria is in the teen phase of her life, she seems very, very miserable for someone who lives in a first world country with well-off parents. Daria doesn't appreciate all the comforts in her life, is incapable of feeling a normal range of emotions, and thinks she's above everyone else. Is Daria supposed to have a personality disorder?
Instead of a glorified brat, it would have been more fitting for someone of a different (hardened?) background to have that dark personality. Lots of inconsistency as well - she's supposed to be unsociable, yet she's able to make a close friend.
When you get down to it, Daria's arrogance makes her not that different compared to the popular people. It's annoying how Daria substitutes sarcasm and humor with uppity snark (mixed in with some irony to prove some sort of moral high ground). Maybe this show only appeals to those who share Daria's traits.
An unsociable and/or unpopular character doesn't have to be a downer constantly. Key word: constantly. Although some ironic situations were depicted clearly, and the show doesn't have to be happy all the time, the writing could have used some humor - it doesn't have to be either/or when it comes to positivity/negativity.
Even when interesting things happened in the show, it was dulled by Daria's monotone voice and overall bitterness. Usually in other shows, the other characters add something to the episodes. With Daria, that doesn't happen. The other characters could be replaced and not missed. They exist to make Daria look good, which should not be considered an option in any show. The flat, uninspired, overly-simplified animation look rips off another show, and seems lazy for a show with "deep" commentary.
Would not re-watch.