Ep 1. Arts 'n' Crass
- TV-14
- February 16, 1998
- 20 min
-
9.1 (389)
Daria season 2 episode 1, titled "Arts 'n' Crass", sees Daria and Jane entering a poster contest for their favorite band, Mystic Spiral. However, their artistic vision clashes with that of the other contestants, who are more interested in creating crass and commercial art.
Meanwhile, Daria's parents are having marital problems and seek the help of a counselor, leading to some uncomfortable family dynamics and introspection for Daria. Additionally, Quinn struggles to fit in with the popular crowd at school and seeks advice from Daria, who tries to help her sister navigate the treacherous waters of high school social hierarchies.
As the poster contest heats up, Daria and Jane must come to terms with the fact that their art may not be appreciated by everyone, and they must decide whether to compromise their values to win the contest or stick to their artistic principles. Will they succeed in creating a poster that both represents their favorite band and satisfies the judges' criteria? Will Daria's parents be able to work through their issues, or will their problems only escalate? And will Quinn find her place in high school, or will she continue to struggle with the pressures of popularity?
"Arts 'n' Crass" is a thoughtful and thought-provoking episode that delves into issues of artistic integrity, family dynamics, and the challenges of high school life. With its dry wit and incisive commentary, this episode showcases the best of what Daria has to offer and sets the stage for another season of intelligent and engaging storytelling.