Ep 5. That Was Then, This is Dumb

Daria is a popular American animated sitcom that was first airing on MTV between 1997 and 2002. The show gained a dedicated fanbase for its cynical and satirical approach to the trials and tribulations of adolescence, and its titular character, Daria Morgendorffer, became an icon of sarcastic, outsider wit.

In season 2 episode 5, entitled "That Was Then, This is Dumb," the show follows Daria as she and her friend Jane compete for a class project. The project is assigned by their history teacher, Mr. O'Neill, who hopes to teach students about the experience of the past by having them research and recreate different historical events in small groups. Daria and Jane are both assigned to work on the project with two of their classmates, Kevin and Brittany.

However, the group soon learns that their project will not be easy. Kevin and Brittany are more concerned with superficial elements of the project, such as costumes and aesthetics, than actual historical accuracy. The group, consequently, is depicted failing to complete the project by the deadline.

Meanwhile, Daria is struggling with her academics in her other classes. She is frustrated with her performance in her English class and becomes angry when her teacher, Mrs. Barch, tells her that she does not seem interested in her work. This frustration and exhaustion culminate when she and Jane have to present the poorly executed history project to the class and Daria delivers a scathing critique of the assignment and her classmates' lack of dedication.

The episode ends with Daria and Jane, fatigued from their academic responsibilities, taking a break to indulge in a television show and some pizza, demonstrating their determination to avoid succumbing to the pointlessness of the various expectations that are being placed upon them.

"That Was Then, This is Dumb" has been praised for its accurate portrayal of the struggles and frustrations that come with academic pursuits and the challenges of working in group settings. Additionally, the episode is sometimes pointed to as a quintessential example of the show's trademark sarcastic and sharply observational humor, with Daria's biting critique of the history project and her classmates earning particular acclaim.

Overall, the episode highlights the growing pains of Daria and Jane's adolescence, as they struggle to balance the pressures of academic demands with their own ideals and personal senses of identity. It also showcases the show's unapologetically wry examination of the often absurd realities of high school life.